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Hymns

St Ambrose of Milan, tr. Copeland, 1848

Chapter 9

Advent and the Nativity. At Vespers, or Compline.

Come, Blest Redeemer of the earth,
Shew to the world a Virgin Birth;
Let all the wondering ages know
What Birth beseems our God below.

Not of the seed of mortal race,
By mystic Breath of heavenly Grace
The Word of God in Flesh array’d,
True Offspring blooms of Mother-maid.

The Virgin bears the burthen pure,
And Ever-Virgin doth endure,
Like pennons bright her graces shine,
And God is in His hallow’d shrine.

The Bridegroom from His chamber springs,
Meet palace of the King of kings;
True God True Man in Person One,
Like giant glad His course to run.

From Sire in Heaven He goeth forth,
To Sire in Heaven returns from earth,
Descending e’en to Hell’s abode,
Ascending to the throne of God.

Eternal Sire’s Co-equal Son,
Thy fleshly girdle gird Thee on,
The frailty of our mortal plight
To strengthen with immortal might.

Full brightly shines Thy manger-bed,
And night herself new light doth shed,
A light o’er which no night shall close,
Aye bright to faith as when it rose.

To God the Father, in the height,
And to the Son, True Light of Light,
And Holy Ghost, all glory be,
Now and through all eternity.