105 Sacred Head, Now Wounded

1 O sacred head, now wounded, With grief and shame weighed down, Now scornfully surrounded With thorns your only crown. O sacred head, no glory Now from your face does shine; Yet, though despised and gory, I joy to call you mine. 2 Men mock and taunt and jeer you, They smite your countenance, Though mighty worlds shall fear you And flee before your glance. How pale you are with anguish, With sore abuse and scorn! Your eyes with pain now languish That once were bright as morn! 3 Now from your cheeks has vanished Their color, once so fair; From your red lips is banished The splendor that was there. Grim death with cruel rigor Has robbed you of your life; Thus you have lost your vigor, Your strength, in this sad strife. 4 My burden in your passion, Lord, you have borne for me, For it was my transgression, My shame, on Calvary. I cast me down before you; Wrath is my rightful lot. Have mercy, I implore you; Redeemer, spurn me not! 5 What language shall I borrow To thank you, dearest Friend, For this, your dying sorrow, Your pity without end? Oh, make me yours forever, And keep me strong and true; Lord, let me never, never Outlive my love for you. 6 My Savior, then be near me When death is at my door, And let your presence cheer me; Forsake me nevermore! When soul and body languish, Oh, leave me not alone, But take away my anguish By virtue of your own! 7 Lord, be my consolation, My shield when I must die; Remind me of your passion When my last hour draws nigh. My eyes will then behold you, Upon your cross will dwell, My heart will then enfold you— Who dies in faith dies well!