1 Why, O my soul, why weepest thou?
Tell me from whence arise
Those briny tears that often flow,
Those groans that pierce the skies?

2 Is sin the cause of thy complaint,
Or the chastising rod?
Dost thou an evil heart lament,
And mourn an absent God?

3 Lord, let me weep for nouht but sin,
And after none but thee,
And then, I would, O that I might!
A constant weeper be!