Book III · Hymn 45 · Retirement

William Cowper

Retirement.
Far from the world, O Lord, I flee,
From strife and tumult far;
From scenes, where Satan wages still,
His most successful war.
The calm retreat, the silent shade,
With prayer and praise agree;
And seem, by thy sweet bounty made,
For those who follow thee.
There if thy Spirit touch the soul,
And grace her mean abode;
Oh with what peace, and joy, and love,
She communes with her God!
There like the nightingale she pours
Her solitary lays,
Nor asks a witness of her song,
Nor thirsts for human praise.
Author and Guardian of my life,
Sweet source of light divine;
And (all harmonious names in one)
My Savior, thou art mine!
What thanks I owe thee, and what love,
A boundless, endless store;
Shall echo through the realms above,

When time shall be no more.