O Christ, who art the Light and Day,
thou drivest darksome night away!
we know thee as the Light of light
illuminating mortal sight.
All holy Lord, we pray to thee,
keep us tonight from danger free;
grant us, dear Lord, in thee to rest,
so be our sleep in quiet blessed
Let not the tempter round us creep,
With thoughts of evil while we sleep.
Nor with his wiles the flesh allure,
And make us in thy sight impure.
And while the eyes soft slumber take,
still be the heart to thee awake,
be thy right hand upheld above
thy servants resting in thy love.
Yea, our Defender, be thou nigh,
to bid the powers of darkness fly;
keep us from sin, and guide for good
thy servants purchased by thy blood.
Remember us, dear Lord, we pray,
while in this mortal flesh we stay:
'tis thou who dost the soul defend
be present with us to the end.
All praise to God the Father be,
All praise, eternal Son, to thee.
Whom with the Spirit we adore,
For ever and for evermore. Amen.
Choir: The Cambridge Singers
Composer: William Byrd