132. Of Eternal Love Begotten

1 Of eternal love begotten,
ere the worlds began to be,
he is Alpha and Omega,
he the source, the ending he,
of the things that are, that have been,
and that future years shall see,
evermore and evermore.

2 At his Word the worlds were framed.
He commanded, it was done:
heaven and earth and depths of ocean,
in their threefold order one;
all that grows beneath the shining,
of the moon and burning sun,
evermore and evermore.

3 O that birth for ever blessed,
when the virgin, full of grace,
by the Holy Ghost conceiving,
bare the Saviour of our race,
and the babe, the world's redeemer,
first revealed his sacred face,
evermore and evermore.

4 This is he whom seers in old time
chanted of with one accord,
whom the voices of the prophets
promised in their faithful word;
now he shines, the long-expected;
let creation praise its Lord,
evermore and evermore.

5 O ye heights of heaven adore him;
angel hosts, his praises sing;
all dominions bow before him,
and extol our God and king;
let no tongue on earth be silent,
every voice in concert ring,
evermore and evermore.

6 Christ, to thee, with God the Father,
and, O Holy Ghost, to thee,
hymn and chant and high thanksgiving,
and unwearied praises be,
honour, glory, and dominion,
and eternal victory,
evermore and evermore.

Text Information
First Line: Of eternal Love begotten
Title: Of Eternal Love Begotten
Author: Aurelius Clemens Prudentius (348-413?)
Translator: John Mason Neale (1818-1866) (alt.)
Meter: 87 87 87 7
Language: English
Publication Date: 1998
Scripture: ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
Topic: Christmas; Mary; Epiphany
Tune Information
Name: DIVINUM MYSTERIUM
Harmonizer: Healey Willan (1880-1968)
Meter: 87 87 87 7
Key: e minor
Source: Plainsong, Mode 8 (12th cent.?); adapt. Piae Cantiones, 1582
Copyright: Harm. © Estate of Healey Willan



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