Hymns and Carols by Laurence Housman

Laurence Housman

Father Eternal

Father eternal, Ruler of creation,
Spirit of life, which moved ere form was made;
Through the thick darkness covering every nation,
Light to man’s blindness, O be Thou our aid:
Thy kingdom come, O Lord, Thy will be done.

Races and peoples, lo! we stand divided,
And sharing not our griefs, no joy can share;
By wars and tumults love is mocked, derided,
His conquering cross no kingdom wills to bear:
Thy kingdom come, O Lord, Thy will be done.

Envious of heart, blind eyed, with tongues confounded,
Nation by nation still goes unforgiven;
In wrath and fear, by jealousies surrounded,
Building proud towers which shall not reach to heaven:
Thy kingdom come, O Lord, Thy will be done.

How shall we love Thee, holy, hidden Being,
If we love not the world which Thou hast made?
O give us brother love for better seeing
Thy world made flesh, and in a manger laid:
Thy kingdom come, O Lord, Thy will be done.

The Holy Innocents

When Herod found out that the wise men from the east had tricked him, he was very angry. He gave orders for his men to kill all the boys who lived in or near Bethlehem and were two years old and younger. - St. Matthew's Gospel Chapter 2.

When Christ was born in Bethlehem,
Fair peace on earth to bring,
In lowly state of love He came
To be the children’s King.

And round Him, then, a holy band
Of children blest was born,
Fair guardians of His throne to stand
Attendant night and morn.

And unto them this grace was giv’n
A Savior’s name to own,
And die for Him Who out of Heav’n
Had found on earth a throne.

O blessèd babes of Bethlehem,
Who died to save our King,
Ye share the martyrs’ diadem,
And in their anthem sing!

Your lips, on earth that never spake,
Now sound th’eternal word;
And in the courts of love ye make
Your children’s voices heard.

Lord Jesus Christ, eternal Child,
Make Thou our childhood Thine;
That we with Thee the meek and mild
May share the love divine.

For a Saint's Day

He, whose confession God of old accepted,
Whom through the ages all now hold in honour,
Gaining his guerdon this day came to enter
Heaven’s high portal.

God-fearing, watchful, pure of mind and body,
Holy and humble, thus did all men find him,
While, through his members, to the life immortal
Mortal life called him.

Thus to the weary, from the life enshrinèd,
Potent in virtue, flowed humane compassion;
Sick and sore laden, howsoever burdened,
There they found healing.

So now in chorus, giving God the glory,
Raise we our anthem gladly to his honour,
That in fair kinship we may all be sharers
Here and hereafter.

Honour and glory, power and salvation,
Be in the highest unto Him Who reigneth
Changeless in Heaven over earthly changes
Triune, eternal.

Son of a Virgin

Son of a Virgin, Maker of thy Mother,
thou, Rod and Blossom from a Stem unstainèd,
now while a virgin fair of fame we honour,
hear our devotion!

Lo, on thy handmaid fell a twofold blessing,
who, in her body vanquishing the weakness,
in that same body, grace from heaven obtaining,
bore the world witness.

Death, nor the rending pains of death appalled her;
bondage and torment found her undefeated:
so by the shedding of her life attained she
heavenly guerdon.

Fountain of mercy, hear the prayers she offers;
purge our offenses, pardon our transgressions,
so that hereafter we to thee may render
praise with thanksgiving.

Thou, the All-Father, thou the One-Begotten,
thou Holy Spirit, Three in One co-equal,
glory be henceforth thine through all the ages,
world without ending.

Words: Latin, eighth century;
trans. Laurence Housman, 1906

The Transfiguration

After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.

Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)

Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!"

Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. - St. Mark's Gospel, chapter 9.

O Light of light, by love inclined,
Jesus, Redeemer of mankind,
with loving-kindness deign to hear
from suppliant voices praise and prayer.

Thou who to raise our souls from hell
didst deign in fleshly form to dwell,
vouchsafe us, when our race is run,
in thy fair body to be one.

More bright than day thy face did show,
thy raiment whiter than the snow,
when on the mount to mortals blest
man's maker thou was manifest.

Two prophets, that had faith to see,
with thine elect found company,
where unto each, divinely shown,
the Godhead veiled in form was known.

The heavens above his glory named,
the Father's voice his Son proclaimed;
to whom, the King of glory now,
all faithful hearts adoring bow.

May all who seek thy praise aright
through purer lives show forth thy light;
so to the brightness of the skies
by holy deeds our hearts shall rise.

Eternal God, to thee we raise,
the King of kings, our hymn of praise,
who Three in One and One in Three
doth live and reign eternally.

