Never yet could careless sleep
On Love's watchful eyelid creep;
Never yet could gloomy night
Damp his eye's immortal light;
Love is his own ray, and sees
Whatsoe'er Himself doth please;
Love his piercing look can dart
Through the shades of my dark heart,
And read plainer far than I
All the spots which there do lie.
Pardon then what Thou dost see
Mighty Love in wretched me:
Let the sweet wrath of thy ray
Chide my sinful night to day;
To the blessed day of grace,
Whose dear East smiled in thy face,
So no powers of darkness shall
In this night my soul appall;
So shall I sounder sleep,
'Cause my heart awake I keep,
Meekly waiting upon Thee,
Whilst Thou deign'st to watch for me.