If the world were mine and all its store,

And were it of crystal gold;

Could I reign on its throne for evermore,

From the ancient days of old,

An empress noble and fair as day,

O gladly might it be,

That I might cast it all away,

Christ, only Christ for me.

For Christ my Lord my spirit longs,

For Christ, my Saviour dear;

The joy and sweetness of my songs,

The whilst I wander here.

O Lord, my spirit fain would flee

From the lonely wilderness to Thee.