Catherine Winkworth (trans. & ed.) · 193 of 213
188. Go and dig my grave today
For the Sick and Dying
(Index of Tunes, LV.)
Tune.--"Jesus Christ, my sure Defence."
Go and dig my grave today! Weary of my ceaseless roaming, Now from earth I pass away, Heav'nly peace awaits my coming, Angel voices from above Call me to their rest and love.
Go and dig my grave today! Homeward now my journey tendeth, And I lay my staff away Here where all earth's labour endeth, And I lay my weary head In the only painless bed.
What is there I yet should do If in this dark vale I linger? Proud our schemes, and fair to view, Yet they melt beneath Time's finger Like the sand before the wind, That no power of man can bind.
Farewell, earth, then! I am glad That I now in peace may leave thee, For thy very joys are sad, And thy hopes do but deceive thee; Fleeting is thy beauty's gleam, False and changing as a dream.
Sun and moon and stars so bright, Farewell all your golden splendour! Here I loved you, but your light Gladly will I now surrender, For the glories of that day Where ye all must fade away.
Farewell, O ye friends I love! Though awhile ye journey grieving, Comfort cometh from above To the hearts in Christ believing; Weep not o'er a passing show, To th' eternal world I go.
Weep not that the world I leave, Mourn not that I am exchanging Errors that here closely cleave, Empty ghosts and shadows ranging Through this world of nought and night, For a land of truth and light.
Weep not! dearest to my heart Is my Saviour, He doth cheer me; And I know that I have part In his pains, and He is near me; For He shed His precious blood For the whole world's highest good.
Weep not, my Redeemer lives! From the dust, Hope ever vernal Looks to Heaven and upward strives; Fearless Faith and Love eternal Now are softly whispering , "Child of God, fear not to die!"
Geht nun hin und grabt mein Grab
Geht und hin und grabt mein Grab