O heart of God, beat once for me!
The bird shall build its nest
Within the shelter of the tree,
But I, within Thy breast.
O heart of God, bleed once for me!
My sins are scarlet streams
That flow to Thy forgiving sea,
Whose depths are angel's themes.
O heart of love, if pity be
Thy gift of grace to grant,
Remember broken hearts would see
The grave's steep sides made slant!
O heart of God, if tear-dimmed eyes
Can make Thee also weep,
Let beauty out of ashes rise
Where my beloved sleep!
O heart of God, if we are kin,
Give me to know my own
When Heaven's gates shall close within,
And earth and time are flown!
