The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38, Pt.2: There Was A Mortal ... Praise To The Holiest

Angel:
There was a mortal, who is now above 
In the mid glory: he, when near to die,
Was given communion with the Crucified -
Such that the Master's very wounds were stamped 
Upon his flesh and, from the agony
Which thrilled through body and soul in that embrace,
Learn that the flame of the Everlasting Love 
Doth burn ere it transform ...

Choir of Angelicals:
...Praise to the Holiest in the height 
And in the depth be praise:

Angel:
...Hark to those sounds!
They come of tender beings angelical, Least and most childlike of the sons of God.

Choir of Angelicals:
Praise to the Holiest in the height 
And in the depth be praise:
In all His words most wonderful: 
Most sure in all His ways!
To us His elder race He gave 
To battle and to win,
Without the chastisement of pain, Without the soil of sin.
The younger son He willed to be 
A marvel in His birth:
Spirit and flesh His parents were,
His home was heaven and earth.
The Eternal blessed His child, and armed, 
And sent Him hence afar,
To serve as champion in the field 
Of elemental war.
To be His Viceroy in the world 
Of matter, and of sense,
Upon the frontier, towards the foe, 
A resolute defence.

Angel:
We now have passed the gate, and are within The House of Judgement...

Soul:
The sound is like the rushing of the wind  The summer wind  among the lofty pines.

Choir of Angelicals:
Glory to Him, Who evermore 
By truth and justice reigns,
Who tears the soul from out its case, And burns away its stains!

Angel:
They sing of thy approaching agony, Which thou so eagerly didst question of.

Soul:
My soul is in my hand: I have no fear