6,6,8,6,8,8 The solemn feast was spent, And night had spread her pall, When Christ with His disciples went Beyond the city wall; And in the dark He led the way, Towards the lone Gethsemane. He took His chosen three, And bowed with grief He saith, "Abide ye here, and watch with me, I sorrow unto death"; Then, moving forward still a pace, He fell in prayer upon His face. Ah, ill their watch they keep, For soon their eyelids close, And when their Lord returned, in sleep Those weary men repose; "Awake," He said, "make prayerful call, Lest ye before the tempter fall." Thrice did the Master pray, That God His Son would save; But heaven in silence turned away, And earth no comfort gave; And still the worn disciples slept While Christ alone the vigil kept. O soul of mine, awake! Cast off thy careless sleep; To God Thy prayer for succour make And earnest vigil keep; And learn, whate'er His will may be, To do that will is best for thee. |