See, the conqu'ring hero comes!

Image: Judas before the army of Nicanor, by Gustave Dore
Music: Judas Maccabaeus, by George Frideric Handel

Lyrics:

(First Messenger)
From Capharsalama on eagle wings I fly
with tidings of impetuous joy!
Came Lysias with his host, array'd
in coat of mail; their massy shields
of gold and brass flash'd lightning o'er the fields,
while the huge tow'r-back'd elephants display'd
a horrid front. But Judas undismay'd
met, fought and vanquish'd all the rageful train.
Yet more: Nicanor lies with thousands slain,
the blasphemous Nicanor who defy'd
the living God and, in his wanton pride,
a public monument ordain'd
of vict'ries yet ungain'd!

(Second Messenger)
But lo! the conqu'ror comes: and on his spear,
to dissipate all fear,
he bears the vaunter's head and hand
that threaten'd desolation to the land!

(Youths)
See, the conqu'ring hero comes!
Sound the trumpets! Beat the drums!
Sports prepare! The laurel bring!
Songs of triumph to him sing!

(Virgins)
See the godlike youth advance!
Breathe the flutes and lead the dance!
Myrtle wreaths and roses twine
to deck the hero's brow divine!

(Israelites)
See, the conqu'ring hero comes!
Sound the trumpets! Beat the drums!
Sports prepare! The laurel bring!
Songs of triumph to him sing!
See, the conqu'ring hero comes!
Sound the trumpets! Beat the drums!