LIV Hymn on the Holy Angels (1.) Christe, sanctorum decus Angelorum CHRIST, of Thy Angel host the grace, The Saviour of mankind, Grant us on high a blessed place With that blest host to find. But first on us below to wait Be those blest spirits given, The court of Thy imperial state, Angel of peace, let Michael come From heaven, and hell-ward send Disastrous war, and here at home In one all spirits blend! Angel of strength, let Gabriel join To quell our ancient foes; And visit, pleased, each heaven-loved shrine, Which erst his trophies rose ! Angel of health, let Raphael speed To guide aright each dubious deed, Grant us such aid, Eternal King, May Thee, Paternal Godhead, sing, LV Hymn on the Holy Angels (2.) Te splendor et virtus Patris THEE, the Father's power and light, Jesus, Thee, our heart's delight, Thee, whose lips our life sustain, Praise we 'mid Thy angel train. Thousand thousand chiefs at hand Round Thy throne embattled stand: Sign of weal to their array, Michael's hands the cross display. He, the ancient dragon fell Smote and drove to nether hell : He both chief, and rebel crew, Victor from heaven's rampart threw. Oh, against that chief of pride By us be Michael's banner tried; And a crown of glory won From the Lamb's imperial throne. Glory to the Father be, Glory, only Son, to Thee, Glory to the Spirit blest, Now and evermore addrest. LVI Hymn on the Holy Prophets Quicumque Christum quæritis YE Who Messiah seek, Aloft your eyes incline, And see yon 'holy mount' bespeak, There faith may ONE behold, Majestic, vast, sublime; Who ne'er began, ne'er ends; controll'd By neither space nor time. 'Tis Judah's King, decreed The Gentiles' crown to wear, The faithful Abraham's promised seed, The royal David's heir. |