SITTING down, they watched Him there,

Watched Him, fairest of the fair,

Gazed with cold, unpitying eye,

While the jeering crowd passed by;

For His vesture cast a lot

(Seamless robe, without a spot)—

Watched the “Man of Sorrows” there,

Who the world’s great sin must bear,

Watched while darkness veiled the sun,

Watched until He cried, “‘Tis done!”

God of Heaven, forbid that I

Thus should gaze with pitiless eye

On a suffering child of Thine,

Watch him while his foes malign,

Watch him while his life-blood flows,

Watch until the dark day’s close;

Grant me, Lord, a heart of love,

Make me like a tender dove,

Let me bring him strength and peace,

Until death shall send release!

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