Fregit Victor [Valiant Victor]
(Sometimes attributed to Thomas of Celano)
- Fracted has the valiant victor
This man Francis, triumphantly
Left the cross’s enemy. - Hearty carrier of the cross,
In spiritual battle, chief;
Peerless among those that love. - Whom the king to come, who would
Combat, who would care, sent ahead
With a massive assembly. - He fortified him till secure
He would amass his store of arms,
To provide a sound defense. - Tell us, tell us why, O Francis,
To the cross why were you fastened?
In that the Cross contemplating
And my sinful flesh supplanting
Always was my constant care. - Tell us, tell us why, O Francis,
To the cross why were you fastened?
In that this world abdicating
And the Cross by imitating,
Of Christ’s life I was conveyor. - Tell us, tell us why, O Francis,
To the cross why were you fastened?
Love of Jesus within me burned
And its sweetness absorbed my heart,
Amplifying its desire. - Tell us, tell us why, O Francis,
To the cross why were you fastened?
Keeping the mind fixed firm on high,
My heart, at sight of Jesus like
A Seraph, was all on fire. - Tell us, Francis, how did you fare
When you had looked on Jesus there?