6-8s. 1 THEE will I love, my strength, my tower, Thee will I love, my joy, my crown, Thee will I love with all my power, In all thy works, and thee alone; Thee will I love, till the pure fire Fill my whole soul with chaste desire.
2 Ah, why did I so late thee know, Thee, lovelier than the sons of men! Ah, why did I no sooner go To thee, the only ease in pain! Ashamed, I sigh, and inly mourn, That I so late to thee did turn.
3 In darkness willingly I strayed, I sought thee, yet from thee I roved; Far wide my wandering thoughts were spread, Thy creatures more than thee I loved; And now if more at length I see, 'Tis through thy light and comes from thee.
4 I thank thee, uncreated Sun, That thy bright beams on me have shined; I thank thee, who hast overthrown My foes, and healed my wounded mind; I thank thee, whose enlivening voice Bids my freed heart in thee rejoice.
5 Uphold me in the doubtful race, Nor suffer me again to stray; Strengthen my feet with steady pace Still to press forward in thy way; My soul and flesh, O Lord of might, Fill, satiate, with thy heavenly light.
6 Give to mine eyes refreshing tears, Give to my heart chaste, hallowed fires, Give to my soul, with filial fears, The love that all heaven's host inspires; That all my powers, with all their might, In thy sole glory may unite.
7 Thee will I love, my joy, my crown, Thee will I love, my Lord, my God; Thee will I love, beneath thy frown, Or smile, thy sceptre, or thy rod; What though my flesh and heart decay? Thee shall I love in endless day!
