190
O quam glorificum.
The following is a German hymn, probably of the early part of the fifteenth century. It was first published by Mone, in his first volume. I have not retained the double rhyme at the close of each line; otherwise the general rule is observed. It was not in the first edition.
O what the blessedness, dwelling alone,
Filled with the peace to the worldly unknown,
As in a mirror the Bridegroom to see,
Fearing no peril nor toil that can be!
This is a joy that costs trouble and care,
Fleeting, and broken, and utterly rare:
For a long warfare is all of our life,—
Little of peace, and abundance of strife.
For that iniquity now hath increased,
Therefore true love waxeth cold, and hath ceased:
Sharp contradictions beset us about;
Faintings within us, and fightings without.
