STICHERA FOR THE SECOND WEEK OF THE GREAT FAST.
6,5,6,5
Andrew of Crete (~660-732)
ου γαρ βλεπεις τους παραττοντας.
| 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! | | 83 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! | | 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. | | 84 “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.” | |
[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.]