1 WHERE the ancient dragon lay,
Open for thyself a way!
There let holy tempers rise,
All the fruits of Paradise.
Lead us in the way of peace,
In the path of righteousness,
Never by the sinner trod,
Till he feels the cleansing blood.
2 There the simple cannot stray,
Babes, though blind, may find the way,
Find, nor ever thence depart,
Safe in lowliness of heart;
Far from fear, from danger far,
No devouring beast is there,
There the humble walk secure;
God hath made their footsteps sure.
3 Jesus, mighty to redeem,
Let our lot be cast with them;
Far from earth our souls remove,
Ransomed by thy dying love.
Leave us not below to mourn;
Fain we would to thee return,
Crowned with righteousness, arise
Far above these nether skies.
4 Come, and all our sorrows chase,
Wipe the tears from every face;
Gladness let us now obtain,
Partners of thine endless reign.
Death, the latest foe, destroy,
Sorrow then shall yield to joy,
Gloomy grief shall flee away,
Swallowed up in endless day.