C.M. [895]St. Bernard: Cologne, 1741 Latin; Ascribed to Francis Xavier; Tr. Edward Caswall, 1849; Alt. My God, I love thee: not because I hope for heaven thereby; Nor yet because if I love not I must for ever die. But, O my Jesus, thou didst me Upon the cross embrace; For me didst bear the nails and spear, And manifold disgrace, And griefs and torments numberless, And sweat of agony, E'en death itself; and all for me Who was thine enemy. Then why, O blessèd Jesus Christ, Should I not love thee well? Not for the hope of winning heaven, Nor of escaping hell; Not with the hope of gaining aught; Not seeking a reward: But as thyself hast lovèd me, O everloving Lord! 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. Amen. |