Complete public-domain lyrics This text comes from Mediaeval Hymns and Sequences, edited by John Mason Neale, a historical songbook transcribed on Wikisource and reproduced from the pinned revision linked below.
Verse 1 Thee, O Christ, the Father's Splendour,
Life and virtue of the heart,
In the presence of the Angels
Sing we now with tuneful art:
Meetly in alternate chorus
Bearing our responsive part.
Verse 2 Thus we praise with veneration
All the armies of the sky:
Chiefly him, the warrior Primate
Of celestial chivalry:
Michael, who in princely virtue
Cast Abaddon from on high.
Verse 3 By whose watchful care, repelling,
King of everlasting grace!
Every ghostly adversary,
All things evil, all things base;
Grant us of Thine only goodness
In Thy Paradise a place.
Verse 4 Laud and honour to the Father;
Laud and honour to the Son;
Laud and honour to the Spirit;
Ever Three, and ever One:
Consubstantial, Co-eternal,
While unending ages run. Amen.
Credits Written by Hrabanus Maurus
Words by Hrabanus Maurus. Historical text published in Mediaeval Hymns and Sequences (1867); public domain. No claim to a modern recording or arrangement. Source & text edition Mediaeval Hymns and Sequences (1867), edited by John Mason Neale, “Tibi, Christe, Splendor Patris”
The 1867 published edition is in the public domain in the United States (pre-1931 publication). Entries whose credited author or translator died more than 70 years ago are also in the public domain in life-plus-70 jurisdictions; other entries are held.
How to read this historical text and its source
Read the source on Wikisource
View copyright evidence · Transcription terms (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Retrieved 2026-10-25. Line spacing and section labels are adapted for reading. The displayed text follows the linked edition. Editorial notes and abstract artwork are by 52lyrics. 