Ode to Jesus Christ

	You are long–living, Jesus, Spirit, true God,

	you suffered great penance:

	wound by a weapon, terrible armspan,

4	on the wood of the cross for the five ages of the world.

	The world heard about your wonderful conception

	by a pure fine–browed maiden.

	After your birth, God, soon

8	they hailed you with their cry, 'Domine, Dominus'.

	Three noble kings, fine and kindly,

	came as wise men to the territory.

	They brought three weighty gifts and gave them freely

12	to you and Mary, gold, myrrh and frankincense.

	True Father and handsome Blessed Son and Spirit,

	true governor of health with shining visage,

	woe is me, Tripartite God, bountiful miracle,

16	was it not wicked for anyone to sell your honour?

	Giving you to an enemy was madness,

	Judas was very foolish, heinous crime;

	he committed an awful deed by his thoughtless pact:

20	[causing] your limbs to be twisted, rightful lord.

	To sit in judgement upon you, Pilate

	was a beggarly judge and son of a flour–beggar.

	Naked you were surrounded by Jews

24	with their false words, most deceitful thieves.

	Nine went to bind you, in your powerful purity,

	to buy redemption on a pine tree.

	When we see your gracious passion on our behalf

28	why do we not consider your grievous pain?

	Your feet covered in blood, your intent [towards us] is not malicious,

	your hands for my sake, dolorous God;

	signs of death on your noble forehead,

32	and agony on a spear, lips turning pale;

	and binding you cruelly as an oppressed prisoner,

	greatly did tearful Mary cry out.

	Then on the cross, blessed was the end,

36	Mathew said you [would] escape from the grave.

	And after [you had done] that despite your grievous mortal wound

	all men should call you Saint.

	Were we not fortunate that you came to us,

40	suffering God, from your pain, harsh state?

	After your death, no one will be harmed,

	it was good for Joseph that you lived, Jesus.