666. Let all mortal flesh keep silence

1 Let all mortal flesh keep silence,
and with fear and trembling stand;
ponder nothing earthly-minded,
for with blessing in his hand
Christ our Lord to earth descending,
comes our homage to demand.

2 King of kings, yet born of Mary,
as of old on earth he stood,
Lord of lords we now receive him
in the body and the blood,
as he gives to all the faithful
his own self for heavenly food.

3 Rank on rank the host of heaven
streams before him on the way,
as the Light of light descending
from the realms of endless day
conquers all the powers of darkness,
drives the gloom of hell away.

4 At his feet the six-winged seraph;
cherubim with sleepless eye,
veil their faces to the Presence,
as with ceaseless voice they cry,
'Alleluia, Alleluia,
Alleluia, Lord Most High'.

Text Information
First Line: Let all mortal flesh keep silence
Translator: Gerard Moultrie (1829-1885)
Meter: 87 87 87
Language: English
Publication Date: 2008
Topic: The Holy Spirit: The Church Celebrates - Holy Communion; Angels
Source: Liturgy of St. James
Tune Information
Name: PICARDY
Harmonizer: Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)
Meter: 87 87 87
Key: d minor
Source: French carol melody



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