O Lawrence, of great David the witness and strong soldier, Thou didst scorn the emperor’s court, the bloody hands of his torturers, seeking rather the Longed-for One and the One strong-in-hand, Who alone could o’ercome the cruel tyrant’s reign, Whose holy love maketh those prodigal of their blood His soldiers, while they might win His sight at the cost of this present life!
Thou despisest the rods of Caesar and mockest the threats of his judge.
The butcher worketh his tongs, the braaimaster his mesh, in vain.
Grieveth the impious prefect of Rome, vanquished by a grilled fish, Christ’s food: Rejoiceth the guest of the Master’s table, with Him to arise together, sated with honey.
O Lawrence, most victorious among the soldiers of David, the Eternal King: Beseech thou alway before Him pardon for us, His little servants, o witness and strong soldier!
