1  O dearest Lord, what law hast Thou e'er broken

    That such sharp sentence should on Thee be spoken?

    Of what misdeed hast Thou to make confession —

                What dark transgression?

 2  They crown Thy head with thorns, they smite, they scourge Thee;

    With cruel mockings to the cross they urge Thee;

    They give Thee gall to drink, they still decry Thee;

                They crucify Thee.

 3  What punishment so strange is suffered yonder?

    The shepherd dies for sheep that loved to wander;

    The Master pays the debt His servants owe Him,

                Who would not know Him.

 4  The sinless Son of God must die in sadness;

    The sinful child of man may live in gladness;

    Man forfeited His life and is acquitted —

                God is committed.

 5  O mighty King, no time can dim Thy glory!

    How shall I spread abroad Thy wondrous story?

    How shall I find some worthy gift to proffer?

                What dare I offer?

 6  I'll think upon Thy mercy without ceasing;

    That earth's vain joys no more to me be pleasing;

    To do Thy will shall be my sole endeavor

                Henceforth forever.