CHRISTE, PRECAMUR ANNUE

By Ennodius, Bishop of Pavia. ([See p. 32.])

I

To Thee, O Christ, our prayers shall rise,

With tears of sorrow blending;

Come for our help Thou Holy One,

On our dark night descending.

II

Our hearts shall find their rest in Thee,

And e’en in dreams shall praise Thee;

And with each rising of the sun,

Anew their songs shall raise Thee.

III

Impart a noble life, and may

Our spirit’s warmth be heightened.

Bid night depart, and with Thy love,

O may our lives be brightened.

IV

In hymns we pay our vows to Thee:

At vesper-hour we pray,

Erase the writing we have made,

Thine own let stand for aye.