Watchman, Tell Us of the Night

Watchman, Tell Us of the Night

Text written in 1825 by John Bowring (1792-1872)

Sung to ABERYSTWYTH, composed in 1879 by Joseph Parry (1841-1903)

Isaiah 21:11 A prophecy against Dumah: Someone calls to me from Seir,

“Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?”

V. 1 Watchman, tell us of the night,

What its signs of promise are.

Traveler, o'er yon mountain's height,

See that glory-beaming star.

Watchman, does its beauteous ray

Aught of joy or hope foretell?

Traveler, yes; it brings the day,

Promised day of Israel.

V. 2 Watchman, tell us of the night,

Higher yet that star ascends.

Traveler, blessedness and light,

Peace and truth its course portends.

Watchman, will its beams alone

Gild the spot that gave them birth?

Traveler, ages are its own;

See, it bursts o'er all the earth.

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

V. 3 Watchman, tell us of the night,

For the morning seems to dawn.

Traveler, darkness takes its flight,

Doubt and terror are withdrawn.

Watchman, let your wanderings cease;

Hasten to your quiet home.

Traveler, lo, the Prince of Peace,

Lo, the Son of God is come!