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Hbra? U. V. Marix 15th Century, 163 pages (Codex Msc. 291). Photo-reproduction of Page 75 from the original in the Abbey of Maria Einsiedetn, "Inilium Complelorii" with Miniature "The Crowning of Our Blessed Lady" exquisitely executed in richly harmonizing colors set in a highly decorative floral border. This elaborate Hour Book also contains eleven full-page pictures masterfully illuminated with the utmost care to detail, and every folio is notable for its varying and highly ornate design.

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Edited with Introduction and Notes by

REV.

MATTHEW
ST.

BRITT, O.S.B. I

martin's abbey, lacey, wash.

Preface by

Rt. Rev.

Msgr. Hugh

T.

Henry, Litt.D.

LONDON

BURNS OATES & WASHBOURNE LTD.

2S

ORCHARD STREET
W.i.
102?

8-10

PATERNOSTER ROW
E. C.4.

AND AT MANCHESTER, BIRMINGHAM AND GLASGOW

"

AM

imprimi $ote*t.

Oswaldus Baran, O.S.B.

Abbas
S. Martini.

Arthur

J.

Scanlan, S.T.D.
Censor Librorum.

imprimatur.
*i*

Patrick

J.

Hayes, D.D.
New
York.

Archbishop of

Nbw

York, July

18, 1922.

Coi-yxicht, 1922, by Benzicek Hkothi*',

PrinUd

in U. S. A.

IContents
PAGE

Preface by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Author's Preface Acknowledgments

Bibliography Introduction
Historical

Hugh

T.

Henry, Litt.D.

9 13

Meters Canonical Hours

15 17 21 21 25 31
I

PART
The Hymns
Prime
Terce Sext
of the Psalter

None
Compline

Sunday at Matins Te Deum Sunday at Lauds

Monday Monday
Tuesday Tuesday

at

Matins

at
at

Lauds
Matins

at

Lauds
at Matins
at

Wednesday Wednesday

Lauds

Thursday at Matins Thursday at Lauds Friday at Matins Friday at Lauds Saturday at Matins Saturday at Lauds
5

33 33 35 36 37 39 40 44 49 54 55 58 59 61 63 64 65 66 68 70 71

CONTENTS
PAGE

The Vespers Hymns of Sunday at Vespers

the Psalter

Vespers Tuesday at Vespers Wednesday at Vespers Thursday at Vespers Friday at Vespers Saturday at Vespers
at

Monday

Special Doxologies The Antiphons of the Blessed Virgin

73 73 75 77 79 80 82 84 85 86

PART

II

Pkoper op the Season Advent The Great Antiphons

Christmastide

The Holy Innocents The Holy Name of Jesus

Vespers
Matins

.....

Lauds

The Epiphany
Lent
Passiontide

The Seven Dolors of the Blessed Virgin Eastertide The Paschal Sequence

Whitsuntide
Trinity Sunday

Corpus Christi Feast of the Sacred Heart

Dies
IraB

91 91 100 106 109 Ill 112 113 117 123 132 141 159 170 173 194 202

PART
St.

III

Proper of the Saints The Immaculate Conception

St.

Dec. 8th Peter's Chair at Rome January 18th. Conversion of Paul January 25th Martina January 30th The Holy Family 1st Sunday after Epiphany
. .

St.

217 217 219 221 222 226 232 237

The Apparition of the Blessed Virgin at Lourdes February 11th The Seven Holy FoundersFebruary 12th.
.

CONTENTS
PAGE
St.
St.

Joseph March 19th HermengildApril 13th

Venantius May 18th June 19th St. Juliana Falconieri Nativity of St. John the Baptist June 24th SS. Peter and Paul June 29th The Most Precious Blood July 1st SS. Cyril and Methodius July 7th St. Elizabeth of Portugal July 8th St. Mary Magdalene July 22nd St. Peter's ChainsAugust 1st Transfiguration of Our Lord August 6th .... The Seven Dolors of Our Lady Sept. 15th.
St.

Michael the Archangel September 29th ... The Holy Guardian Angels October 2nd The Most Holy Kosary October 7th St. Teresa October 15th St. John Cantius October 20th
St.

All Saints November 1st

243 248 250 254 256 262 265 271 276 278 282 283 286 291 295 298 305 308 312

PART IV
Common" of the Saints

Common Common

of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Apostles and Evangelists (Out of

317 317

Eastertide)

Common of One Martyr (Out of Eastertide) Common of Many Martyrs (In Eastertide) Common of Many Martyrs (Out of Eastertide) Common of Confessors Common of Virgins Common of Holy Women Common of the Dedication of a Church
.

De Contemptu Mundi

(four parts)

Authors of the Latin Hymns Tranlators of the Hymns

Religious Affiliations of the Translators

Glossary

English Index Latin Index

7

323 326 329 332 334 339 ' 342 343 350 355 362 372 373 375 380

preface

'FTER

years of patient but loving labor, the compiler of this volume has achieved a work of

scholarly distinction, of elegant artistry, and withal of practical utility. It is a work of scholarly distinction. The field of Latin hymnology is vast in extent and rich in resources, and translators have roamed far and wide amid its The fertile reaches for highly varied blooms and fruits. compiler has therefore had many rich stores to draw upon, but he has wisely restricted himself to very definite limits of choice. The hymns of the Roman Missal and Breviary form a thesaurus by themselves. Many of them are worldfamous classics. Some of them have won translation and commentary that fill volumes devoted to them singly. All of them deserve rendition into English verse and, indeed, have been more than once so rendered. Father Caswall and Archbishop Bagshawe, each for his own day, translated all of the Missal and Breviary hymns. Caswall did more, it is true, finding other treasures in the Parisian and various Monastic Breviaries. His competency for the task he essayed was manifold and excellent, and his Lyra Catholica will doubtless forever remain a Catholic classic. Bagshawe confined his attention to the Roman liturgical hymns, setting himself the somewhat ungrateful task of closely literal translation. Jn our own day, Judge Donahoe has published two series of Early Christian Hymns, including very many from the Roman liturgy, and has merited the high praise accorded him by critics. Catholic renderings into English of individual liturgical hymns are well-nigh innumerable. While Catholics have naturally been active in such appropriate work, it may seem at first blush astonishing that

PREFACE
Protestants should have issued so many volumes of translation, history, commentary and appreciation of our Latin hymnody, and should have exhausted the language of eulogy in appraisal of the masterpieces the Dies Irce, the Stabat Mater, the Landa Sion, the Golden Sequence, and the like. Charles Warren found sufficient matter in the history and the translations of the Dies Irce for a good-sized volume. Dr. Coles, an American physician, gave a volume to the Stabat Mater. Judge Noyes unostentatiously issued his Seven Great Hymns of the Mediceval Church, and the book ran through many editions. The name of Protestant editors and translators of our Latin hymns is legion. One of the most earnest and reverent students of Latin hymn-

and perhaps the most felicitous of all the translators, was an Anglican clergyman, the Rev. J. M. Neale, D.D. The distinction achieved by Father Britt in the present
ody,

volume, however, does not lie in the fact that he has ventured, with catholicity of literary taste, to include renderOrby Shipley in his ings by other than Catholic pens. Annus Sanctus and the Marquess of Bute in his Roman Breviary had already drawn a sharp contrast the former excluding, the latter including, non-Catholic renderings. But the present compiler has, more largely than any other, given representation to non-Catholic pens. He has mainly sought for translations that should best combine a just literalness with the just freedom in phrase and form accorded by literary canons in the art of translation. There is obvious danger, on the one hand, that the ray of doctrinal truth will suffer refraction when it passes from the medium of the Latin idiom into the medium of the English tongue. On the other hand, there is danger that excessive devotion to literalness in phrase rather than in thought will issue in idiomatic awkwardness, questionable rhyming, stilted or crabbed rhythm.

While the work of Father Britt derives distinction from this largeness of view in selection, it also aims to secure
elegant artistry in the translation of our wonderfully rich hymnody. The task is trying beyond ordinary apprehension, for the editor must minutely weigh questions of accuracy in the rendering, must measure relative felicities of
10

PREFACE
phrase, must compare stanza with stanza, must evaluate sensitively the appropriateness of an English metre to that of the Latin original. Meanwhile, he must remain always fearful lest some subtle essence or quintessence of the Latin poet's fine frenzy may have been lost, some hardly discernible antithesis in thought or phrase overlooked (as Dr. Neale pointed out in several English translations of the Angelic Doctor's Pange Lingua), some curiosa felicitas of the Latin handled with unlaboriously heavy touch. The art of selection in the midst of many fairly satisfactory renditions is indeed, to the conscientious anthologist, a most trying one. But the artistic labor does not end here. Merely to select at random will hardly suffice. But to choose the version always which seems best to satisfy the canons of art might result in the too frequent recurrence of the same names those of Caswall, Neale, Newman, for instance with an undesirable monotony. large volume must have a large variety in authorship, when it is an anthology in the field of Latin hymnody. The difficulty confronted is not the superficial one, however, of a mere variety in names. In the domain of music, one may tire of the majesty of Bach, the stormy emotionalism of Beethoven, the "cloying sweetness" of Mendelssohn. In literature, one may desire a change even from the morning freshness of Chaucer, the vivid heart-searchings of Shakespeare, the sententious rhythms of Pope. More is needed than a mere variety in metric forms a device used by translators in order to avoid monotony. There should be variety in mental and spiritual experience and outlook, in poetic gifts, in rhymic and rhythmic facilities, in variant literary modes. To sum it up briefly, there should be variety in the immeasurable thing called personality. For the style is the man the complex, like himself, of his culture, his loves and hopes, his anxieties and fears. Accordingly, the compiler has availed himself of the labors of some sixty translators of the one hundred and seventy-three hymns included in his volume. The reader may therefore confidently look for that variety which is the spice of literature as of life. Incidentally, he will receive a broad vision of the hymnologic work going on in the world around him.

11

PREFACE
Father Britt's labor of love is practical in many ways. A good translation is really an interpretaIt does not render merely the words or even the tion. thoughts of the original writer into another tongue, but seeks as well to pierce into his mood, to reproduce it for the reader; to catch and fix that first passion which
utility of

The

beggars all behind, Heirs of a tamer transport prepossessed.

that the learned Latinist may still learn at times something from the studious, gifted, visioned translator, even as the learned Shakespearian etymologist may gain deeper insight from the action and emphasis of a Garrick or a Booth. In the lower levels of thought, a good interpretation may be gained from a good translation for not a few of the Latin hymns need intelligent commentary for their easy or complete elucidation a commentary sometimes supplied, in a large sense, by a poetic translator. On a still lower plane, some of the Latin hymns (such as the JEterne Rerum Conditor, the Ut Queant Laxis) present grammatical tangles not readily solvable by the ordinary graduate of a course in Latin language and literature. But if the innumerable hosts of those who have had no training in Latin are to benefit by the wisdom, the piety, the fervor enshrined in the hymns of the Roman liturgy, the work of the translator becomes indispensable. It remains but to felicitate the compiler upon the completion of his long and loving labor and to bespeak for his volume the attention of all students of Latin hymnology and all lovers of the venerable hymns of the Roman Missal
so
it is
;

And

and Breviary.
H. T. Henry.

The Catholic University

Washington, D. C.

of America,

12

Statfror'a

preface

is to provide an introductory work on the hymns of the Roman (~*\ * JBreviary and Missal. In its pages will be Ji'ound all the hymns in the Breviary since the ^L Bull Divmo Afflatu of Pope Pius (1911), together with the five sequences of the Missal, and a few other hymns. There is at present in English no work that even approximately covers this ground. Many thoughtful men have long felt that something should be done to make our liturgical hymns better known and better understood. The Dies Irce, the Vexilla Regis, the Stabat Mater, the Lauda Sion, and the Pange Lingua are of incomparably greater value to the Christian than the greatest of pagan However, the study of the ancient classics and of odes. Christian hymns may and should go hand in hand. Each has its own purpose there is no quarrel between them. The one serves to cultivate a delicate and refined taste, the other enkindles in the soul the loftiest sentiments of religion. The study of the former prepares one for a fuller and more generous enjoyment of the latter. The present volume is intended as a manual for beginners for those who have had no access to the many excellent works on Latin hymns edited in other languages. The editor has no new theories of authorship to propound, no new historical facts to announce, and in general no new interpretation of disputed passages in the hymns. For historical data he freely acknowledges his indebtedness to many existing works, especially to the Dictionary of Hymnology so ably edited by the late Rev. Dr. John Julian, and the Rev. James Mearns, M.A. The translations referred to throughout the volume are

V^^^^HE purpose of this volume

^^1^

13

AUTHOR'S PREFACE
metrical translations. There are no prose translations in English, if one excepts a considerable part of the hymns of the Proper of the Season, which are found in Abbot Gueranger's great work The Liturgical Year. The metrical versions given here represent the work of more than sixty translators, some of whom flourished as early as the seventeenth century. In the selection of these translations many hymn-collections and many of the finest hymn-books have been laid under tribute. Catholic and Anglican scholars, especially since the days of the Oxford Movement, have vied with one another in rendering our Latin hymns into English verse. Both in the number of translators and in the quality of their work the honors are about equally divided. It is worthy of note that Catholic scholars have ordinarily translated the Roman Breviary Text, while Anglicans have generally rendered the Original Text as found in the Benedictine and Dominican Breviaries. Much time was spent in the selection of the translations that accompany the Latin hymns. Despite the great wealth of translations the editor is inclined to believe that the number of really good versions of any particular hymn is not translation, to be worthy of the name, must comgreat. bine good idiomatic English with a literal rendering of the original. The retention of the meter of the original is also very desirable. Some translators have excelled in one of these qualities, some in another; few have successfully combined all of them. In not a few instances it was found necessary to restrict the choice of translations to those made directly from the Roman Breviary Text. Often however the two Texts while differing verbally do not differ greatly in sense. In such instances translations of the Original Text by J. M. Neale and others are freely given. It was a part of the instruction given the revisers of the hymns in 1632 that the meter and sense of each line should be preserved, and that expressions should not be fundamentally altered. It need scarcely be said that this instruction was not always followed. Whenever ascertainable the name of the translator of each hymn is given. Statements as to authorship do not as a rule include Doxologies, Latin or English. Considerable

14

AUTHOR'S PREFACE
was taken in the selection of English Doxologies. The number of English translations is given under each hymn. The number of translations credited to a hymn is
liberty

based in great part on the versions mentioned in Julian's Dictionary of Hymnology and in Duffield's Latin HymnWriters. To these lists have been added several recent translations. All such lists are necessarily incomplete. The editor is not unconscious of the many shortcomings and imperfections of the present volume but if it will serve
;

to enkindle in the hearts of beginners, especially of young men studying for the priesthood, a love for the hymns of

Holy Church, it will have accomplished the chief purpose for which it was undertaken. Its preparation has been both a pastime and a labor of love. The result is cheerfully submitted to the judgment and correction of the proper ecclesiastical authorities. The pointing out of any inaccuracies will be duly acknowledged and greatly appreciated by the
editor.

