The Hymnal ‎#158

158. O sacred head surrounded

O sacred head surrounded
By crown of piercing thorn!
O bleeding head, so wounded,
Reviled and put to scorn!
Death's pallid hue comes o'er thee,
The glow of life decays,
Yet angel hosts adore thee,
And tremble as they gaze.

I see thy strength and vigor,
All fading in the strife,
And death with cruel rigor,
Bereaving thee of life;
O agony and dying!
O love to sinners free!
Jesus, all grace supplying,
O turn thy face on me.

In this, thy bitter passion,
Good Shepherd, think of me
With thy most sweet compassion,
Unworthy though I be:
Beneath thy cross abiding
For ever would I rest,
In thy dear love confiding,
And with thy presence blest.

Be near when I am dying;
O show thy cross to me:
And to my succour flying,
Come, Lord, and set me free.
These eyes, new faith receiving,
From thee shall never move;
For he who dies believing,
Dies safely in thy love.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: O sacred head surrounded
• Author: St. Bernard of Clairvaux, 1091-1153
• Translator: Henry W. Baker (1861)
• Meter: 7.6.7.6 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1916
• Topic: Holy Week

Tune Information

• Name: PASSION CHORALE
• Composer: Hans Leo Hassler (1601)
• Adapter and Harmonizer: J. S. Bach, 1685-1750
• Meter: 7.6.7.6 D
• Incipit: 36543 23711 7676
• Key: a minor