1 

Having seen the world's fair beauty,

   Lord, I would be blind once more,

Lest I lose the loving Presence

   And Delight I knew before.

 2 

Dawn and sunset, star and moonlight,

   I can see in paradise,

But while here on earth His mercy

   For my blindness will suffice.

 3 

I no more would be delivered

   From my thorn, but look for grace,

While within the veil His glory

   Shineth brightly on my face.

 4 

In the deep dark night, His beauty

   I by faith, not sight, may trace;

He was ridiculed and hated,

   Yet I see His glorious face.

 5 

Sun and moonlight far surpassing,

   Clouds and Milky Way o'erspread,

Is the glory all transcending

   Shining from His thorn-crowned head.