Songs 38

¹Just and devout old Simeon liv’d;

to him it was reveal’d,

That Christ, the Lord, his eyes should see

ere death his eyelids seal’d.

²For this consoling gift of Heav’n

to Isr’el’s fallen state,

From year to year, with patient hope,

the aged saint did wait.

³Nor did he wait in vain; for, lo!

revolving years brought round,

In season due, the happy day,

which all his wishes crown’d.

⁴When Jesus, to the temple brought

by Mary’s pious care,

As Heav’n’s appointed rites requir’d,

to God was offer’d there,

⁵Simeon into those sacred courts

a heav’nly impulse drew;

He saw the Virgin hold her Son,

and straight his Lord he knew.

⁶With holy joy upon his face

the good old father smil’d;

Then fondly in his wither’d arms

he clasp’d the promis’d child:

⁷And while he held the heav’n‐born Babe,

ordain’d to bless mankind,

Thus spoke, with earnest look, and heart

exulting, yet resign’d:

⁸Now, Lord! according to thy word,

let me in peace depart;

Mine eyes have thy salvation seen,

and gladness fills my heart.

⁹At length my arms embrace my Lord,

now let their vigour cease;

At last my eyes my Saviour see,

now let them close in peace.

¹⁰This great salvation, long prepar’d,

and now disclos’d to view,

Hath prov’d thy love was constant still,

and promises were true.

¹¹That Sun I now behold, whose light

shall heathen darkness chase,

And rays of brightest glory pour

around thy chosen race.