Pange lingua gloriosi proelium certaminis (Part II)

Thus did Christ to perfect manhood
In our mortal flesh attain:
Then of his free choice He goeth
To a death of bitter pain;
And as a lamb, upon the altar
Of the Cross, for us is slain.

Lo, with gall his thirst He quenches!
See the thorns upon his brow!
Nails his tender flesh are rending!
See, his side is open’d now!
Whence, to cleanse the whole creation.
Streams of blood and water flow.

Lofty Tree, bend down thy branches,
To embrace thy sacred load;
Oh, relax the native tension
Of that all too rigid wood;
Gently, gently bear the members
Of thy dying King and God.

Tree, which solely wast found worthy
The world’s great Victim to sustain;
Harbour from the raging tempest!
Ark, that sav’d the world again!
Tree, with sacred Blood anointed
Of the Lamb for sinners slain.

Blessing, honour everlasting.
To the immortal Deity;
To the Father, Son, and Spirit,
Equal praises ever be;
Glory through the earth and Heaven
To Trinity in Unity.