1 I love thee, Lord, but not because
I hope for heaven thereby,
nor yet for fear that loving not
I might for ever die;

2 but for that thou didst all the world
upon the cross embrace;
for us didst bear the nails and spear,
and manifold disgrace,

3 and griefs and torments numberless,
and sweat of agony;
e'en death itself; and all for one
who was thine enemy.

4 Then why, most loving Jesus Christ,
should I not love thee well,
not for the sake of winning heaven,
nor any fear of hell;

5 not with the hope of gaining aught,
not seeking a reward;
but as thyself hast loved me,
O ever loving Lord!

6 E'en so I love thee, and will love,
and in thy praise will sing,
solely because thou art my God
and my eternal King.