186. The Royal Banners Forward Go

1 The royal banners forward go;
the cross shines forth in mystic glow;
where he, the Life, did flesh endure,
and by that death did life procure.

2 There while he hung, his sacred side
by soldier's spear was opened wide
to cleanse us in the precious flood
of water mingled with his blood.

3 Fulfilled is all his words foretold;
then spread the banners, and unfold
love's crowning power, that all may see
he reigns and triumphs from the tree.

4 O tree of grace, the conquering sign,
which dost in royal purple shine,
gone is thy shame; for, lo, each bough
proclaims the prince of glory now.

5 For once thy favoured branches bore
the wealth that did the world restore,
the priceless treasure, freely spent
to pay for our enfranchisement.

6 Father of all, life's source and spring,
may every soul thy praises sing;
may those obey the rule of heaven,
for whom the perfect life was given.

Text Information
First Line: The royal banners forward go
Title: The Royal Banners Forward Go
Author: Venantius Fortunatus (540?-600?)
Translator: John Mason Neale (1818-1866) (alt.)
Translator: Percy Dearmer (1867-1936) (alt.)
Meter: LM
Language: English
Publication Date: 1998
Scripture: ; ; ; ; ;
Topic: Holy Week (Good Friday)
Copyright: Tr. © Oxford University Press
Tune Information
Name: VEXILLA REGIS
Harmonizer: Healey Willan (1880-1968)
Meter: LM
Key: e minor
Source: Plainsong, Mode 1 (12th cent.)
Copyright: Harm. © Estate of Healey Willan



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