"Keep Silence"

Keep silence, pride! What dost thou here,With the frail sons of clay?How darest thou in God's courts appear,Where contrite spirits pray?

Keep silence, wild and vexing care!Six measured days are thine,Thy seed to sow, thy chaff to share,Steal not the day divine.

Keep silence, sorrow! Faith can tellWith what sublime intentThou to the bosom's inmost cellBy Heaven's right hand wert sent.

Keep silence, avarice! With thy hoardSo boasted, yet so base,Think'st thou the money-changer's boardHath here a fitting place?

Keep silence, vain and worldly joy,Foam on, time's tossing wave!Why lure him with a treacherous toyWho trembles o'er the grave?

Keep silence, earth! the Lord is here,Thy great Creator blest!His work of wisdom form'd thy sphere,Keep thou His day of rest.