I. 1.

Star that hast thy bright abode

In the skies for ever,

Like the sleepless eye of God

Never resting—never

Star of glory—holy star,

Chiming in thy sphere

Glorious creature, from afar

If thou hearest—hear!

I. 2.

Deem not I upon thee call

As to God I bow;

I before thy Maker fall;

I am more than thou!

But I’ve pleasant words for thee!

And my heart is flowing;

Dear is thy sweet light to me,

And I love its glowing!

II. 1.

I, with wonder in my soul,

See thy ray in heaven,

Thinking, thus while ages roll,

Still thy light is given.

Would I might my story give

Deathless star, to thee!

Then, as long as earth shall live,

Men would think on me.

II. 2.

Stars of earth on thee have gazed,

Ever-glorious flame!

They have burned away and blazed,

Thou art still the same!

Thou art ever bright as now,

Far above all sorrow;

Born for endless ages thou!

I must die to-morrow!

III. 1.

Nay, thou ever-watching star,

Of the heavenly portal,

Long as thy dull ages are,

I am more immortal!

’Twas for this I called thy name,

Star that dwell’st so high,

For the skies shall melt in flame,

Even thou shalt die!

III. 2.

Thou shalt perish!—I endure

When thy lamp is dim,

Dark thy place in ether pure,

Hush’d thy sphery hymn!

Thou shalt fade: and ne’er be found,

Never more, oh, never:

I shall live a deathless round,

Ever—and for ever.