The hidden years at Nazareth!
How deep and still they seem,
Like rivers flowing in the dark,
Or waters in a dream!
Like waters under Syrian stars
Reflecting lights above,
Repeating in their silent depths
The wonder of God’s love.

The hidden years at Nazareth!
How deep and true they lie,
As open to the smile of God
As to the Syrian sky!
As open to the heart of man
As to the genial sun,
With dreams of vast adventuring,
And deeds of kindness done!

The hidden years at Nazareth!
How radiant they rise,
With life and death in balance laid
Before a Lad’s clear eyes!
O soul of youth, for­ev­er choose,
Forgetting fate or fear,
To live for truth or die with God,
Who stands beside thee here!