Acknowledgments
The

many

editor desires to express his warmest thanks to kind friends for their generous assistance in the

preparation of this work. special word of acknowledgment is due to the Right Rev. Msgr. H. T. Henry, Litt.D., and to the late Right Rev. Peter Engel, O.S.B., for their kindly interest in the work from its inception. The editor's thanks are also due to many authors and publishers for permission to use the translations here assigned them to Mr. Robert Bridges, the Poet Laureate, for permission to use hymn 12 from The Yattendon Hymnal; to the Benedictines of Stanbrook for hymns 99, 100, 121, 122, 138, 140 from their The Day Hours of the Church; to Messrs. Burns, Oates and Washbourne for hymns 98 and 146 from Archbishop Bagshawe's Breviary Hymns and Missal Sequences;
:

to the representatives of the late

Marquess of Bute for

Roman Breviary in English; to the Rev. John Connolly for hymn 116 by the late Canon Hall to the Rev. Percy Dearmer for hymn 156 to Mr. Laurence Housman for hymn 164 to Judge D. J. Donahue for a
84, 95, 141

hymns
;

from

his

15

AUTHOR'S PREFACE
new
143,

translation of

hymn

159,

and for hymns

86, 123, 142,

from

his

Early Christian Hymns; to the Rev. Edward

;

F. Garesche, S.J. for hymn 80; to the Rev. T. A. Lacey, M.A. for hymn 48 to the Right Rev. Msgr. H. T. Henry for hymns 41, 75, 96, 97, 131, 139, 144; to the Right Rev. Sir David Oswald Hunter-Blair, O.S.B. for a new translation of hymn 30, and for hymn 141 to Miss Julian for hymn 20 written by her distinguished father; to the proprietors of Hymns Ancient and Modem (H.A. and M.) for hymns 34B and 154; to Messrs. Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co. for hymn 102 by the late Charles Kegan Paul; to Messrs. Longmans, Green & Co. for hymn 135, by the late Dr. T. I. Ball; to Mr. Alan G. McDougall for hymns 1, 64, 77, 105, 129, 136, 138, 156 which now appear in print for the first time to Messrs. Macmillan and to the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (S.P.C.K.) for hymns 14, 16, 18, 27, 36 by the late W. J. Courthope ; to the Oxford University Press for hymn 4 by Messrs. Ellerton and Hort to the Rev. G. H. Palmer, B.A. for permission to use many copyright hymns from The Hymner this includes all the hymns ascribed to Messrs. G. H. Palmer, M. J. Blacker,
; ;

Copeland, J. W. Chadwick, and J. W. Doran to Mr. Athelstan Riley, M.A. for hymns 42 and 129 to The Rosary Magazine for hymn 139 to the Rev. G. R. Woodward, M.A. for a new translation of the Ave Maris Stella 149B, and for many courtesies to the proprietors of The English Hymnal for the translation ascribed above to Messrs. Athelstan Riley, T. A. Lacey, Percy Dearmer, and Laurence Hous-

W.

J.

man.

Among the many scholars and friends

is

indebted he would here make James Britten, K.S.G., the Rev. James Mearns, M.A., Mr. Alan G. McDougall and the Rev. Ildephonse Brandstetter, O.S.B. Many of those already mentioned have been very kind and helpful in looking up the owners of hymns still in copyright. This in itself has been no slight task as most of these are the property of English authors and publishers. The editor has spared no efforts to ascertain the owners of all copyright hymns but if through inadvertence any have been overlooked, indulgence is asked in so worthy a
;

editor special mention of Mr.

to

whom the

16

AUTHOR'S PREFACE
cause,
will be

and the editor promises that due acknowledgement

made

at the earliest opportunity.

Bibliography
containing translations of Latin hymns, without Latin texts and comment, will be found among the biographies of translators at the end of this volume. 1. John Julian: A Dictionary of Hyrrmology, 2nd Ed., truly great work which sets forth the London, 1907. origin of Christian hymns of all ages and nations. Very This work does not contain valuable for Latin hymns.

Works

texts.

Latin Hymn-Writers and Their Hymns, New York, 1889. This work is a series of critical essays it contains a few Latin hymns and translations. It is not a reliable work. Funk and Wagnalls, New York. 3. R. C. Trench: Sacred Latin Poetry, Chiefly Lyrical, London, 1864. Trench was the Protestant Archbishop of Dublin. This book is an old favorite. It contains 76 Latin hymns, six of which are from the Breviary and two from the Missal. The introduction (52 pages) is very instructive. The book is the work of a scholar, albeit a bigoted one. 4. F. A. March: Latin Hymns, New York, 1874. Contains Latin text of 160 hymns with brief but good notes 37 of these hymns are in the Breviary or Missal. American Book Co., New York. 5. Eucharistica by Right Rev. Msgr. H. T. Henry, Litt. D. Contains, among much other valuable matter, the Latin texts with translations of some forty hymns in honor of the Blessed Sacrament, the Sacred Heart, and the Holy Name. There are sixty pages of comment. The Dolphin
2.

S.

W. Duffield

Press, Philadelphia, 1912. 6. The Catholic Encyclopedia: This great work is frequently referred to throughout this volume. It contains much valuable information on our Latin hymns. The ar-

on Hymnody and Hymnology was contributed by Rev. Clemens Blume, S.J., one of the editors of Analecta Hymnica. There are also some fifty articles on individual hymns, practically all of which were contributed by Msgr.
ticle

17

AUTHOR'S PREFACE
H. T. Henry.
ography.
7.

Each

article is followed

by a valuable

bibli-

Review: During the last twenty-five years the American Ecclesiastical Review has contained many scholarly articles on our Latin hymns, and many translations. Most of the articles and translations are from the pen of Msgr. H. T. Henry. 8. Latin Hymns edited with an introduction and notes by Rev. Matthew Germing, S.J., Loyola University Press,
Ecclesiastical

American

This inexpensive booklet contains fortyfive hymns judicially chosen and carefully edited for classroom purposes. 9. Latin Hymns edited by W. A. Merrill. small volume of Latin hymns with brief but good notes. About forty of the hymns are from the Breviary and Missal. Sanborn, Boston, 1904. 10. Hymns Ancient and Modern (H. A. & M.), Historical Edition, London, 1909. Contains 643 hymns, among which are 148 Latin hymns with English translations and notes. It contains a valuable Introduction (110 pages). The text of the Latin hymns "Hymni Latini" is also printed separately in vest pocket form. (Wm. Clowes & Sons, Ltd., 23 Cockspur St., London, S.W.) 11. L'abbe Pimont: Les Hymmes du Breviaire Romain. Etudes critiques, litteraires et mystiques. 3 Vols., Paris, 1874-1884. valuable commentary; a good companion would be the work next listed below. 12. Louis Gladu Les Hymnes du Breviaire traduites en frangais avec le text latin en regard. Second Ed., Quebec,
Chicago, 1920.

1913.

Johan Kayser: Beitrdge zur Geschichte imd Erkldrwng der altesten Kirchenhymmen. 2 Vols., Paderborn,
13.

commentary. 14. Adelbert Schulte: Die Hymnen des Breviers nebst den Sequenzen des Missale; 2nd Ed., Paderborn, 1906. This work contains the Roman Breviary Text of the hymns, and the Original Text where it differs from the former. There is a very literal prose translation of each hymn together with ample explanatory notes. It is one of the best works obtainable on our Latin hymns.
1881-1886.
excellent
18

An

AUTHOR'S PREFACE
F. J. Mone: Lateinische Hymnen des Mittelalters, 3 Vols., Freiburg, 1853-1855. Since its publication this has been one of the standard works on Latin hymns. 16. H. A. Daniel: Thesaurus Hymnologicus, 5 Vols., Leipzig, 1841-1856. valuable and extensive collection of hymns. The arrangement however is poor, and the abbreviations and references in the notes are most obscure. The first volume contains in parallel columns about fifty Breviary hymns in both the Original Text and the Roman Breviary Text.
15.

Dreves and Blume: Analecta Hymnica Medii Mvi. Leipzig, 1886. This great work when completed will contain about sixty volumes. More than fifty are now in print. It is the most extensive work on Latin hymnody thus far undertaken. The work listed next below should be in the hands of every user of the Analecta Hymnica. 18. James Mearns: Early Latin Hymnaries. An index of hymns in hymnaries before 1100. It gives references to the three following works where the texts of the hymns are printed: Analecta Hymnica (supra); Werner's Die altesten Hymnensammlungen von Rheinau, 1891; Stevenson's The Latin Hymns of the Anglo-Saxon Church, 1851; References are also given to Chevalier's Repertorium Hymnologicum, the great index to Latin hymns.
17.

19

3fatrobuctton

Historical,

CHE

use of hymns in the Western Church dates from the fourth century, from the days of the two illustrious Doctors of the Church, SS. Hilary and Ambrose. The first in point of time to write hymns was Hilary, the ever vigi-

lant bishop of Poitiers (d. 368). St. Hilary, who had earned for himself the title of Malleus Aricmorum, "the Hammer of the Arians," was sent into exile by the Arian Emperor Constantius. His place of exile was Phrygia, a

country in western Asia Minor. During the six years of his enforced sojourn among the Greeks, he became familiar with Greek metrical hymns which were at that time coming into use among the Christians in the East. On his return to Poitiers in 361 he began the writing of Latin hymns in the West. His efforts were not crowned with great success. Most of his hymns have perished and many of those which bear his name are the compositions of later writers. In 1887, three fragments of hymns from St. Hilary's Liber Hymnorum were discovered; these are probably the only genuine hymns of St. Hilary that have survived. To St. Ambrose (340-397), the great Bishop of Milan, is to be ascribed the honor of being the real founder of hymnody in the West. St. Ambrose began the writing of hymns as a means of combating the pernicious doctrines of the Arians. His hymns were used to convey correct Cathodoctrine to the minds and hearts of his people. For this purpose he chose with remarkable judgment a simple strophe consisting of four iambic dimeters four lines of eight syllables each. This, which is the simplest of all the
lic

21

INTRODUCTION
lyric meters, is

most suitable for congregational singing

and is easily memorized. The hymns of St. Ambrose became very popular, and from Milan they spread rapidly
throughout the West. the style and meter of
imitators arose who imitated St. Ambrose. All such hymns were

Many

given the general name Ambrosiani Ambrosian hymns. So popular were the hymns of St. Ambrose and of the Ambrosian school of hymn-writers that with a few insignificant exceptions hymns in this meter were almost exclusively used down to the eleventh century, nor did other meters come into extensive use until as late as the sixteenth century. Even to this day hymns written by St. Ambrose or by his imitators greatly predominate in the Breviary. H. A. Daniel in his Thesaurus Hymnologicus (Vol. 1), gives ninety-two hymns which he ascribes to St. Ambrose or to his contemporaries or successors. Many of these Ambrosiani are certainly not the work of St. Ambrose. The Bene-

works of St. Ambrose attribute to him twelve hymns. Father Dreves, the eminent hymnologist, after a careful study of the hymnaries in the Vatican and at Milan in 1893, gives it as his opinion that fourteen of the hymns ascribed to St. Ambrose are " genuine" and that
dictine editors of the

four others are "possibly his." During the four centuries that elapsed between the death
of St. Ambrose (397) and that of Charlemagne (814), many Christian poets sang in noble strains. In meter and outward form they imitated the hymns of St. Ambrose. Conspicuous among those whose hymns are used in the Divine Office are the Spanish poet Prudentius (d. 413) whose Cathemerinon is frequently mentioned in this volume; Sedulius (5th cent.) who gave us the beautiful Christmas

hymn A

Fortunatus (d. 609) "the last of the Latin poets of Gaul" and the author of the incomparable Vexilla Regis and of the sublime passion hymn Pange lingua; St. Gregory the Great (d. 604) to whom tradition assigns a place among the hymn-writers; Paul the Deacon (d. 799), a Benedictine of Monte Cassino, the author of the first Sapphic hymn Ut queant laxis; and Rabanus Maurus (d. 856), the learned Archbishop of Mainz, the probable author of the Veni Creator Spiritus.
solis ortus cardine;
22

HISTORICAL
The second period of hymn-writing embraces between the ninth and the sixteenth century.
the period
It

was a

Many of the medieval period of the greatest activity. hymn-writers were exceedingly prolific, and a mere mention of the names of those who distinguished themselves would be a lengthy task. The hymn-writers of the Middle Ages allowed themselves greater liberty than the earlier Christian poets, and in general the rules of prosody were disregarded. It is noticeable also that the hymns of this period became more subjective than the somewhat austere
and his imitators. Popular suband "Wounds of Christ, His Holy Name, the Joys of Paradise, the Terrors of the Judgment, hymns in honor of Our Lady and of the Saints. Among the great names of this period is that of St. Thomas Aquinas (d. 1274), the poet of the Blessed Sacrament; Bernard of Cluny (12th cent.), author of De Contemptu Mundi, a poem of 3,000 lines which is well known to English readers from Neale's translations "The world is very evil," and "Jerusalem the golden," which are found at the end of
of St. Ambrose jects were the Passion

hymns

this volume.

