Eighty-Six Years (St. Polycarp of Smyrna) 歌词

κύριε ἐλέησον ἅγιε πολύκαρπε, πρέσβευε ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν Christus vincit From apostle's hands the fire was passed John's disciple, anchor of the past Smyrna's shepherd in hostile land Rome's iron fist, blood on sand False teachers rose with poisoned breath Twisting Christ to spiritual death Polycarp stood, old but strong Apostolic truth his war-song Not new doctrine Not shifting sand But what was taught By Christ's own hand Stand, polycarp Bishop of fire, martyr of truth Guardian of apostolic proof No denial, no retreat Rome may threaten, beasts may roar Christ is king forevermore They hunted him through fields and stone He could flee, but chose the throne Of sacrifice, of martyr's crown Knelt in prayer when guards came down Dragged to stadium's screaming crowd Governor called: Curse Christ aloud The old man raised his fearless eyes Thunder answered rome's lies No compromise No disguise Only Christ Before his eyes Stand, polycarp Voice of heaven, blade of faith Stronger than chains, stronger than death No denial, no retreat Truth does not bend to caesar's throne Christ alone Eighty-six years I served my king He never wronged me, not one thing How can I blaspheme my lord Who saved my soul with his own blood? They lit the fire, the crowd roared loud Flames formed a wall, would not devour Executioner struck with steel Blood quenched fire, heaven sealed The fire failed The sword obeyed But Christ received What polycarp gave Stand, polycarp Burned in body, crowned in flame Martyrdom sealed his name No denial, no retreat The church was built on blood like this Victory through the abyss Martyr dei, testis veritatis Corona vitae