John R. Ridge: The Sabbath Bells

THE SABBATH bells are ringing
With clear and cheerful notes,
And from the steeple springing,
Far off the music floats.

To yonder mountain reaches,	5
The ever rising strain,
And Echo’s dying speeches
Repeat it o’er again.

The summer woodlands filling,
The solemn cadence rolls,	10
And through the leaves is thrilling
Like soft, pulsating souls.

The air with rippling motion,
Aeolian answer gives,
And like a trembling ocean,	15
Its outspread bosom heaves.

The far horizon sweeping,
Each tone majestic swells,
And all the world is leaping
Beneath the sounding bells.	20

’Tis solemn, yet ’tis cheerful,
A clear and pleasant voice.
That bids the sad and tearful
Be hopeful and rejoice.

Let Sabbath morns unclouded	25
Still hear these tones of peace.
For earth with woe is shrouded
When Sabbath bells shall cease.