The Cyber Hymnal ‎#8368

8368. Why, Cruel Herod, Dost Thou Fear?

1 Why, cruel Herod, dost thou fear,
Lest our great God and king appear?
He who can heav’nly crowns bestow
Comes not to seize thy throne below.

2 The wise men followed that bright star,
Which shone to them in realms afar;
While light itself by light they seek,
Their gifts, their faith and love bespeak.

3 The heav’nly Lamb the waters lave,
He sanctifies the crystal wave;
And He, whom sin could never stain,
Bids none upon our souls remain.

4 Behold a new display of might,
The pallid waters redden bright;
The mandate for the change once heard,
Wine flows obedient at the word.

5 Jesus, to Gentile kings displayed,
Glory to Thee and praise be paid,
With Father and with Holy Ghost,
Enthroned above the heav’nly host.

Text Information

• First Line: Why, cruel Herod, dost thou fear
• Title: Why, Cruel Herod, Dost Thou Fear?
• Latin Title: Crudelis Herodes
• Author: Caelius Sedulius, 5th Century
• Translator: Frederick C. Husenbeth
• Meter: LM
• Language: English
• Source: "Hostis Herodes Impie" from "A Solis Ortus Cardine" by Sedulius; Breviarium Romanum, 1632; Tr.: Annus Sanctus (Vol. 1) by Orby Shipley (London and New York: Burns & Oates, 1884)
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: KING OF KINGS
• Composer: George Clement Martin, 1844-1916
• Meter: LM
• Key: A Major
• Copyright: Public Domain