Lyra Ecclesiastica/First Series/Hymn of St. Thomas Aquinas
HYMN OF ST. THOMAS AQUINAS,
VERBUM SUPERNUM PRODIENS.
1.The Word supernal forth proceeds,
Nor leaves the right hand of His Sire,
To execute His lofty deeds
With life's sad even drawing nigher.
2.By His disciple unto death
Unto His enemies betrayed,
He first the sustenance of breath
Himself to His disciples made.
3.To whom He gave in either kind
The sacred flesh, the pretious blood,
That unto man of both combined
He might become celestial food.
4.Man's friend He's born in human guise,—
And dwells with him his food to be,—
As his redemption's price He dies,—
And reigns his crown of majesty.
5.O! Victim of Salvation's cause,
Who Heaven's gates hast open laid,
While overwhelm'd with hostile wars,
Afford us strength and grant us aid.
6.To great Jehovah, one and three,
Be everlasting glory given:
A life of endless bliss may He
Award us in the realms of Heaven.