Edward Caswall: Collected Lyrics
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Public-domain lyrics

The Good Shepherd

Edward Caswall

“The Good Shepherd” as printed in A First Series of Hymns and Songs (1853).

Edward Caswall: Collected Lyrics Text 8 1853 · historical text
Public domainHymnSacred song
Complete public-domain lyrics

This text comes from A First Series of Hymns and Songs, a historical songbook transcribed on Wikisource and reproduced from the pinned revision linked below.

Verse 1

I met the Good Shepherd but now on the plain,

As homeward he carried his lost one again:

I marvell'd how gently his burden he bore,

And as he pass'd by me I knelt to adore.

Verse 2

Oh, Shepherd, Good Shepherd, thy wounds they are deep.

The wolves have sore hurt thee in saving thy sheep;

Thy raiment all over with crimson is dyed,

And what is this rent they have made in thy side?

Verse 3

Ah me, how the thorns have entangled thy hair,

And cruelly riven that forehead so fair!

How feebly thou drawest thy faltering breath,

And lo, on thy face is the paleness of death!

Verse 4

Oh, Shepherd, Good Shepherd, and is it for me

Such grievous affliction hath fallen on thee?

Oh, then let me strive, for the love thou hast borne,

To give thee no longer occasion to mourn.

Credits

Written by Edward Caswall

Words by Edward Caswall. Historical text published in A First Series of Hymns and Songs (1853); public domain. No claim to a modern recording or arrangement.

Source & text edition

A First Series of Hymns and Songs (1853), “The Good Shepherd”

Every text in this 1853 collection is by Henry Formby (1816-1884), who died more than 140 years ago, so the text is in the public domain worldwide; the edition carries a Wikisource PD-old determination.

How to read this historical text and its source

Read the source on Wikisource

View copyright evidence · Transcription terms (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Retrieved 2026-10-26. Line spacing and section labels are adapted for reading. The displayed text follows the linked edition. Editorial notes and abstract artwork are by 52lyrics.
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