1 Thou, O my Jesus, Thou didst me
Upon the cross embrace;
For me didst bear the nails and spear,
And manifold disgrace;

2 And griefs and torments numberless,
And sweat of agony,
Yea, death itself; and all for one
That was Thine enemy.

3 Then, why, O blessed Jesus Christ,
Should I not love thee well?
Not for the hope of winning heaven,
Nor of escaping hell;

4 Not with the hope of gaining aught,
Nor seeking a reward;
But as Thyself hast loved me,
O ever-loving Lord.

5 E'en so I love Thee, and will love,
And in Thy praise will sing;
Solely because Thou art my God,
And my eternal King.