When Jesus, by the Virgin Brought

When Jesus, by the virgin brought, So runs the law of Heav’n, Was offered holy to the Lord, And at the altar giv’n; Simeon the just and the devout, Who, frequent in the fane, Had for the Savior waited long, But waited still in vain, Came, Heav’n directed, at the hour When Mary held her son; He stretchèd forth his agèd arms, While tears of gladness run: With holy joy upon his face The good old father smiled, While fondly in his withered arms He clasped the promised Child. And then he lifted up to Heav’n An earnest asking eye; “My joy is full, my hour is come, Lord, let Thy servant die! “At last my arms embrace my Lord, Now let their vigor cease; At last my eyes my Savior see, Now let them close in peace! The star and glory of the land Hath now begun to shine; The morning that shall gild the globe Breaks on these eyes of mine!