Common Praise (1998) ‎#186

186. The Royal Banners Forward Go

1 The royal banners forward go;
the cross shines forth in mystic glow;
where he, the Life, did flesh endure,
and by that death did life procure.

2 There while he hung, his sacred side
by soldier's spear was opened wide
to cleanse us in the precious flood
of water mingled with his blood.

3 Fulfilled is all his words foretold;
then spread the banners, and unfold
love's crowning power, that all may see
he reigns and triumphs from the tree.

4 O tree of grace, the conquering sign,
which dost in royal purple shine,
gone is thy shame; for, lo, each bough
proclaims the prince of glory now.

5 For once thy favoured branches bore
the wealth that did the world restore,
the priceless treasure, freely spent
to pay for our enfranchisement.

6 Father of all, life's source and spring,
may every soul thy praises sing;
may those obey the rule of heaven,
for whom the perfect life was given.

Text Information

• First Line: The royal banners forward go
• Title: The Royal Banners Forward Go
• Author: Venantius Fortunatus (540?-600?)
• Translator: John Mason Neale (1818-1866) (alt.)
• Translator: Percy Dearmer (1867-1936) (alt.)
• Meter: LM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1998
• Scripture:
  John 18:33-37
  ;
  1 Corinthians 1:18-31
  ;
  Galatians 3:6-14
  ;
  Philippians 2:5-11
  ;
  Hebrews 12:1-3
  ;
  1 Peter 2:19-25
• Topic: Holy Week (Good Friday)
• Copyright: Tr. © Oxford University Press

Tune Information

• Name: VEXILLA REGIS
• Harmonizer: Healey Willan (1880-1968)
• Meter: LM
• Key: e minor
• Source: Plainsong, Mode 1 (12th cent.)
• Copyright: Harm. © Estate of Healey Willan