606. Nisi Dominus

A paraphrase of Psalm 127, a Song of Ascents or pilgrimage hymn. Tune: ST. BRIDE by Samuel Howard, 1762 ("And wilt Thou pardon, Lord," etc.) ART: Building the wall of Jerusalem (cf. Nehemiah), from Sunrays Quarterly, 1908; public domain.

Unless God build the house,
The workmen toil in vain.
Unless the Lord His watch maintain,
In vain the watchmen rouse.

Why eat the bread of pain
From rising with the sun
To midnight watch, if such a One
The gift of rest ordain?

Behold, it is His gift
A fruitful house to build,
With children as with arrows filled—
Full quiver, fletched and swift.

Oh, happy be those walls
And they who dwell therein!
They shall respond with no chagrin
To the besieger's calls.