永恆的上帝！創造一切
生活在這裏，為墮落的人；
萬古磐石！在你蔭下
茫茫眾生繁長又消逝。
你早已認識這紙，當它
僅是種子，以後發長成草；
它用不著穿衣，也不紡線，
卻作成細麻布，給人蔽體；
你知道他們的生命，思想行動舉止
或是好麥子，或是稗子不結實。
你早已認識這樹，還在綠蔭下
被覆庇，使它成為蔭庇。
他滋生，發展，長起，
像是永存不會死。
你早已認識這無害的牲畜，
照你的定旨生活飲食，
吃各樣的青物；然後飽足眠息，
它穿過的毛皮，現在鋪展開，
成了這古老書帙的外衣。
這使我慧悟哭泣，看到
灰塵的自己；只不過是灰塵，
論乾凈還不能與灰塵相比。
你早已認識，已看見這一切，
還未成形前，你已認識我們現在的體質。
噢，榮耀的靈！知道
你使樹木牲畜更新，使人復起，
你叫萬事復興，
卻只毀滅痛苦和死，
那些愛你，尋求你面的，
為你工作的必蒙賞賜！
Eternal God! Maker of all
That have lived here, since the man's fall;
The Rock of ages! in whose shade
They live unseen, when here they fade.
Thou knew'st this paper, when it was
Mere seed, and after that but grass;
Before 'twas drest or spun, and when
Made linen, who did wear it then:
What were their lives, their thoughts and deeds
Whether good corn, or fruitless weeds.
Thou knew'st this Tree, when a green shade
Covered it, since a Cover made,
And where it flourished, grew and spread,
As if it never should be dead.
Thou knew'st this harmless beast, when he
Did live and feed by thy decree
On each green thing; then slept (well fed)
Clothed with this skin, which now lies spread
A Covering o'er this aged book,
Which makes me wisely weep and look
On my own dust; mere dust it is,
But not so dry and clean as this.
Thou knew'st and saw'st them all and though
Now scattered thus, dost know them so.
O knowing, glorious Spirit! when
Thou shalt restore trees, beasts and men,
When thou shalt make all new again,
Destroying only death and pain,
Give him amongst thy works a place,
Who in them loved and sought thy face!
