Word supreme, before creation

by John Keble, 1792–1866

1  Word supreme, before creation,
  Born of God eternally,
Who didst will for our salvation
  To be born on earth, and die:
Well thy saints have kept their station,
  Waiting till thine hour drew nigh.
  
2  Now 'tis come, and faith espies thee;
  Like an eaglet in the morn,
One in steadfast worship eyes thee,
  Thy beloved, thy latest born:
In thy glory he descries thee
  Reigning from the Tree of scorn.
  
3  He first, hoping and believing,
  Did beside the grave adore;
Latest he, the warfare leaving,
  Landed on the eternal shore;
And his witness we receiving
  Own thee Lord for evermore.
  
4  Thee, the almighty King eternal,
  Father of the eternal Word;
Thee, the Father's Word supernal,
  Thee, of Both, the Breath adored;
Heaven, and earth, and realms inernal
  Own one glorious God and Lord. Amen.