This is the Pentecost sequence attributed to Pope Innocent III (circa C13), or maybe the Archbishop of Canterbury at the time, Stephen Langton. They had their moments. It has also been claimed by Robert II of France and others. It was definitely translated by Edward Caswell (C19) though.
If you usually do the Vigil, as I do, you can get out of doing this Sequence – just a hint. There are variant texts – although Caswell’s in in the missal – and umpteen settings so it is somewhat overwhelming.
It is here set with John de Luca’s own arrangement of the “Golden” Sequence, the plainsong Veni Sancte Spiritus.
I made up chords and attempted to make chant metrical so that can’t be good and de Luca is not to blame for my backing:
Holy Spirit, Lord of Light,
From the clear celestial height.
Thy pure beaming radiance give.Come, thou Father of the poor,
Come, with treasures which endure;
Come, thou Light of all that live!Thou, of all consolers best,
Thou, the soul’s delightful guest,
Dost refreshing peace bestow.Thou in toil art comfort sweet;
Pleasant coolness in the heat;
Solace in the midst of woe.Light immortal, Light divine,
Visit thou these hearts of thine,
And our inmost being fill.If thou take thy grace away,
Nothing pure in man will stay;
All his good is turned to ill.Heal our wounds, our strength renew;
On our dryness pour thy dew,
Wash the stains of guilt away.Bend the stubborn heart and will;
Melt the frozen, warm the chill;
Guide the steps that go astray.Thou, on us who evermore
Thee confess and thee adore,
With thy sevenfold gifts descend.Give us comfort when we die;
Give us life with thee on high;
Give us joys that never end.
This is what it is meant to sound like, I believe:
Right tune, altered text: