Stichera for the Second Week of the Great Fast

Hymns of the Eastern Church, by J.M. Neale, [1884], at sacred-texts.com

STICHERA FOR THE SECOND WEEK OF THE GREAT FAST.

by S. Andrew of Crete.

οὐ γὰρ βλὲπεις τοὺς ταράττοντας.

Christian! dost thou see them
  On the holy ground,
How the troops of Midian
  Prowl and prowl around? p. 83
Christian! up and smite them,
  Counting gain but loss:
Smite them by the merit
  Of the Holy Cross!

Christian! dost thou feel them,
  How they work within,
Striving, tempting, luring,
  Goading into sin?
Christian! never tremble!
  Never be down-cast!
Smite them by the virtue
  Of the Lenten Fast!

Christian! dost thou hear them,
  How they speak thee fair?
"Always fast and vigil?
  Always watch and prayer?"
Christian! say but boldly:
  "While I breathe, I pray:" p. 84
Peace shall follow battle,
  Night shall end in day.

"Well I know thy trouble,
  O my servant true;
Thou art very weary,—
  I was weary too:
But that toil shall make thee,
  Some day, all Mine own:
But the end of sorrow
  Shall be near My Throne."

[In H. E. C., where it is No. 2. Also, as Fortitude, a Sacred Song, by M. E. H. S. This is, of course, not intended to be used in Church; but, as a song, it is extremely pretty.]