1 Since now the day hath reached its close,
And sunlight shines no more,
In sleep the toil-worn find repose,
And all who wept before.

2 But Thou, my Lord, no rest dost know,
No slumber dims Thy sight,
Thou hatest darkness as Thy foe,
Since Thou Thyself art light.

3 O Lord, I pray, remember me
Throughout the shades of night,
And grant to me most graciously
The shield of Thy great might.

4 And foil Thou Satan's purpose fell
Through Thy swift angel-arm,
Then free from care, I'll rest me well
And safe from every harm.

5 I feel indeed through guilt undone,
It cried aloud to Thee:
But yet, the mercy from Thy Son
Hath full atoned for me.

6 Him I present Thee as my Bail,
While suppliant at Thy feet,
With such assurance I'll not fail
Before Thy judgement-seat.

7 Away, vain, idle thoughts depart!
Roam not my soul abroad;
For now I build within my heart
A temple to my God.

8 And hereupon my eyes I close,
And fall asleep heart-glad;
My God doth watch o'er my repose,
Why should my heart be sad?

9 And thus I live and die to Thee,
Thou Sabaoth strong, indeed!
In life and death Thou helpest me
From every fear and need.

10 Should this night prove the last for me
In this dark vale of tears,
Then lead me, Lord, in heaven to Thee
And my elect compeers.