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Text:Idiomela of S. John the Monk
Translator:John Brownlie

116. Idiomela of S. John the Monk

What joy of life abideth,
Without the smart of woe?
What glory lingers fadeless
Upon our world below?

All is a fleeting shadow,
And all a fitful gleam,
For death with cruel swiftness,
Dissolves the illusive dream.

O Christ a light unfailing,
A beauty lasting, rare,
Shines in Thy face to charm us,
And cheer us everywhere.

Where Thou art aye abiding,
Where we that light may see,
Grant us, O Christ our Saviour,
For evermore to be.

Text Information
First Line: What joy of life abideth
Title: Idiomela of S. John the Monk
Greek Title: ποία τοῦ βίου τρυφὴ διαμένει λύπης ἀμέτοχος;
Translator: John Brownlie
Meter: 7.6.7.6
Language: English
Publication Date: 1902
Source: Euchologion, p. 413
Tune Information
(No tune information)



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