1 How long wilt thou forget me, Lord?

must I for ever mourn?

How long wilt thou withdraw from me,

Oh! never to return?

2 How long shall anxious thoughts my soul,

and grief my heart oppress?

How long my enemies insult,

and I have no redress?

3 O hear! and to my longing eyes

restore thy wonted light!

And suddenly, or I shall sleep

in everlasting night.

4 Restore me, lest they proudly boast,

'twas their own strength o'ercame,

Permit not them that vex my soul

to triumph in my shame.

5 Since I have always placed my trust

beneath thy mercy's wing,

Thy saving health will come, and then

my heart with joy shall spring:

6 Then shall my song, with praise inspired,

to thee, my God, ascend;

Who to thy servant in distress

such bounty didst extend.