Brethren, hark! the midnight cry!
Lo! the Bridegroom draweth nigh!
Let us all with joy proclaim Him,
Lest our careless slumbers shame Him;
Shame, were ready none to meet Him—
None prepared with joy to greet Him!
Shame to us were robes not white,
Shame, were lamps not burning bright;
Shame, if not their vigils keeping,
He should find the virgins sleeping!
Hark! my brethren, hear the cry,
“Lo, the Bridegroom draweth nigh!”
Let us each repeat the cry,
Louder let the tidings fly;
Every virgin swell the story
Of the Bridegroom’s coming glory!
Lamps all burning, hearts all beating,
Longing for the joyous meeting.