Latin

Vexilla Regis prodeunt:
Fulget Crucis mysterium,
Qua vita mortem pertulit,
Et morte vitam protulit.

Quae vulnerata lanceae
Mucrone diro, criminum
Ut nos lavaret sordibus,
Manavit unda et sanguine.

Impleta sunt quae concinit
David fideli carmine,
Dicendo nationibus:
Regnavit a ligno Deus.

Arbor decora et fulgida,
Ornata Regis purpura,
Electa digno stipite
Tam sancta membra tangere.

Beata, cujus brachiis
Pretium pependit saeculi:
Statera facta corporis,
Tulitque praedam tartari.

O Crux ave, spes unica,
In hac triumphi Gloria:
Piis adauge gratiam,
Reisque dele crimina.

Te, fons salutis Trinitas,
Collaudet omnis spiritus:
Quibus Crucis victoriam
Largiris, adde praemium.

Amen.

English

The banners of the King go forth,
the mystery of the cross shines,
by which our Life bore death
and by death gave us life.

He was pierced
by the sharp point of the lance,
from the stain of sin to wash us,
and shed water and blood.

Now is fulfilled what
by David in his true hymn
was foretold to the nations:
God reigns from the tree.

Fair and radiant tree,
with royal purple adorned,
chosen with thy worthy boughs
to touch such sacred limbs.

O blessed tree, on whose branches
the redemption of the world is borne;
thou, from whom his body hangs,
dost snatch from hell its prey.

O cross hail, our only hope!
In this thy triumphant glory,
increase grace to the good
and take sin from the wicked.

Thee, holy Trinity, fount of salvation,
let every spirit praise.
To whom the victory of the cross
thou givest, give also its prize.

Amen.