Henry Alford

Written In Aid Of The Leicester Lunatic Asylum.

Light ye the torch,-- The torch that hath expired; The light with which was fired Chamber and hall and porch: But now the house is dark, Its inmates rove in vain, There shines but a bewildering spark: Light ye the torch again! Light ye the torch,-- It was a sacred flame, From God in heaven it came: All nature ye may search To find a fire so bright, And ye shall search in vain: But quenched is all its glorious light:-- Light ye the torch again! Light ye the torch,-- The ruthless winds have blown Its tresses up and down, Till it did scare and scorch, Not bless: but one fell blast Swept howling o'er the plain, And left all darkness as it past;-- Light ye the torch again! Light ye the torch,-- And ye shall blessed be: Till many a bended knee In chamber and in church Shall serve ye: merciful, Mercy ye shall obtain: Your cup of glory shall be full:-- Light ye the torch again!