54
MEDIÆVAL HYMNS.
Fleshly lusts of fancied sweetness
Are converted into gall,
When on brief and bitter pleasure
Everlasting dolours fall:
Then, what late appeared so mighty,
Oh! how infinitely small!
Christ, unconquered King of Glory!
Thou my wretched soul relieve
In that most extremest terror
When the body she must leave:
Let the accuser of the brethren
O'er me then no power receive!
Let the Prince of darkness vanish
And Gehenna's legions fly!
Shepherd, Thou Thy sheep, thus ransomed
To Thy country lead on high;
Where for ever in fruition
I may see Thee eye to eye!
