Sequence 34. S. John the Evangelist

December 27TH.
Preface. John, the eagle, first of Evangelists, the
Triune God revealeth !

BLESSED resting-place of grace !
Who on heaven's great King dost gaze
With the mind's eye, face to face,
All unblinded !

For the Spirit shows God's throne
To him, deifying John,
Making him with angels one,
Heavenly-minded !

Now the water, life supplying,
As it springs up, drinks he, lying
On the bosom of the Lord :
Now he shines with many a wonder,
Now the force of fire keeps under,
And of hot oil round him poured.

Wondrous it seems to be,
That, 'mid torture's agony.

206 S. yOANNES EVANG ELISTA.
to '
Martyrdom one should gain,
And yet never feel the pain.

O martyr ! O virgin ! — that Virgin's guardian, — who
did earth's chief Glory bear !

From Whom is, in Whom is, — through Whom is
everything, — may He through thee hear our
prayer !

O thou, beloved above the rest !
Ask Christ, Who loved thee far the best,
To Him pressing
Prayers addressing,
For His reconciling grace.

River ! lead us to the fountain ;
Hill ! conduct us to the mountain ;
Who endurest
Virgin purest !

Let us see the Bridegroom's face.
Conclusion, To the Bridegroom endless praise !

2o8 S. THOMAS CANTUARIUS.