< Hymns for the Amusement of Children (1791)

For works with similar titles, see Silence.

HYMN XXVIII.

SILENCE.

Before thy betters with suspense,⁠
⁠Into thyself withdraw
Silence denotes superior sense,
⁠And shews superior awe.

5Keep blessing still within thy heart,
⁠In meditation meek;
Thus thou'rt prepar'd to act thy part.
⁠When urg'd at length to speak.

When words break forth not duly weigh'd
10⁠From out the babbler's tongue,
Full many a mournful mischief's made,
⁠Full many a conscience stung.

Then pray with David, that the Lord
⁠Wou'd keep himself the door;
15And all things from thy lips award,[1]
⁠That make thy brother sore.[2]

But if there be a point to praise
⁠Some godly deed of price,
With all thy might thy plaudits raise,
⁠Here silence were a vice.
20

Notes

  1. ↑ 15. award = ward off.
  2. ↑ 13—16. Psalms 141:3: "Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips".

This work was published before January 1, 1927, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.

 
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