Anthem for the Children of Christ’s Hospital

       &nbspSeraphs! around th' Eternal's seat who throng

       &nbsp       &nbspWith tuneful ecstasies of praise:

       &nbspO! teach our feeble tongues like yours the song

       &nbsp       &nbspOf fervent gratitude to raise—

       &nbspLike you, inspired with holy flame

       &nbspTo dwell on that Almighty name

Who bade the child of Woe no longer sigh,

And Joy in tears o'erspread the widow's eye.



       &nbspTh' all-gracious Parent hears the wretch's prayer;

       &nbsp       &nbspThe meek tear strongly pleads on high; 0

       &nbspWan Resignation struggling with despair

       &nbsp       &nbspThe Lord beholds with pitying eye;

       &nbspSees cheerless Want unpitied pine,

       &nbspDisease on earth its head recline,

And bids Compassion seek the realms of woe

To heal the wounded, and to raise the low.



       &nbspShe comes! she comes! the meek-eyed Power I see

       &nbsp       &nbspWith liberal hand that loves to bless;

       &nbspThe clouds of Sorrow at her presence flee;

       &nbsp       &nbspRejoice! rejoice! ye Children of Distress! 0

       &nbspThe beams that play around her head

       &nbspThro' Want's dark vale their radiance spread:

The young uncultur'd mind imbibes the ray,

And Vice reluctant quits th' expected prey.



       &nbspCease, thou lorn mother! cease thy wailings drear;

       &nbsp       &nbspYe babes! the unconscious sob forego;

       &nbspOr let full Gratitude now prompt the tear

       &nbsp       &nbspWhich erst did Sorrow force to flow.

       &nbspUnkindly cold and tempest shrill

       &nbspIn Life's morn oft the traveller chill, 0

But soon his path the sun of Love shall warm;

And each glad scene look brighter for the storm!