Lutheran Worship ‎#188

188. Sweet Flowerets of the Martyr Band

1 Sweet flow'rets of the martyr band,
Plucked by the tyrant's ruthless hand
Upon the threshold of the morn,
Like rosebuds by a tempest torn;

2 First victims for th'incarnate Lord,
A tender flock to feel the sword;
Beside the altar's ruddy ray,
With palm and crown, you seemed to play.

3 Ah, what availed King Herod's wrath?
He could not stop the Savior's path.
Alone, while others murdered lay,
In safety Christ is borne away.

4 O Lord, the virgin-born, we sing
Eternal praise to you, our King,
Whom with the Father we adore
And Holy Spirit evermore.

Text Information

• First Line: Sweet flow'rets of the martyr band
• Title: Sweet Flowerets of the Martyr Band
• Author: Aurelius Prudentius Clemens, 348-413 (cento)
• Translator: Henry W. Baker, 1821-77 (alt.)
• Meter: LM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1982
• Topic: Holy Innocents, Martyrs; Lesser Festivals

Tune Information

• Name: DAS WALT GOTT VATER
• Composer: Daniel Vetter, d. 1721
• Meter: LM
• Key: D Major