1.

When Jacob 's Sons through paths unknown
From Egypt took their way,
In Judah 's Tribe his presence shone,
And Israel own'd his sway.

2.

Old Ocean saw them as they came;
He saw, and backward fled:
Recoiling Jordan turn'd his stream,
And sought his fountain-head.

3.

The Mountains feel the sudden shock;
As rams, from off the ground
They spring: As younglings of the flock,
The Hills affrighted bound.

4.

Thou, Ocean, say, why, as they came,
Thy billows backward fled;
And what, O Jordan , urg'd thy stream
To seek its fountain-head?

5.

Ye Mountains, whence the sudden shock?
Why leap ye from the ground
As rams? As younglings of the flock,
Say why, O Hills, ye bound.

6.

Earth, instant, to thy lowest base
Convuls'd, avow thy fear,
While Heav'n's high Lord reveals his face,
While Jacob 's God is near:

7.

Dissolv'd beneath whose potent stroke
The flint a torrent gave;
Who spake; and from the yielding rock.
Gush'd forth the bidden wave.