OF THE GLORIOUS BODY TELLING

[1]
Of the glorious body telling,
O my tongue, its mysteries sing,
and the blood, all price excelling,
which the world's eternal king,
in a noble womb once dwelling,
shed for this world's ransoming.

[2]
Given for us, for us descending,
of a virgin to proceed,
man with man in converse blending,
scattered he the gospel seed,
till his sojourn drew to ending,
which he closed in wondrous deed.

[3]
At the last great supper lying
circled by his brethren's band,
meekly with the law complying,
first he finished its command,
then, immortal food supplying,
gave himself with his own hand.

[4]
Word made flesh, by word he maketh
very bread his flesh to be;
man in wine Christ's blood partaketh;
and, if senses fail to see,
faith alone the true heart waketh
to behold the mystery.

[5]
Therefore we, before him bending,
this great Sacrament revere;
types and shadows have their ending,
for the newer rite is here;
faith, our outward sense befriending,
makes the inward vision clear.

[6]
Glory let us give, and blessing
to the Father, and the Son;
honour, might and praise addressing
while eternal ages run;
ever too his love confessing,
who, from both, with both is one,