Ah, Holy Jesus

Ah, holy Jesus, how have you offended,
That mortal judgement has on you descended?
By foes derided, by your own rejected,
O most afflicted!

Who was the guilty? Who brought this upon you?
It is my treason, Lord, that has undone you.
'Twas I, Lord Jesus, I it was denied you;
I crucified you.

For me, kind Jesus, was your incarnation,
Your mortal sorrow, and your life's oblation,
Your death of anguish and your bitter passion,
For my salvation.

Therefore, dear Jesus, since I cannot pay you,
I do adore you, and will ever pray you,
Think on your pity and your love unswerving,
Not my deserving.

WORDS: Johann Heerman, 1630; para. of Jean de Fecamp, 11th C.; tr. (English) Robert Bridges, 1899, alt.
MUSIC: Johann Cruger, 1640