352. O Sacred Head, Now Wounded

1 O sacred head, now wounded,
with grief and shame weighed down,
now scornfully surrounded
with thorns, thine only crown;
O sacred head, what glory,
what bliss, till now was thine!
Yet, though despised and gory,
I joy to call thee mine.

2 How pale thou art with anguish,
with sore abuse and scorn;
how does thy face now languish,
which once was bright as morn!
Thy grief and bitter passion
were all for sinners' gain;
mine, mine was the transgression,
but thine the deadly pain.

3 What language shall I borrow
to thank thee, dearest friend,
for this thy dying sorrow,
thy pity without end?
Oh, make me Thine forever,
and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never
outlive my love to thee.

4 Lord, be my consolation;
shield me when I must die;
remind me of thy passion
when my last hour draws nigh.
These eyes, new faith receiving,
from thee shall never move;
for all who die believing
die safely in thy love.

Text Information
First Line: O sacred head, now wounded
Title: O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
Paraphaser: Paul Gerhardt, 1607-1676
Author: Arnulf of Lauvain, d. 1250
Meter: 7 6 7 6 D
Language: English
Publication Date: 2006
Topic: Funeral; Holy Week, Three Days
Source: Tr. composite
Tune Information
Name: HERZLICH TUT MICH VERLANGEN
Adapter: Hans Leo Hassler, 1564-1612
Meter: 7 6 7 6 D
Key: a minor
Source: German melody, c. 1500



Media
Audio recording: MP3
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