Why Doth That Impious Herod Fear

For Epiphany

Words: "Hostis Herodes Impie," Cœlius Sedulius, ca. 430
Translation: Hymns Ancient And Modern

Music: "Evening Hymn"
Original Melody of the Vth Century.
Harmony by Dr. F. Layriz

Source: J. H. Hopkins, ed., Great Hymns of the Church Compiled by the Late Right Reverend John Freeman Young (New York: James Pott & Company, 1887), #90, p. 138.

1. Why doth that impious Herod fear,
When told that Christ the King is near?
He takes not earthly realms away,
Who gives the realms that ne'er decay.

3. The Eastern sages saw from far
And followed on His guiding star;
By light their way to Light they trod,
And by their gifts confessed their God.

3. Within the Jordan's sacred flood
The heavenly Lamb in meekness stood,
That He, to Whom no sin was known,
Might cleanse His people from their own.

4. And oh! what miracle divine,
When water reddened into wine;
He spake the word, and forth it flowed
In streams that nature ne'er bestowed.

5. All glory, Jesu, be to Thee,
For this Thy glad Epiphany:
Whom, with the Father, we adore,
And Holy Ghost for evermore. Amen.

Sheet Music from J. H. Hopkins, ed., Great Hymns of the Church Compiled by the Late Right Reverend John Freeman Young (New York: James Pott & Company, 1887), #90, p. 138.

If you would like to help support Hymns and Carols of Christmas, please click on the button below and make a donation.

Related Hymns and Carols