[1270]St. Thomas (Wade):

J. F. Wade, Cantus Diversi, 1751

For Part I: [1271]Pange Lingua:

Sarum Plainsong, Mode III;

trans.

For Part I: [1272]Tantum Ergo (Spanish):

Spanish Plainsong, Mode V

[1273]Oriel, [1274]No.89 and [1275]Dulce Carmen, [1276]No.110 were composed for this hymn.

PART I

PART II

Latin; St. Thomas Aquinas (c.1227-1274);

Oxford Hymn Book

Now, my tongue, the mystery telling

Of the glorious Body sing,

And the Blood, all price excelling,

Which the Gentiles' Lord and King,

Once on earth amongst us dwelling,

Shed for this world's ransoming!

Given for us and condescending

To be born for us below,

He with men in converse blending

Dwelt, the seed of truth to sow,

Till he closed with wondrous ending

His most patient life of woe.

That last night at supper lying,

Mid the Twelve, his chosen band,

Jesus, with the Law complying,

Keeps the Feast its rites demand;

Then, more precious food supplying,

Gives himself with his own hand.

Word-made-flesh true bread he maketh

By his word his Flesh to be;

Wine his Blood; which whoso taketh

Must from carnal thoughts be free;

Faith alone, though sight forsaketh,

Shows true hearts the mystery.

Therefore we, before him bending,

This great Sacrament revere;

Types and shadows have their ending,

For the newer rite is here;

Faith, our outward sense befriending,

Makes our inward vision clear.

Glory let us give and blessing

To the Father and the Son,

Honour, thanks, and praise addressing,

While eternal ages run;

Ever too his love confessing

Who from Both with Both is One.

Amen.