To

this period also belongs

Adam

of St.

Victor, the author of many sequences of incomparable beauty, and the most prominent and prolific hymn-writer of the Middle Ages. To these great names must be added

that of Jacopone da Todi (d. 1306), the author of the tenderest of all poems, the Stabat Mater; and the still greater name of Thomas of Celano (d. circa 1255), the immortal author of the greatest of uninspired compositions, the

Dies

Irce.

The third period

of Latin hymn-writing extends to the

present day. It is not a period marked by any great names nor has it been productive of any noteworthy new school of hymn-writers. As in all worldly things a period of growth and activity is followed by a period of decay. The art of Latin hymn-writing did not prove to be an exception to this rule. With the close of the Ages of Faith the sun of Latin hymnody set in all its splendor. Two causes conspired to make Latin hymn-writing a lost art. During the ages when hymnody flourished men thought in Latin and spoke Latin for them Latin was a living language, and one
;

23

INTRODUCTION
fully capable of giving expression to the most subtle refined thoughts and feelings of the human soul.

and

Fortunately also men gloried in their Faith and in the external manifestation of it in literature, in architecture, in painting, and in sculpture. Unfortunately these conditions obtain no longer. Latin has become a dead language even to scholars, and no one writes poetry in a language which he has not learned from his mother but from books. The second cause of the decay of hymnody was the Renaissance. To the Humanist no Latin poem was correct that did not measure up to the classical standards of the Augustan Age. The Any deviation from this standard was a barbarism. Humanists," says Father Clemens Blume, S.J., " abominated the rhythmical poetry of the Middle Ages from an exaggerated enthusiasm for ancient classical forms and meters. Hymnody then received its death blow as, on the revision of the Breviary under Pope Urban VIII, the medieval rhythmical hymns were forced into more classical
' '

forms by means of so-called corrections."

(Cath. Encycl.,

Pope Urban was himself a Humanist, Art. Hymnody). the last in fact of the Humanist Popes. During his reign a commission was appointed to revise the Breviary, and a special commission of four distinguished Jesuit scholars, Fathers Sarbiewski, Strada, Galluzzi, and Petrucci was appointed to correct the hymns of the Breviary. As a result of the labors of this commission, 952 corrections were made in the 98 hymns then in the Breviary. Eighty-one hymns were corrected: 58 alterations were made in the hymns of the Psalter, 359 in the Proper of the Season, 283 in the Proper of the Saints, and 252 in the Common of the Saints.
The first lines of more than 30 hymns were altered. The Jam lucis orto sidere, the Ave Maris Stella, the hymns of St. Thomas Aquinas, and a few others were spared. Some hymns were practically rewritten, others
were scarcely touched. In 1629, the Sacred Congregation of Rites approved of the alterations, and by the Bull Divinam Psalmodiam in 1632, Pope Urban VIII introduced them into the official edition of the Breviary. In connection with the revision of the hymns it should be borne in mind that the act of Urban VIII was a purely disciplinary act,
24

METERS
one which the Church may recall at any time, and one which she probably will recall, for the work of the revisers is now generally regarded as a mistake. The hymns in their old

found in the Breviaries of the Benedictines, Dominicans, Cistercians, Carthusians, and probably a few others. And, strangely enough, they are still used in the two great Churches in Rome, St. Peter's and St. John
still

form are

Lateran.

word yet remains to be said as to when hymns were first made an integral part of the Divine Office. It seems fairly certain that St. Benedict, who wrote his Rule some ten or fifteen years before his death in 543, was the first to make hymns an integral part of the canonical hours. St. Benedict invariably styles these hymns Ambrosiani but does not name them. A century later hymns constituted a
part of the Office of the secular clergy in Gaul and Spain. Rabanus Maurus (d. 856) testifies that hymns were in general use in his day. And last of all Rome admitted hymns into the Divine Office in the twelfth century. It must not be inferred, however, that no hymns were sung in the churches throughout the West until they were officially recognized as a part of the liturgical Office. From the days of St. Ambrose (d. 397) the singing of Latin hymns in the Church occupied the same position that is now accorded the singing of hymns in the vernacular. This is true even of conservative Rome long before the twelfth century. It might be recalled that Pope St. Gregory the Great (d. 604), himself a hymn-writer of note, was for several years before his elevation to the Papacy a Benedictine abbot in the monastery of St. Andrew on the CaBlian Hill. "While there he must have become familiar with the Ambrosiani of the Benedictine Office which he sang daily. Nor is it conceivable, from what we know of his life, that as Pope he should not have encouraged the singing of hymns in the churches
of

Rome.
Meters

considerable variety of meters has been employed by the Christian poets in the composition of Latin hymns.
25

INTRODUCTION
These meters or verse forms receive their name partly from the foot that chiefly predominates in them; as, Iambic, Trochaic, and partly from the number of meters or measures they contain; as, Dimeter, Trimeter; or from the name of the author who originated or employed a certain
kind of verse: as, Sapphic, Glyconic, Asclepiadic, etc. By far the greater part of the hymns is written in Iambic and Trochaic meters. In these meters Latin verses are measured not by single feet as in English, but by pairs or dipodies. In Latin it requires four Iambi or Trochees to make a Dimeter, while in English a verse with the same Dimeter, therenumber of feet is called a Tetrameter. fore, in these meters, contains four Iambi or Trochees; a

Trimeter six; and a Tetrameter

eight.

The Romans learned their poetry, as they learned the other fine arts, from the Greeks. About two centuries before Christ the influence of Greek poetry began to manifest
writings of Ennius, "the Father of Roman poetry." The influence of Greek models increased from year to year till it culminated in the immortal works of Horace and Virgil in the Golden Age of Latin literature. Horace exemplifies all that is best in Latin poetry, and it was the poetry of Horace and his contemporaries that was the delight of the cultured Romans whose taste had been formed on Greek models. This poetry, it need scarcely be
itself in the

said,

a purely rhythmical poetry, a poetry of the people, in which the ballads and folk songs of the common people were The common people knew nothing of quantity written. with its artificial and arbitrary rules which the poets had made. Quantitative poetry was therefore the poetry of the educated; rhythmical or accentual poetry was the poetry
letters,

was strictly quantitative. But together with this classical poetry there and that too from the beginning of Latin

co-existed,

people. Now, the early hymns of the Church were likewise the songs of the people, and were necessarily written in a manner that would appeal to all This the people and not merely to the cultured classes. was effected by St. Ambrose and by the earlier writers of the Ambrosian school, by a compromise between the
of the

common

26

METERS
quantitative and the rhythmical principles. These writers made use of the simplest of all the lyric meters, the Iambic Dimeter, with its regular succession of short and long syllables but they took care that the accents should in general fall on the long syllables. Their quantitative hymns can therefore be read rhythmically. In the composition of his hymns, St. Ambrose did not make use of any greater licenses than did Horace and his contemporaries. Later on, however, it is noticeable that less and less attention was paid to quantity and greater attention to accent which began to replace it. As early as the fifth century many hymn-writers employed the rhythmical principle only. This process continued until in the Middle Ages all sense of long and short syllables had vanished, and hymns were written in accentual, non-quantitative meters. In studying the hymns chronologically, it will be observed also that the growth of
;

rhyme kept pace with the growth of accent. The scales given below illustrate the common quantitative
forms of the various meters employed in the composition of Latin hymns. In non-quantitative Latin hymns, and in English hymns, accent marks may be substituted for the marks indicating the long syllables.
Scale

"A"

Iambic Dimeter

Te

lucis ante

terminum,

Rerum Creator poscimus,

Ut pro tua dementia
Sis prsesul et custodia.

Before the ending of the clay, Creator of the world, we pray That with Thy wonted favor Thou Wouldst be our Guard and Keeper

now.

In this meter a spondee or an anapest may be used in the first and third foot. By far the greater part of the Breviary hymns are composed in this meter. In English this is the well-known Long Meter (L. M.) exemplified above.
27

INTRODUCTION
Scale

"B"

Iambic Trimeter

Decora lux

seternitatis

auream

Diem

beatis irrigavit ignibus,

Apostolorum quae coronat principes,

Reisque in astra liberam pandit viam.

The beauteous light of God's eternal majesty Streams down in golden rays to grace this holy day

Which crowned

And unto

guilty mortals

the princes of th' Apostles' glorious choir showed the heavenward way.

spondee or an anapest may be used in the odd-numbered feet of the Latin hymns. See hymns 89, 91, 116, 117,
:

124, 128.

Scale

"C"

Trochaic Dimeter

Dies

irse,

dies ilia,

Day

Solvet saeclum in favilla: Teste David cum Sibylla.

of wrath, that day whose knelling earthly this Gives flames to

dwelling;

Psalm and Sibyl thus

foretelling.

The Dies
Scale

Irce alone is written in this meter.

Hymn

87.

"D"

Trochaic Dimeter Catalectic

Veni Sancte Spiritus,

Et emitte coelitus Lucis tuae radium.

Holy

Spirit,

Lord of

light,

From the clear celestial height, Thy pure beaming radiance give.

See

hymn

67,

which alone

is

written in this meter.

The

28

METERS
composed of six-line stanzas of trochaic dimeters, the third and sixth" lines being catalectic. See hymns 54 and 57, with their translations.
is

Stabat Mater

Scale

"B"

Trochaic Dimeter Brachy catalectic

Ave maris

stella,

Dei Mater Alma, Atque semper Virgo,

Felix
coeli porta.

Ave, Star of ocean, Child Divine who barest, Mother, Ever- Virgin, Heaven's portal fairest.

(alone) each line consists of three trochees. "Brachycatalectic," i.e., wanting two syllables or the last foot of the final dipody. See hymn 149 and its two transla-

In

this

hymn

tions.

Scale

"F"

Trochaic Tetrameter Catalectic

Pange, lingua, gloriosi lauream certaminis, Et super crucis trophaeo die triumphum nobilem,
Qualiter Redemptor orbis immolatus vicerit.

my tongue, the glorious battle, sing the ending of the fray; above the Cross, the trophy, sound the loud triumphant lay: Tell how Christ, the world's Redeemer, as a Victim won the day.
Sing,

Now

The caesura uniformly follows the fourth foot

thus

di-

viding each verse into a trochaic dimeter acatalectic, and a trochaic dimeter catalectic; thus,
Pange lingua gloriosi Lauream certaminis, etc.
Sing,

my

tongue,

the

glorious
etc.

battle,

Sing the ending of the fray,

In the Breviary the lines are uniformly broken in two at the caesura, thus forming stanzas of six lines. See hymns 52, 53, 76, 119, 132, 134B, 168 and their English translations.
29

INTRODUCTION
Scale

"Q"

The Asclepiadic Strophe

Sanctorum meritis inclyta gaudia

Pangamus

socii gestaque fortia:

Gliscens fert animus promere cantibus

Victorum genus optimum.

This strophe consists of three Asclepiadic lines and one Glyconic. The above is a classical specimen of a hymn written in this meter. See the translations of hymns 77, 136, 159. There is some difference of opinion as to how the classical Asclepiadic strophe should be read. This question is discussed in the article on this hymn in the Cath. Encycl. However, the majority of those who read these hymns in the Breviary, read them rhythmically as if written in dactyls. This is well exemplified in another article in the same work on the hymn Sacris solemniis a hymn written in accentual,

non-quantitative measures
Lo! the Angelic Bread feedeth the sons of men: Figures and types are fled never to come again. what a wondrous thing! lowly and poor are fed, Banqueting on their Lord and King.

Hymns
Scale

77, 92, 93, 94, 104, 118, 131, 136, 159.

"H"

The Sapphic Strophe

Ecce jam noctis tenuatur umbra,

Lux

et aurorae rutilans coruscat:

Supplices rerum Dominum canora Voce precemur.

Lo! the dim shadows of the night are waning; Lightsome and blushing, dawn of day returneth; Fervent in spirit, to the mighty Father Pray we devoutly.
30

THE CANONICAL HOURS

of the first three lines of the Sapphic strophe consists of a trochee, spondee, dactyl, and two trochees. The last syllable may be long or short. The fourth line is Adonic,

Each

and consists of a dactyl followed by a spondee. In the

three lines the place for the caesura
fifth syllable.
is

first

generally after the

in

See hymns

7, 10, 96,

105, 106, 113, 114, 115,

Most of these hymns are translated the meters, Sapphic and Adonic, of the originals.
121, 135, 160, 164.

The Canonical Hours

The canonical hours are: Matins, Lauds, Prime, Terce, Sext, None, Vespers and Compline. Matins is composed of
parts called Nocturns or Vigils, two or three in number. Lauds was originally the concluding part of Matins. Even now Matins and Lauds are scarcely ever separated. The traditional view is that the Nocturns of Matins were recited at different times during the night. Outside of monastic communities, however, the observance of such nightly Vigils would scarcely be possible. There is in the Breviary a hymn assigned to each of the canonical hours. Many of these hymns contain allusions which are better understood in both the literal arid symbolical sense, when it is known at what particular part of the day or night the hymn was formerly sung. The following table will be found sufficiently accurate for all practical purposes.
Table"A"

When

the Canonical Hours

First

Were Formerly Said

at

Prime, at 6:00 A. M. Terce, at 9:00 A. M. Sext, at 12 :00 M. None, at 3:00 P. M. Vespers, at 6:00 P. M. Compline, at nightfall

Nocturn of Matins
P. P.

