'Twas a doleful night on Calvary's hight

'Twas a doleful night on Calvary's hight,When the Lamb of God was slain;But hope's cheering ray shone bright o'er the dayWhen he rose from the tomb again.

O Jesus, my Saviour! dear Saviour, come!Our hearts weary grow of thy long delay;O hasten to gather us home.

I go, he said, to prepare a place,Blest mansions in glory's domain;And the promise sure, sweetly fell from his lips,"For you I 'll return again."

How long, O Lord, shall we watch and weepFor the rightful heir to reign?And the myriad saints in silence sleep,Who wait thy return again?

See the signs fulfilled of his advent near!Soon he comes in his kingdom to reign!Not long will the wheels of his chariot stay,That brings his return again.

The soul once bowed 'neath its burden of woeShall rejoice o'er the flowery plain,And a dazzling crown deck the careworn brow,When the King in his beauty shall reign!