Most ancient of all mysteries,
Before thy throne we lie;
Have mercy now, most merciful,
Most holy Trinity.

When heaven and earth were yet unmade,
When time was yet unknown,
Thou in thy bliss and majesty
Didst live and live alone.

Thou was not born; there was no fount
From which thy being flowed;
There is no end which thou canst reach:
But thou art simply God.

How wonderful creation is,
The work which thou didst bless!
And O what then must thou be like,
Eternal loveliness!

Most ancient of all mysteries,
Low at thy throne we lie;
Have mercy now, most merciful,
Most holy Trinity.


F. W. Faber