4730. O Chief of Cities, Bethlehem

1. O chief of cities, Bethlehem,
Of David’s crown the fairest gem,
But more to us than David’s name,
In you, as man, the Savior came.

2. Beyond the sun in splendor bright,
Above you stands a wondrous light
Proclaiming from the conscious skies
That here, in flesh, the Godhead lies.

3. The wise men, seeing Him so fair,
Bow low before Him, and with prayer
Their treasured eastern gifts unfold
Of incense, myrrh, and royal gold.

4. The golden tribute owns Him King,
But frankincense to God they bring,
And last, prophetic sign, with myrrh,
They shadow forth His sepulcher.

5. O Jesus, whom the Gentiles see,
With Father, Spirit, One in Three:
To You, O God, be glory giv’n
By saints on earth and saints in Heav’n.

Text Information
First Line: O chief of cities, Bethlehem
Title: O Chief of Cities, Bethlehem
Latin Title: O sola magnarum urbium
Author: Aurelius Prudentius, 348-413
Meter: LM
Language: English
Source: composite translation from Latin to English
Copyright: Public Domain
Notes: Alternate tunes: CANONBURY, Robert Schumann, 1839; MAINSER, Joseph Mainzer, circa 1845; PUER NOBIS NASCITUR, 15th Century
Tune Information
Name: TRUTH FROM ABOVE
Meter: LM
Incipit: 51232 17152 33217
Key: g minor
Source: English folk tune
Copyright: Public Domain



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