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15

Hymnum canentes Martyrum.

A Hymn for the Holy Innocents, the composition of Venerable Bede. Although it stands in unfavourable contrast with the Salvete flores Martyrum of Prudentius, it is somewhat strange that no part of it should have been introduced into any English Breviary. It will be observed that the first and last line of every verse are identical. This somewhat frigid conceit, (Epanalepsis, as the grammarians call it,) V. Bede seems to have borrowed from the Elegy of Sedulius, which is composed on a similar plan. Other mediaeval writers, however, as Peter Damiani, Eugenius of Toledo, Theodulph of Orleans, have employed it.—I have omitted some of the stanzas.

The Hymn for conquering Martyrs raise:
The Victor Innocents we praise:
Whom in their woe earth cast away,
But heaven with joy received to-day.
Whose Angels see the Father's Face
World without end, and hymn His Grace:
And while they chant unceasing lays,
The Hymn for conquering Martyrs raise.

By that accursed monarch slain,

Their loving Maker bade them reign: