With Boding Fears The Tyrant Hears

For the Holy Innocents, At Mattins.
See The Hymns Of The Holy Innocents

Words: Audit tyrannus anxius, Cathemerinon ("The Hymns of Prudentius"), Aurelius Clemens Prudentius (348-405)

Source: William John Copeland, Hymns for the Week and Hymns for the Seasons (W.J. Cleaver, 1848 ), p. 67.

With boding fears the tyrant hears
A King of Kings is hard at hand,
Who rule shall claim o'er Israel's name
And high in David's palace stand.

With wild surprise, " We die," he cries, "
Around us lurks a traitor brood ;
" Up, guard, awake, thy weapon take, "
And every cradle drown in blood."

What boots his ire, and dark desire;
What help, if he his thousands slay ?
Alone of all, around that fall,
The Christ is safely borne away.

Jesu, to Thee all glory be,
Of Mary, Virgin-Mother born ;
To God Triune all praise be done,
Through endless life's unwaning morn.

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