9:00

M. M.

Second Nocturn of Matins at 12 :00

Third Nocturn of Matins at 3:00 A. M. Lauds was said at daybreak

In appointing these times for the recitation of the canonical hours, the Church had in mind the greater divisions or hours of the Roman day. The Eomans divided the day, from sunrise to sunset, into twelve equal parts called "hours." These were the common hours. "Are there not
31

INTRODUCTION
twelve hours of the day?" (John 11, 9). They also (as did the Jews after the conquest) divided the day into four greater hours, and the night into four watches (custodies, vigilice, nodes) each of which was of three common hours' duration. As the hours or watches of the Roman day and night were based on solar time, they varied in length with the season of the year. The season of the equinox is uniformly taken as the standard. At that time the duration of day and night being equal, the hours and watches were also equal. The following Tables illustrate the greater divisions of the Roman day and night, and a comparison with Table "A" will show how the Church adopted the ancient Roman subdivisions of the day and night as times of prayer.

Table

"B"

The Greater Hours of the Roman Day

time) was from
time) was from

The First Hour (Roman The Third Hour (Roman The Sixth Hour (Roman The Ninth Hour (Roman

6:00 A. M.

to

9:00 A. M. (our time)

(our time)

9:00 A. M. to 12:00 M.
to

time) was from 12:00 M.

3:00 P. M. (our time)

time) was from

3:00 P. M. to

(6:00 A.M. Prime; 9:00 A.M. Terce; 12:00 Vespers.)

6:00 P. M. (our time) M. Sext; 3:00 P.M. None; 6:00 P.M.

Table

C"

Roman

Divisions of the Night

The First Watch, "evening," was from 6:00 P. M. to 9:00 P. M. (our time) The Second Watch, "midnight," was from 9:00 P. M. to 12:00 P. M. (our time) The Third Watch, "cock-crowing," was from 12:00 P. M. to 3:00 A. M. (our time) The Fourth Watch, "morning," was from 3:00 A. M. to 6:00 A. M. (our time)

These hours and watches are frequently mentioned in the New Testament. In a single verse St. Mark refers to the four watches. "You know not when the lord of the house cometh at even, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning" (xm, 35). The Catholic Encyclopedia contains instructive articles on each of the canonical hours; there is also an article on Breviary, and one on
;

Nocturns.

32

Efje

Jfypmm

of

tfie

Pretrial?

ant JWfesal
Part
Wqt ^pmntf
of

I
tfje

ipgalter

PRIME
1

Jam
lucis orto sidere

lucis orto sidere

JAM
Ut

Deum precemur

NOW
That

in the sun's

new dawning

supplices,

ray,

in diurnis actibus

Lowly of

Nos

servet a nocentibus.

heart, our God we pray He from harm may keep us

free

In all the deeds this day shall see.

2

Linguam

Ne

litis

refraenans temperet, horror insonet:

contegat,

May
Lest

fear

of

Him

our tongues
speech

restrain,
strife

Visum fovendo

unguarded

Ne

vanitates hauriat.

should stain: His favoring care our guardian be, Lest our eyes feed on vanity.

Sint pura cordis intima, Absistat et vecordia:

May
And

Carnis terat superbiam Potus cibique parcitas.

every heart be pure from sin, folly find no place therein: Scant meed of food, excess denied, Wear down in us the body's pride.
light of day is gone, night in course shall follow

*Ut cum dies abscesserit,

That when the

Noctemque

sors reduxerit,

And
33

on,

THE PSALTER
Mundi per abstinentiam
Ipsi

We,

free

from cares the world

is

canamus gloriam.

affords,

May
6

chant the praise that

Lord's.

our

Deo

Patri

sit

gloria,

Ejusque

soli Filio,

Cum

Spiritu Paraclito, Nunc, et per omne saeculum.

All laud to God the Father be, All praise, Eternal Son, to Thee: All glory, as is ever meet, To God the holy Paraclete.

Ambrosian, 5th cent. Meter Iambic dimeter. There are about Translation by Alan Gr. McDougall. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Prime thirty translations. daily throughout the year. Read the article on Prime in

Author

the Cath. Encycl. 1. "The star of light being now risen, let us humbly beseech God, that in our daily actions He may keep us from all harm." Lucis sidus=sol; Prime was said at sunrise. 2. " Bridling, may He restrain the tongue, lest the jarring discord of strife resound; may He lovingly veil our sight lest it drink in vanities." Fovendo: "The ablative of the gerund and gerundive is used to express manner, means, cause, etc. In this use, the ablative of the gerund is, in later writers nearly, and in medieval writers entirely, equivalent to a present participle" (Allen and Greenough's New Latin Grammar, 507). Linguam: Qui enim vult vitam diligere, et dies videre bonos, coerceat linguam suam a malo, et labia ejus ne loquantur dolum (I Peter 3, 10). For an exposition of the sins of the tongue, read the third chapVisum: Averte oculos meos, ter of St. James' Epistle.

ne videant vanitatem (Ps. 118, 37). 3. "May the inmost recesses of the heart be pure, and may folly cease; may the sparing use of food and drink Partitas: In multis enim wear down the pride of the flesh. Propter crapulam multi obierescis erit infirmitas unt; qui autem abstinens est, adjiciet vitam (Ecclus. 37,
'

'

33-34).

the day has departed, and fate has brought back the night, still pure by virtue of abstinence, we may sing His glory." Sors, fate, divine ordinance,
4.

"That when

Ipsi, dative, to

Him.
34

TERCE
His only Son, together with the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, both now and
5.

"Glory be

to

God

the Father,

and

to

forever. '

TERCE
2

Nunc
Unum
Patri

Sancte nobis Spiritus

NUNC

Sancte nobis Spiritus,

/^OME, Holy

cum

Filio,

Ghost,

who

ever

One
the hour, our souls possess
full flood of holiness.

Dignare promptus ingeri Nostro refusus pectori.

Art with the Father and the Son,

It is

With Thy
2

Os, lingua, mens, sensus, vigor Confessionem personent, Flammescat igne caritas, Accendat ardor proximos.

Let flesh and heart and lips and

mind
Sound
forth our witness to

man-

kind;

And

love

light

up

our

mortal

frame,
Till others catch the living flame.
3

Praesta, Pater piissime, Patrique compar Unice,

Grant

this,

With

Christ,

Father, ever One Thy sole-begotten

Cum

Spiritu Paraclito

Regnans per orane sasculum.

And Holy

Son, Ghost,

whom

all adore,

Reigning and blest forevermore.

Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Cardinal Newman. There are about twenty translations. Liturgical Use Hymn for
St.

Author: Possibly by

Ambrose

(340-397).

Terce daily throughout the year. In this hymn we ask the Holy Spirit to take possession of our hearts and inflame them with the fire of divine love. It is appropriate as a hymn for Terce, the Third Hour, for it was at that hour (9:00 A. M.) on Pentecost Day, that the Holy Ghost descended upon the Apostles (Acts 2, 15). Read the article on Terce in the Cath. Encycl. 1. " Deign now, Holy Spirit, who art One with the Father and the Son, to come to us without delay, and be diffused in our hearts." Unum: The neuter is here used substantively and signifies unity or sameness of nature
35

THE PSALTER
and substance.
It is so

used in the Vulgate

Pater, Verbum,
(I

et Spiritus Sanctus; et hi tres

unum

sunt.

John

5, 7).

Ego et Pater unum sumus (John 10, 30). Unum Patri unum cum Patre; the dative here expresses affinity, relationship,
etc.,

as do such adjectives as

affinis, similis,

par,

Dignare, imper. of dignor. Ingeri, to be infused. Refusus=difxi8\is, diffused; refusus is by enallage used for refundi, as the Holy Spirit must first come to the soul before He can be diffused therein. This stanza might Sancte Spiritus, qui es unum (una be paraphrased: substantia) cum Patre et Filio, dignare nunc promptus ingeri nobis, et refundi nostro pectori. 2. "May mouth, tongue, mind, sense, and strength proclaim Thy praise; may our charity in its fervor glow brightly, and may the flame thereof enkindle the hearts of our neighbors." most loving Father, and Thou, only3. "Grant this, begotten Son, equal to the Father, who reignest eternally with the Holy Ghost, the Comforter.

and impar.

'

SEXT
>

Rector potens, verax Deus

potens, verax Deus,

RECTOR

/~\
V-'

GOD

of

truth,

Lord of
and
change

Oni tpmnprnc rprum vir.pja. Qui temperas rerum vices, Splendore mane illuminas, Et ignibus meridiem:

might,
orderest
aright,

Who

time
the

Who
And

send'st
ray,

early

morning

light'st the

glow of perfect

day:
2

Exstingue flammas litium,

Aufer calorem noxium, Confer salutem corporum,

Extinguish Thou each sinful fire, And banish every ill desire; And while Thou keep'st the body
whole,

Veramque pacem cordium.

Shed forth Thy peace upon the

soul.
3

Praesta, Pater piissime,

Almighty Father, hear our

cry,

Patrique compar Unice, 36

Through most High,

Jesus Christ,

Our Lord

NONE
Cum
Spiritu Paraclito

Who, with
Thee,

the

Holy Ghost and

eternally.

Regnans per omne saeculum.

Doth

live

and reign

Possibly by St. Ambrose (340-397). Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by J. M. Neale. There are about twenty translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Sext daily throughout the year. Sext was said at noon. The great heat of the noonday sun is compared to the heat of the passions which we beseech God to extinguish. We implore Him also to grant us health of body and peace of soul. Read the separate articles on this hymn and on Sext, in the Cath. Encycl. mighty Ruler, truthful God, who dost regulate the 1. changes of things, with splendor dost Thou light up the morning, and with burning heat the noonday, Verax Deus : Est autem Deus verax: omnis autem homo mendax, sicut scriptum est (Rom. 3, 4). Splendor e: "Splendor" is here the beauteous, beneficent light of the morning, in contradistinction to the sweltering heat of midday. 2. "Extinguish Thou the flames of strife, remove harmful heat, grant health of body and true peace of heart." Litium: Noli contendere verbis (II Tim. 2, 14). Color em noxium: evil desires. Pacem cordium: Pacem relinquo vobis, pacem meam do vobis; non quomodo mundus dat, ego do vobis. Non turbetur cor vestrum, neque formidet

Author:

'

'

'

(John

14, 27).

NONE
\

Rerum Deus
Deus tenax vigor, Immotus in te permanens,

tenax vigor

RERUM

r\ STRENGTH,
^-^
holding

and stay up-

all creation,

Lucis diurnse tempora Successibus determinans:

ever dost Thyself unmoved abide, Yet day by day the light in due gradation

Who

From hour
37

to hour through changes guide:

all its

THE PSALTER
2

Largire lumen vespere,

Quo

vita

nusquam

decidat,

Sed praemium mortis sacrae Perennis instet gloria.

Grant to life's day a calm unclouded ending, An eve untouched by shadows of

decay,

The brightness of a holy

bed blending With dawning glories of
day.
3

death-

th' eternal

Praesta, Pater piissime,

Hear

us,

Father, gracious and

Christ, the co-eternal

Patrique compar Unice,

forgiving,

Cum

Spiritu Paraclito

And

thou,

Regnans per omne sasculum.

Word,

Who, with

Now
Author:

the Holy Ghost, by all things living and to endless ages art adored.

Possibly by St. Ambrose (340-397). Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by J. Ellerton and F. J. A. Hort. There are about twenty translations. Liturgical Use Hymn for None daily throughout the year. None, or the Ninth Hour (3:00 P. M.), corresponds to the hour of Our Lord's death. In this hymn we acknowledge the omnipotence and providence of God; and we ask that eternal glory be the reward of a holy death. Read the separate articles on None and on this Hymn, in the Cath. Encycl. The meter, iambic pentameter, in the above beautiful translation is unusual in the translation of Latin hymns. 1. " God, the sustaining power of created things, who in Thyself dost remain unmoved, and dost determine our Immoius, times by successive changes of the light of day unchanged. Tempora: The regular divisions of time as marked off by the progress of the sun in the heavens. Successus, progress, advance, a succession of time. 2. "Bestow Thou upon us Thy light in the evening (of life), that life may never fail us, but that eternal glory may await us as the reward of a holy death." Largire, imper. of largior. Lumen, the light of glory.
-

: '

'

38

COMPLINE
Te
lucis

lucis ante

terminum

TERerum ante terminum, Creator poscimus,

Ut pro tua dementia
Sis prsesul et custodia.

BEFORE the

ending of the day, Creator of the world, we pray That with Thy wonted favor Thou Wouldst be our Guard and Keeper

now.
2

Procul recedant somnia, Et noctium phantasmata;

From From

all

ill

dreams defend our

eyes,

Hostemque nostrum comprime,

Ne polluantur

corpora.

nightly fears and fantasies; Tread under foot our ghostly foe, That no pollution we may know.

Praesta, Pater piissime,

Father, that

we ask be done,
Christ,

Patrique compar Unice,

Through Jesus
Son;

Thine only

Cum

Spiritu Paraclito

Regnans per omne saeculum.

Who, with
Thee,

the

Holy Ghost and

eternally.

Doth

live

and reign

Author: Ambrosian, 7th

Translation by J. tions, five of which are in Mr. Shipley's Annus Sanctus. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Compline daily throughout the year. As the Jam lucis orto sidere, which was said at sunrise, is an important part of Prime, the Morning Prayer of the Church, so the Te lucis ante terminum, which was said at nightfall, is an appropriate and equally beautiful part of Compline, the Evening Prayer of the Church. Read the separate articles on Compline and on the Te lucis ante

Meter: Iambic dimeter. M. Neale. There are thirty-five translacent.

terminum
1.
' '

in the Cath. Encycl.

Before the end of daylight, Creator of the world, we beseech Thee, that in accordance with Thy mercy, Thou wouldst be our Protector and our Guard." Terminum lucis: Compline was said after sunset, but before complete darkness enveloped the earth.

dreams and phantoms of the night depart; restrain Thou our adversary lest our bodies become defiled." Somnia, foul dreams; phantasmata (phantasma,
2.

"Far

off let

39

THE PSALTER
atis), delusions.

Both words convey with them the addi-

In Mr. C. Kent's translation, they are rendered by "evil dreams" and "fancies with voluptuous guile." Hostem, the devil, the great adversary of man. In the beginning of Compline we are cautioned to be vigilant, for our "adversary, the devil, goeth about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (I Peter 5, 8).
tional idea of uncleanness.

