Scripture Verse

Who is this…fair as the moon, bright as the sun, majestic as the stars? Song of Solomon 6:10

Introduction

portrait
Jeremiah Clarke
ca. 1659–1707

Words: Ber­nard of Clair­vaux, 12th Cen­tu­ry (Je­su, de­cus an­gel­i­cum). Trans­lat­ed from La­tin to Eng­lish by Ed­ward Cas­wall, 1849.

Music: King’s Nor­ton Je­re­mi­ah Clarke (ca. 1659–1707) (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153)

Lyrics

O Je­su, Thou the beauty art
Of angel worlds above;
Thy name is music to the heart,
Enchanting it with love.

Celestial sweetness unalloyed!
Who eat Thee hunger still:
Who drink of Thee still feel a void,
Which naught but Thou can fill.

O my sweet Je­sus! hear the sighs
Which unto Thee I send;
To Thee mine inmost spirit cries,
My being’s hope and end!

Stay with us, Lord, and with Thy light
Illume the soul’s abyss;
Scatter the darkness of our night,
And fill the world with bliss.

O Je­su! spotless virgin-flower!
Our life and joy! To Thee
Be praise, beatitude, and power
Through all eternity.