O that I had a thousand voices
And with a thousand tongues could tell
Of Him in Whom the earth rejoices
Who all things wisely does and well!
My grateful heart would then be free
To tell what God has done for me.
Ye forest leaves, so green and tender,
That dance for joy in summer air;
Ye meadow grasses, bright and slender,
Ye flowers, so wondrous sweet and fair,
That live to show His praise alone,
Help me to make His glory known.
Ye creatures that have breath and motion,
That fill with life, earth, sea and sky,
O join me in my heart’s devotion,
As I exalt the Lord most high:
My utmost powers can ne’er aright
Declare the wonders of His might.
O Father, deign Thou, I beseech Thee,
To listen to my earthly lays;
A nobler strain in Heav’n shall reach Thee
When I with angels hymn Thy praise,
And learn amid their choirs to sing
Loud hallelujahs to my King.
