Hymn to Ra
Thy rays embrace the living earth
And all which on it play.
Enshrined up in the firmament
They steps pace off the day.
Direct they fiery eye below
Where, bound by chains of love,
The earth in supplication kneels
To thy pure orb above.
Hark! Ra rises in the East!
Now the dark must surely yield.
Brings he strength to man and beast,
Brings he bounty to the field.
The whole world wakes at thy command:
Larks singing in the tree,
Cattle lowing in the pasture
Sing hymns in praise of thee.
Lambs skip joyful in the meadow,
Fish rise in the dark sea.
Thy power moves them, great and small.
They live in piety.
Teach, too, thy human retinue,
Unworthy of the light.
We keep thy laws whilst thou observe
And break them all by night.
Oh, Ra! We are but foolish men!
Forgive while we are learning:
Thou art all! Thy glory endures
Departing or returning.
Hark! Ra rises in the East!
Now the dark must surely yield.
Brings he strength to man and beast,
Brings he bounty to the field.