The Cyber Hymnal ‎#8393

8393. First of Cities, Bethlehem

1 First of cities, Bethlehem,
Hail, most favored! When He came,
Savior of the human race,
Thee the Godhead deigned to grace.

2 Brighter than the sun’s bright car,
And more glorious was the star,
Which in Thee new-born from high
Told the incarnate Deity.

3 Him what time the Magians saw,
Forth their orient gifts they draw;
Prostrate they with vows unfold
Myrrh, and frankincense, and gold.

4 Frankincense and gold they bring,
To announce their God and king;
Spice of aromatic myrrh,
To announce His sepulcher.

5 Jesus, let Thy name be blest,
To the Gentiles manifest;
To the Father glory be,
With the Spirit, and with Thee!

Text Information

• First Line: First of cities, Bethlehem
• Title: First of Cities, Bethlehem
• Latin Title: O sola magnarum urbium
• Author: Aurelius Prudentius, 5th Century (cento)
• Translator: Richard Mant
• Meter: 77.77
• Language: English
• Source: Ancient Hymns from the Roman Breviary (London, J. G. & F. Rivington, 1837)
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: Alternate tunes: HORTON by Xaver S. von Wartensee, GOTT SEI DANK by Johann A. Freylinghausen

Tune Information

• Name: INNOCENTS
• Harmonizer: William H. Monk (1861)
• Meter: 77.77
• Key: D Major
• Source: The Parish Choir, 1850