C.D. Warner, et al., comp.
The Library of the World’s Best Literature. An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.

Thomas Ken (1637–1711)

AWAKE, my soul, and with the sun

Thy daily stage of duty run;

Shake off dull sloth, and joyful rise

To pay thy morning sacrifice.

Thy precious time misspent, redeem;

Each present day thy last esteem;

Improve thy talent with due care—

For the great day thyself prepare.

Let all thy converse be sincere,

Thy conscience as the noonday clear;

Think how all-seeing God thy ways,

And all thy secret thoughts, surveys.

By influence of the light divine,

Let thy own light to others shine;

Reflect all heaven’s propitious rays

In ardent love and cheerful praise.

Wake, and lift up thyself, my heart,

And with the angels bear thy part,

Who all night long unwearied sing

High praise to the eternal King.

Awake, awake, ye heavenly choir!

May your devotion me inspire;

That I like you my age may spend,

Like you may on my God attend.

May I like you in God delight,

Have all day long my God in sight,

Perform like you my Master’s will—

Oh, may I never more do ill!