Faithful Cross! Above all other...

Faithful Cross! Above all other,

One and only noble Tree!

None in foliage, none in blossom,

None in fruit thy peers may be;

Sweetest wood and sweetest iron!
Sweetest Weight is hung on thee!

Lofty tree, bend down thy branches,

To embrace thy sacred load;

Oh, relax the native tension

Of that all too rigid wood;

Gently, gently bear the members

Of thy dying King and God.

Tree, which solely wast found worthy

This world's Victim to sustain;

Harbour from the raging tempest!

Ark, that saved the world again!

Tree, with sacred blood anointed

Of the Lamb for sinners slain.

Blessing, honour, everlasting,

To the immortal Deity;

To the Father, Son, and Spirit,

Equal praises ever be;

Glory through the earth and heaven

To Trinity in Unity. Amen.

...by Venantius Fortunatus, image