Christ knows the heights of heav'nly bliss
The depths of earthly woe;
Acquainted well our Jesus is
With all the griefs we know.

Thrice holy Lord! in heav'n they cry,
When Jesu's praise they sing;
On earth they shouted—‘Crucify!’
And mock'd the lowly King.

Alike unmov'd, he bends to wear
Heav'n's praises as his crown;
Unmov'd alike, he stands to bear
On earth his creatures' frown!

Meek as a lamb beneath the knife
Of butchering hands he lay;
And patiently resign'd the life
They could not take away.

But, oh! it shook his soul with dread,
And fill'd his heart with fear,
When God his Father turn'd his head
Against his fervent prayer!

Why, O ye saints, ye sinners, why
Did Jesus suffer thus?
In heav'n they shout—on earth they cry—
‘Jesus was slain for us!’