SUNDAY AT MATINS
Primo
die,

quo Trinitas

PRIMO
Beata

die,

quo Trinitas
condidit,

HAIL
in

day!

whereon the One

mundum

Vel quo resurgens Conditor

Three First formed the earth by sure

decree,

Nos morte

victa liberat:

The day

And

rose again, vanquished death, and burst our chain.

its

Maker

Pulsis procul torporibus, Surgamus omnes ocyus,

Away

We
And

raise our hearts

with sleep and slothful ease and bend our

Et nocte quaeramus Deum, Propheta sicut praecipit:

knees, early seek the Lord of all, Obedient to the Prophet's call.

Nostras preces ut audiat,

That

He may hearken

to

our

Suamque

dextram porrigat,

Et expiatos sordibus

prayer, Stretch forth His strong right

to spare,

arm

Reddat polorum sedibus:

And

ev'ry past offense forgiven,

Restore us to our
4

home

in heaven.

Ut, quique sacratissimo

Hujus

diei

tempore

Assembled here this holy day, This holiest hour we raise the lay;

Horis quietis psallimus, Donis beatis muneret.

5

And that He to whom we sing, May now reward our offering!

Father of unclouded light!

Jam

nunc, paterna claritas, Te postulamus aff atim Absint faces libidinis, Et omnis actus noxius.
40

Keep us this day as in Thy sight, In word and deed that we may be

From

ev'ry touch of evil free.

SUNDAY AT MATINS
6

Ne foeda sit, vel Compago nostri

lubrica corporis,

That

this

our body's mortal frame

sin,

May know no
shame,

and fear no

cujus ignes ignibus Avernus urat acrius.

Ob

Nor fire hereafter be the end Of passions which our bosoms

rend.

Mundi Redemptor, quaesumus, Tu probra nostra diluas: Nobisque largus commoda

Vitae perennis conferas.

Redeemer of the world, we pray That Thou wouldst wash our sins
away,

And
The

give us, of grace, blessings of place.

Thy boundless
the

heavenly

Praesta, Pater piissime,

Patrique compar Unice,

Cum

Spiritu Paraclito

Regnans per omne saeculum.

Most Holy Father, hear our cry, Through Jesus Christ our Lord most High Who, with the Holy Ghost and Thee Shall live and reign eternally.

Gregory the Great (540-604). Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by J. M. Neale and others, from The New Office Hymn Book. There are about twenty translations. Liturgical Use Hymn for Matins from the Octave of the Epiphany until the first Sunday of Lent, and from the
St.
:

Author:

Sunday nearest

to the Calends of October until Advent.

First line of Original Text: Primo dierum omnium. 1. "On the first day, on which the Blessed Trinity created the world, and on which the Creator rising, after vanquishing death, liberated us, Primo die Sunday, the day on which God began the creation of the world. For the Work of each of the Six Days, see the Vespers Hymns of the Psalter, Nos. 23-28. Conditor: the Creator, God the Son, who rose from the dead on Sunday. In this stanza the creation of the world is ascribed to the Trinity, and then to the Son, or Word alone, of whom it was said All things were made by Him, and without Him was made nothing that was made (John 1, 3). The divine nature, the attributes, and the external works of the three Persons of the Holy Trinity are common to all of Them. However, the Redemption of the world is the personal work of the Son, in the sense that He
' '

41

THE PSALTER
alone became incarnate and suffered and died for us. "Banishing sloth afar, let us all rise quickly, and by 2. night seek God as the Prophet commands," Ocyus, comp. of ociter. Propheta: The Prophet referred to is David, the Royal Psalmist. Media nocte surgebam ad confitendum tibi (Ps. 118, 62). In noctibus extollite manus vestras in sancta, et benedicite Dominum (Ps. 133, 2). "That He may hear our prayers, and stretch forth 3. to us His right hand, and restore us, purified from sin, to the abodes of heaven;" Dextram: The right hand is a symbol of power, strength; the stretching forth of the right hand signifies the exercise of power. That He may reward with blessed gifts all of us who 4. sing His praises in the most hallowed time of this day, in Constr. Ut quique sacratissimo hujus the hours of rest. diei tempore .... psallimus, (eos) donis beatis muneret. Quique: This use of quisque for quicunque or quisquis, whosoever, every one who, all that, is common in the Breviary
'
'

'

'

and
5.

in ante-

and

post-classical Latin generally.

Splendor also earnestly entreat Thee, of the Father, that the flames of lust, and every evil deed be far removed from us." Paterna claritas, Christ, whom St.

"We now

Paul styles, Splendor Patris (cf. Heb. 1, 3; see also the opening line of Hymn 12). Actus noxius, sin. "Lest the structure of our body become foul or de6. filed, and on account of its evil desires, hell with its flames should burn the more fiercely." Ignes, the fires of the passions, the desires of the flesh.

Redeemer of the world, that beseech Thee, Thou wash away our sins, and generously bestow upon us
7.

"We

the reward of eternal life."

SUNDAY AT MATINS
7

Nocte surgentes
surgentes

NOCTE
Semper
in

vigilemus

omnes,
psalmis

meditemur,
42

TVTOW, from the slumbers of the * ' night arising, Chant we the holy psalmody of
David,

atque

SUNDAY AT MATINS
Voce concordi Domino canamus Dulciter hymnos.

Hymns

our Master, with a voice concordant, Sweetly intoning.

to

Ut pio Regi pariter canentes,

So may
That

Cum
Ingredi

suis

Sanctis

mereamur
et

aulam
coeli,

our Monarch pitifully hear us, we may merit with His

Saints to enter
eternal,

simul

perennem

Ducere vitam.

Mansions

therewithal

possessing

Joy
3

beatific.

Pr8estet

hoc nobis Deitas beata

cujus resonat per om-

This be our portion,

blessed,

God

forever

Patris, ac Nati, pariterque sancti

Spiritus,

Father

eternal,
Spirit,

Son,

and

Holy

nem
Gloria

mundum.

Whose

is

the glory, which through

all creation

Ever resoundeth.

Author: Pope St. Gregory the Great (540-604). Meter: Sapphic and Adonic. Translation, a cento from The Hymner, in the meter of the original. The translation has
been altered to adapt it to the Roman Breviary Text. There are about twenty translations. Liturgical Use: Matins hymn from the third Sunday after Pentecost till the Sunday nearest the Calends of October. This is the companion hymn of Ecce jam noctis, No. 10. " Rising by night, let us all keep watch and ever de1. vote our minds to psalmody, and with harmonious voices let us sing sweet hymns to the Lord." P salmis: The Psalms constitute the principal part of the Divine Office. They are so arranged in the Psalter that the 150 Psalms are said each week. 2. That singing to the loving King, together with His Saints, we may merit to enter the royal court of heaven, and with them enjoy eternal life." 3. "May the Blessed Deity of the Father, Son, and likewise of the Holy Spirit, whose glory resounds throughout the whole world, grant us this.

'

43

THE PSALTER
8
laudamus: TE Deumconfitemur.
iiium
* te

Te Deum
Dom%V7"E praise Thee, God: we *T acknowledge Thee to be
the Lord.

Te

teternum

Patrem

omnis

terra veneratur.
3

Thee, the Eternal Father, earth doth worship.

all the

Tibi omnes Angeli, * tibi

et universse potestates:

coeli,

To Thee

Angels, to Thee the Heavens, and all the

all the

Powers therein:
4

Tibi Cherubim
incessabili

et

Seraphim, * voce procla-

To Thee the Cherubim and phim with unceasing

cry aloud:

Seravoice

mant:
"Sanctus, * Sanctus, * Sanctus, * Dominus Deus Sabaoth.
9

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord Sabaoth.

God

of

Pleni sunt

coeli

et terra

ma-

The heavens and

jestatis gloriae tuae.

earth full of the majesty of glory.

the of

are

Thy

Te

gloriosus

Apostolorum

Thee, the glorious choir

Apostles,

the

chorus,
8

Te

Prophetarum
numerus,

laudabilis

Thee, the admirable the Prophets,

company

of

Te

Martyrum

candidatus

Thee,

the

white-robed

army

of

laudat exercitus.
10

Martyrs doth praise.

* sancta

Te per orbem terrarum

confitetur Ecclesia,

Thee, the Holy Church throughout the world doth confess,

11

Patrem

immensae majestatis,
*
et

The Father of
Thine

infinite majesty,

Vi

Venerandum tuum verum unicum Filium,

adorable, Son,

true,

and only

13

Sanctum quoque * Paraclitum

Spiritum.

Also the Holy Ghost, the Com

forter.

u Tu Rex

glorias * Christe.

Thou,
44

Christ, art the

King of

glory.

TE DEUM
15

Tu Patris

sempiternus es Filius.

Thou

art the Everlasting

Son of

the Father.
16

Tu ad liberandum
hominem:
*

suscepturus
horruisti

non

Thou, when about to take upon Thee human nature to re-

Virginis uterum

deem

the world, didst not

disdain the Virgin's

17

womb.

Tu

devicto mortis aculeo credentibus ruisti

* ape-

When Thou
open

hadst overcome the

regna

sting of death,

Thou

didst

coelorum.

to believers the king-

dom
18

of heaven.

Tu ad dexteram Dei
gloria Patris.

sedes, * in

Thou

sittest at

the right hand of God, in the glory of the Father.

19

Judex crederis * esse venturus

Thou, we believe, art the Judge to come.

20

Te ergo quaesumus,

tuis famulis subveni: * quos pretioso sanguine redemisti.

We

beseech Thee, therefore, help

Thy
hast

servants

whom Thou
with

redeemed

Thy

Precious Blood.
21

/Eterna fac

cum

Sanctis tuis * in

gloria numerari.

Make them Thy

to be numbered with Saints, in glory ever-

lasting.

"Salvum

fac

populum

tuum

Domine,

* et benedic haere-

Save Thy people, Lord, and bless Thine inheritance.

ditati tuae
23

Et rege eos, * et extolle illos usque in aeternum.

And

rule them, forever.

and exalt them

24

Per singulos dies * benedicimus

te.

Day by

day,

we

bless Thee.

25

Et

laudamus nomen tuum

saeculum *
saeculi.
et

in

And we

in

saeculum

praise Thy Name forever; yea, forever and ever.

29

Dignare Domine die isto * sine peccato nos custodire.

Miserere nostri Domine:
serere nostri.
*

Lord, this day, to Vouchsafe, keep us without sin.

27

mi-

Have mercy on us, mercy on us.

45

Lord; have

THE PSALTER
28

Fiat

misericordia tua Domine super nos, * quemadmodum

Let

Thy mercy,

speravimus
29

in te.

Lord, be upon us; even as we have hoped in Thee. Lord, have I hoped: not be confounded

In te

Domine
fundar

speravi: *

non con-

In Thee,
let

in eeternum.

me

forever.

Authok: Probably by St. Nicetas Use In general, the Te Deum is said

:

(335-415). Liturgical in the Office at the end

of Matins whenever the Gloria in excelsis is said at Mass. This rule is sufficiently accurate for those who use the Roman Breviary. In addition to its liturgical use, the Te Deum is used in many extra-liturgical functions as a hymn of thankskiving on occasions of great solemnity, such as the election of a pope, the consecration of a bishop, the benediction of an abbot, canonization of a saint, religious professions, etc.

written in rhythmical prose. There are about twenty-five metrical translations and several prose versions in English. The vigorous and justly popular translation by Father Walworth is given below. The Cath. Encycl. contains a scholarly article on the Te Deum. Read also the articles on St. Nicetas, Sanctus, Sabaoth, and many others which the text readily suggests.
is

The Te Deum

Analysis

The Te Deum

consists of three distinct parts

Part I (verses 1-13) contains a hymn of praise to the blessed Trinity; the praise of Earth and of the Angelic choirs; the praise of the Church Triumphant and of the Church Militant. Part II (verses 14-21) is a hymn in praise of Christ, the Redeemer. It proclaims the glory of Christ, the Eternal Son of the Father His incarnation, victory over death, exaltation, future coming, and terminates with a prayer of supplication for those redeemed by the Precious Blood, that

they may be numbered among the Saints. Part III (verses 22-29) is composed principally of verses from the Psalms. It contains a prayer of petition for the
46

V
divine

TE DEUM
assistance

and guidance; a declaration of our fidelity; a prayer for deliverance from sin during the day (about to begin) it closes with a prayer for mercy for those who have hoped in the Lord. In the following Notes, the numbers refer to the verses of the Te Deum: 5. Scmctus: The "Tersanctus" is found in both the Old Testament (Is. 6, 3) and in the New (Apoc. 4, 8). Supply
;

es,

art Thou.

7.

Apostolorum: Note the climax: the small number of

Apostles, the greater number of Prophets, the white-robed army of Martyrs, the Church throughout the world. 9. Marty rum: Only Martyrs were venerated in the early Church. The first non-Martyrs venerated in the "West were Pope St. Sylvester (d. 335) and St. Martin of Tours (d. 397). Candidatus, white-robed. The Blessed in general are represented as clothed with white robes (cf. Apoc. 7, 9-14). 14. Rex gloria: David in prophecy referring to the ascension of the Messias styles Him "the King of Glory" (Ps.

