Why, Cruel Herod, Dost Thou Fear?

Why, cruel Herod, dost thou fear, Lest our great God and king appear?

Author: Sedulius; Translator: Frederick Charles Husenbeth
Tune: KING OF KINGS (Martin)
Published in 1 hymnal

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Representative Text

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.

Source: The Cyber Hymnal #8368

Author: Sedulius

Sedulius, Coelius. The known facts concerning this poet, as contained in his two letters to Macedonius, are, that in early life, he devoted himself to heathen literature; that comparatively late in life he was converted to Christianity; and that amongst his friends were Gallieanus and Perpetua. The place of his birth is generally believed to have been Rome; and the date when he flourished 450. For this date the evidence is, that he referred to the Commentaries of Jerome, who died 420; is praised by Cassiodorus, who d. 575, and by Gelasius, who was pope from 492 to 496. His works were collected, after his death, by Asterius, who was consul in 494. They are (1) Carmen Paschale, a poem which treats of the whole Gospel story; (2) Opus Paschale,… Go to person page >

Translator: Frederick Charles Husenbeth

Husenbeth, F. C., D.D. His family originally belonged to the Grand Duchy of Hesse. His father lived at Mannheim until the outbreak of the French Revolution, when he removed to Bristol, and established himself in business as a wine merchant. He married Miss James, a Cornish lady. F. C. Husenbeth was born at Bristol, May 30, 1796, and was educated at Sedgley Park School and Oscott College. Ordained in Feb., 1820. He became Priest of the Cossey Roman Catholic Mission, and retained his position for 52 years. He died Oct. 31, 1872. He published several works, including Missal for the Laity, 1840; an edition of the Roman Breviary, Norwich, 1830; and Vespers Book for the Use of the Laity, Lond. 1841. Notes and Queries, Ser. iv., vol. x., pp. 365,… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: Why, cruel Herod, dost thou fear, Lest our great God and king appear?
Title: Why, Cruel Herod, Dost Thou Fear?
Latin Title: Crudelis Herodes, Deum
Author: Sedulius
Translator: Frederick Charles Husenbeth
Meter: 8.8.8.8
Source: Tr.: Annus Sanctus (Vol. 1) by Orby Shipley (London and New York: Burns & Oates, 1884); "Hostis Herodes Impie" from "A Solis Ortus Cardine" by Sedulius; Breviarium Romanum, 1632
Language: English
Copyright: Public Domain

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The Cyber Hymnal #8368
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The Cyber Hymnal #8368

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