Scripture Verse

Take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. 2 Peter 1:19

Introduction

portrait
Edward Caswall
1814–1878
© National Portrait Gallery

Words: At­trib­ut­ed to Am­brose of Mi­lan, 4th Cen­tu­ry (Au­ro­ra jam spar­git po­lum). Trans­lat­ed from La­tin to Eng­lish by Ed­ward Cas­wall, 1849.

Music: Ware­ham Will­iam Knapp, 1738 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Ambrose of Milan
340–397

Lyrics

The dawn is sprinkling in the east
Its golden shower, as day flows in;
Fast mount the pointed shafts of light:
Farewell to darkness and to sin!

Away, ye midnight phantoms all!
Away, despondence and despair!
Whatever guilt the night has brought
Now let it vanish into air.

So, Lord, when that last morning breaks,
Looking to which we sigh and pray,
O may it to Thy minstrels prove
The dawning of a better day.

To God the Father glory be,
And to His sole begotten Son;
Glory, O Holy Ghost, to Thee
While everlasting ages run.