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Urbs beata Jerusalem.
This grand Hymn of the eighth century, was modernised in the reform of Pope Urban VIII., into the Cœlestis Urbs Jerusalem: and lost half of its beauty in the process.
Blessed City, Heavenly Salem,
Vision dear of Peace and Love,
Who, of living stones upbuilded,
Art the joy of Heav'n above,
And, with angel cohorts circled,
As a Bride to earth dost move!
From celestial realms descending,
Ready for the nuptial bed,
To His presence, deck'd with jewels,
By her Lord shall she be led:
All her streets, and all her bulwarks,
Of pure gold are fashioned.
Bright with pearls her portal glitters;
It is open evermore;
And, by virtue of His merits,
