For The Holy Innocents
See: The Hymns Of The Holy Innocents
The Feast day of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs, is December 28

Version 1
See Sweet Flow'rets Of The Martyr Band (Henry W. Baker) - Version 2

Words: Salvete flores Martyrum, Cathemerinon ("The Hymns of Prudentius"), Aurelius Clemens Prudentius (348-405)
Translated by Sir Henry W. Baker (1821-1877), 1875

Salvete flores Martyrum is an excerpt from Hymn For The Epiphany
Compare and see notes under: All Hail, Ye Little Martyr Flowers

Music: "Sarratt," C. G. E. Ryley
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF
Meter: LM

1. Sweet flowerets of the martyr band,
Plucked by the tyrant's ruthless hand
Upon the threshold of the morn,
Like rosebuds by a tempest torn

2. First victims for the incarnate Lord,
A tender flock to feel the sword;
Beside the very altar gay,
With palm and crown, ye seemed to play.

3. Ah, what availed King Herod's wrath?
He could not stop the Savior's path.
Alone, while others murdered lay,
In safety Christ is borne away.

4. O Lord, the Virgin-born, to Thee
Eternal praise and glory be,
Whom with the Father we adore
And Holy Ghost forevermore. Amen.

Additional Tune:
Music: "Salvete Flores," Rev. J. B. Dykes
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF