But so tenacious of the common cause O true descendant of a patriot line, Who, while thou sharest their lustre, lend'st them thine, 'Tis so far good as it resembles thee. The beauties to the original I owe, Which when I miss, my own defects I show. Praiseworthy actions are by thee embraced; } VENI CREATOR SPIRITUS1. Creator Spirit, by whose aid The world's foundations first were laid, From sin and sorrow set us free, Our hearts with heavenly love inspire; 1 This paraphrase of the Latin hymn popularly attributed to Charlemagne was first printed in Tonson's folio edition of Dryden's Poems, 1701. Come, and thy sacred unction bring To sanctify us, while we sing. Plenteous of grace, descend from high, Rich in thy sevenfold energy! Thou strength of his Almighty hand, Whose power does heaven and earth command. Who dost the gift of tongues dispense, Make us eternal truths receive, Eternal Paraclete, to thee! |