Hymns for the Amusement of Children (1791)/Silence

by Christopher Smart

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".