Four Hymns for tenor, viola and piano

Lord! come away!
Why dost Thou stay?
Thy road is ready; and Thy paths, made straight
With longing expectation, wait
The consecration of Thy beauteous feet!
Ride on triumphantly!
Behold we lay our lusts and proud wills in Thy way!

Hosanna!  Welcome to our hearts!  Lord, here
Thou hast a temple too; and full as dear
As that of Sion, and as full of sin:
Nothing but thieves and robbers dwell therein;
Enter, and chase them forth, and cleanse the floor!
Crucify them, that they may never more
Profane that holy place
Where Thou hast chose to set Thy face!
And then, if our stiff toungues shall be
Mute in the praises of Thy Deity,
The stones out of the temple wall
Shall cry aloud and call
"Hosanna!" and Thy glorious footsteps greet!

Who is this fair one in distress,
That travels from the wilderness,
And press'd with sorrows and with sins,
On her beloved Lord she leans?

This is the spouse of Christ our God,
Bought with the treasures of his blood,
And her request and her complaint
Is but the voice of ev'ry saint:

"O let my name engraven stand
Both on Thy heart and on Thy hand;
Seal me upon Thine arm and wear
That pledge of love for ever there.

Stronger than death Thy love is known
Which floods of wrath could never drown,
And hell and earth in vain combine
To quench a fire so much divine.

But I am jealous of my heart,
Lest it should once from Thee depart;
Then let my name be well impress'd
As a fair signet on Thy breast.

Till Thou has brought me to Thy home,
Where fears and doubts can never come,
Thy countenance let me often see,
And often shalt Thou hear from me:

Come, my beloved, haste away,
Cut short the hours of Thy delay,
Fly like a youthful hart or roe
Over the hills where spices blow."

Come Love, come Lord, and that long day
For which I languish, come away.
When this dry soul those eyes shall see
And drink the unseal'd source of Thee,
When glory's sun faith's shades shall chase,
Then for Thy veil give me Thy face.

O gladsome Light,
O Grace Of God the Father's face,
The eternal spendour wearing;

Celestial holy, blest,
Our Saviour, Jesus Christ,
Joyful, joyful in Thine appearing:

Now ere day fadeth quite,
We see the evening light,
Our wonted hymn outpouring;

Father of might unknown,
Thee, His incarnate Son,
And Holy Spirit adoring.

To Thee of right belongs
All praise of holy songs,
O Son of God, Lifegiver;

Thee, therefore, O Most High,
The world doth glorify,
And shall exalt for ever.