In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1
Words: Author unknown, in the Sens Breviary, 1726 (Verbum Quod Ante Sæcula). Translated from Latin to English by Robert Campbell (1814–1868). Published in Annus Sanctus, Volume 1, edited by Orby Shipley (London & New York: Burns & Oates, 1884), page 53.
Music: Mallary Raymond D. Mallary, 1901 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good picture of Campbell (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Word of God, eternal Son,
From Thy throne by pity won,
Let us at Thy cradle kneel,
And Thine infant sorrows feel.
Holy Babe, the sinner’s woe
Guiltless Thou art doomed to know;
Sobs that from Thy cradle rise
Tell before of dying cries.
Poor art Thou, that we may be
Blest by Thy hard poverty;
Thou art weeping, and Thy grief
Flows that we may find relief.
Thou art clothed in raiment mean,
Dwelling in a cave unclean;
Man is proud—the only great
Scorneth not the lowliest state.
Jesu, Thee the Father gave,
Such His love, the earth to save;
Ransomed at so vast a cost,
Let us not, good Lord, be lost.
Offspring of the holy maid,
Endless praise to Thee be paid;
Equal praise, O Father, be
With the Spirit paid to Thee.