Of the Father’s Love Begotten

Of the Father’s love begotten,

Ere the worlds began to be,

He is Alpha and Omega,

He the source, the ending He,

Of the things that are, that have been,

And that future years shall see,

Evermore and evermore!

O that birth forever blessed,

When the virgin, full of grace,

By the Holy Ghost conceiving,

Bore the Saviour of our race;

And the babe, the world’s Redeemer,

First revealed his sacred face,

Evermore and evermore!

Let the heights of heav’n adore him;

Angel hosts, his praises sing,

Pow’rs, dominions, bow before him,

And extol our God and King;

Let no tongue on earth be silent,

Ev’ry voice in concert ring,

Evermore and evermore!

Christ, to thee with God the Father,

And, O Holy Ghost, to thee,

Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving,

And unwearied praises be;

Honor, glory and dominion,

And eternal victory,

Evermore and evermore!

Marcus Aurelius Clemens Prudentius (348–c. 410);

translated by John Mason Neale (1818–66) and Henry Williams Baker (1821–77)