Christian Classics
‹ The Chorale Book for England

Catherine Winkworth (trans. & ed.) · 59 of 213

54. O darkest woe

Easter Eve

(LXXXIV.--"O Trauerigkeit, O Herzeleid.")

Original Tune.

O darkest woe! Ye tears forth flow! Has earth so sad a wonder, That the Father's only Son Now lies buried yonder!

O son of man! It was the ban Of death on thee that brought Him Down to suffer for thy sins, And such woe hath wrought Him.

Behold thy Lord, The Lamb of God, Blood-sprinkled lies before thee, Pouring out His life that He May to life restore thee.

O Ground of faith Laid low in death! Sweet lips now silent sleeping! Surely all that live must mourn Here with bitter weeping.

Yea, blest is he Whose heart shall be Fix'd here, and apprehendeth Why the Lord of glory thus To the grave descendeth.

O Jesu blest! My help and rest! With tears I pray--Lord, hear me; Make me love Thee to the last, In the grave be near me!

O Trauerigkeit, O Herzeleid