From holy depths he to the Father prayed,
"Forgive them, for they know not what they do."
His heart, pierced then with anguish through and through,
Cried out "'Tis finished," as he death obeyed.
In bitterest wrong this marvellous soul was weighed
With tenderest love and longing towards those who,
Through ignorance of what they might be too,
Were now the slaves of evil passion's raid.
"They know not what they do." O blessed sight
Into the heart of sin's great mystery.
Forgiveness here is shown in sweetest light,
Clothed in her garment of sincerity.
Blest are those souls who reach this precious height;
They know the secret of Christ's victory.