Verse 1

THEE will I love, my strength, my tower, Thee will I love, my joy, my crown, Thee will I love with all my power, In all Thy works, and Thee alone; Thee will I love, till the pure fire Fill my whole soul with chaste desire.

Verse 2

Ah, why did I so late Thee know, Thee, lovelier than the sons of men! Ah, why did I no sooner go To Thee, the only ease in pain! Ashamed, I sigh, and inly mourn, That I so late to Thee did turn.

Verse 3

In darkness willingly I strayed, I sought Thee, yet from Thee I roved, Far wide my wandering thoughts were spread, Thy creatures more than Thee I loved; And now if more at length I see, ’Tis through Thy light, and comes from Thee.

Verse 4

I thank Thee, uncreated Sun, That Thy bright beams on me have shined; I thank Thee, who hast overthrown My foes, and healed my wounded mind; I thank Thee, whose enlivening voice Bids my freed heart in Thee rejoice.

Verse 5

Give to mine eyes refreshing tears, Give to my heart chaste, hallowed fires, Give to my soul, with filial fears, The love that all heaven’s host inspires; That all my powers, with all their might, In Thy sole glory may unite.

Verse 6

Thee will I love, my joy, my crown, Thee will I love, my Lord, my God; Thee will I love, beneath Thy frown, Or smile, Thy sceptre, or Thy rod; What though my flesh and heart decay? Thee shall I love in endless day!

History of Thee Will I Love My Strength My