Songs in the House of My Pilgrimage

, I watched by moonlight wan ? Pale, worn, and sad was then the face Lit up with glory now. Those flaming eyes shed tears, a flood, Which mingled with the drops of blood Fast falling from His brow. That voice, like many waters now Was hoarse that night and low. I heard its meek, imploring tone, Half choked with agonizing moan, While wrestling with his woe. He leadeth now, in majesty, The whole celestial band; Yet was He led by ruthless men, Like malefactor from his den, At Pilate's bar to stand. His garments now are spotless white; But on that bitter morn He was by Herod's mocking crew Arrayed in robes of purple hue With diadem of thorn. Ah, sure, it was a symbol meet (Though man could do no worse) That ere He went to Calvary's tree, Our sacrifice for sin to be, They crowned Him with the curse. And never, sure, can I forget My anguish deep and sore, When I beheld the visage marred, The holy brow so deeply scarred, As to the cross they bore This loving One, upon whose breast I'd leaned in friendship sweet; And drove the iron through those hands Which oft had loosed the suff rer's bands, And through the tender feet That journeyed many a weary mile On works of mercy bent; And when arose that wondrous prayer' For cruel ones who nailed Him there, The very rocks were rent. The living water, pure and sweet, He'd offered free to all; But when His dying thirst did crave A co...