979. C. M. Ancient Hymns. The Noble Army of Martyrs.

1 The triumphs of the martyred saints
The joyous lay demand;
The heart delights in song to dwell
On that victorious band --
Those whom the senseless world abhorred,
Who cast the world aside,
Deeming it worthless, for the sake
Of Christ, their Lord and Guide.

2 For him they braved the tyrant's rage,
The scourge's cruel smart;
The wild beast's fang their bodies tore,
But vanquished not the heart;
Like lambs before the sword they fell,
Nor cry nor plaint expressed;
For patience kept the conscious mind
And armed the fearless breast.

3 What tongue can tell the crown prepared
The martyr's brow to grace?
His shining robe, his joys unknown,
Before thy glorious face?
Vouchsafe us, Lord, if such thy will.
Clear skies and seasons calm;
If not, the martyr's cross to bear,
And win the martyr's palm.