Aurelius Clemens Prudentius (348-413) was born in the Roman province of Tarraconensis (northern Spain) and in his early adulthood practiced law and eventually became provincial governor; he later served in the imperial court during the reign of Theodosius I. His important theological works include Apotheosis (perhaps best rendered as Fullness of Divinity), where he defends the doctrines of the trinity and the incarnation, and Psychomachia (The Battle of Souls), where he describes the challenge of living the Christian life.

Prudentius collected Christian poems of the fourth century, and wrote several of his own in his book Cathemerinon (The Daily Round), which is a setting of prayers and hymns for the hours of the day.

Of the Father’s love begotten, Ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega, He the source, the ending He.
Of the things that are, that have been, And that future years shall see, Evermore and evermore!

O that birth for ever blessed, When the Virgin, full of grace,
By the Holy Ghost conceiving Bore the Savior of our race,
And the babe, the world’s redeemer, First revealed his sacred face, Evermore and evermore!

O ye heights of heaven adore Him, Angel hosts, His praises sing;
Powers, dominions, bow before Him, And extol our God and King.
Let no tongue on earth be silent, Every voice in concert ring  Evermore and evermore!

Christ, to Thee with God the Father, And O Holy Ghost, to Thee,
Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving And unwearied praises be:
Honor, glory, and dominion, And eternal victory,  Evermore and evermore.

This version is performed by the Sons of Orpheus ensemble of Houston, Texas.