De Profundis

Out of the darkness I call;
I stretch forth my hands unto Thee.
Loose these fetters that foully enthral;
To their lock Thou alone hast the key.
Low at Thy footstool I fall,
Forgive and Thy servant is free!

Folly took hold of my time,
On pleasure I perched, to my woe;
I was snared in The Evil One's lime
And now all his promptings I know.
Crimson as blood is my crime.
Yet Thou canst wash whiter than snow.

Heaven overhead is one frown;
About me the black waters rave;
To the deep I go dreadfully down;
O pluck my feet out of the grave;
Lord! I am sinking, I drown,
O save, for Thou only canst save.