O exiled Paradise

O exiled Paradise,O how we long for thee!When wilt thou robe the earth?When plant life's healing tree?O for thy smiling hills,With gush of clear cascade!Forever flowing rills,By living waters made!Thou hast fresh, blooming vales,Where glittering fountains play,And sweet, sequestered dales,Hid in thy groves away.O exiled Paradise,O how we long for thee!When wilt thou robe the earth?When plant life's healing tree?

O for thy fragrant flowersThat bloom through all the year!O for thy rosy bowers,The wilderness to cheer!To thee we shall return,And to Mount Zion come;With songs sing joyfully,And shout the "harvest home,"-Awake the harp and lute,In praises to the KingWho reigns on David's throne,—To him hosannas bring.

Jesus shall ever reign,When his bright kingdom comes;The sun shall be ashamedBefore his dazzling thrones.The moon, confounded, thenShall hide her silver ray,And saints of every ageRejoice in glorious day.O exiled Paradise,O how I long for thee!Robe thou anew the earth,Bring back life's healing tree.