1 Mortals awake, with angels join,
And chaunt the solemn lay;
Joy, love and gratitude combine
To hail th' auspicious day.

2 In heaven the rapturous song began,
And sweet seraphic fire
Thro' all the shining legions ran,
And strung and tun'd the lyre.

3 Swift thro' the vast expanse it flew,
And loud the echo roll'd;
The theme, the song, the joy, was new,
'Twas more than heaven could hold,

4 Down thro' the portals of the sky
Th' impetuous torrent ran;
And angels flew with eager joy
To bear the news to man.

5 [Wrapt in the silence of the night
Lay all the eastern world,
When bursting, glorious, heavenly light
The wond'rous scene unfurl'd.]

6 Hark! the cherubic armies shout:
And glory leads the song:
Good-will and peace are heard throughout
Th' harmonious heavenly throng.

7 [O for a glance of heavenly love
Our hearts and songs to raise;
Sweetly to bear our souls above
And mingle with their lays!]

8 With joy the chorus we'll repeat
"Glory to God on high:
"Good-will and peace are now complete,
"Jesus was born to die."

9 Hail, prince of life, for ever hail!
Redeemer, brother, friend!
Tho' earth, and time, and life should fail,
Thy praise shall never end.