Festal Lyrics [pp. 232-233]

2FESTAL L YRICS.
FESTAL LYRIC,
ON THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EVENTFUL PRIESTHOOD
OF POPE LEO XIII.
[Written to the measure and arranged to the music of a Swedish air.]
I.
TWINE laurels for him, the Pontiff and classic,
The statesman and poet, far over the sea!
We waft gratulation
And wreath of ovation,
Pope Leo, to thee!
II.
Years fifty thy palms! In youth the robed valiant
By Gregory sent Benevento to save.
And swept was marauding
And titled defrauding
From castle and cave.
III.
And lo! in thine age, when Europe was arming,
The fisherman's ring was a circlet of calm.
It hushed in the Rhine-land,
And France the fair vine-land,
War's muttering storm.
IV.
Hail, Pontiff of peace, of light and advancement!
WVith bays and with music thy name we entwine.
God's music supernal
And laurels eternal,
Pope Leo, be thine!
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