The Heavenly Word Proceeding Forth

Hymn from Lauds [translated by John Mason Neale (1818–1866)]

The heavenly Word proceeding forth, yet leaving not the Father’s side, and going to his work on earth, had reached at length life’s eventide.

• By false disciple to be given
  to foemen for his life athirst,
  himself, the living bread from heaven,
  he gave to his disciples first.
• In twofold form of sacrament,
  he gave his flesh, he gave his blood,
  that man, of soul and body blent,
  might wholly feed on mystic food.
• By birth man’s fellow-man was he,
  his meat while sitting at the board;
  he died, our ransomer to be,
  he reigns to be our great reward.
• O saving Victim, opening wide
  the gate of heaven to man below;
  our foes press hard on every side,
  thine aid supply, thy strength bestow.
• All praise and thanks to thee ascend
  for evermore, blest one in three;
  O grant us life that shall not end,
  in our true native land with thee. Amen.