Woher denn kommt' es zu dieser Zeit

[234]Anon.

trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1869

Why is it that life is no longer sad,

And my soul within me is now so glad?

Because with repentance earnest and meet

I cast me at Christ my Saviour's feet.

The light of my eyes had waxen dim

Because my heart had forsaken Him,

My heart was aching and pined away,

Long and weary seemed night and day:

Then to make me love Him still more and more

He forgave the sin I had done before,

And this is the reason, and only this,

That this soul of mine hath found her bliss.

Dear soul, then keep thee now pure and free,

That nought of error be found in thee,

And so prepare thee, through gladness here,

For a heaven of joy without a tear.

[32] Ludämilia Elisabeth and Emilie-Juliane.