473b. Now, my tongue, the mystery telling

1 Now, my tongue, the myst'ry telling
of the glorious body sing,
and the blood, all price excelling,
which the Gentiles' Lord and King,
in a virgin's womb once dwelling,
shed for this world's ransoming.

2 Giv'n for us, for us descending
of a virgin to proceed,
he, with us in converse blending,
scattered here the gospel seed,
till his sojourn drew to ending,
which he closed with wondrous deed.

3 At the last great supper lying,
circled by his chosen hand,
meekly with the law complying,
first he finished its command.
Then, immortal food supplying,
gave himself with his own hand.

4 Word made flesh, by word he maketh
very bread his flesh to be;
we in wine, Christ's blood partaketh,
and if senses fail to see,
faith alone the true heart taketh,
to behold the mystery.

5 Therefore we, before him bending,
this great sacrament revere:
types and shadows have their ending,
for the newer rite is here;
faith, our outward sense befriending,
makes our inward vision clear.

6 Glory let us give and blessing
to the Father and the Son,
honour, might and praise addressing,
while eternal ages run;
ever too his love confessing,
who, from both, with both is One. Amen.

Text Information
First Line: Now, my tongue, the mystery telling
Title: Now, my tongue, the mystery telling
Author: St Thomas Aquinas, 1227-1274
Translator: John Mason Neale, 1818-1866
Translator: Edward Caswall 1814-1878
Meter: 87 87 87
Language: English
Publication Date: 2000
Scripture: ; ; ; ; ; ;
Topic: Communion; Holy Communion; Year A: Easter 3 (5 more...)
Notes: Other translators also
Tune Information
Name: TANTUM ERGO (GRAFTON)
Meter: 87 87 87
Key: E♭ Major
Source: French melody (1881)



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