When Clouds of Darkness Veil the Sky

For Advent

Words:  C. Coffin, In Noctis Umbra Desides, the Paris Breviary

Translation:  Robert Campbell, of Sherrington

Source: Orby Shipley, Annus Sanctus: Hymns of the Church for the Ecclesiastical Year. Vol. 1. (London and New York: Burns and Oates, 1884), pp. 10-11.

When clouds of darkness veil the sky, 
And wrapt in sleep our bodies lie, 
The faithful soul more freely may 
Herself arouse to watch and pray. 
	Desired of all, thou Lord of grace, 
Redeemer of our ruined race, 
Oh, hear the cries of them that groan, 
The prayers of those by sin o'erthrown, 
	Lord Jesus, come, our debt forgive, 
And bid thy ransomed children live ; 
If death our doom in Adam be, 
Eternal life we claim in thee. 
	To Christ, who comes our bonds to break, 
In praises let our souls awake ; 
The Father equally adore, 
And Holy Spirit evermore. 

Note from Shipley:

10. In noctis umbra desides. Compline Hymn from the Paris Breviary, by C. Coffin. When clouds of darkness veil the sky. Robert Campbell of Sherrington.

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