Part 4 (1/2)

A Song of the Two Christian Martyrs burnt at Brussels by the Sophists of Louvain in the year MDXXII [July 1, 1523].

MELODY, 1525. _Harmony by_ M. PRAETORIUS, 1610.

1. By help of G.o.d I fain would tell A new and wondrous story, And sing a marvel that befell To his great praise and glory.

At Brussels in the Netherlands He hath his banner lifted, To show his wonders by the hands Of two youths, highly gifted With rich and heavenly graces.

2. One of these youths was called John, And Henry was the other; Rich in the grace of G.o.d was one, A Christian true his brother.

For G.o.d's dear Word they shed their blood, And from the world departed Like bold and pious sons of G.o.d; Faithful and lion-hearted, They won the crown of martyrs.

3. The old Arch-fiend did them immure, To terrify them seeking; They bade them G.o.d's dear Word abjure, And fain would stop their speaking.

From Louvain many Sophists came, Deep versed in human learning, G.o.d's Spirit foiled them at their game Their pride to folly turning.

They could not but be losers.

4. They spake them fair, they spake them foul, Their sharp devices trying.

Like rocks stood firm each brave young soul The Sophists' art defying.

The enemy waxed fierce in hate, And for their life-blood thirsted; He fumed and chafed that one so great Should by two babes be worsted, And straightway sought to burn them.

5. Their monkish garb from them they take, And gown of ordination; The youths a cheerful Amen spake, And showed no hesitation.

They thanked their G.o.d that by his aid They now had been denuded Of Satan's mock and masquerade, Whereby he had deluded The world with false pretences.

6. Thus by the power of grace they were True priests of G.o.d's own making, Who offered up themselves e'en there, Christ's holy orders taking; Dead to the world, they cast aside Hypocrisy's sour leaven, That penitent and justified They might go clean to heaven, And leave all monkish follies.

7. They then were told that they must read A note which was dictated; They straightway wrote their fate and creed, And not one jot abated.

Now mark their heresy! ”We must In G.o.d be firm believers; In mortal men not put our trust, For they are all deceivers;”

For this they must be burned!

8. Two fires were lit; the youths were brought, But all were seized with wonder To see them set the flames at naught, And stood as struck with thunder.

With joy they came in sight of all, And sang aloud G.o.d's praises; The Sophists' courage waxed small Before such wondrous traces Of G.o.d's almighty finger.

9. The scandal they repent, and would Right gladly gloss it over; They dare not boast their deed of blood, But seek the stain to cover.

They feel the shame within their breast, And charge therewith each other; But now the Spirit cannot rest, For Abel 'gainst his brother Doth cry aloud for vengeance.

10. Their ashes will not rest; would-wide They fly through every nation.

No cave nor grave, no turn nor tide, Can hide th'abomination.

The voices which with cruel hands They put to silence living, Are heard, though dead, throughout all lands Their testimony giving, And loud hosannas singing.

11. From lies to lies they still proceed, And feign forthwith a story To color o'er the murderous deed; Their conscience p.r.i.c.ks them sorely.

These saints of G.o.d e'en after death They slandered, and a.s.serted The youths had with their latest breath Confessed and been converted, Their heresy renouncing.

12. Then let them still go on and lie, They cannot win a blessing; And let us thank G.o.d heartily, His Word again possessing.

Summer is even at our door, The winter now has vanished, The tender flowerets spring once more, And he, who winter banished, Will send a happy summer.

1. Ein neues Lied wir heben an, Das walt' Gott unser Herre, Zu singen was Gott hat gethan Zu seinem Lob und Ehre.

Zu Bruessel in dem Niederland Wohl durch zween junge Knaben Hat er sein Wunder g'macht bekannt, Die er mit seinen Gaben So reichlich hat gezieret.