Royal Crown

by Solomon ibn Gabirol

My God, I know that those who plead

To you for grace and mercy need

All their good works should go before,

And wait for them at heaven's high door.

But I have no good deeds to bring,

No righteousness for offering,

No service for my Lord and King.

Yet do not hide your face from me,

Nor cast me out far from you;

But when you command my life to cease,

O, may you lead me forth in peace

To the world to come, to dwell

Among your pious ones, who tell

Your inexhaustible glories.

There let my portion be with those

Who arose in eternal life;

There to purify my heart right,

In your light to see the light.

Raise me from the deepest depths to share

Heaven's endless joys of praise and prayer,

That I may evermore declare:

Though you were angered, Lord, I will give thanks to you,
For now your wrath is past, and you do comfort me.