Words: Latin, tenth century;
trans. Laurence Housman, 1906

The Virgin Mary

Portal of the world's salvation,
lo, a Virgin pure and mild,
humble-hearted, high in station,
form of beauty undefiled,
crown of earth's anticipation,
comes the Mother-maid with child.

Here the serpent's power subduing,
see the bush unburned by fire,
Gideon's fleece of heaven's imbuing,
Aaron's rod of bright attire,
fair, and pure, and peace-ensuing,
spouse of Solomon's desire.

Jesse's branch received its flower,
Mother of Emmanuel,
portal sealed and mystic bower
promised by Ezekiel,
rock of Daniel's dream, whose power
smote, and lo, the image fell!

See in flesh so great a wonder
by the power of God ordained,--
him, whose feet all worlds lay under,
in a Virgin's womb contained;--
so on earth, her bonds to sunder,
righteousness from heaven hath rained.

Virgin sweet, with love o'erflowing,
to the hills in haste she fares;
on a kindred bestowing
blessing from the joy she bears;
waiting while with mystic showing
time the sacred birth prepares.

What fair joy o'ershone that dwelling,
called so great a guest to greet;
what her joy whose love compelling
found a rest for Mary's feet,
when, the bliss of time foretelling,
lo, the Voice and Word did meet!

God most high, the heaven's foundation,
ruler of eternity;
Jesus, who for man's salvation
came in flesh to make us free;
Spirit, moving all creation,
evermore be praise to thee!

Words: Latin, fifteenth century;
trans. Laurence Housman, 1906

Christmas now

Music: Collaudemus

Metre: 87 87 87

The Maker of the sun and moon,
The Maker of our earth,
Lo! late in time, a fairer boon,
Himself is brought to birth!

How blest was all creation then,
When God so gave increase;
And Christ, to heal the hearts of men,
Brought righteousness and peace!

No star in all the heights of heaven
But burned to see Him go;
Yet unto earth alone was given
His human form to know.

His human form, by man denied,
Took death for human sin:
His endless love, through faith descried,
Still lives the world to win.

O perfect love, outpassing sight,
O light beyond our ken,
Come down through all the world tonight,
And heal the hearts of men!

O Christ, our joy

O Christ, our joy, to Whom is giv’n
A throne o’er all the thrones of Heav’n,
In Thee, Whose hand all things obey,
The world’s vain pleasures pass away.

So, suppliants here, we seek to win
Thy pardon for Thy people’s sin,
That, by Thine all prevailing grace,
Uplifted, we may seek Thy face.

And when, all Heav’n beneath Thee bowed,
Thou com’st to judgment throned in cloud,
Then from our guilt wash out the stain
And give us our lost crowns again.

Be Thou our joy and strong defense,
Who art our future recompense:
So shall the light that springs from Thee
Be ours through all eternity.

O risen, ascended Lord,
All praise to Thee let earth accord,
Who art, while endless ages run,
With Father and with Spirit One.

St. Mary Magdalene

Six days before Passover Jesus went back to Bethany, where he had raised Lazarus from death. A meal had been prepared for Jesus. Martha was doing the serving, and Lazarus himself was there.

Mary took a very expensive bottle of perfume and poured it on Jesus' feet. She wiped them with her hair, and the sweet smell of the perfume filled the house. A disciple named Judas Iscariot was there. He was the one who was going to betray Jesus, and he asked,
"Why wasn't this perfume sold for three hundred silver coins and the money given to the poor?"
Judas did not really care about the poor. He asked this because he carried the moneybag and sometimes would steal from it. Jesus replied,
"Leave her alone! She has kept this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor with you, but you won't always have me."
- St. John's Gospel chapter 12.

Sing we all the joys and sorrows
which in Mary's heart were found;
to her fame our voices raising
let consenting praise abound:
so do bird of night and morning
make their mingled songs resound.

Through the guest-throng at the banquet
undismayed she sought her Lord;
cleansing tears and salving ointments
lowly on his feet she poured,
wiped them with her hair, obtaining
by her love the great reward.

Deigns the Cleanser to be cleansed;
stoops the Source to find the flow;
drains the Flower in outpoured fragrance
perfume which its heart let go:
heavens which have rained their bounty
drink the dew from earth below!

There in box of alabaster,
bearing nard of fragrance pure,
she with gift of outpoured sweetness
bids the mystic sign endure:
seeking from anointment healing,
lo, the sick anoints the Cure!

Dearly then for that dear offering
did our Lord in love repay:
since so perfect her devotion,
all her sins he put away:
made her be his own forerunner
on his Resurrection day.

Now be glory, laud and honour
unto him the Paschal Host,
who, in war with Death a Lion,
as a Lamb gave up the ghost,
and the third day rose a Victor
crowned with spoils that Death had lost.

