55
Crux mundi benedictio.
S. Peter Damiani, in almost all his compositions, seems to have had his eye on some earlier hymn: in the present case he clearly follows the Vexilla Regis. The following does not seem to have been publicly used by the Church.
O Cross, whereby the earth is blest,
Certain Redemption, Hope, and Best,
Once as the Tree of Torture known,
Now the bright gate to Jesu's Throne:
On thee the Host was lifted high
Who to Himself drew all men nigh;
Whom this world's Prince in malice sought,
And in His spotless soul found nought.
The Law that in thy form begins
Blots out the writing of our sins:
Our ancient servitude is o'er
And freedom is restored once more.
