1 Like sheep we went astray,
And broke the fold of God,
Each wandering in a different way,
But all the downward road.
2 How dreadful was the hour
When God our wanderings laid,
And did at once his vengeance pour
Upon the Shepherd's head!
3 How glorious was the grace
When Christ sustain'd the stroke!
His life and blood the Shepherd pays,
A ransom for the flock.
4 His honour and his breath
Were taken both away;
Join'd with the wicked in his death,
And made as vile as they.
5 But God shall raise his head
O'er all the sons of men,
And make him see a numerous seed
To recompense his pain.
6 "I'll give him, (saith the Lord)
"A portion with the strong;
"He shall possess a large reward,
"And hold his honours long."