Estomihi (Quinquagesima Sunday).

Poet unknown.

2. Melody of the German Agnus Dei, Braunschweig, 1524; 4. text of the preceding.

Composed in Cöthen for the audition for the cantorship in Leipzig, 7 February 1723 (whether it was performed is not known, see Dürr, p. 217); also, at the latest, 20 February 1724, Leipzig; again between 1728 and 1731.

BG 5, 1; NBA I/8.

1. Aria (S, A)

Thou, very God and David's Son,
Who from eternity and from afar e'en now
My heart's distress and this my body's pain
With caring dost regard, thy mercy give!

And through thine hand, with wonder filled,
Which so much evil hath repelled,
Give me as well both help and comfort.

2. Recit. (T) with instr. chorale

Ah, do not disregard me,
Thou, Savior of all men,
Art yes appearéd,
The ailing and not to the well to give thy succor.(1)
Thus shall I also share in thine almighty power;
I do see thee upon these pathways,
Where they have
Deigned to leave me lying,
E'en in my sightless state.
I'll rest here firm
And leave thee not
Without thy gracious blessing.

3. Chorus (S, A, T, B)

Every eye now waiteth, Lord,
Thou Almighty God, for thee,(2)
And mine own especially.
Give to them both strength and light,
Leave them not
Evermore to stay in darkness.
Henceforth shall thy nod alone
The belovéd central aim
Of their every labor be,
Till thou shalt at last through death
Once again decide to close them.

4. Chorale (S, A, T, B)

Christ, of God the Lamb,
Thou who lifts the world from sin,
Have mercy on us!
Christ, of God the Lamb,
Thou who lifts the world from sin,
Have mercy on us!
Christ, of God the Lamb,
Thou who lifts the world from sin,
Give us thy peace Amen.

1. Cf. Mk. 2:17.

2. Cf. Ps. 145:15.

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