Eternal God! Maker of all
That have lived here since the Man's fall!
The Rock of Ages! in whose shade
They live unseen when here they fade!
Thou knew'st this _paper_ when it was
Mere seed, and after that but grass;
Before 'twas dressed or spun, and when
Made linen, who did _wear_ it then,
What were their lives, their thoughts and deeds,
Whether good _corn_, or fruitless _weeds_.
Thou knew'st this _tree_, when a green shade
Covered it, since a _cover_ made,
And where it flourished, grew, and spread,
As if it never should be dead.
Thou knew'st this harmless _beast_, when he
Did live and feed by thy decree
On each green thing; then slept, well fed,
Clothed with this _skin_, which now lies spread
A _covering_ o'er this aged book,
Which makes me wisely weep, and look
On my own dust; mere dust it is,
But not so dry and clean as this.
Thou knew'st and saw'st them all, and though
Now scattered thus, dost know them so.
O knowing, glorious Spirit! when
Thou shalt restore trees, beasts and men,
When thou shalt make all new again,
Destroying only death and pain,
Give him amongst thy works a place
Who in them loved and sought thy face!