John Mason Neale (trans.) · 71 of 89

Stars of the Morning

A Cento from the Canon of the “Bodiless Ones;” Tuesday in the Week of the Fourth Tone.

Stars of the morning, so gloriously bright, Filled with celestial resplendence and light; These that, where night never followeth day, Raise the Trishagion ever and aye:

These are Thy counsellors: these dost Thou own, GOD of Sabaoth! the nearest Thy throne; These are Thy ministers; these dost Thou send, Help of the helpless ones! man to defend.

These keep the guard, amidst Salem’s dear bowers: Thrones, Principalities, Virtues, and Powers: Where with the Living Ones, mystical Four, Cherubin, Seraphin, bow and adore.

“Who like the LORD?”—thunders Michael, the Chief: Raphael, “the Cure of GOD,” comforteth grief: And, as at Nazareth, prophet of peace, Gabriel, “the Light of GOD,” bringeth release.

Then, when the earth was first poised in mid-space,— Then, when the planets first sped on their race,— Then, when were ended the six days’ employ,— Then all the sons of GOD shouted for joy.

Still let them succour us; still let them fight, LORD of angelic hosts, battling for right! Till, where their anthems they ceaselessly pour, We with the Angels may bow and adore!

[No. 6 in H. E. C.]