O King Most High of Earth and Sky

O King most high of earth and sky
On prostrate death Thou treadest,
And with Thy blood dost mark the road
Whereby to Heaven Thou leadest.

O Christ, behold Thine orphaned fold,
Which Thou hast borne with anguish,
Steeped in the tide from Thy rent side:
O leave us not to languish!

The glorious gain of all Thy pain
Henceforth dost Thou inherit;
Now comes the hour—then greatly shower
On us Thy promised Spirit!

Author: John Mason Neale

Year: 1851

This is a translation by John Mason Neale of the Latin hymn 'Rex sempiterne caelitum' (from the Sarum Breviary). Neale is the most likely author of the English lyrics presented here; the original medieval Latin text is anonymous.