What was Thy crime, my dearest Lord ?
By earth, by heaven, Thou hast been tried,
And guilty found of too much love;-
Jesus, our Love, is crucified !

Found guilty of excess of love,
It was Thine own sweet will that tied
Thee tighter far than helpless nails;-
Jesus, our Love, is crucified !

O break, O break, hard heart of mine !
Thy weak self-love and guilty pride
His Pilate and His Judas were;-
Jesus, our Love, is crucified !

O love of God !O sin of man !
In this dread act your strength is tried,
And victory remains with love,
For He, our Love, is crucified !