For your remembrance you once did this act prescribe,

Great Mediator, as you left your dying life

And from the cursed tree, whereon you hung for us,

And out of the cold rock to Heaven rose on high.

Well did you say, o Lord, Do this in memory

Of me; with pity did you see the strengthless power

Of your Apostles: when the strongest failed the first;

As he came into danger, each forgot at once

How he had been enlightened, been consoled and taught.

Eleven yet remaining out of many called

Who must, acting as one, show to each soul its duty,

Together they performed this action in your sight

For everlasting memory, by your example taught.

So we are taught by theirs. Lord let us do it fully

And more attach our hearts to you, our Bread of Life,

Than to the deathly pallor of your sacred death,

And thus bear witness, not casually in full churches,

But in resolve of full attention, words and deeds.