Words: Philippe de Grève (d. 1236);
trans. Laurence Housman, 1906

The Three Kings

"Who knocks tonight so late?"
the weary porter said.
Three kings stood at the gate,
each with a crown on head.

The serving man bowed down,
the Inn was full, he knew.
Said he, "In all this town
is no fit place for you."

A light in the manger lit;
there lay the Mother meek.
This place is fit.
Here is the rest we seek.

Come, come. They loosed their latchet strings,
so stood they all unshod
"Come in, come in, ye kings,
and kiss the feet of God."

These words were set by Healey Willan.
Sheet music:
Healey Willan: (Text: Laurence Housman) The Three Kings from / de The Oxford Choral Songs No. 718 (Choral) [SSATBB]

Recordings:
On Naxos "The Mystery of Christmas" 8.554179

MARY, WEEP NOT, WEEP NO LONGER

by Philippe de Greve, died 1236 (O Maria, noli flere)
Translated by Laurence Housman

Written for Mary Magdalene, as she stood outside the tomb of Jesus, weeping

Mary, weep not, weep no longer,
Now thy heart hath gained its goal;
Here, in truth the Gardener standeth,
But the Gardener of thy soul,
Who within thy spirit's garden
By His love hath made thee whole.

Now from grief and lamentation
Lift thy drooping heart with cheer;
While for love of Him thou mournest,
Lo, thy Lord regained is here!
Fainting for Him, thou hast found Him;
All unknown, behold Him near!

Whence thy sorrow, whence thy weeping,
Since with thee true bliss abides?
In thy heart, though undiscovered,
Balm of consolation hides:
Holding all, thou canst no longer
Lack the cure that Health provides.

Nay, no wonder if she knows not
Till the Sower's seed be sown,
Till from Him, the Word eternal,
Light within her heart is thrown.
Lo, He calls her; lo, "Rabboni,"
She, in turn, her Lord doth own.

Faith that washed the feet of Jesus,
Fed with dew the Fount of Grace,
Win for us a like compassion,
That, with all the ransomed race,
At the glory of His rising
We may see Him face to face!

Glory be to God, and honour,
Who, preferring sacrifice,
Far above the rich man's bounty,
Sweetness found in Mary's sighs,
Who for all, His love foretasting,
Spreads the banquet of the skies.

St. Mark

The saint who first found grace to pen
the life which was the Life of men,
and shed abroad the Gospel's ray,
his fame we celebrate today.

Lo, drawn by Pentecostal fire,
his heart conceived its great desire,
when pure of mind, inspired, he heard
and with his hand set forth the Word.

Then, clearly writ, the Godhead shone
serene and fair to look upon;
and through that record still comes power
to lighten souls in death's dark hour.

O holy mind, for wisdom fit
wherein that Life of lives stood writ,
may we through minds of like accord
show forth the pattern of our Lord.

And so may all whose minds are dark
be led to truth by good Saint Mark,
and after this our earthly strife
stand written in the Book of Life.

Words: Laurence Housman, 1906

St George

Lord God of Hosts, within whose hand
Dominion rests on sea and land,
Before whose word of life or death
The strength of nations is but breath:
O King, enthroned all thrones above,
Give strength unto the land we love.

Thou Breath of Life since time began,
Breathing upon the lips of man,
Hast taught each kindred race to raise
United word to sound thy praise:
So, in this land, join, we beseech,
All hearts and lips in single speech.

To George our Saint thou gavest grace
Without one fear all foes to face,
And to confess by faithful death
That Word of Life which was his breath.
O help us, Helper of Saint George,
To fear no bonds that man can forge.

Arm us like him, who in thy trust
Beat down the dragon to the dust;
So that we too may tread down sin
And with thy Saints a crown may win.
Help us, O God, that we may be
A land acceptable to thee.

Laurence Housman

1. Then from His throne the Godhead bowed
To human form below,
The Heavens dropt down, and every cloud
Hung loath to let Him go.
Oh, bright the light, and white the night,
When, full of favour stored,
God's maid lay down in Bethlehem town,
To wait the coming Lord!

2. Before His Feet went down the snow
Amid the tranquil night,
Till all the world lay white below
To greet the Lord of Light.
Oh, bright the light, and white the night,
When, full of favour stored,
God's Maid lay down in Bethlehem town,
To wait the coming Lord!

3. The rugged hills and all the rocks
Were covered as with fleece;
The towns were seen like folded flocks
To wait the Prince of Peace.
Oh, bright the light, and white the night,
When, full of favour stored,
God's Maid lay down in Bethlehem town,
To wait the coming Lord!

4. Oh, like a flock in field and fold,
The wintry world lay then,
On that fair night in days of old
When Christ came down to men.
Oh, bright the light, and white the night,
When, full of favour stored,
God's Maid lay down in Bethlehem town,
To wait the coming Lord!