Now, Master, you may let your servant go
in peace, according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.
--Luke 2:22-32
Now, Master, let me go according to your vow, for I have seen the sky aglow, the stars and planets bow. The long-awaited light at last has touched my eyes. I could not die while it was night, who knew the sun would rise. This dawn you have prepared to drive away the dark; it comes that all the world be spared, and I have seen its spark. So I may go in peace where all my hope's concealed, for sin retreats and sorrow flees, now light has been revealed. Though long you've lent me breath I cannot pay the debt, but I am not afraid of death: This sun shall never set. My hour at last comes due: I go into the gloom, but I have seen your word come true— Its light will fill my tomb.
Presentation of Christ in the Temple, South German, likely altarpiece wing, late 15th century. (Private collection) By Anonymous - Photograph of old art work (>500 years old)., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=55999507