l. 553
The nine grades of heaven,
around the King of all causation,
without loss of glory, with vigour of strength,
without pride, without envy.
In abundant profusion (?) under the lawful King
this their exact number,
seventy-two excellent hosts
in each grade of the grades.
The number of each host, unmeasured gladness,
there is none that could know it,
except the King should know it
who created them out of nothing.
A majestic King over them all,
King of flowery heaven,
a goodly, righteous, steadfast King,
King of royal generosity in His regal dwelling.
King very youthful, King aged long ago,[27]
King who fashioned the heavens about the pure sun,
King of all the gracious saints,
a King gentle, comely, shapely.
The King who created the pure heavenly house
for the angels without transgression,
land of holy ones, of the sons of life,[28]
a plain fair, long, spacious.
He arranged a noble, peaceful[29] abode,
stable, under the regal courses,
a comely, clear, perfect, bright circuit,
for the wondrous folk of penitence.
My King from the beginning over the host,
"sanctus Dominus Sabaoth,"
to whom is chanted upon the heights, with loving guidance, (?)
the melody of the four-and-twenty white-robed saints.
The King who ordained the perfect choir
of the four-and-twenty holy ones,
sweetly they chant the chant to the host
"sanctus Deus Sabaoth."