Watchman, tell us of the night (Aberystwyth) (Joseph Parry)

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• (Posted 2024-06-29)  CPDL #81099:       

Editor: Andrew Sims (submitted 2024-06-29).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 54 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: The hymn with harmony and underlaid words in the version published in The Hymnal 1982.

• (Posted 2024-06-29)  CPDL #81098:       

Editor: Andrew Sims (submitted 2024-06-29).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 124 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: The hymn in the version published in The Hymnal 1982, melody with words.

• (Posted 2004-05-20)  CPDL #07071:  PDF and MIDI files

Editor: Edward L. Stauff (submitted 2004-05-20).   Score information: Letter, 1 page, 53 kB   Copyright: Personal

Edition notes:

• (Posted 2000-11-27)  CPDL #01771: 

Editor: Christopher R. Baker (submitted 2000-11-27).   Copyright: Personal

Edition notes:

General Information

Title: Watchman, tell us of the night
Composer: Joseph Parry
Lyricist: John Bowring, 1825

Number of voices: 4vv   Voicing: SATB
Genre: Sacred, Carol   Meter: 77. 77. D

Language: English
Instruments: A cappella

First published:
Description: Descants to the hymn are available here by Alan Gray and Geoffrey Shaw.

Original text and translations

English text

1.
Watchman, tell us of the night,
What its signs of promise are.
Traveler, o'er yon mountain's height,
See that glory beaming star.
Watchman, does its beauteous ray
Aught of joy or hope foretell?
Traveler, yes – it brings the day,
Promised day of Israel.

2.
Watchman, tell us of the night;
Higher yet that star ascends.
Traveler, blessedness and light,
Peace and truth its course portends.
Watchman, will its beams alone
Gild the spot that gave them birth?
Traveler, ages are its own;
See, it bursts o'er all the earth.

3.
Watchman, tell us of the night,
For the morning seems to dawn.
Traveler, darkness takes its flight,
Doubt and terror are withdrawn.
Watchman, let thy wanderings cease;
Hie thee to thy quiet home.
Traveler, lo! the Prince of Peace,
Lo! the Son of God is come!