John Mason Neale (trans.) · 15 of 89

Stichera at Vespers, S. Stephen's Day

The LORD and King of all things But yesterday was born: And Stephen’s glorious offering His birthtide shall adorn. No pearls of orient splendour, No jewels can he show; But with his own true heart’s-blood His shining vestments glow.

Come, ye that love the Martyrs, And pluck the flow’rs of song, And weave them in a garland For this our suppliant throng; And cry,—O thou that shinest In grace’s brighest ray, CHRIST’s valiant Protomartyr, For peace and favour pray!

Thou first of all Confessors, Thou of all Deacons crown, Of every following athlete The glory and renown: Make supplication, standing Before CHRIST’s Royal Throne, That He would give the kingdom, And for our sins atone!