The whole Psalm is very beautiful. 16. Hominem = naturam humanam. This verse does not lend itself readily to translation. The difficulty is with the proper rendering of suscepturus hominem: (some texts
23, 7-10).

immaterial). Since the Primer of 1546, translations like the following have found their way into most of our books of devotion: "Thou, having taken upon Thee to deliver man"; "When Thou tookest upon Thee to deliver man." It is needless to say that such renderings mean something quite different from the following "Thou, when about to take upon Thee man (i.e, human nature) to liberate the human race, didst not abhor After liberamdum some supply the Virgin's womb." mundum, others hominem, men, the human race. Horruisti, variously rendered fear, abhor, disdain, shrink from, etc. 17. Mortis aculeo: (cf. I Cor. 15, 55-56). 18. Dexter am Dei: a figurative expression signifying the place of highest honor, power, and glory in heaven (Ps. 109, 1 Mark 16, 19). Sedes: sittest, i.e., abidest, remainest. This implies no particular posture of body. 19. Crederis, passive, Thou art believed.

have suscepisti, but this

is

47

THE PSALTER
Redemisti: (cf. I Peter 1, 18-19) Verses 22-23 are taken verbatim from Psalm 27, 9. 22. Hcereditati tuce: Thine own those whom Thou hast redeemed. 24. Per singulos dies: every day; from Psalm 144, 2. 27. Miserere: verbatim from Psalm 122, 3. 28. Fiat: verbatim from Psalm 32, 22. 29. In te: verbatim from Psalm 30, 2. The following translation preserves much of the spirit and force of the original. The seventh stanza is a rendering of verses 20-21 by Monsignor Henry. The remaining stanzas are by Father Walworth, whose translation does not contain a rendering of verses 20-21. The numbers preceding a stanza refer to the verses of the Te Deum rendered
20.
;

in that stanza.
1-2

Holy God, we praise Thy Name, Lord of all, we bow before Thee; All on earth Thy scepter claim,
All in heaven above adore Thee;
Infinite

Thy

vast domain,
is

Everlasting

Thy

reign.

3-6

Hark, the loud celestial hymn Angel choirs above are raising;

Cherubim and Seraphim

Fill the

In unceasing chorus praising, heavens with sweet accord;

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord!

7-10

Lo, the Apostolic train Join, Thy sacred Name to hallow: Prophets swell the loud refrain, And the white-robed Martyrs follow; And, from morn till set of sun, Through the Church the song goes on.
11-13

Holy Father, Holy Son, Holy Spirit, Three we name Thee, While in Essence only One,
48

SUNDAY AT LAUDS
Undivided God wo claim Thee: And, adoring, bend the knee While we own the mystery.
14-17

Thou

art

King of

glory, Christ;

Son of God, yet born of Mary; For us sinners sacrificed,

And

to death a tributary: First to break the bars of death,

Thou

hast opened heaven to faith.

18-19

From Thy high

Judge of
all,

celestial

home,

again returning,

We

believe that

Thou

shalt

come

In the dreadful Doomsday morning; When Thy voice shall shake the earth, And the startled dead come forth.

20-21

Therefore do we pray Thee, Lord: Help Thy servants whom, redeeming By Thy Precious Blood outpoured, Thou hast saved from Satan's scheming. Give to them eternal rest In the glory of the Blest.
22, 26,

29

Spare Thy people, Lord, we pray, By a thousand snares surrounded:

Keep us without

sin to-day,

Never let us be confounded. Lo, I put my trust in Thee; Never, Lord, abandon me.

SUNDAY AT LAUDS
9

JBterne rerum conditor

A ETERNE rerum
Conditor,

**

Noctem diemque qui regis, Et temporum das tempora,

Ut alleves fastidium.

"1%/FAKER of all, eternal King, "-* Who day and night about
dost bring:

Who

weary mortals
give:

to relieve,

Dost in their times the seasons

49

THE PSALTER
"Nocturna lux viantibus A nocte noctem segregans,
Praeco diei

Now
And

the shrill cock proclaims the day,

calls

jam

sonat,

Jubarque

solis evocat.

the sun's awak'ning ray The wand'ring pilgrim's guiding

light,

That marks the watches night by

night.
3

Hoc

Solvit

excitatus lucifer polum caligine:

Roused

at the note, the

morning

star

Hoc omnis erronum cohors Viam nocendi deserit.

Heaven's dusky veil uplifts afar: Night's vagrant bands no longer roam, But from their dark ways hie them home.

Hoc nauta

vires colligit,

The encouraged
o'er,

sailor's fears are

Pontique mitescunt freta: Hoc, ipsa petra Ecclesize,

Canente, culpam diluit.

The

foaming more:

billows

rage

no

Lo! e'en the very Church's Rock Melts at the crowing of the cock.
5

Surgamus ergo strenue:

Gallus jacentes excitat, Et somnolentos increpat,

let

us then like
eyes,

men

arise;

The cock rebukes our slumbering

Bestirs

Gallus negantes arguit.

who
lie,

still

in

sleep

would
Lord

And shames who would

deny.
6

their

Gallo canente spes redit, j^gris salus refunditur, Mucro latronis conditur,

New hope

Lap sis

fides revertitur.

his clarion-note awakes, Sickness the feeble frame forsakes, The robber sheathes his lawless sword, Faith to the fallen is restored.

Jesu labantes respice, Et nos videndo corrige: Si respicis, labes cadunt, Fletuque culpa solvitur.

Look on

us, Jesu,

And
If

with

when we fall, Thy look our souls

look,

recall

Thou but
gone,

our sins are

And

with due tears our pardon

won.

50

SUNDAY AT LAUDS
fl

Tu

lux refulge sensibus,

Shed

Mentisque

Te nostra Et vota solvamus

somnum discute: vox primum sonet,

tibi.

Our

our hearts Thy piercing ray, souls' dull slumber drive

through

away:

Thy

Name

be

first

on

every

tongue,

To Thee our
'

earliest praises sung.

Deo Patri
Ejusque

sit

gloria,
Filio,

soli

Cum
Nunc,

Spiritu Paraclito, et per omne saeculum.

All laud to God the Father be, All praise, Eternal Son, to Thee, All glory, as is ever meet, To God the holy Paraclete.

(340-397) Meter Iambic dimeter. Translation by W. J. Copeland as altered in The Hymner. There are eighteen translations. Liturgical Use Hymn for Lauds on Sunday from the Octave of the Epiphany until the first Sunday of Lent, and from tfie Sunday nearest the
:

Author

St.

Ambrose

Calends of October until Advent. The JEterne rerum Conditor, though written on so simple a subject as cock-crowing, is one of the most beautiful hymns in the Breviary. It would be a mistake, however, to infer from the simplicity of the theme, that it presents either few or slight difficulties to the translator. The eminent hymnologist, L'abbe Pimont, in his Les Hymnes du Breviaire Romain, deemed it necessary to give a prose translation of but this one hymn. It is one of the five Breviary hymns that Trench includes in his Sacred Latin Poetry. 1. " Eternal Maker of the world, who rulest both the night and day, and givest a variety of seasons to relieve monotony!" Temporum, times, seasons; tempora, changes, variety. Fastidium, lit., a loathing, aversion; here, monotony, wearisomeness, humdrum. 2. "A nocturnal light to wayfarers, separating watch from watch, the herald of the day sends forth his cry and calls forth the rays of the sun." Lux: variously rendered light, star, moon, light of a lamp, etc. The meaning seems to be that the crowing of the cock serves for the nocturnal traveler as a lamp, a kindly guide to the habitations of men. A node noctem: nox is here used in the sense of watch fourth part of the night. The cock by his crowing, at mid-

51

THE PSALTER
night and at dawn, separates the watches of the night. This use of nox for vigilia is not uncommon. In stanzas 3 and 4, the pronoun hoc occurs four times. In each instance it may be considered as an ablative absolute supplying canente from the last line of the fourth stanza; or it may be translated as an ablative of instrument By him

(the cock).

" While he sings, the awakened morning star disenthralls the heavens of darkness; all the bands of nightprowlers abandon their deeds of violence. " Lucifer, lit., the light-bringer, the morning star. Erronum, from erro, onis, a vagabond, vagrant. Viam, way, path, life, deeds.
3.

strength, the raging of the sea subsides: while he sings, the very Rock of the Church washes away his sin." Petra Ecclesice, St. Peter. Et ego dico tibi quia tu es Petrus, et super hanc petram asdificabo ecclesiam meam (Matt. 16, 18). Culpam Et diluit: Prius quam gallus cantet, ter me negabis. egressus foras, flevit amare (Matt. 26, 75). 5. "Let us, therefore, rise with alacrity the cock awakens the sleepers, chides the drowsy, and rebukes the unwilling. Note the climax, jacentes, somnolentos, negantes, the
4.
;
'

"While he

sings, the sailor gathers

new

sleepers, the drowsy, the unwilling; also in the verbs,

"Cockcrowing," says Trench, "had for the early Christians a mysIt said, The night is far spent, and the tical significance. day is at hand. And thus the cock became, in the Middle Ages, the standing emblem of the preachers of God's word. The old heathen notion that the lion could not bear the sight of the cock, easily adapted itself to this new symbolism.
excitat, increpat, arguit,
'

awakens, chides, rebukes.

'

Satan, the roaring lion (I Peter 5, 8) fled away terrified, at the faithful preaching of God's word. Nor did it pass unnoticed, that this bird, clapping its wings upon its sides, first rouses itself, before it seeks to rouse others" {Sacred Latin Poetry, p. 244). There is a similar passage in the Regula Pastoralis Cures,, III, 40, of St. Gregory the Great. 6. "At the crowing of the cock, hope returns health is restored to the sick the sword of the robber is sheathed confidence returns to the fallen." JEgris salus: "Man's temperature is lowest and his pulse rate feeblest in the early
; ;

52

SUNDAY AT LAUDS
morning hours usually between three and
five.

During the

night the pulse rate probably drops at least ten beats .... and the temperature drops nearly two degrees from its daily climax. " James J. Walsh, M.D., Ph.D., in America,

Oct. 7, 1916, p. 613.

Jesus, look with compassion upon the wavering, and correct us with Thy look (as Thou didst correct Peter) if Thou dost but look, our sins vanish, and our guilt is washed away by our tears." Labantes, from labare, to waver, to be unstable. 8. "0 Light, shine Thou into our hearts, dispel the lethargy of the soul; may our voice first praise Thee, and to Thee may we pay our vows." Vota solvere, to keep one's promises; to fulfill one's vows.
7.

"0

SUNDAY AT LAUDS
10
TT'CCE
*-J

Ecce jam noctis

jam
noctis

tenuatur
*-*

0,

the

dim

shadows

of

the

umbra,
et aurorae rutilans coruscat:

night are waning;

Lux

Supplices rerum

Dominum canora

Lightsome and blushing, dawn of day returneth;

Fervent in spirit, to the world's Creator Pray we devoutly:

Voce precemur:

Ut reos culpae miseratus, oranera Pellat angorem, tribuat salutem, Donet et nobis bona sempiternae

That

He may

pity sinners in their sighing,

all troubles,

Banish

kindly health
of

Munera

pacis.

And may He

bestowing; grant us,

is

His

countless blessings,

Peace that
3

endless.

Praestet

hoc nobis Deitas beata

This be our portion,

blessed,

God

forever

Patris, ac Nati, pariterque sancti

Spiritus, cujus resonat

Gloria

peromnem mundum.

Father

eternal,
Spirit,

Son,

and

Holy

Whose

the glory, which through all creation

is

Ever resoundeth.
53

THE PSALTER
Gregory the Great (540-604). Meteb: Sapphic and Adonic. Translation based on a translation of the Original Text, by M. J. Blacker, but here rewritten in part to adapt it to the Roman Breviary Text. There are fifteen translations. Liturgical Use Hymn for Lauds from
St.
:

Author: Pope

the third Sunday after Pentecost until the Sunday nearest This is the companion hymn of the Calends of October.

Nocte Surgentes, No. 7. 1. "Behold, now the shadows of the night are fading away, and the ruddy light of dawn breaks forth suppliantly let us with harmonious voices invoke the Lord of creation,"
;

Rutilans, ruddy, rosy-fingered. 2. "That He may have pity on those guilty of sin, that He may banish trouble, bestow health, and confer upon us the good gifts of everlasting peace." 3. The doxology as in hymn 7.

SUNDAY AT MATINS
11

Sotnno
artubus,

refectis ar tubus
limbs OUR slumber
refreshed

SOMNO refectis

with

Spreto cubili surgimus:

Nobi9, Pater, canentibus Adesse te deposcimus.

now,

And And

sloth cast off, in prayer

we

bow;
while we sing
dear,

Thy

praises

Father, be
2

Thou

present here.

Te lingua primum concinat, Te mentis ardor ambiat: Ut actuum sequentium

Tu, sancte,
sis

To Thee

our

earliest

morning
powers
prevent
intent.

song,

To Thee our
belong;

hearts' full

exordium.

And Thou, O Holy One,

Each following action and
8

Cedant tenebra; lumini, Et nox diurno sideri, Ut culpa, quam nox intulit, Lucis labascat munere.

As shades

at

morning

flee

away,

And night before the star of day; So each transgression of the night Be purged by Thee, celestial Light
Cut
off,

Precamur iidem supplices, Noxas ut omnes amputes,

we

pray

Thee,

each

offense,

And
54

every

lust

of thought

and

sense;

MONDAY AT LAUDS
Et ore te canentium Lauderis omni tempore.

That by their

lips

who Thee adore

Thou
Grant

rnayst

be praised forever-

more.
5

Praesta, Pater piissime,

this,

Patrique compar Unice, Cum Spiritu Paraclito Regnans per omne saeculum.

With

Christ,

Father ever One Thy sole-begotten Son,

And Holy

Ghost,

whom

all adore,

Reigning and blest forevermore.

Authok
tions.

St.

Ambrose ( 340-397 )

Translation by J. M. Neale.
1.

Meter Iambic dimeter. There are seventeen transla.

:

limbs having been refreshed with sleep, spurning our bed, we rise Father, we beseech Thee, that Thou be near us, who sing Thy praises.' Spreto cubili, abl. ab:

"Our

'

solute.

praise Thee, may the ardor of our soul seek after Thee, that Thou, Holy One, mayest be the source of the actions that follow throughout the day. Exordium, beginning, source, etc. good morning offering will make God the beginning or source of all our daily actions. 3. "Let darkness give way to light, and night to the daystar, that sin, which darkness brought in, may depart with the gift (advent) of light." Light is a symbol of Christ; night and darkness are symbols of sin and of the powers of darkness. Christ is the True Light (John 1, 9) at whose rising or advent, spiritual darkness wanes. 4. "We also suppliantly pray that Thou remove all hurtful things, and that Thou, out of the mouths of those praising Thee, mayest be forever praised." Iidem: "Idem, the same, is often used where the English requires an adverb or adverbial phrase (also, too, yet, at the same time)." Allen and Greenough's New Latin Grammar, 298, b. In reading iidem, elide one i and read idem.
2.

