ergy!
Thou strength of his almighty hand.
Whose power does heaven and earth command!
Proceeding Spirit, our defence,
Who dost the gifts of tongues dispense,
And crown'st thy gift with eloquence!
Refine and purge our earthly parts;
But, O, inflame and fire our hearts!
Our frailties help, our vice control,
Submit the senses to the soul;
And when rebellious they are grown,
Then lay thy hand and hold 'em down.
Chase from our minds the infernal foe,
And peace, the fruit of love, bestow;
And, lest our feet should step astray,
Protect and guide us on the way.
Make us eternal truths receive,
And practise all that we believe;
Give us thyself, that we may see
The Father and the Son by thee.
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.
O cleanse us that we sin no more.
O'er parched souls thy waters pour;
Heal the sad heart that acheth sore.
Thy will be ours in all our ways;
O melt the frozen with thy rays;
Call home the lost in error's maze.
And grant us, Lord, who cry to thee,
And hold the Faith in unity,
Thy precious gifts of charity;
That we may live in holiness,
And find in death our happiness,
And dwell with thee in lasting bliss!
From the Latin of KING ROBERT II. OF FRANCE.
Translation of CATHARINE WINKWORTH.
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