Thou art fairer than the children of men ... Psalm 45:2
Münster Gesangbuch, 1677; tr. 1850, 1873
SCHÖNSTER HERR JESU 5. 6. 8. 5. 5. 8.
Silesian folk-song,
in Schlesischen Volkslieder, Leipzig, 1842
Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of all nature,
Son of God and Son of Man!
Thee will I cherish, thee will I honor,
Thou, my soul’s glory, joy, and crown.
Fair are the meadows, fair are the woodlands,
Robed in the blooming garb of spring:
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer,
Who makes the woeful heart to sing.
Fair is the sunshine, fair is the moonlight,
And all the twinkling, starry host:
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels heav’n can boast.
Beautiful Saviour! Lord of the nations!
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, praise, adoration,
Now and for evermore be thine.