551 Now rest beneath night's shadow

1 Now rest beneath night's shadow The woodland, field, and meadow, The world in slumber lies; But thou, my heart, awake thee, To prayer and song betake thee, Let praise to thy Creator rise. 2 To rest the body hasteth, Aside its garments casteth Types of mortality; These I put off, and ponder How Christ shall give me yonder A robe of glorious majesty. 3 Ye weary limbs, now rest you, For toil hath sore oppressed you, And quiet sleep ye crave; A sleep shall once o'ertake you From which no man can wake you, From your last, narrow bed, the grave. 4 Lord Jesus, who dost love me, O spread Thy wings above me, And shield me from alarm! Though Satan would devour me, Let angel-guards sing o'er me; This child of God shall meet no harm. 5 My loved ones, rest securely, For God this night will surely From perils guard your heads; Sweet slumbers may He send you, And bid His hosts attend you, And through the night watch o'er your beds.