Feast of Ss Peter and Paul

Decora lux

What fairer light is this than time itself doth own,

The golden day with beams more radiant brightening?

The princes of God's Church this feast-day doth enthrone,

To sinners heavenward bound their burden lightening.

One taught mankind its creed, one guards the heavenly gate;

Founders of Rome, they bind the world in loyalty;

One by the sword achieved, one by the cross his fate;

With laurelled brows they hold eternal royalty.

Rejoice, O Rome, this day; thy walls they once did sign

With princely blood, who now their glory share with thee.

What city's vesture glows with crimson deep as thine?

What beauty else has earth that may compare with thee?

To God the Three in One eternal homage be,

All honour, all renown, all songs victorious,

Who rules both heaven and earth by one divine decree

To everlasting years in empire glorious.