Hymns Modern & Ancient 207: Lay the altar Tune: 8.7.8.7.D Lux Eoi
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©Pharisaios Publications 2004 |
Lay the altar, wipe the silver, Fetch the bread, uncork the wine, Fold the linen o'er the chalice, Put the candlesticks in line; Place the book and mark the pages For the priestly eyes to see, Straighten carpet, dust the hassocks, So that he can bend the knee.
At this hour the choir assembles Holy Mysteries to sing, Organist and deacon rob-ed, Tower bells begin to ring. Far aloft in ancient rafters Bats disturbed begin to fly, Warden, looking upwards, gazing, Gets some droppings in his eye.
Swing the censer! Get some rhythm, Hit the boat-boy if you dare; Raise the smoking pot above you, Fan the fumes so all may share In the cloud of scented vapour, That denotes our Lord is here, Spoon the grains on glowing charcoal, 'til the air's no longer clear.
Christ is risen, Alleluia! Easter praises still ring out! He is risen, Alleluia! All the faithful people shout; Thus proclaiming basic tenets Of the faith we live and breathe, Making false the '60's dogma "God is dead" "I can't believe."
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