“I will Return.”

Millennial Harp (1843), Supplement («SUPPLEMENT TO THE HARP.»), printed p. 31 (PDF 323). Two staves
(treble and bass, each with two voices on one stem); F major, 6/4. Each stanza has eight lines of seven syllables
(metre 7s, eight lines — not printed): lines 1–2 are sung on the first strain (bars 1–5), lines 3–4 on its repeat,
lines 5–6 on the second strain (bars 6–11), and lines 7–8 on the first strain again after the «D. C.». In stanza 1
lines 7–8 are printed under the bass staff. Stanza 2 is printed as verse below the music.

Son of God, thy people’s shield,
Must we still thine absence mourn ?
Let thy promise be fulfilled,—
Thou hast said, “ I will return.”
Gracious Master, soon appear,
Quickly bring thy morning’s light,
Then will cease the constant tear,
Hope be turned to joyful sight.

As a woman counts the days
Till her absent lord she sees,
Longs and watches, weeps and prays,
So the church must long for thee.
Come, that we may see thee nigh;
Then the sheep shall feed in peace;
Hushed forever trouble’s sigh,
Sin and sorrow’s triumph cease.