1. Sleepers, wake!
a voice astounds us,
the shout of rampart guards
surrounds us:
Awake, Jerusalem, arise!
Midnight’s peace their cry
has broken,
their urgent summons
clearly spoken:
The time has come,
O maidens wise!
Rise up, and give us light;
the Bride-groom is in sight.
Alleluia! Your lamps
prepare and hasten there,
that you the wedding feast
may share.
2. Zion hears the watchmen singing;
her heart with
joyful hope is springing,
She wakes and hurries
through the night.
Forth he comes,
her Bride-groom glorious
in strength of grace,
in truth victorious:
her star is risen,
her light grows bright.
Now come, most worthy Lord,
God’s son,
Incarnate Word, Alleluia!
We follow all and heed your call
to come into the banquet hall.
3. Lamb of God,
the heavens adore you;
let saints and angels
sing before you,
as harps and cymbals
swell the sound.
Twelve great pearls,
the city’s portals:
through them we stream
to join the immortals
as we with joy
your throne surround.
No eye has known the sight,
no ear heard such delight: Alleluia!
Therefore we sing to greet our King;
for ever let our praises ring.