Alfred H. Miles, ed. The Sacred Poets of the Nineteenth Century. 1907.

By II. St. Bernard’s Hymn; or, the Loving Soul’s Jubilation. II. “O Jesu, King most wonderful!”

Edward Caswell (1814–1878)

O JESU, King most wonderful!

Thou Conqueror renown’d;

Thou sweetness most ineffable!

In whom all joys are found!

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!

When once Thou visitest the heart,

Then truth begins to shine;

Then earthly vanities depart;

Then kindles love divine.

Jesu! Thy mercies are untold,

Through each returning day;

Thy love exceeds a thousandfold

Whatever we can say;

That love which in Thy Passion drain’d

For us Thy precious Blood;

Whence with Redemption we have gain’d

The Vision of our God!

May every heart confess Thy name,

And ever Thee adore;

And, seeking Thee, itself inflame

To seek Thee more and more.

Jesu, our only joy be Thou,

As Thou our prize wilt be;

Jesu, be Thou our glory now,

And through eternity.