[The barring of this tune is necessarily irregular. But its performance will be found to be easy if it is remembered that the time-value of a crotchet is the same throughout.]
Suitable till Candlemas.
St. Germanus, 634–734. Tr. J. M. Neale †.
Μέγα ĸαί παράδοξον θαυμα.
A GREAT and mighty wonder, A full and holy cure!
The Virgin bears the Infant With virgin-honour pure.
Repeat the hymn again! 'To God on high be glory, And peace on earth to men!'
2 The Word becomes incarnate And yet remains on high!
And Cherubim sing anthems To shepherds from the sky.
3 While thus they sing your Monarch, Those bright angelic bands,
Rejoice, ye vales and mountains, Ye oceans clap your hands.
4 Since all he comes to ransom, By all be he adored,
The Infant born in Bethl’em, The Saviour and the Lord.
5. And idol forms shall perish, And error shall decay,
And Christ shall wield his sceptre, Our Lord and God for ay.
