Sonnets XCI: Passion-week, 1845

Again the solemn season — and again
That bleeding Brow, those wounded Hands and Feet-
Again that pierced Side my vision meet;
Afresh that holy Form is bowed with pain.
O Thou, the all-sufficing Victim, slain
For man's transgression; by Thy mercy sweet,
From God's right hand of power, Thy glory-seat,
To look upon Thy sorrowing people deign.
Unworthy, Lord, unworthy of Thy name,
Behold Thy sinful Church; by hatred rent,
In the vain world, and not in Thee, content:
Cast us not off, O Lord! in deepest shame,
On bended knees, we utter our lament,
Up to Thy throne in daily sighing sent.