A Description of Christ, the Beloved

Verse 1

The wondering world inquires to know Why I should love my Jesus so; “What are his charms,” say they, “above The objects of a mortal love?”

Verse 2

Yes, my Beloved to my sight Shows a sweet mixture, red and white: All human beauties, all divine, In my Beloved meet and shine.

Verse 3

White is his soul, from blemish free; Red with the blood he shed for me; The fairest of ten thousand fairs; A sun amongst ten thousand stars.

Verse 4

His head the finest gold excels; There wisdom in perfection dwells; And glory, like a crown, adorns Those temples once beset with thorns.

Verse 5

Compassions in his heart are found, Hard by the signals of his wound; His sacred side no more shall bear The cruel scourge, the piercing spear.

Verse 6

His hands are fairer to behold Than diamonds, set in rings of gold; Those heavenly hands that on the tree Were nailed, and torn, and bled for me.

Verse 7

Though once he bowed his feeble knees, Loaded with sins and agonies, Now on the throne of his command, His legs like marble pillars stand.

Verse 8

His eyes are majesty and love, The eagle tempered with the dove; No more shall trickling sorrows roll Through those dear windows of his soul.

Verse 9

His mouth, that poured out long complaints, Now smiles, and cheers his fainting saints; His countenance more graceful is Than Lebanon, with all its trees.

Verse 10

All over glorious is my Lord; Must be beloved, and yet adored; His worth if all the nations knew, Sure the whole world would love him too!