"Let our tongue

first

'

MONDAY AT LAUDS
12

Splendor patentee glorice C\ SPLENDOR SPLENDOR paternse gloriae,

De
luce lucem proferens,

of God's glory

^-^

bright,

Thou
55

that bringest light

from

light,

THE PSALTER
Lux lucis, et fons luminis, Diem dies illuminans:
Light of Light, light's Living Spring, Day, all days illumining.

Verusque sol illabere, Micans nitore perpeti: Jubarque sancti Spiritus Infunde nostris sensibus.
Votis vocemus et Patrem, Patrem potentis gratiae, Patrem perennis gloria;: Culpam releget lubricam.

Thou true Sun, on us Thy glance Let fall in royal radiance, The Spirit's sanctifying beam Upon our earthly senses stream.
Father too our prayers implore, Father of glory evermore, The Father of all grace and might, To banish sin from our delight:

The

*Confirmet actus strenuos: Dentes retundat invidi: Casus secundet asperos:

To guide

whate'er
all

With love

we nobly do, envy to subdue,

Agenda

recte dirigat.

To make And give

ill-fortune turn to fair,

us grace our wrongs to

bear.

"Mentem gubernet
Sit

et

regat:

Our

mind

be

in

His

keeping
chaste,

pura nobis

castitas:

Fides calore ferveat, Fraudis venena nesciat.

Our Where only

feed,

placed, body true to

Him and
her

faith

fire

shall

And burn
seed.
6

the

tares

of

Satan's

Christusque nobis

sit

cibus,

Potusque noster
Laeti

sit fides:

And Christ to us for food shall be, From Him our drink that welleth
free,

bibamus sobriam Profusionem Spiritus.

The

Spirit's

wine,

that

maketh

whole,

And mocking
7

not, exalts the soul.

Laetus dies hie transeat:

Pudor

sit

ut diluculum:
nesciat.

Fides velut meridies:

Rejoicing may this day go hence, Like virgin dawn our innocence, Like fiery noon our faith appear,

Crepusculum mens

Nor know

the

gloom of

twilight

drear.
8

Aurora lucem provehit,

Morn
Let

in

her rosy car

is

borne;

Cum

luce nobis prodeat In Patre totus Filius,

Him come

forth our Perfect

Et totus in Verbo Pater.

56

Morn, The Word in God the Father One, The Father perfect in the Son.

MONDAY AT LAUDS
Deo
Patri
sit

gloria,

Ejusque

soli Filio,

Cum
Nunc

Spiritu Paraclito, et per omne saeculum.

All laud to God the Father he; All praise, Eternal Son, to Thee; All glory, as is ever meet, To God the Holy Paraclete.

Ambrose (340-397). Meter: Iambic Translation from The Yattendon Hymnal a

Author:
St.

dimeter. spirited

about thirty translations. The Splendor patentee glorice has been rightly styled, "A beautiful morning hymn to the Holy Trinity, but especially to Christ as the Light of the World, and a prayer for help and guidance throughout the day. It is a companion and sequel to the JEterne rerum Conditor" (Julian's Diet, of
translation.

There

are

Hymnology).
Splendor of the Father's glory, bringing forth Light of Light, and Source of light, Day light from light, illuminating day Splendor glorice: St. Paul styles Christ Splendor gloriae et figura substantias ejus (Patris) (Heb. Christ is the brightness, or effulgence, of the Father's 1, 3). glory, and the figure, or image, of His substance. The similitude by which the Word is styled the "Splendor of the Father's glory" is based on the sun of our solar system and the rays emanating unceasingly therefrom. The sun represents the Father; the rays, the Son. The figure must not be understood as implying any inequality. Lux: Of Himself, Christ says: Ego sum lux mundi (John 8, 12) He "the Orient from on is the "True Light" (John 1, 9) High" (Luke 1, 78), who illuminates by His grace and by the light of faith "every man that cometh into this world" (John 1,1-9). Thou, true Sun, descend, shining with everlasting 2. " brightness, and infuse into our hearts the radiance of the
1.
!

"0

'

'

Holy Spirit." Illabere, imper. of illabor. 3. "In our prayers, let us also implore the Father, the Father of eternal glory, the Father of mighty grace, that He may remove every dangerous inclination to sin." By
culpa
itself.
4.
'
'

is

here meant, the inclination to

give us strength for
57

sin,

rather than sin

May He

manly deeds, blunt the

teeth of the envious one, bring adverse events to a favor-

THE PSALTER
able issue,
teeth:
devil.
fig.,

and give us the grace

envy, ill-will, Invidia autem diaboli

2,

Dentes, rage; invidi, the envious one, the

to act wisely.' '
introivit in

mors

orbem

ter-

rarum (Wisd.
5.

24).

rule and direct our mind that our chastity remain unsullied may our faith glow with fervor, and may it know not the poison of error." Nobis, dat. of possession.
;

"May He

Christ be our food, and faith our drink; joyfully let us drink of the sober affluence of the Spirit." Cibus: In the literal sense, Christ is our food in the Holy Eucharist. Read the words of promise (John 6, 48-59). Profusionem: the outpouring, "sober affluence," "temperate excess." The Original Text has ebrietatem, inebriation. The poet had in mind the outpouring of the Holy Ghost upon the Apostles (Acts 2, esp. 12-17). 7. "Joyfully may this day pass by; may our modesty be as the dawn, our faith as the noonday sun, and may our
6.

"May

souls
8.

the light; with the light may there appear to us the whole Son in the Father, and the whole Father in the Word.
'

know no twilight. "The aurora leads on

'

TUESDAY AT MATINS
13

Consors paterni luminis

paterni luminis,

CONSORS

f\ LIGHT
^-'

of

Light,

Day-

Lux ipse lucis, et dies, Noctem canendo rumpimus:

Assiste postulantibus.

spring bright, Co-equal in Thy Father's light: Assist us, as with prayer and

psalm

Thy

servants

break the twilight

calm.
l

Aufer tenebras mentium, Fuga catervas daemonum, Expelle somnolentiam,

All

darkness
dispel,

from

our

minds

And

turn to flight the hosts of

hell:
fly, lie.

Ne

pigritantes obruat.

Bid sleepfulness our eyelids

Lest overwhelmed in sloth 58

we

TUESDAY AT LAUDS
s

Sic Christe nobis omnibus

Indulgeas credentibus,

Ut prosit exorantibus,

Thy pardon, kind and free, Bestow on us who trust in Thee: And as Thy praises we declare,
Jesu,

Quod
4

praecinentes psallimus.

with acceptance hear our prayer.

Father, that

Prsesta, Pater piissime,

we ask be done,
Christ,

Patrique compar Unice, Cum Spiritu Paraclito Regnans per omne saeculum.

Through Jesus
Son;

Thine only

Who, with
Thee,

the

Holy Ghost and

eternally.

Doth

live

and reign

Author:

St.

Ambrose
J.

Translation by

Meter: Iambic dimeter. W. Chadwick and J. D. Chambers. There

(340-397).

are twelve translations. 1. "0 Sharer of the Father's Light, Thyself the Light of Light, and Day ; aid Thou Thy suppliants who interrupt the night with song." See the note on the first stanza of the preceding hymn. 2. " Dispel the darkness of our minds, put to flight the hosts of evil spirits, drive away drowsiness lest it overwhelm the slothful." 3. So, Christ, grant pardon to all of us who believe in Thee, that what we singing express in our songs, may be profitable to Thy suppliants. Prcecinere 3, to sing or play
'
'

'

'

before, to praise.

TUESDAY AT LAUDS
14

Ales
diei nuntius

diet nuntius
the ASSounds
Christ,

ALES
Nos

bird,

whose clarion gay

the

Lucem
cinit:

propinquam

prae-

before

dawn

is

grey,

excitator

mentium

Jam
2

Christus ad vitam vocat.

who brings the spirit's day, Calls us, close at hand:

cries,

Auferte, clamat, lectulos, /Egro sopore desides: Castique, recti, ac sobrii

Vigilate,

"Wake!" He
sake,

"and for
dull

my

From your
shake
Sober,

eyes

slumbers

jam sum proximus.

righteous,

chaste,
I

awake!

At the door
59

stand!"

THE PSALTER
3

Jesum ciamus vocibus,

Flentes, precantes, sobrii:

Intenta supplicatio

Dormire cor mundura

*Tu, Christe,

vetat.

Lord, to Thee we lift on high Fervent prayer and bitter cry: Hearts aroused to pray and sigh May not slumber more

somnum

discute:

Tu rumpe noctis vincula: Tu solve peccatum vetus, Novumque lumen ingere.

6

Break the sleep of Death and Time, Forged by Adam's ancient crime; And the light of Eden's prime To the world restore!

Patri sit gloria, Ej usque soli Filio, Cum Spiritu Paraclito

Deo

Unto God the Father, Son, Holy Spirit, Three in One,

One

in Three,

be glory done,

Nunc

et

per

omne

saeculum.

Now

and evermore.

Author: Prudenthis (348-413). Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by W. J. Courthope. There are twelve translations. This hymn is a cento from the Hymn at Cock-Crow, the first of the twelve hymns of the Cathemerinon of
Prudentius. There are twenty-five four-line stanzas in the Hymn at Cock-Crow. The Ales diei nuntius is composed of stanzas 1, 2, 21, and 25 of the complete hymn. This hymn affords a fair, but by no means an extreme, illustration of the manner in which centos have been taken from the hymns of Prudentius for Breviary use. The hymns for Lauds on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are from the Cathemerinon. It will be observed that they are replete with figurative expressions. As darkness and mists are symbolical of sin and unbelief, so light is a symbol of truth and of Christ. In studying these three hymns, attention should be paid to the figurative, rather than to the literal meaning of their lines. Mr. Courthope 's spirited translations preserve much of the spirit and beauty of the originals. In these translations the following stanza immediately precedes the doxology. It is not a translation of any part of the Latin text

Now

before Thy throne, while Ask, upon our bended knee, That this blessing granted be, And Thy grace implore;

we

The above note

applies equally to
60

hymns

14, 16,

and

18.

WEDNESDAY AT MATINS
the day proclaims the apthe awakener of souls, calls us to life." The " winged messenger" is the cock, who in Christian symbolism is a symbol of early rising and vigilance. Propinquam, approaching; Lauds was said at daybreak, or cock-crow, the beginning of the morning watch. Excitator mentium: Christ by His grace is the awakener of
1.

"The winged herald of proaching light; now Christ,

souls.

Take up your beds, He cries, ye who are slothful from idle sleep, and watch ye, chaste, upright, and sober, for I am at hand." 2Egro sopore: Ye who have become slothful from idle, excessive, sickness-producing sleep. Sobrii:
2.
' '

Sobrii estote et vigilate (I Peter 5, 8). Vigilate ergo, quia nescitis qua horaDominus vester venturus sit (Matt. 24,42). 3. "Weeping, praying, and sober, let us, with our voices, invoke Jesus: fervent prayer forbids the pure heart to
sleep."
Christ, dispel sleep, break the bonds of Thou, night, free us from the sins of former days, and infuse new light in us."
4.

"Do

WEDNESDAY AT MATINS
15

Rerum Creator
Creator optime,

optime
lest

RERUM

Rectorque noster, adspice: Nos a quiete noxia Mersos sopore libera.

^XT ma( control,

all

and

dost

Lord, with Thy touch divine, Cast out the slumbers of the soul, The rest that is not Thine.

Te, sancte Christe, poscimus, Ignosce culpis omnibus:

Ad
8

confitendum surgimus,
noctis

Look down, Eternal Holiness, And wash the sins away, Of those, who, rising to confess,
Outstrip the lingering day.

Morasque

rumpimus.

Mentes manusque tollimus, Propheta sicut noctibus Nobis gerendum praecipit, Paulusque gestis censuit.
61

Our

hearts
lift

and hands by

night,

Lord,

We

in our need; Psalmists give the word, As holy And holy Paul the deed.

them

THE PSALTER
4

Vides malum quod fecimus: Occulta nostra pandimus: Preces gementes fundimus, Dimitte quod peccavimus.

Each sin to Thee of years gone by. Each hidden stain lies bare; We shrink not from Thine awful
eye,

But pray that Thou wouldst spare.

5

Praesta, Pater piissime,

Grant

this,

Patrique compar Unice,

And

Spirit,

God
all

Father, Only Son of grace,

Cum

Spiritu Paraclito

To whom
done

worship shall be

Regnans per omne saeculum.

In every time and place.

Author: Ascribed to Pope St. Gregory the Great (540604). Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Cardinal Newman. There are thirteen translations. There is an
article
1.

on

this

hymn

in the Cath. Encycl.

sovereign Creator of the world, and our Ruler, and deliver us, overwhelmed by sleep, from a The time of rest, by affording occasions of sin sinful rest. and temptation, may become harmful or sinful. 2. "Thee, all-holy Christ, we implore that Thou forgive all our sins to praise Thee, we rise and interrupt the lingering hours of the night." Moras, variously rendered hours, rest, etc. lit., a delay, a space of time. 3. "By night we lift up our hands and hearts, as the Prophet commands us to do, and as Paul, by his deeds, sancSt. Paul put into practice the precept of the tioned.' Prophet. The Prophet is David, the Royal Psalmist, who says: In noctibus extollite manus vestras in sancta, et reference to benedicite Dominum (Ps. 133, 2). Paulus: St. Paul in the Acts of the Apostles: Media autem nocte, Paulus et Silas orantes laudabant Deum (Acts 16, 25). The following is Father Caswell's translation of this stanza

"Look down,
'

'

'

Who,

as the holy Psalmist bids,

Our hands thus early raise; And in the morning sing with Paul

And
4.
' '

Silas

hymns

of praise.

seest the evil that we have done ; we lay bare our secret faults sighing we pour forth our prayers ; par-

Thou

don what we have done amiss."

