…God in mercy saw us fallen, sunk in shame and misery,
felled to death in Eden’s garden, where in pride we claimed the tree;
then another tree was chosen, which the world from death would free….
Bend your boughs, O tree of glory, your relaxing sinews bend;
for a while the ancient rigor that your birth bestowed, suspend;
and the Lord of heav’nly beauty gently on your arms extend.
Faithful cross, true sign of triumph, be for all the noblest tree;
none in foliage, none in blossom, none in fruit your equal be;
symbol of the world’s redemption, for your burden makes us free.
from “Sing, My Tongue,” text by Venantius Honorius Fortunatus, 530-609
jnkuebler says
Thank you for recalling my attention to this fine old hymn text.