In his heartrending groans, his sighs to Christ
I heard song, whilst he suffered his trials,
Savagely racked, broken.
Now at Tyburn,
On this frozen winter’s morn, Campion,
My most exquisite priest presents to die.
The hangman himself is moved to mercy.
Thus, when the rope snaps, wrenching round his neck,
The twitching legs are tugged to make death quick,
Sparing him the horrors of hacked off limbs,
Disembowelling.
A faint Te Deum
Rises from the crowd. This will be my task:
Immortalise this hero in music.
With sacred hymns, stately marches, will I
Emblazon his name for eternity.
The Queen’s Musician William Byrd On the Execution of Edmund Campion December 1, 1581
More: Jesuits
Show Comments ()
The latest from america
A portion of a new interview with Pope Francis will air tonight on the “CBS Evening News” at 6:30 p.m. Eastern, according to a release from the CBS News Communications office.
A Homily for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, by Father Terrance Klein
The reflections of Timothy Radcliffe, O.P., convinced me that Pope Francis' reframing of the scope and meaning of synods will have staying power, because it opens up a new model for the church.
During his general audience, Pope Francis reminded his listeners of the importance of the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity. Engaging the crowd by having them recite the virtues aloud, Francis said that theological virtues animate our everyday actions toward the good.