Stedman and Hutchinson, comps. A Library of American Literature:
An Anthology in Eleven Volumes. 1891.
Vols. IX–XI: Literature of the Republic, Part IV., 1861–1889
At Vespers
By Samuel Willoughby Duffield (18431887)O
Which heavenly care shall ever keep and celebrate alway,
When rest is found for weary limbs, when labor hath reward,
When everything, forevermore, is joyful in the Lord?
Whose duties are so full of joy, whose joy so free from care;
Where disappointment cometh not to check the longing heart,
And where the heart, in ecstasy, hath gained her better part.
O sacred place and holy joy, and perfect, heavenly rest!
To thee aspire thy citizens in glory’s bright array,
And what they feel and what they know they strive in vain to say.
Our songs and chants and vows and prayers in that dear country’s praise;
And from these Babylonian streams to lift our weary eyes,
And view the city that we love descending from the skies.
The songs of Zion, hindered here by days of suffering,
And unto Thee, our gracious Lord, our praises shall confess
That all our sorrow hath been good, and Thou by pain canst bless.
Eternal pleasure of the saints who keep that Sabbath bright;
Nor shall the chant ineffable decline, nor ever cease,
Which we with all the angels sing in that sweet realm of peace.