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Vexlla Regis[/b]

Abroad the regal banners fly,
 now shines the Cross's mystery:
 upon it Life did death endure,
 and yet by death did life procure.

Who, wounded with a direful spear,
 did purposely to wash us clear
 from stain of sin, pour out a flood
 of precious water mixed with blood.

That which the prophet-king of old
 hath in mysterious verse foretold,
 is now accomplished, whilst we see
 God ruling the nations from a Tree.

O lovely and refulgent Tree,
 adorned with purpled majesty;
 culled from a worthy stock, to bear
 those limbs which sanctified were.

Blest Tree, whose happy branches bore
 the wealth that did the world restore;
 the beam that did that Body weigh
 which raised up Hell's expected prey.

Hail Cross, of hopes the most sublime!
 in the glory of Thy triumph,
 grant to the just increase of grace,
 and every sinner's crimes efface.

Blest Trinity, salvation's spring
 may every soul Thy praises sing;
 to those Thou grantest conquest by
 The holy Cross, rewards supply. Amen