O dearest Love divine

Rt. Rev. Msgr. H. T. Henry, Litt. D.
Nicola A. Montani

Andante devoto

1.
O dearest love divine,
My heart to Thee I give,
Exchanging it for Thine,
That Thou in me may'st live.
Most loving and most meek,
Hearts only dost Thou seek:
O may my heart but prove
A love like Thine, sweet Love!

2.
Who can requite the love
Shown in the wondrous plan,
Whereby the God above
For me became a Man?
Thou say'st "Give Me thy heart!"
With it I freely part
Hoping that it may prove
A love like Thine, sweet Love!

3.
Thy heart is opened wide
That, freely ent'ring in,
I may Thy guest abide,
And new life begin.
This doest Thou, to gain
My love, and e'er retain:
O may my answer prove
A love like Thine, sweet Love!

4.
Here in Thy Heart I find
A haven of sweet rest,
An ever-quite mind,
A mansion of the Blest.
Rock that was cleft for me,
Behold, I fly to Thee,
Like a world-weary dove,
Home to its mated Love!

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