'Thou art the Christ, O Lord,
the Son of God most high:'
for ever be adored
that name in earth and sky,
in which, though mortal strength may fail,
the saints of God at last prevail.

O surely he was blest
with blessedness unpriced,
who, taught of God, confessed
the Godhead in the Christ;
for of thy Church, Lord, thou didst own
thy saint a true foundation-stone.

Thrice fallen, thrice restored,
the bitter lesson learnt,
that heart for thee, O Lord,
with triple ardour burnt.
The cross he took he laid not down
until he grasped the martyr's crown.

O bright triumphant faith,
O courage void of fears,
O love most strong in death,
O penitential tears!
By these, Lord, keep us lest we fall,
and make us go where thou shalt call.


W. Walsham How (1823-97)