STARS OF THE MORNING

A HYMN FOR MICHAELMAS

By Joseph the Hymnographer (died 886),

translated by J.M. Neale (died 1866)

Stars of the morning, so gloriously bright,
Filled with celestial resplendence and light;
These that, where night never followeth day,
Raise the Trisagion ever and aye:

These are Thy counsellors: these dost Thou own,
God of Sabaoth! the nearest Thy throne;
These are Thy ministers; these dost Thou send,
Help of the helpless ones! man to defend.

 

These keep the guard, amidst Salem’s dear bowers:
Thrones, Principalities, Virtues, and Powers:
Where with the Living Ones, mystical Four,
Cherubim, Seraphim, bow and adore.

“Who like the Lord?”—thunders Michael, the Chief:
Raphael, “the Cure of God,” comforteth grief:
And, as at Nazareth, prophet of peace,
Gabriel, “the Light of God,” bringeth release.

Then, when the earth was first poised in mid-space,—
Then, when the planets first sped on their race,—
Then, when were ended the six days’ employ,—
Then all the sons of God shouted for joy.

 

Still let them succour us; still let them fight,
Lord of angelic hosts, battling for right!
Till, where their anthems they ceaselessly pour,
We with the Angels may bow and adore!