Fregit Victor [Valiant Victor]
(Sometimes attributed to Thomas of Celano)

1. Fracted has the valiant victor
   This man Francis, triumphantly
   Left the cross’s enemy.
2. Hearty carrier of the cross,
   In spiritual battle, chief;
   Peerless among those that love.
3. Whom the king to come, who would
   Combat, who would care, sent ahead
   With a massive assembly.
4. He fortified him till secure
   He would amass his store of arms,
   To provide a sound defense.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Tell us, Francis, how did you fare
   When you had looked on Jesus there?

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