630 Guard us, O God of creation; thou governest all things! Lord of the highest heavens above!" So shall the saints sing his praises, Those free from sin, in that fairest of cities, Proclaim his power, the righteous people, 635 The host in heaven hail the Redeemer: Honor without end is only for him, Not ever at all had he any birth, Any beginning of bliss, though he was born in the world, On this earth in the image of an innocent child; 640 With unfailing justice and fairest judgments, High above the heavens in holiness he dwelt! Though he must endure the death of the cross, Bear the bitter burden of men, When three days have passed after the death of his body, 645 He regains new life through the love of God, Through the aid of the Father. So the Phoenix betokens In his youthful state, the strength of Christ, Who in a wondrous wise awakes from the ashes Unto the life of life, with limbs begirded; 650 So the Savior sought to aid us Through the loss of his body, life without end. Likewise that fowl filleth his wings, Loads them with sweet and scented roots, With winsome flowers and flies away; 655 These are the words, wise men tell us, The songs of the holy ones whose souls go to heaven, With the loving Lord to live for aye, In bliss of bliss, where they bring to God Their words and their works, wondrous in savor, 660 As a precious gift, in that glorious place, In that life of light. Lasting be the praise Through the world of worlds and wondrous honor, And royal power in the princely realm, The kingdom of heaven. He is King indeed 665 Of the lands below and of lordly majesty, Encircled with honor in that city of beauty. He has given us leave _lucis auctor_, That here we may _merueri_ As reward for good _gaudia in celo_, 670 That all of us may _maxima regna_ Seek and sit on _sedibus altis_, Shall live a life _lucis et pacis_, Shall own a home _almae letitiae_, Know blessings and bliss; _blandem and mitem_ 675 Lord they shall see _sine fine_, And lift up a song _lauda perenne_ Forever with the angels. _Alleluia!_