1 I cannot bear thine absence, Lord;
My life expires if thou depart:
Be thou, my heart, still near my God,
And thou, My God, be near my heart.

2 I was not born for earth or sin,
Nor can I live on things so vile:
Yet I would stay my father's time,
And hope and wait for heav'n awhile.

3 Then, dearest Lord, in thine embrace
Let me resign my fleeting breath;
And with a smile upon my face,
Pass the important hour of death.