ALTITUDO, QUID HIC JACES?
Majesty, why liest thou
In so low a manger?
Thou that kindlest heavenly fires
Here a chilly stranger!
O what wonders thou art doing,
Jesus, unto men;
By thy love to us renewing
Paradise again!
Strength is made of no account;
Space is here contracted;
He that frees in bonds is bound;
Time’s new birth enacted.
Yes, thy little lips may touch
Mary’s spotless bosom;
Yes, thy bright eyes weep for men
While heaven’s joy shall blossom.