From heaven's height Christ spake to call
The Gentiles' great apostle, Paul,
Whose doctrine, like the thunder, sounds
To the wide world's remotest bounds.

O bliss of Paul, beyond all thought,
To Paradise, yet living, caught!
He hears the heavenly mysteries there,
Which mortal tongue cannot declare.

The word's good seed abroad he flings;
Straightway a mighty harvest springs,
And fruits of holy deeds supply
God's everlasting granary.

The lamp his burning faith displays
Has filled the world with glorious rays;
That darkness' realm may be o'erthrown,
And Christ may reign, and reign alone.


St. Peter Damiani
tr. J. M. Neale