Since I know what you are, to love of you

Since I know what you are, to love of you
compel me; make love vanquish all my fear.

But if I fail to love as I would wish,
heap up my fear, and so let dread hold sin
at bay; then, free of sin, shall I shrug off
those habits that have barred the way to love.
May Death strike those who from you estranged me,
stifled all life, and left me almost dead!
Lord God, oh yet a while please let me live:
Even now I feel that to you I draw near .