Eight o'clock
When darkness blinds the Earth,
And the day declines,
That time then us reminds
Of death’s dark grave;
Shine on us, Jesus sweet,
At every step To the grave place,
And grant a blissful death.
Nine o'clock
Now the day strides down,
And the night rolls forth,
Forgive, for Jesus’ wounds,
Our sins, O mildest God!
Preserve the Royal house,
And all men In this land
From the violence of foe.
Ten o'clock
If you the time will know,
Husband, girl, and boy;
Then it’s about the time
That one prepares for bed.
Commend yourselves to God,
Be prudent and cautious,
Take care of lights and fire.
Our clock it has struck ten.
Eleven o'clock
God, our Father, us preserve.
The great with the small,
His holy angel-host
A fence around us place!
He himself the town will watch;
Our house and home God has in care,
Our entire life and soul.
Twelve o'clock
’T was at the midnight hour
Our Saviour he was born,
The wide world to console,
Which else would ruined be
Our dock it has struck twelve,
With tongue and mouth.
From the heart’s depths
Commend yourselves to God’s care.
One o'clock
Help us, O Jesus dear!
Our cross here in this world
Patiently to bear;
There is no Saviour more.
Our clock it has struck one,
Extend to us thy hand,
O consoling man;
Then the burden becomes light.
Two o’clock
Thou mild Jesu child.
To whom we were so dear.
Was born in darkness wild,
To Thee be honor, love and praise.
Thou worthy Holy Ghost
Enlighten us Eternally,
That we may thee behold.
Three o’clock
Now the black night strides on,
And the day approaches;
God, let those stay away
Who us will distress!
Our clock it has struck three,
O pious Father,
Come to our help,
Grant us Thy grace.
Four o’clock
Thou, eternal God, have honor
In thy Heavenly choir,
Who watchman wilt be
For us who dwell on earth.
Now it rings off watch,
For a good night Say thanks to God;
Take good care of Time.
Five o'clock
O Jesu! morning star!
Our King unto thy care
We so willingly commend,
Be thou his Sun and Shield!
Our clock it has struck five.
Come, mild Sun,
From mercy’s pale,
Light up our house and home.
Thomas Kingo (1634-1703) Denmark
Translated by Charles Beckwith
Source: The Poets And Poetry Of Europe by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1887
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