The strain upraise of joy and praise - Notker Balbulus

The strain upraise of joy and praise, 

Alleluia. 

To the glory of their King 

Shall the ransom'd people sing 

Alleluia. 

And the choirs that dwell on high 

Shall re-echo through the sky 

Alleluia. 

They through the fields of Paradise that roam, 

The blessed ones, repeat through that bright home 

Alleluia. 

The planets glitt'ring on their heavenly way. 

The shining constellations, join, and say 

Alleluia. 

Ye clouds that onward sweep! 

Ye winds on pinions light! 

Ye thunders, echoing loud and deep! 

Ye lightnings, wildly bright! 

In sweet consent unite your 

Alleluia. 

Ye floods and ocean billows! 

Ye storms and winter snow! 

Ye days of cloudless beauty! 

Hoar frost and summer glow! 

Ye groves that wave in spring, 

And glorious forests, sing 

Alleluia. 

First let the birds, with painted plumage gay, 

Exalt their great Creator's praise, and say 

Alleluia. 

Then let the beasts of earth with varying strain, 

Join in creation's hymn, and cry again 

Alleluia. 

Here let the mountains thunder forth, sonorous. 

Alleluia. 

There let the valleys sing in gentler chorus, 

Alleluia. 

Thou jubilant abyss of ocean, cry 

Alleluia. 

Ye tracts of earth and continents, reply 

Alleluia. 

To God, who all creation made. 

The frequent hymn be duly paid: 

Alleluia. 

This is the strain, the eternal strain, 

the Lord of all things loves: 

Alleluia. 

This is the song, the heav'nly song, 

that Christ Himself approves: 

Alleluia. 

Wherefore we sing, both heart and voice awaking 

Alleluia. 

And children's voices echo, answer making, 

Alleluia. 

Now from all men be outpour'd 

Alleluia to the Lord; 

With Alleluia evermore 

The Son and Spirit we adore. 

Praise be done to the Three in One. 

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 

---

Notker Balbulus (840 - 912) Switzerland

Translated by John Mason Neale

Source: Great hymns of the middle ages, compiled by Eveline Warner Brainerd, The Century co., 1909