Having seen the world’s fair beauty

Having seen the world’s fair beauty,
  Lord, I would be blind once more,
Lest I lose the loving Presence
  And Delight I knew before.

Dawn and sunset, star and moonlight,
  I can see in paradise,
But while here on earth His mercy
  For my blindness will suffice.

I no more would be delivered
  From my thorn, but look for grace,
While within the veil His glory
  Shineth brightly on my face.

In the deep dark night, His beauty
  I by faith, not sight, may trace;
He was ridiculed and hated,
  Yet I see His glorious face.

Sun and moonlight far surpassing,
  Clouds and Milky Way o’erspread,
Is the glory all transcending
  Shining from His thorn-crowned head.