This follows Vexilla Regis Prodeunt in the MS Durham Biii32 and occurs in the other MS collections cited for that hymn (see the introduction to that hymn). This one was also chosen for the general comparison it affords as a treatment of the crucifixion and symbol of the cross and, in addition, the specific points:
a) 7 - crucem volens ascenderas : rode willende ´u astige c.f. Dream 34b he me wolde on gestigan
b) 19-20 the idea of bearing the standard of the cross against all temptation. As with "Vexilla Regis" the Old English uses "guðfana" for "labarum" (for "vexilla" in the other hymn).
Ymnus Ad Matutinam
o eala þu ealdor hale ancÑnned
Auctor salutis unicus Thou only Creator of Salvation
middaneardes alysend æþele
Mundi Redemptor inclytus Celebrated Redeemer of the World
þu o crist us gearlic
Tu Christe nobis annuam Thou o Christ enrich for us
rode gesundfulla wuldor
Crucis secunda gloriam. The yearly glory of the Cross
þu spatlu spurplÑttas bendas
Tu sputa colaphos vincula Thou who suffered the spitting, the blows,
» reþe þu þrowodest swingla the chains
Et dira passus verbera And the dreadful scourges
rode willende þu astige
Crucem volens ascenderas Thou hadst ascended the Cross willingly
ure hæle for intingan
Nostrae salutis gratia. For the sake of our salvation
heanon mid deaþe deaþ towurpende
Hinc morte mortem diruens Driving away hence death by death
» lif mid life forgyfende
Vitamque vita largiens And bestowing life by life
deaþes þen facenfulne
Mortis ministrum subdolum That cunning assistant of death,
þu oferswiðdest deoful
Deviceras diabolum. The devil, thou overcamest
nu on fæderes swi¯¯ran
Nunc in Parentis dextera Now at the right hand of the Father
halige scinende onsægednyssa
Sacrata fulgens victima Thou shining, holy victim
gehyr we biddað liflicum
Audi precamur vivido Hear, we pray, those redeemed
mid þinum alysedum blode
Tuo redemptos sanguine. By your livivng blood
on þam þe fyligende eallum
Quo Te sequentes omnibus Whither following thee through all ages
¯eawa mid forðstæppinga worulde of the world
Morum processu saeculis With the onward march of goodness
ongean eall æswicunga
Adversus omne scandalum Against every temptation
rode we beran gu fana
Crucis feramus labarum Let us carry the battle-standard of the Cross
tiþa o eadige þrynnes
Presta beata Trinitas Grant this o blessed Trinity.