Stars of the Morning
STARS OF THE MORNING.
by S. Joseph of the Studium
A Cento from the Canon of the "Bodiless Ones;" Tuesday in the Week of the Fourth Tone.
Stars of the morning, so gloriously bright,
Fill’d with celestial resplendence and light;
These that, where night never followeth day,
Raise the Trishagion 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,
Cherubin, Seraphin, 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 pois’d 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!
[No. 6 in H.E.C]