21. O Sacred Head, surrounded

O Sacred Head, surrounded,

By crown of piercing thorn!

O bleeding Head, so wounded,

Reviled and put to scorn!

Death's pallid hue come o'er Thee

The glow of life decays,

Yet angel hosts adore Thee,

And tremble as they gaze.

I see Thy strength and vigor

All fading in the strife,

And death, with cruel rigor,

Bereaving Thee of life;

O agony and dying!

O love to sinners free!

Jesus, all grace supplying,

O turn Thy face on me!

In this Thy bitter passion,

Good Shepherd, think of me,

With Thy most sweet compassion,

Unworthy though I be;

Beneath Thy Cross abiding,

Forever would I rest,

In Thy dear love confiding,

And with Thy presence blest.