Primo die quo Trinitas.
THIS day the blessed Trinity
The universe began;
This day the world’s Creator rose,
O’ercoming death for man.
Casting betimes dull sloth away,
We too will rise by night,
And, with the Prophet, seek the Lord
Before the dawning light.
So may He stretch His hand to save,
And hear us in His love,
And, cleansed from guilt, our souls restore
To their blest home above.
So, while on this His holy Day,
At this most sacred hour,
Our psalms amid the stillness rise,
May He His blessings shower.
Father of lights! keep us this day
From sinful passions free;
Grant us, in every word, and deed,
And thought, to honor Thee.
Thou Lord of chastity divine!
Grant us the grace to quell
Those flames impure which, cherished here,
Increase the flames of hell.
Saviour, of Thy sweet clemency
Wash Thou our sins away;
Grant us Thy peace, — grant us with Thee
The joys of endless day.
Father of mercies, hear our cry;
Hear us, coequal Son,
Who reignest with the Holy Ghost,
While ceaseless ages run.
-CASWALL.