O SACRED HEAD.
Reading edition
O sacred Head, now wounded With grief and shame weigh'd down, Now scornfully surrounded With thorns, thine only crown; O sacred Head, what glory, What bliss, till now, was thine! Yet, though despis'd and gory, I joy to call thee mine. What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered Was all for sinners' gain; Mine, mine was the transgression, But thine the deadly pain: Lo, here I fall, my Saviour! 'Tis I deserve Thy place; Look on me with Thy favor, Vouchsafe to me Thy grace. What language shall I borrow To thank Thee, dearest Friend; For this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end? O make me thine forever; And should I fainting be, Lord, let me never, never, Outlive my love to Thee! Be near me when I'm dying, Oh show Thy cross to me! And for my succor flying, Come, Lord, and set me free! These eyes, new faith receiving, From Jesus shall not move; For he who dies believing, Dies safely, through Thy love. —Bernard.