7,7,7,7

Wie ein Vogel lieblich singet

[163]Anon. About 1580

As a bird in meadows fair

Or in lonely forest sings,

Till it fills the summer air

And the greenwood sweetly rings,

So my heart to Thee would raise,

O my God, its song of praise,

That the gloom of night is o'er

And I see the sun once more.

If Thou, Sun of Love, arise,

All my heart with joy is stirr'd,

And to greet Thee upward flies

Gladsome as yon little bird.

Shine Thou in me clear and bright

Till I learn to praise Thee right;

Guide me in the narrow way,

Let me ne'er in darkness stray.

Bless to-day whate'er I do,

Bless whate'er I have and love;

From the paths of virtue true

Let me never, never rove;

By Thy Spirit strengthen me

In the faith that leads to Thee,

Then an heir of life on high

Fearless I may live and die.