If God to build the house deny,
The builders work in vain;
And towns, without his wakeful eye,
A useless watch maintain.

Before the morning beams arise,
Your painful work renew;
And till the stars ascend the skies,
Your tiresome toil pursue;

Short be your sleep, and coarse your fare;
In vain, till God has blessed;
But if his smiles attend your care,
You shall have food and rest.

Nor children, relatives, nor friends,
Shall real blessings prove;
Nor all the earthly joys he sends,
If sent without his love.