Thomas sprang
from a royal race
by both his parents,
whose father was the son of a king,
and whose mother Navarre
raised to be a queen.

The faithful leader,
when he saw that his flock was dispersed,
and when he called to mind that his rival the king
was moved against him,
soon trembled wondrously
according to the law of flesh.

The blessed man
is taken on the vigil of St Benedict,
and on the third day
he is suddenly made an unconquered champion,
delivered to a dire death
on account of which England mourns.

Alas! He is beheaded
for the aid of the commons,
he is deserted
by the company of his knights,
whilst he is treacherously deceived
by Judas, Robert de Hoyland.

At his tomb
miracles are frequently performed;
the blind, the lame, the deaf,
the dumb and paralytics
obtain the help they desire
by his prayer.

Praise and honour,
virtue and power
be to the Trinity, father son
and holy Ghost for ever,
which preserve us from sin
through the intercession of Thomas. Amen.

English: Christopher Page © 1999