Unless the Lord the House Shall Build

Unless the Lord the house shall build,
the weary builders toil in vain;
unless the Lord the city shield,
the guards a useless watch maintain.

In vain you rise ere morning break,
and late your nightly vigils keep,
and of the bread of toil partake;
God gives to his beloved sleep.

Lo, children are a great reward,
a gift from God in very truth;
with arrows is his quiver stored
who joys in children of his youth.

And blest the man whose age is cheered
by stalwart sons and daughters fair;
no enemies by him are feared,
no lack of love, no want of care.