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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,
The ministry of heaven.

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
Thy herald from on high,

To guide aright each dubious deed,
And light each languid eye.

Grant us such aid, Eternal King,
That we with Thy blest host,

May Thee, Paternal Godhead, sing,
Thy Son, and Holy Ghost.

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,
His deathless glory's sign.

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.

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