[759]Salve! Festa Dies (Whitsunday):

J. Baden-Powell, 1882

[760]Ramaulx:

B. Luard Selby, 1904

Sung by Solo Voices in unison, then repeated by Choir in harmony and congregation

(Easter only.)

(Ascension only.)

Latin; Venantius Fortunatus (c.530-609);

York Processional, 14th cent.;

Tr. Theodore A. Lacey, 1884

Hail! festal day! through every age divine,

When God's fair grace from heaven to earth did shine.

Hail! festal day! to endless ages known,

When Christ, o'er death victorious, gained His throne.

Hail! festal day! to endless ages known,

When God ascended to his starry throne.

Lo! God the Spirit to the Apostles' hearts

This day in form of fire Himself imparts.

Forth from the Father, bearing mystic powers,

On human hearts new strength He richly showers.

Now cease they not, to all on earth that dwell,

God's wondrous works in divers tongues to tell.

Hail, Breath of Life! Hail, Holy Fount of Light!

Lifegiver! Fire of radiance ever bright!

Thou Good all good containing, Peace divine!

Fill with thy sweetness all these hearts of Thine.

Who fillest all things, earth and sky and sea,

Cleanse thou, and guard us; bid us live to Thee.

Some foretaste grant us of Thy secret things,

The overshadowing of cherub wings.

To love divine our lips and hearts inspire,

By flying seraph touched with altar fire.

Amen.