Scripture Verse

Thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love Thee. Song of Solomon 1:3

Introduction

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Ambrose of Milan
340–397

Words: At­trib­ut­ed to Am­brose of Mi­lan, 4th Cen­tu­ry (Je­su Co­ro­na Vir­gin­um). Trans­lat­ed from La­tin to Eng­lish by John M. Neale (1818–1866).

Music: St. Ber­nard (Monk) Will­iam H. Monk, in Hymns An­cient and Mo­dern, 1861 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

  • Jesu Dul­cis Mem­or­ia Köln Ge­sang­buch, 1619 (🔊 pdf nwc)
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William H. Monk (1823–1889)

Lyrics

Jesu, the virgins’ crown, do Thou
Accept us as in prayer we bow,
Born of that virgin whom alone
The mother and the maid we own.

Amongst the lilies Thou dost feed,
And thither choirs of virgins lead,
Adorning all Thy chosen brides
With glo­ri­ous gifts Thy love provides.

And whither, Lord, Thy footsteps wend,
The virgins still with praise attend;
For Thee they pour their sweetest song,
And after Thee rejoicing throng.

O gracious Lord, we Thee implore
Thy grace on every sense to pour;
From all pollution keep us free,
And make us pure in heart for Thee.

All praise to God the Fa­ther be,
All praise, eter­nal Son, to Thee,
Whom with the Spi­rit we adore
For ever and for ev­er­more.