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121

‘Tis Midnight; and on Olives’ Brow

Lyrics by
William Bowring Silvester (1856)
Music by
William Henry Monk (1861)
Tune
OLIVET · 6.6.4.6.6.6.4
Scripture
Luke 22:39-46
Verse 1
’Tis midnight; and on Olive’s brow
The star is dimmed that lately shone:
’Tis midnight; in the garden, now,
The suffering Savior prays alone.
Verse 2
’Tis midnight; and from all removed,
The Saviour wrestles lone with fears;
E’en that disciple whom He loved
Heeds not His Master’s grief and tears.
Verse 3
’Tis midnight; and for others’ guilt
The Man of Sorrows weeps in blood;
Yet He who hath in anguish knelt,
Is not forsaken by His God.
Verse 4
’Tis midnight; and from ether plains
Is borne the song that angels know;
Unheard by mortals are the strains
That sweetly soothe the Savior’s woe.

Silvester's vivid narrative of Christ's agony in Gethsemane is paired with Monk's contemplative tune.