Through a belief in the threeness, MORNING HYMN GREGORY THE GREAT, c. 600 A.D. Translated by Edward Caswall Lo, fainter now lie spread the shades of night, That his sweet charity may all our sin Father Supreme, this grace on us confer; A HYMN THE VENERABLE BEDE, 735 A.D. Translated by Elizabeth Charles A hymn of glory let us sing; New songs throughout the world shall ring; Christ mounteth to the throne of God. The apostles on the mountain stand,— They with the virgin mother, see The angels say to the eleven: They said the Lord should come again, May our affections thither tend, Where, seated on the Father's throne, Be thou our present joy, Oh Lord! THE SOUL'S BITTER CRY TAMIL SAIVITE SAINTS, Between 600 and 800 A.D. In right I have no power to live, O light, O flame, O first of all, I wandered far that I might see, Thy flower-like feet of purity. Daily I'm sunk in worldly sin; O Thou with throat one darkling gem, Gracious, such grace to me accord, My fickle heart one love forsakes, The bond of lust I cannot break; To scan my flesh with seeing eye. Load such as I can ne'er lay down. Weary of joyless life I've grown. VENI CREATOR SPIRITUS Attributed to CHARLEMAGNE, 800 A.D. Translated by Dryden Creator Spirit, by whose aid The world's foundations first were laid, Come, visit every pious mind, Come, pour thy joys on humankind; From sin and sorrow set us free, O source of uncreated light, Our hearts with heavenly love inspire; Plenteous grace, descend from high, Who dost the gift of tongues dispense, Refine and purge our earthly parts: Chase from our minds the infernal foe, Make us eternal truths receive, Immortal honor, endless fame, Eternal Paraclete, to thee! THE FINISHED COURSE ST. JOSEPH OF THE STUDIUM, 850 A.D. Translated by J. R. Neale Safe home, safe home in port; But oh, the joy, upon the shore The prize, the prize secure! And bore not always well; But he may smile at troubles gone Who sets the victor's garland on. No more the foe can harm; No more, of leaguered camp, And cry of night alarm, And need of ready lamp; How nearly had the foe prevailed! The lamb is in the fold, In perfect safety planned; The lion once had hold, And thought to make an end, But one came by with wounded side, And for the sheep the shepherd died. The Exile is at home; O nights and days of tears! O longing not to roam! O sins and doubts and fears! What matters now? O joyful day! The king hath wiped all tears away! |