Religion
Broken are the bands that bound us
Translated by John Brownlie (1896) · From Hymns of the Early Church (1896)
Broken are the bands that bound us,
Spoiled are Satan's realms around us,
And to joys supernal now,
Christ returns with hosts attending,
And, as when at first descending,
Angel guards their homage bow.
Far above the stars ascending,
Faith alone His course attending,
Passing now from mortal sight;
To His hand all power is given,
One with God He rules in heaven,
One in honour and in might.
Victor on His throne uplifted,
See all rule to Him is gifted,
O'er Creation's wide domain.
Now for evermore He liveth,
Nevermore His life He giveth—
Once the sacrifice was slain.
Once He wore our flesh in weakness,
Once He suffered, once in meekness
Gave Himself for sin to die.
Now no longer pain He knoweth:
Perfect peace for ever floweth,
Perfect joy is ever nigh.
Codex Note
Latin: Postquam hostem et inferna. Brownlie: by Adam of St. Victor.
Cite this poem
MLA
Victor, Adam of St. “Broken are the bands that bound us.” Translated by John Brownlie. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/adam-of-st-victor/11/.
Chicago
Victor, Adam of St. “Broken are the bands that bound us.” Translated by John Brownlie. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/adam-of-st-victor/11/.
Read this poem with the Codex →