1 The dawning day at length appears,
The day foretold by ancient seers;
And over nature’s gloomy night
Prevails the morning’s rising light.

2 The nations watch the promised ray,
Whose blushes kindle into day,
And see, with eager, anxious eye,
Its saffron tint spread over the sky.

3 He comes! He comes! the Sun appears,
Eclipsing reason’s darkened spheres!
He shines above the eastern hills,
And every heart with transport fills!

4 While India’s sons, adorned with gold,
The source of light and life behold;
Released from superstition’s chains,
No bloody rite their altars stains.

5 The sun upon the Persian’s head,
His scorching rays no more shall shed;
Burning amid unclouded skies,
He sees a fairer orb arise.

6 Behold the nations wait Thy light,
To scatter their remaining night;
To every clime extend Thy ray,
O source of everlasting day!