8,8,8,8,8,8

Anti agathon hon epoiesas, Christe

(Antiphonon IA' Echos pl. b')

ho autos

ho autos

For all the good performed by Thee,

O Christ, the Hebrews deemed it meet

To bear Thee from the judgment-seat

And nail Thee to the cruel tree;

They gave Thee vinegar and gall --

But render justice to them all.

'Twas not enough they should betray

And nail Thee to the Cross to die;

They wagged their heads and passed Thee by,

And mocked Thee on that woful day;

In vain they strove against Thee, Lord --

Give Thou to them their due reward.

The quaking earth inspires no dread, --

The temple veil asunder fell,

The rocks were rent -- still they rebel,

E'en when the graves gave up their dead;

But vain they strove against Thee, Lord --

Give Thou to them their due reward.