Immortal honor, endless fame,
Attend the Almighty Father's name;
The Saviour Son be glorified,
Who for lost man's redemption died;
And equal adoration be,
Eternal Paraclete, to thee.
From the Latin of ST. GREGORY.
Translation of JOHN DRYDEN.
*
VENI SANCTE SPIRITUS.
[Written in the tenth century by Robert II., the gentle son
of Hugh Capet. It is often mentioned as second in rank to the
Dies Irae.]
Come, Holy Ghost! thou fire divine!
From highest heaven on us down shine!
Comforter, be thy comfort mine!
Come, Father of the poor, to earth;
Come, with thy gifts of precious worth;
Come Light of all of mortal birth!
Thou rich in comfort! Ever blest
The heart where thou art constant guest,
Who giv'st the heavy-laden rest.
Come, thou in whom our toil is sweet,
Our shadow in the noonday heat,
Before whom mourning flieth fleet.
Bright Sun of Grace! thy sunshine dart
On all who cry to thee apart,
And fill with gladness every heart.
Whate'er without thy aid is wrought,
Or skilful deed, or wisest thought,
God counts it vain and merely naught.