Strong are the walls around me,

Strong are the walls around me, That hold me all the day; But they who thus have bound me, Cannot keep God away: My very dungeon walls are dear, Because the God I love is here.

They know, who thus oppress me, ' Tis hard to be alone; But know not One can bless me, Who comes through bars and stone; He makes my dungeon's darkness bright, And fills my bosom with delight.

Thy love, O God, restores me From sighs and tears to praise; And deep my soul adores Thee, Nor thinks of time or place; I ask no more, in good or ill, But union with Thy holy will.

' Tis that which make me treasure, ' Tis that which brings me gain; Converting woe to pleasure, And reaping joy from pain. Oh, 'tis enough, whate'er befall, To know that God is All in all.