THE CHRISTIAN YEAR
80
SOLOMON. (C. M.)
Adapted from the Air 'What tho' I trace.'
In moderate time 𝅗𝅥 = 72.
G. F. Handel, 1685–1759.
St. Francis Xavier, 1506–52.
O Deus, ego amo te.
Tr. E. Caswall†.
MY God, I love thee; not because
I hope for heaven thereby,
Nor yet because who love thee not
Are lost eternally.
2 Thou, O my Jesus, thou didst me
Upon the Cross embrace;
For me didst bear the nails and spear,
And manifold disgrace,
3 And griefs and torments numberless,
And sweat of agony;
E'en death itself; and all for one
Who was thine enemy.
4 Then why, O blessèd Jesu Christ,
Should I not love thee well,
Not for the sake of winning heaven,
Or of escaping hell;
5 Not with the hope of gaining aught,
Not seeking a reward;
But as thyself hast loved me,
O ever-loving Lord!
6. E'en so I love thee, and will love,
And in thy praise will sing,
Solely because thou art my God,
And my eternal King.
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