STICHERA FOR THE SECOND WEEK OF THE GREAT FAST.
6,5,6,5
Andrew of Crete (~660-732)
ου γαρ βλεπεις τους παραττοντας.
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Christian! dost thou see them
On the holy ground,
How the troops of Midian
Prowl and prowl around?
Christian! up and smite them,
Counting gain but loss:
Smite them by the merit
Of the Holy Cross!
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Christian! dost thou feel them,
How they work within,
Striving, tempting, luring,
Goading into sin?
Christian! never tremble!
Never be down-cast!
Smite them by the virtue
Of the Lenten Fast!
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Christian! dost thou hear them
How they speak thee fair?
“Always fast and vigil?
Always watch and prayer?”
Christian! say but boldly:
“While I breathe, I pray:”
Peace shall follow battle,
Night shall end in day.
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“Well I know thy trouble,
O my servant true;
Thou art very weary,—
I was weary too:
But that toil shall make thee,
Some day, all Mine own:
But the end of sorrow
Shall be near My Throne.”
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[In H. E. C., where it is No. 2. Also, as Fortitude, a Sacred Song,
by M. E. H. S. This is, of course, not intended to be used in Church;
but, as a song, it is extremely pretty.]
