Verbum supernum prodiens (for Corpus Christi)

Verbum supernum prodiens,
Nec Patris linquens dexteram,
Ad opus suum exiens,
Venit ad vitae vesperam.
The Word proceeding from above,
Yet leaving not the Father’s side,
Goes forth unto his work of love
And comes to life’s great eventide.
In mortem a discipulo
Suis tradendus aemulis,
Prius in vitae ferculo
Se tradidit discipulis.
A member of his chosen band
Would hand him over to his foes:
Before his death, himself he hands
As food of life to whom he chose.
Quibus sub bina specie
Carnem dedit et sanguinem:
Ut duplicis substantiae
Totum cibaret hominem.
To them beneath two forms he gave
His flesh and blood, complete and whole,
That man, of twofold substance made,
Be fed in body and in soul.
Se nascens dedit socium,
Convescens in edulium,
Se moriens in pretium,
Se regnans dat in praemium.
Himself at birth he makes our kin,
Our friend at table and our food,
Himself, in death the price for sin,
Himself, our king and our reward!
O Salutaris Hostia
Quae caeli pandis ostium:
Bella premunt hostilia,
Da robur, fer auxilium.
Uni trinoque Domino
Sit sempiterna gloria,
Qui vitam sine termino
Nobis donet in patria.