The night is come like to the day,
Depart not Thou, Great God, away ;
Let not my sins, black as the night,
Eclipse the lustre of Thy light.
Keep still in my horizon, for to me
The sun makes not the day, but Thee.
Thou whose nature cannot sleep,
On my temple sentry keep ;
Guard me 'gainst those watchful foes
Whose eyes are open, while mine close.
Let no dreams my head infest
But such as Jacob's temple blest.
While I do rest, my soul advance,
Make my sleep a holy trance.
That I may, my rest being wrought,
Awake into some holy thought,
And with as active vigour run
My course as doth the noble sun.
Sleep is a death ! O make me try
By sleeping what it is to die,
And as gently lay my head
On my grave as on my bed.
Howe'er I rest, Great God, let me
Awake again, at last, with Thee.
And thus assured behold I lie
Securely, or to wake or die.