midnight
She could not remember having read a page in this volume , but as she lifted the letter her eyes fell upon these words : `` The priests must serve Each in his course , and we must stand in turn Awake with sorrow , in the temple dim To bless the Lord by night . '' The words affected her strangely ; she turned the page backward , and read , `` It is the night , And in the temple of the Lord , not made By mortal hands , the lights are burning low Before the altar . Clouds of darkness fill The vastness of the sacred aisles ... ... A few short years ago And all the temple courts were thronged with those Who worshiped and gave thanks before they went To take their rest . Who shall bless His name at midnight ? `` Lo ! a band of pale Yet joyful priests do minister around The altar , where the lights are burning low In the breathless night . Each grave brow wears the crown Of sorrow , and each heart is kept awake By its own restless pain : for these are they To whom the night-watch is appointed .