O HIDE ME IN THY LOVE

O hide me in Thy love, secure

From this earth-clinging meanness.

Lave my uncleanness

In Thy compassionating love!

Bury this treachery as deep

As mercy is enrooted.

My days ill-fruited

Shake till the shrivelled burden fall.

Put by those righteous arrows, Lord,

Put even Thy justice by Thee;

So I come nigh Thee

As came the Magdalen to Thy feet.

And like a heavy stone that's cast

In a pool, on Thee I throw me,

And feel o'erflow me

Ripples of pity, deep waves of love.