The word of God, proceeding forth
yet leaving not his Father's side,
and going to his work on earth
had reached at length life's eventide.
By false disciple to be given
to foemen, for his blood athirst,
himself, the living Bread from heaven,
he gave to his disciples first.
In twofold form of sacrament
he gave his Flesh, he gave his Blood,
that man, of twofold substance blent,
might wholly feed on mystic food.
In birth man's fellow-man was he,
his meat while sitting at the board;
he died, his ransomer to be,
he reigns to be his great reward.
O saving Victim! opening wide
the gate of heaven to man below,
our foes press hard on every side,
thine aid supply, thy strength bestow.
All praise and thanks to thee ascend
for evermore, blest One in Three;
O grant us life that shall not end
in our true native land with thee.