Before the dawning of that day;
So ignorance the heart enwound
Till Jesus shed His light around.
A remarkable composition, probably belonging to the same period, and intended to be used on the birthdays of the martyrs has, like a few others, the refrain “Alleluia” introduced after every verse. The term “birthday” does not bear here its ordinary meaning, but birth by temporal death into a higher life. This hymn is regarded as one of the [best productions] of the Latino-Celtic muse:
Sacratissimi Martyres.
Martyrs of the God Most High,
Who for Christ did bravely die;
Leaders on the heavenly road;
Victors, sing with saints to God,—