Hymn to the Cross

Hymn to the Cross

The regal banners now advance, now shines the mystery of the cross on which the Creator of mankind made man, was raised on high to die.

With arms fast bound and nailed hands the cross-piece fixed, we now behold the sign of our redemption there where Clemency the victim makes.

His side, sore wounded by the point, transpiercing, of the cruel lance,
to cleanse the world from sinful stain pours blood and water from the wound.

Now is the prophecy fulfilled
of David speaking with such truth when to the nations he foretold that God would reign upon a tree.

O shining and majestic tree adorned with regal mantle now, most noble trunk, chosen to bear limbs of such great sanctity.

O blessed tree, that with your arms support the Saviour of the world a balance for that flesh divine that snatched away the prey of hell.

From your bark a perfume breathes in sweetness surpassing nectar far, proudly you bear the fertile fruit while shouts acclaim his triumph now.

From the glory of the Passion praise to the altar and Victim blest in passion, undergoing death, with death, restoring life again.

Hail cross, our one and only hope, in this our time of mourning, grant that all the faithful grow in grace and sinners have their guilt forgiven.

O Trinity, the source of life,
all spirits sing their praise to you.
To those time-bound give comfort still, who by the cross have been redeemed.

Venantius Fortunatus