392  Father  Tom

Amongst  all  the  subjects  treated  by  modern  composers  there
is  none  more  popular  than  the  triumphant  entry  of  Christ  into
Jerusalem;  and  no  wonder,  for  it  is  a  truly  inspiring  scene.
To  have  Himself  publicly  acknowledged  as  a  King  was  amongst
the  designs  of  Providence  in  regard  to  His  Christ.  How
beautifully  in  words  and  music  is  this  scene  of  Christ's  triumph
portrayed  by  a  modern  writer:

Behold !  your  King  draws  near  the  city  gates,

Go  forth  Jerusalem  with  shout  and  song.
And  moved  as  by  one  thought,  the  people  rise

And  hasten  forth  a  glad  tumultuous  throng.
From  out  the  peaceful  village  along  the  sunlit  way,

The  Prince  of  Peace  leads  onwards
A  pilgrim  band  this  day.
When  lo !  with  shout  triumphant
They  hear  the  hillsides  ring,

With  shouts  of  crowds  that  hasten
To  greet  their  Prophet  King.
He  rides  as  Israel's  rulers  once  rode  in  kingly  state.
The  palm  leaves  wave  around  Him,  the  people  throng  the  gate.
Rejoice,  oh  golden  city,  let  loud  hosannas  ring.
For  through  thy  streets  He  rideth,  thy  Saviour  and  thy  King.
Hosanna  in  the  highest,

Redeemer,  Lord  and  King.
Among  the  many  songs  written  descriptive  of  this  scene  and
which  seems  to  have  become  a  classic  in  France,  in  England
and  in  the  United  States  is  the  well-known  song  Les  Rameaux
by  M.  Faure.
