Of his flesh the myst'ry sing:
Of the Blood, all price exceeding,
Shed by our immortal King,
Destined for the world's redemption,
From a noble womb to spring.
Of a pure and spotless virgin
Born for us on earth below,
He, as man, with men conversing,
Stayed, the seeds of truth to sow;
Then he closed in solemn order
Wondrously his life of woe.
On the night of that last supper,
Seated with his chosen band,
He, the Paschal victim eating,
First fulfills the Law's command;
Then as food, to his apostles
Gives himself with his own hand.
Word made flesh, the bread of nature
By his word to flesh he turns;
Wine into his blood he changes:
What though sense no change discerns?
Only be the heart in earnest,
Faith her lesson quickly learns.
Down in adoration falling
Lo, the sacred host we hail;
Lo, o'er ancient forms departing
Newer rites of grace prevail,
Faith, for all defects supplying
Where the feeble senses fail.
To the everlasting Father
And the Son who reigns on high,
With the Holy Ghost proceeding
Forth from each eternally,
Be salvation, honour, blessing,
Might and endless majesty.
Amen.