1 I cannot bear thine absence, Lord, My life expires if thou depart; Be thou, my heart, still near my God, And thou, my God, be near my heart.
2 I was not born for earth and sin, Nor can I live on things so vile; Yet I would stay my Father's time, And hope and wait for heaven a while.
3 Then, dearest Lord, in thine embrace Let me resign my fleeting breath, And with a smile upon my face Pass the important hour of death.