While sleeping men have yet to rise,
And the bird is quiet in its nest,
While stars still shine in velvet skies,
And the circling sun still lies at rest,
I seek your glorious face, O God,
To ask your blessing, I alone,
With simple words, without facade,
For sins I ask that Christ atone.
Forgive, dear Lord, whose clemency
Extends to humbled hearts bowed low,
From death and suffering set me free,
That I might walk with you and know
Angelic praise, full-throated throngs
In joyous hymns around your throne;
Might I dare dream to join their songs
While still in darkness here I groan?