Sequence 33. St. John the Evangelist

December 27TH.
LET our choir upon this day, — as they lift
their anthem, pay, — Christ due praises ;
Day, when John became a guest — at high heaven's
supernal feast — with his brethren ;
Who for marvels by him done, — many and most
great, was known, — -whilst here living ;
Father, vessel, marriage -bed — and himself he left,
instead — Christ to follow.

More illustrious than the rest — lying upon Jesus'
breast — at the supper ;
From the Cross to this chaste one — was the Virgin
by the Son — given over.

Boiling oil he overcame, — and, when shorn for
scoff and shame, — mocked their scourgings ;
For the Gospel's honour spent, — banishment he
underwent, — torture, fetters.

He through faith did poison drain, — and the dead
revived again, — first restoring a young man,
— then a mother.

Gold from foliage fashioned he, — out of pebbles
jewelry, — and their fragments perfectly —
put together. lo
Christ visits him to call him home, — and he, alive
still, entereth the tomb, — thence seeks
heaven.

Now, Christ ! to Thee plead voice and prayer, —
bring us to be his partners there, — through
the ages ! Amen.