Eternal God! Maker of all br That have lived here since the man's fall: br The Rock of Ages! in whose shade br They live unseen, when here they fade; br br Thou knew'st this paper when it was br Mere seed, and after that but grass; br Before 'twas dressed or spun, and when br Made linen, who did wear it then: br What were their lives, their thoughts, and deeds, br Whether good corn or fruitless weeds. br br Thou knew'st this tree when a green shade br Covered it, since a cover made, br And where it flourished, grew, and spread, br As if it never should be dead. br br Thou knew'st this harmless beast when he br Did live and feed by Thy decree br On each green thing; then slept - well fed - br Clothed with this skin which now lies spread br A covering o'er this aged book; br Which makes me wisely weep, and look br On my own dust; mere dust it is, br But not so dry and clean as this. br Thou knew'st and saw'st them all, and though br Now scattered thus, dost know them so.