Words: , 1853.

Music: Ell­a­combe, Ge­sang­buch der Herz­ogl. Wirt­em­berg­isch­en Ka­thol­isch­en Hof­ka­pel­le (Würt­tem­berg, Ger­ma­ny: 1784); adapt­ed & har­mo­nized by in the 1868 ap­pen­dix to Hymns An­cient and Mo­dern, num­ber 366. Al­ter­nate tunes:

  • Amberley, , in Hymns An­cient and Mo­dern, 1904
  • Castle Ris­ing, , 1867
  • Kingsfold, Eng­lish mel­o­dy; ar­ranged by , 1906

The roseate hues of early dawn, the brightness of the day,
The crimson of the sunset sky, how fast they fade away!
O for the pearly gates of Heav’n! O for the golden floor!
O for the Sun of Righteousness that setteth nevermore!

The highest hopes we cherish here, how fast they tire and faint!
How many a spot defiles the robe that wraps an earthly saint!
O for a heart that never sins! O for a soul washed white!
O for a voice to praise our King, nor weary day or night!

Here faith is ours, and heavenly hopes, and grace to lead us higher;
But there are perfectness and peace beyond our best desire.
O by Thy love and anguish, Lord, O by Thy life laid down,
Grant that we fall not from Thy grace, nor cast away our crown!