The sun is sinking fast

The sun is sinking fast,
the daylight dies;
let love awake, and pay
her evening sacrifice.

As Christ upon the cross
his head inclined,
and to his Father's hands
his parting soul resigned;

So now herself my soul
would wholly give
into his sacred charge
in whom all spirits live;

So now beneath his eye
would calmly rest,
without a wish or thought
abiding in the breast;

Save that his will be done,
whate'er betide;
dead to herself, and dead
in him to all beside.

Thus would I live: yet now
not I, but he,
in all his power and love,
henceforth alive in me.

One sacred Trinity,
one Lord divine,
may I be ever his,
and he for ever mine.

Words: Latin, ca. eighteenth century;
trans. Edward Caswall, 1858

Music: St. Columba (Irons), Sag was hilft (Speer)

Meter: 64 66

Website compiled by Steve Benner, 1999-2003.