A Hymn for Holy Week

I enter now Gethsemane
And I behold Thee weep.
I come to watch and pray with Thee:
Save me, O Lord, from sleep.

My flesh cries for indulgence now:
Why dids’t Thou bring me here?
For Egypt do I long, not Thou!
Why is Thy love severe?

And when the World with spear and stave
Hast come to take Thee hence,
I flee from Thee, myself to save,
When Thou art my defense.

The Tempter through the Garden slinks
And whispers soothing words.
The bitter cup the Master drinks
And for the battle girds.

Behold, the hour is now at hand,
And I am found asleep.
Thou art betrayed, as God hath planned,
And we have fled like sheep.

What we cannot, Thou must achieve,
For Thou art our relief.
With tears I say, “Lord, I believe;
Help Thou my unbelief.”