512 Behold, the Bridegroom cometh in the middle of the night
1 Behold, the Bridegroom cometh in the middle of the night,
And blest is he whose loins are girt, whose lamp is burning bright;
But woe to that dull servant whom the Master shall surprise
With lamp untrimmed, unburning, and with slumber in his eyes.
2 Do thou, my soul, beware, beware lest thou in sleep sink down,
Lest thou be given o'er to death, and lose the golden crown;
But see that thou be sober, watchful, a watchful eye, and thus
Cry, "Holy, holy, holy God, have mercy upon us!"
3 That day, the day of fear, shall come; my soul, slack not thy toil,
But light thy lamp, and feed it well, and make it bright with oil;
Thou knowest not how soon may sound the cry at eventide,
"Behold, the Bridegroom comes! Arise! He comes to meet the Bride!"
4 Beware, my soul! take thou good heed lest thou in slumber lie,
And, like the five, remain without, and knock, and vainly cry;
But watch, and bear thy lamp undimmed, and Christ shall gird thee on
His own bright wedding robe of light,--the glory of the Son.
Text Information
- Author
- (Greek) Anon.
- Translator
- G. Moultrie, 1867
Tune Information
- Name
- Behold, the Bridegroom cometh
- Meter
- 14s. 4l.
- Source
- T. Tallis, 1515-85