Holy Majesty, before Thee We bow to worship and adore Thee; With grateful hearts to Thee we sing. Earth and heaven tell the story Of Thine eternal might and glory, And all Thy works their incense bring. Lo, hosts of Cherubim And countless Seraphim Sing, Hosanna, Holy is God, almighty God, All-merciful and all-wise God! Hedborn, who was the son of a poverty-stricken Swedish soldier, was born in Heda, Sweden, in the year 1783. He began his career as a school teacher, served for a while as court preacher, and finally became pastor at Askeryd, where he died in 1849. He was a gifted writer, and his lyric poetry and folk-songs struck a responsive chord in Swedish hearts. In 1812 he published a collection of hymns, and in the following year a second volume appeared. It is claimed that the Christo-centric note in Hedborn's hymns profoundly influenced Wallin and helped to establish the latter in the orthodox Lutheran teaching. In addition to the sublime _Te Deum_ mentioned above, two other hymns of Hedborn have been given English dress. One of these is the beautiful Epiphany hymn, "Now Israel's hope in triumph ends"; the other is the communion hymn, "With holy joy my heart doth beat." Erik Gustav Geijer, professor of history in Upsala University, was another of the poetic geniuses of this golden age in Swedish hymnody. He was born at Ransater, Varmland, Sweden, in the same year that witnessed Hedborn's birth--1783. Like Hedborn, he also published a little collection of hymns in 1812 which immediately focused attention upon him as a poet of unusual ability. Although his hymns do not rise to the artistic heights attained by his other poems, it is believed that Geijer purposely avoided high-sounding phrases as unworthy of the dignity and spirit of hymnody. His passion hymn, "Thy Cross, O Jesus, Thou didst bear," is a gripping portrayal of the conquering power of the Saviour's sacrificial love. There is likewise a glorious note of victory heard in his Easter hymn: In triumph our Redeemer Is now to life returned. All praise to Him who, dying, Hath our salvation earned! No more death's fetter galls us, The grave no more appalls us, For Jesus lives again. In glory Thou appearest, And earth is filled with light; With resurrection radiance The very tomb is bright; There's joy in heavenly places When o'er all earthly races The dawn of mercy breaks.