Translation

I know, dear Lord, that it is audacity

to write of Thee with the unworthy pen,

but Thy greatness is of such benevolence

that it requires striving, not understanding.

 

This striving towards Thee is the harmony

that best guides anyone to Thine approval,

for there is no song so strange and beautiful

as thoughts employed in contemplating Thee.

 

Be Thou the only object of my music

and spare not from the rigors of just censure

my wit, my voice, and my temerity,

 

for if my innocent and humble striving

finds favor in the Greatest Sovereignty—

what greater glories, Lord, what sweeter bliss?