Another version by Paulus Gerhardt, translated by Robert Bridges, can be found athttps://andrewd-followjesus.blogspot.com/2025/01/o-sacred-head-sore-wounded-hymn-written.html
The poem by Bernard if Clairvaux (1090 - 1153) has subsequently been set to music.
O sacred Head, now wounded,
with grief and sorrow weighed down,
now scornfully surrounded
with thorns, thine only crown!
O sacred Head, what glory,
what bliss till now was thine!
Yet, though despised and gory,
I joy to call thee mine.
What thou, my Lord, hast suffered
was all for sinners' gain.
Mine, mine was the transgression,
but thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Saviour!
'Tis I deserve thy place.
Look on me with thy favour
and grant to me thy grace.
What language shall I borrow
to thank thee, dearest Friend,
for this, thy dying sorrow.
thy pity without end?
Oh, make me thine forever,
and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never
outlive my love to thee.
Be near me when I am dying,
oh, show thy cross to me,
and for my rescue, flying,
come, Lord, and set me free!
These eyes, new faith receiving,
from Jesus shall not move,
for one who dies believing
dies safely, through thy love.
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