Simeon

After eight days, the baby boy

was carried to Jerusalem,

to the house of God,

from the stall in Bethlehem.

There comes striding an old man,

the pious Simeon;

in the middle of the temple he takes

the son from his mother's arms.

From the face of the old man

beams bright joy;

he praises God's ways,

full of prophecy, and says:

"Now, permit your servant

to depart in peace, Lord,

for you have allowed

me to see the Saviour,

whom you sent into the world

to bestow upon the Gentiles

the brightness of your light,

to the glory of your people!"

With happily astonished minds,

the pair of parents listen,

then leave, carrying away

the wondrous infant boy.