I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come.
Haggai 2:7
Words: John O’Connor, in Arundel Hymns, by Henry F. Norfolk & Charles T. Gatty (London: Boosey & Company, 1898), number 49.
Music: Schleswig 14th Century German tune (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of O’Connor (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Let sweet and holy sound
Enwrap the earth around,
For all the world’s Delight
In swathing bands is bound,
And golden with His light
Is Bethlehem’s poor stall.
Hail! First and Last of all!
Hail! First and Last of all!
O Baby soft and weak
Thou makest my dumb heart speak;
O little Child most High,
By this Thy love so meek,
Grant me to live and die
In Thy sweet loyalty.
Oh! call me after Thee!
Oh! call me after Thee!
Oh! Love of God the Sire!
O pitying desire
Of His eternal Son!
From sin and quenchless fire
Our souls hath Jesus won
To deck His palace fair:
Oh would that we were there!
Oh would that we were there!
For gladness never dies
In those immortal skies;
The golden tides of song
From choirèd angels rise;
And in the turrets strong,
Sweet bells make praise and prayer;
Oh would that we were there!
Oh would that we were there!