A hymn for martyrs sweetly
From Oremus Hymnal
A hymn for martyrs sweetly sing;
for innocents your praises bring;
of whom in tears was earth bereaved,
whom heaven with songs of joy received;
Whose angels see the Father's face
world without end, and hymn His grace;
and, while they praise their glorious King,
a hymn for martyrs sweetly sing.
A voice from Ramah was there sent,
a voice of weeping and lament,
while Rachel mourned her children sore,
whom for the tyrant's sword she bore.
After brief taste of earthly woe
eternal triumph now they know;
for whom, by cruel torments rent,
a voice from Ramah was there sent.
And every tear is wiped away
by your dear Father's hands for aye:
death hath no power to hurt you more;
your own is life's eternal shore.
And all who, good seed bearing, weep,
in everlasting joy shall reap,
what time they shine in heavenly day,
and every tear is wiped away.
Contents |
Historical Notes
Translation of Hymnum canentes martyrum
Author
The Venerable Bede (673-735); trans. by John Mason Neale (1818-1866)

