188. Sweet Flowerets of the Martyr Band

1 Sweet flow'rets of the martyr band,
Plucked by the tyrant's ruthless hand
Upon the threshold of the morn,
Like rosebuds by a tempest torn;

2 First victims for th'incarnate Lord,
A tender flock to feel the sword;
Beside the altar's ruddy ray,
With palm and crown, you seemed to play.

3 Ah, what availed King Herod's wrath?
He could not stop the Savior's path.
Alone, while others murdered lay,
In safety Christ is borne away.

4 O Lord, the virgin-born, we sing
Eternal praise to you, our King,
Whom with the Father we adore
And Holy Spirit evermore.

Text Information
First Line: Sweet flow'rets of the martyr band
Title: Sweet Flowerets of the Martyr Band
Author: Aurelius Prudentius Clemens, 348-413 (cento)
Translator: Henry W. Baker, 1821-77 (alt.)
Meter: LM
Language: English
Publication Date: 1982
Topic: Holy Innocents, Martyrs; Lesser Festivals
Tune Information
Name: DAS WALT GOTT VATER
Composer: Daniel Vetter, d. 1721
Meter: LM
Key: D Major



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