John Mason Neale (trans.) · 46 of 89

Ode 3: Him, of the Father's very Essence

ODE III.

Him, of the FATHER’s very Essence, Begotten, ere the world began, And, in the latter time, of Mary, Without a human sire, made Man: Unto Him, this glorious morn, Be the strain outpoured! Thou That liftest up our horn, Holy art Thou, LORD!

The earthly Adam, erewhile quickened By the blest breath of GOD on high, Now made the victim of corruption, By woman’s guile betrayed to die, He, deceived by woman’s part, Supplication poured; Thou Who in my nature art, Holy art Thou, LORD!

Thou, JESUS CHRIST, wast consubstantial With this our perishable clay, And, by assuming earthly nature, Exaltedst it to heavenly day. Thou, That wast as mortal born, Being GOD adored, Thou That liftest up our horn, Holy art Thou, LORD!

Rejoice, O Bethlehem, the city Whence Judah’s monarchs had their birth; Where He that sitteth on the Cherubs, The King of Israel, came on earth: Manifested this blest morn, As of old time never, He hath lifted up our horn, He shall reign for ever!