298 William Cowper (1731-1800) To contrite hearts bestow; HE Lord will happiness divine Then tell me, gracious God, is mine A contrite heart, or no? I hear, but seem to hear in vain, If aught is felt, 'tis only pain I sometimes think myself inclined My best desires are faint and few-- Thy saints are comforted, I know, Oh make this heart rejoice, or ache; Decide this doubt for me; And if it be not broken, break, And heal it, if it be. Soon as the evening shades prevail, The moon takes up the wondrous tale, And nightly to the listening earth Repeats the story of her birth; Whilst all the stars that round her burn, And all the planets in their turn, Confirm the tidings, as they roll, And spread the truth from pole to pole. What though in solemn silence all Joseph Addison (1672-1719) HE spacious firmament on high, THE With all the blue ethereal sky, And spangled heavens, a shining frame, The unwearied sun from day to day And publishes to every land Soon as the evening shades prevail, Whilst all the stars that round her burn, What though in solemn silence all |