81. 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
Author: Marcus Aurelius Clemens Prudentius, 348-413
Meter: L M
Language: English
Publication Date: 1978
Topic: Epiphany
Source: Tr. composite, alt.
Notes: Sts. 1-2, 4 tr. N. B. Smithers, c. 1879; st. 3 tr. C. Winfred Douglas, 1867-1944; st. 5 tr. John, marquess of Bute, c. 1879, alt.
Tune Information
Name: TRUTH FROM ABOVE
Meter: L M
Key: g minor
Source: English folk tune
Copyright: Setting © Stainer and Bell Ltd. Used by permission of Galzxy Music corp. N.Y. sole U. S. Agent



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