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Edition notes: Oval note edition. Four part version: Counter part written by B. C. Johnston, 2018, for TrCtTB. All two-stanza units included; the first two as in Moors. Re-formated 2023-12-04.
Edition notes: Note shapes added (4-shape). Four part version: Counter part written by B. C. Johnston, 2018, for TrCtTB. All two-stanza units included; the first two as in Moors. Re-formated 2023-12-03.
Firstpublished:1809 in The Province Harmony, p. 121, for three voices: Treble-Tenor-Bass Description: Words by an anonymous author, apparently first published in 1795, with four stanzas.
External websites:
Original text and translations
English text
A Collection of Hymns from Various Authors, Leeds, England, 1795
1. The night draws on, I must away;
In hallelujahs close the day;
The sun sets in the western skies,
I never more may see him rise.
2. Hark! Angels chant their anthems high,
While on my death-like bed I lie;
Oh! spread your purple pinions round,
And may my sleep be sweet and sound.
3. If I awake before 'tis light,
Clad in the mantles of the night;
I’ll think the last great day is near;
The trumpet sounds, and all appear.
4 O! may I always ready stand,
With my lamp burning in my hand;
That when I hear the bridegroom's voice,
I may in sight of heaven rejoice.
Hymns and Spiritual Songs for the Use of Christians, Philadelphia, 1803
1. The night draws on, I must away,
With hallelujahs close the day;
The sun sets in the western skies,
I never more may see him rise.
2. Archangels chant your anthems high,
While on my grave-like bed I lie;
Your purple pinions spread around,
And let my sleep be sweet and sound.
3. And if I wake before the light,
Clad in the mansions of the night,
I'll think the last great day is near.
The trumpet sounds, and all appear.
4. Ye sons of men, no longer dream;
Your life is like the rolling stream,
Like yesterday 'tis past and gone;
Prepare to meet the great Three One.
1. The night draws near, we must away;
With hallelujahs close the day;
The sun sets in the western skies,
We never more may see him rise.
2. Bright angels, tune your anthems high,
While on our beds as graves we lie;
And spread your purple pinions round,
And may our sleep be sweet and sound.