STANZA 1
Ah, holy Jesus, how have You offended,
that mortal judgment has on You descended?
By foes derided, by Your own rejected,
O most afflicted!

STANZA 2
Who was the guilty? Who brought this upon You?
Alas, my treason, Jesus, has undone You!
‘Twas I, Lord Jesus, I it was denied You;
I crucified You.

STANZA 3
Lo, the Good Shepherd for the sheep is offered;
the slave hath sinned, and the Son hath suffered;
for our atonement, while we nothing heeded,
God interceded.

STANZA 4
For me, kind Jesus, was Your incarnation,
Your mortal sorrow, and Your life’s oblation;
Your death of anguish and Your bitter passion,
for my salvation.

STANZA 5
Therefore, kind Jesus, since I cannot pay You,
I do adore You, and will ever pray You,
think on Your pity and Your love unswerving,
not my deserving.

—Johann Heermann, 1639