Song of Simeon

The Song of Simeon, or Nunc Dimittis (from its incipit in Latin), is a canticle consisting of the verses Luke 2:29-32, that is, the response of the old man Simeon on seeing the baby Jesus when Mary and Joseph brought him to the temple to be dedicated: "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." (King James Version)

There are many settings of this text, responsive, chanted, sung, and metrical hymns based on it.