University of Virginia Library

ANTIPHONES

Christians.
In wondrous white attire we stand,
And round us gleams the heavenly land,
And faces by sweet airs are fanned—

Chorus of Greeks.
And we kiss Venus' snow-white hand!

Christians.
Saved from the flames of raging hell
With us and with our souls 'tis well;
Now for the lost world sounds its knell—

Chorus of Greeks.
How sweet these rain-washed roses smell!

Christians.
No flowers of earth,—no lily or rose
That in pale temporal garden blows,—
Are sweet or white or pure as those—

Chorus of Greeks.
That Venus' flower-sweet lips disclose!

Christians.
Not gardens girt with earthly walls,
But heavenly lustrous sun-crowned halls
We have for dwelling: Venus falls—

Chorus of Greeks.
Nay, siluer-voiced her sons she calls!

Christians.
Hear us, O God! Thy face is bright
And we shrink backward from its light;
But Christ gives courage, power, and might—

Chorus of Greeks.
Her breast as moonlit foam is white!

Christians.
Hear us, O tender Jesus! Red
Thy side is with the blood-drops shed
For us upon the hill-top dread—

Chorus of Greeks.
Praise Venus with the golden head!