Now spread are evening’s shadows

Now spread are evening’s shadows,
O’er forests, towns, and meadows,
And sleepeth ev’ry eye;
Awake my pow’rs and sing ye,
And pray’r and praises bring ye,
That your Creator please on high!

O Sun! where art thou vanish’d?
The night thy light hath banish’d,
The night of day the foe;
Go then, for now appeareth
Another Sun and cheereth
My heart—’tis Jesus Christ, my joy!

We’ve seen the day’s declining,
The golden stars are shining
In yonder dark-blue sky.
There shall I be for ever
When God doth me deliver,
From this low vale of misery.

To rest the body hasteth,
Itself of clothes divesteth,
Type of mortality!
I’ll put it off, and o’er me
Christ will the robe of glory
Throw, and of immortality!

Head, hands, and feet so tirèd
Are glad the day’s expirèd,
That work comes to an end;
My heart be fill’d with gladness
That God from all earth’s sadness,
And from sin’s toil relief will send.

Lie down, my members tirèd
Upon your couch desirèd,
Lie down my wearied head!
A day and hour is nearing
They’ll be for you preparing
Beneath the sod, a quiet bed.

Mine eyes scarce ope are keeping,
A moment—I’ll be sleeping,
Where’s body then and soul?
In grace Thy care then make me,
May evil ne’er o’ertake me,
Thou Shepherd Lord of Israel!

O Jesus, be my cover!
And spread both Thy wings over
Thy child, and shield Thou me!
Though Satan would devour me,
Let angels ever o’er me
Sing, “This child shall uninjur’d be!”

And you, my well belovèd!
Shall by no ill be movèd,
No danger shall betide.
God peaceful slumbers send you,
With golden arms defend you,
Send guardian angels to your side!

Paul Gerhardt’s Spiritual Songs, 1867