W. Garrett Horder, comp. The Poets’ Bible: New Testament. 1895.
The Slaughter of the Innocents
From the Roman BreviaryTranslated by Edward Caswall
W
Brooding, anxious, all alone,
That the King of kings was near,
Who should sit on David’s throne;
‘Treason threatens—draw the sword!
Rebels all around us rise!
Drown the cradles deep in blood!’
Though a thousand babes he slay?
Christ, amid a thousand slain,
Is in safety borne away.
Be to Thee, O Virgin’s Son!
With the Father and the Spirit
While eternal ages run.