Traditional: Collected Lyrics
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Public-domain lyrics

Sancti, venite, Corpus Christi sumite

Traditional

“Sancti, venite, Corpus Christi sumite” as printed in Mediaeval Hymns and Sequences (1867).

Traditional: Collected Lyrics Text 315 1867 · historical text
Public domainHymnMediaeval song
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

Draw nigh, and take the Body of the Lord,

And drink the Holy Blood for you outpoured.

Verse 2

Saved by that Body, hallowed by that Blood,

Whereby refreshed, we render thanks to God.

Verse 3

Salvation's Giver, Christ the Only Son,

By that His Cross and Blood the victory won.

Verse 4

Offered was He for greatest and for least:

Himself the Victim, and Himself the Priest.

Verse 5

Victims were offered by the Law of old,

That, in a type, celestial mysteries told.

Verse 6

He, Ransomer from death, and Light from shade,

Giveth His holy grace His Saints to aid.

Verse 7

Approach ye then with faithful hearts sincere,

And take the safeguard of salvation here.

Verse 8

He That in this world rules His Saints, and shields,

To all believers Life Eternal yields:

Verse 9

With Heavenly Bread makes them that hunger whole;

Gives Living Waters to the thirsty soul.

Verse 10

Alpha and Omega, to Whom shall bow

All nations at the Doom, is with us now.

Credits

Written by Traditional

Traditional words. 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, “Sancti, venite, Corpus Christi sumite”

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.
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