AS OF OLD IN ISRAEL'S WAND'RING

1.       As of old in Israel’s wand’ring

          went the Ark before them all,

          so goes forth blessèd Maria

          first to be saved from the Fall.

 

2.      Like the Ark which bore the tablets,

         that God’s Law be always done,

         Thou art Ark of God’s great glory,

         bearing His co-equal Son.

 

3.      Like the Ark before the army,

         tore down old Jericho’s wall,

         tear thee down these walls of sorrow,

         Barring us from Christ our Lord.

 

4.      Born without the stain of Adam

         made without the curse of Eve,

         born to bear the mighty saviour

         Who would all our sins relieve.

 

5.      Bear with us O sweet Maria,

         go before us in the fight,

         guard us from all sin and darkness

         put our serpent foe to flight!

 

6.      Hail the Father who preserved Thee,

         Hail the Christ Thine only Son,

         Hail the Spirit overshad’wing,

         Espous’d to Thee, most blessèd one!