O God, thy soldiers' crown and guard

O God, thy soldiers' crown and guard

O God, thy soldiers' great reward,
their portion, crown and faithful Lord,
from all transgressions set us free,
who sing thy martyr's victory.

By wisdom taught, he learned to know
the vanity of all below,
the fleeting joys of earth disdained,
and everlasting glory gained.

Right manfully his cross he bore,
and ran his race of torments sore;
for thee he poured his life away,
with thee he lives in endless day.

We therefore pray thee, Lord of love,
regard us from thy throne above;
on this thy martyr's triumph day,
wash every stain of sin away.

All praise to God the Father be,
all praise, eternal Son, to thee,
whom with the Spirit we adore
for ever and for evermore.
Words: Latin, sixth century;
trans. John Mason Neale, 1851 and Hymns Ancient & Modern