
Author: Jean-Baptiste de Santeüil, 1630-1697; I. Williams, 1802-1865 Hymnal: CPWI Hymnal #756 (2010) Meter: 7.7.7.7 Lyrics: 1 First of martyrs, thou whose name
doth thy golden crown proclaim,
not of flowers that fade away
weave we this thy crown today.
2 Bright the stones which bruise thee gleam,
sprinkled with thy life-blood’s stream;
stars around thy sainted head
never could such radiance shed.
3 Every wound upon thy brow
sparkles with unearthly glow;
like an angel’s is thy face
beaming with celestial grace.
4 Oh, how blessèd first to be
slain for him who bled for thee;
first like him in dying hour
witness to Almighty power;
5 first to follow where he trod
through the deep Red Sea of blood;
first, but in thy footsteps press
saints and martyrs numberless.
6 Glory to the Father be,
glory, virgin-born, to thee,
glory to the Holy Ghost,
praised by men and heavenly host. Topics: Saints' and Other Holy Days St. Stephen Languages: English Tune Title: LÜBECK
First of martyrs, thou whose name