Translation by
Athelstan Riley (
1906) of the
Latin hymn Christe Sanctorum Decus Angelorum, traditionally sung to the tune
Coelites Plaudant (
Rouen).
Christ, the fair glory of the holy angels,
Thou who hast made us, thou who o'er us rulest,
Grant of thy mercy unto us thy servants
Steps up to heaven.
Send thine archangel Michael to our succor;
Peacemaker blessèd, may he banish from us
Striving and hatred, so that for the peaceful
All things may prosper.
Send thine archangel Gabriel, the mighty;
Herald of heaven, may he, from us mortals,
Spurn the old serpent, watching o'er the temples
Where thou art worshipped.
Send thine archangel Raphael, the restorer
Of the misguided ways of men who wander,
Who at thy bidding strengthens soul and body
With thine anointing.
May the blest mother of our God and Saviour,
May the assembly of the saints in glory,
May the celestial companies of angels
Ever assist us.
Father Almighty, Son, and Holy Spirit,
God ever blessèd, be thou our preserver;
Thine is the glory which the angels worship,
Veiling their faces.
Everything Hymnal