Ah wounded Head that bearest Such bitter shame and scorn, That now so meekly wearest The mocking crown of thorn! Erst reigning in the highest In light and majesty, Dishonour'd here Thou diest, Yet here I worship Thee. | Thou noble Face, whose anger Shall make a world to quail, That glance is quench'd in languor To which the sun were pale; How hath its brightness vanish'd! Those gracious eyes how dim! What foe their light hath banish'd, Who dared to scoff at Him? | All lovely hues have faded That glow'd with warmth and life As He endures unaided The last and mortal strife; The Mighty One of valour Must yield Him as a prey, Death triumphs in his pallour O'er all His strength to-day. | Ah Lord, this cruel burden Of right belongs to me; Of my misdeeds the guerdon Hath all been laid on Thee; I cast me down before Thee, Wrath were my rightful lot, Yet hear me, I implore Thee, Redeemer, spurn me not! | My Guardian, deign to own me, My Shepherd, I am Thine; What goodness hast Thou shewn me, O Fount of Love Divine! How oft Thy lips have fed me On earth with angels' food! How oft Thy Spirit led me To stores of heavenly good! | Ah would that I were bidden To share Thy cross and woes! There all true joy lies hidden, Thence all true comfort flows. Ah well for me, if lying Here at Thy feet, my Life, I too with Thee were dying, And thus might end my strife! | My soul doth melt within me, O Jesus, dearest Friend, That Thou shiouldst bear to win me Such woes, for such an end! Ah make me cling the firmer To One so true to me, And sink without a murmur To sleep at last in Thee. | Yes, when I hence betake me, Lord, do not Thou depart; Oh I never more forsake me When death is at my heart, And faith and hope are sinking, O'erwhelm'd with dread dismay; Thou barest all unshrinking,-- Oh chase my fears away! | Appear then, my Defender, My Comfort, ere I die! This life I can surrender If but I see Thee nigh; My dim eyes shall behold Thee, Upon Thy cross thall dwell, My heart by faith enfold Thee Who dieth thus, dies well! | |