Saepe dum Christi populus

Ofttimes, when hemm’d around by hostile arms,
The Christian people lay all sore dismay’d.
From Heav’n hath come the Virgin gliding down,
To lend her loving aid.

So speak the monuments of olden time,
And temples which all bright with spoils appear;
So speak the Festivals in her sweet praise,
Returning year by year.

Now for new mercies a new song we pour,
To Mary lifting high our grateful voice;
Now let all Rome with shouts triumphant ring,
And the wide world rejoice.

Oh, happy day! on which Saint Peter’s throne
Receiv’d the Faith’s great Ruler back again;
Returning from his banishment in peace,
O’er Christendom to reign.

Ye youths and virgins, priests and people all!
Pour out your grateful hearts on this glad day,
Striving with all your strength, to Heaven’s high Queen,
Her well-earn’d praise to pay.

Virgin of Virgins! Jesu’s Mother blest!
Add yet another mercy to the past;
And grant our Pastor all his flock to lead
Safe into Heav’n at last.

To Thee, blest Trinity, be endless praise,
Blessing, and majesty, and glory due;
To Thee may we our hearts and voices raise,
Eternal ages through.