62

WEDNESDAY AT LAUDS
16

Nox,

et tenebrce, et nubila

NOX,
Lux

et tenebrae, et nubila,
et turbida:

Confusa mundi

DAY bright:breaking,
is

dawn

is

intrat, albescit polus: Christus venit: discedite.

Hence, vain shadows of the night! Mists that dim our mortal sight, Christ is come! Depart!

Caligo terra? scinditur Percussa solis spiculo, Rebusque jam color redit,

Darkness routed

lifts

her wings

As the radiance upwards springs: Through the world of wakened

things Life and color dart.

Vultu nitentis

sideris.

Te Christe solum novimus: Te mente pura et simplici,

et canendo quassumus, Intende nostris sensibus.

Flendo

Thee, Christ, alone we know: Singing even in our woe, With pure hearts to Thee we go: On our senses shine!
In Thy beams be purged away All that leads our thoughts astray

Sunt multa fucis illita, Quae luce purgentur tua: Tu vera lux coelestium Vultu sereno illumina.

Through our spirits, King of day, Pour Thy light divine!

Unto God the Father, Son, Holy Spirit, Three in One,

Deo

Patri

sit

gloria,

Ejusque

soli Filio,

Cum
Nunc

Spiritu Paraclito, et per omne saeculum.

One

in

Now

Three, be glory done, and evermore.

Authok: Prudentius (348-413). Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by W. J. Courthope. There are seventeen translations. This hymn is a cento from the Morning Hymn
of the Cathemerinon. See the note on this hymn and its translation, under Ales diei nuntius, hymn 14. 1. " Night, darkness, and clouds, confused and disordered state of the world, depart: light enters, the sky grows bright, Christ comes."
2.

the the shining star of day." star fig., Christ.

;

"The darkness of the earth is rent, pierced by a ray sun color now returns to things, at the appearance
;

of

of

Nitentis sideris, the sun, the day63

THE PSALTER
3.
'
'

Thee

alone,

hearts, with tears

we know with pure and simple and hymns we seek Thee; incline to our
Christ
;

souls." Intende, give ear to, be favorably disposed towards, hasten to the help of. Many things which are now bedaubed with false col4. Thou true Light of the ors shall be purified by Thy light saints, enlighten us by Thy bright countenance." Fuels,
'
' :

rouge, lllita, from illino, bedaub, smear. For the line Tu vera lux ccelestium, the Original Text has, Tu lux eoi sideris. Eoi from eous, adj., belonging to the morning, eastern. Light of the Morning Star, illume,
lit.,

Serenely shining, all our gloom.

Neale

THURSDAY AT MATINS
17

Nox
colores

atra

rerum

contegit
dusky
laid
veil

NOX atra rerum contegit Terra? omnium:

Nos
confitentes poscimus Te, juste judex cordium:

THE

of night hath

The varied hues of earth in shade; Before Thee, righteous Judge of

all,

We
2

contrite in confession fall.

sin,

Ut auferas piacula, Sordesque mentis abluas: Donesque Christe gratiam, Ut arceantur crimina.

Take far away our load of Our soiled minds make

Thy

From
3

clean within sov'reign grace, Christ, impart, all offence to guard our
heart.

Mens

ecce torpet impia, Quam culpa mordet noxia;

For

lo!

our mind
it

is

dull

and cold,

Envenomed by
Fain would
flee,

sin's

Obscura
Et
te

gestit tollere,

now

baneful hold: the darkness

Redemptor

quaerere.

And
*Repelle tu caliginem
Intrinsecus

seek,

Redeemer, unto Thee.

it

Far from
Its

drive the shades of

flight;

quam maxime,

night,

Ut

in beato gaudeat

inmost darkness put to

Se collocari lumine.
64

Till in the daylight of the Blest

It

joys to find itself at rest.

THURSDAY AT LAUDS
5

Praesta, Pater piissime, Patrique compar Unice,

Spiritu Paraclito Regnans per omne saeculum.

Cum

Almighty Father, hear our cry, Through Jesus Christ, our Lord most High, Who, with the Holy Ghost and
Thee,

Doth

live

and reign

eternally.

Author: Ascribed 604). Meter: Iambic

1-2.

Gregory the Great (540dimeter. Translation by J. W. Chadto

St.
all

Pope

wick. There are twelve translations.

''Dark night hath concealed the colors of

things

on earth; praising Thee we pray, just Judge of hearts, that Thou take away our sins, and wash away the stains of the soul; and grant us, Christ, Thy grace that sin may
be kept afar off."

"Lo, the guilty soul which mortal sin holds fast is torpid still it longs, O Redeemer, to put away its evil deeds and seek Thee. 4. " Drive out, as much as possible, the darkness that is
3.
; '

within, that the soul may rejoice to be established in blessed light." Mens from the preceding stanza is the subject of gaudeat. Se collocare, to establish one's self, to dwell per-

manently,

THURSDAY AT LAUDS
18

Lux ecce surgit auria

UX
ecce surgit aurea,
the golden sun arise! Let no more our darkened eyes Snare us, tangled by surprise In the maze of sin

t.

-*-*

Pallens facessat caecitas, Qua; nosmet in prseceps diu Errore traxit devio.

CEE

Haec lux serenum conferat, Purosque nos praestet sibi: Nihil loquamur subdolum:

words and thoughts impure Let this Light, serene and sure,
false

From

Volvamus obscurum

nihil.

Keep our lips without secure, Keep our souls within.

So may we the day-time spend,

Ne

Sic tota decurrat dies, lingua mendax, ne

manus

That,

till

life's

temptations end,

Oculive peccent lubrici, Ne noxa corpus inquinet.

Tongue, nor hand, nor eye offend! One, above us all,

65

THE PSALTER
'Speculator adstat desuper, Qui nos diebus omnibus, Actusque nostros prospicit A luce prima in vesperum.
5

Views
All

His revealing ray and think, and say, Watching us from break of day
in

we

do,

Till the twilight fall.

Deo

Patri

sit

gloria,

Ej usque soli Filio, Cum Spiritu Paraclito, Nunc et per omne sseculum.

Unto God the Father, Son, Holy Spirit, Three in One,

One

in Three, be glory done,

Now

and evermore.

Authob: Prudentius (348-413). Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by W. J. Courthope. There are seventeen translations. This hymn is a cento from the Morning Hymn
of the Cathemerinon of Prudentius. See the note on this hymn and its translation, under Ales diei nuntius, hymn 14. 1. "Behold, the golden light arises; may the waning darkness, which long drew us headlong in wide-wandering

In prceceps, headlong; into great danger. It should be borne in mind that this is a hymn for Lauds, and that Lauds was said at daybreak. As the rising sun
error, depart."

dispels the blinding darkness, so Christ, the Sun of Justice (Mai. 4, 2), dispels the darkness of sin and of unbelief. 2. "May this light bring us contentment, and may it pre-

serve us pure for itself; may we speak nothing deceitful; may we meditate nothing dark." Sibi refers to lux (i.e., Christus). 3. "So may the whole day run its course; that neither the tongue prone to lie, nor the hands, nor the restless eyes sin; may no sin defile the body." 4. "An Observer stands on high, who each day beholds us and our actions, from early morning until evening.
'

FRIDAY AT MATINS
19

Tu, Trinitatis Unitas

TU, Trinitatis Unitas, Orbem potenter qua?

r\ THREE
regis,

in

One, and One in

Attende laudis canticum Quod excubantes psallimus.

v/ Who

Three,
rulest all things mightily:
to hear the

Bow down
we
66

songs of
sleep,

praise Which, freed

from bonds of

raise.

FRIDAY AT MATINS
3

Nam

lectulo

consurgimus

While lingers yet the peace of

night,

Noctis quieto tempore, Ut flagitemus omnium

We

rouse us from our slumbers

light:

te

medelam vulnerum.

That might of instant prayer win

may
of

The healing balm

sin.

for

wounds

Quo

fraude quidquid daemonum In noctibus deliquimus, Abstergat illud coelitus Tuas potestas glorise.

the wiles of Satan caught, This night-time we have sinned in

If,

by

aught,

That

sin

Thy

glorious

power

to-day,

From heaven
away.

descending, cleanse

*Ne corpus adstet sordidum, Nee torpor instet cordium, Ne criminis contagio
Tepescat ardor spiritus.

Let

naught
stain,

impure

our

bodies

No No
To

laggard sloth our souls detain, taint of sin our spirits know, chill the fervor of their glow.

Ob

hoc, Redemptor, qusesumus, Reple tuo nos lumine,

Wherefore, Redeemer, grant that

we
Fulfilled

Per quod dierum

circulis

with

Thine own

light

Nullis ruamus actibus.

may be: That, in our course, from day to day,

By no misdeed we
fall

away.

Praesta, Pater piissime,

Grant

this,

Father ever One

Patrique compar Unice,

With

Christ,

Thy

sole-begotten
all adore,

Cum

Spiritu Paraclito,

Regnans per omne saeculum.

And Holy

Son, Ghost,

whom

Reigning and blest forevermore.

Author: Ascribed to Pope St. Gregory the Great (540604). Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by G. H. Palmer and J. W. Chadwick. There are thirteen translations.

dost mightily rule the world, hearken to the canticle of praise, which we, risen from sleep, sing."
1.

"Thou Unity
"For we

in Trinity,

Thou who

2.

rise

from our beds

67

in the quiet time of the

THE PSALTER
night, that

we may ask

of Thee a

remedy for

all

our

wounds.
3.

'

the deception of the evil spirits, we have failed in during the night, the same may the power of Thy glory from heaven blot out." Quo, conj., that. Coelitus, adv., from heaven. 4. "Lest the body become defiled and torpor of heart threaten, and the fervor of the soul be chilled by the touch ,, of sin. Redeemer, fill us with 5. "We therefore beseech Thee, Thy light, that in the lapse of days, we may fail in none of our actions."

"That whatever, by

FRIDAY AT LAUDS
20

jEterna
coeli gloria,

coeli

gloria

AETERNA

CHRIST, whose

glory

fills

the

Beata spes mortalium, Summi Tonantis Unice,

Castaeque proles Virginia:

heaven, Our only hope, in mercy given; Child of a Virgin meek and pure; Son of the Highest evermore:

Da dexteram

surgentibus,

Grant us Thine aid Thy praise to

sing,

Exsurgat et mens sobria, Flagrans et in laudem Dei Grates rependat debitas.

As opening days new

duties bring
life

That with the light our be

may

Renewed and
8

sanctified
star fades

by Thee. from the

night's

Ortus refulget lucifer, Praeitque solem nuntius:

The morning
sky,

Cadunt tenebrse noctium: Lux saneta nos illuminet.

The

sun

breaks

forth;

shadows fly: Thou, true Light, upon us shine

Our darkness turn

4

to light divine.

Manensque nostris sensibus, Noctem repellat saeculi, Omnique fine temporis

Purgata servet pectora.

us grant Thy light to dwell; And from our souls dark sins expel Cleanse Thou our minds from stain of ill, And with Thy peace our bosoms

Within

fill.

68

FRIDAY AT LAUDS
6

Quaesita

jam primum

fides

To us

strong faith forever give,

In corde radices agat: Secunda spes congaudeat,

Qua major
6

exstat caritas.

With joyous hope, in Thee to live; That life's rough way may ever be Made strong and pure by charity.
All laud to God the Father be, All praise, Eternal Son, to Thee: All glory, as is ever meet, To God the holy Paraclete,

Patri sit gloria, Ej usque soli Filio, Cum Spiritu Paraclito, Nunc, et per omne saeculum.

Deo

Author: Ambrosian, 5th cent. Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by John Julian. There are twelve translations.
"Eternal Glory of heaven, blessed hope of mortals, the only-begotten Son of the most high Thunderer, the offspring of a chaste Virgin," Tonantis (tono 1) "The Abp. Bagshawe. TonaSovereign Thunderer 's only Son. bit de coelo Dominus (II Kings 22, 14). Cf. also I Kings 2,
1.
'
'

10; Ps. 17, 14; Ps. 28, 3. 2. "Give Thy right hand to those who rise; sober also may the soul arise, and zealous in the praise of God, return Him due thanks. Sobria, thoughtful, recollected. Grates =
'

'

gratias.

risen morning star shines forth, and as a herald precedes the sun; the darkness of night disappears; may the holy light illuminate us." Lovers of allegory see in John the Baptist "the morning star," "the herald" that went before the rising Sun of Justice. 4. "And dwelling in our hearts, may it dispel the darkness of the world, and may it preserve our hearts unsullied
3.
' '

The

the subject of the whole stanza. Noctem sceculi, spiritual darkness, sin. 5. "First may faith long-sought strike deep its roots in our hearts secondly, may hope rejoice us but greater still than these is charity." Qua refers grammatically to spes, but in sense also to fides, and is therefore equivalent to quibus. Nunc autem manent fides, spes, caritas, tria haec; major autem horum est caritas (I Cor. 13, 13). In heaven faith will be changed into vision, hope into fruition, but charity will remain forever,
till

the end of time."

Lux

sancta

is

69

THE PSALTER SATURDAY AT MATINS

21

SummcB Parens dementia

SUMMAE Parens clementiae,

Mundi
regis qui

GREAT God of boundless mercy

hear;

machinam,
In

Unius et substantia?, Trinusque personis Deus:

Thou Ruler

of this earthly sphere;

substance
three,

one,

in

persons

Dread Trinity
a

in Unity!

Nostros pius cum canticia Fletus benigne suscipe: Ut corde puro sordium

Do Thou in love accept our lays Of mingled penitence and praise;

And
Our
our hearts from error free, More fully to rejoice in Thee.
set

Te perfruamur
8

largius.

Lumbos, jecurque morbidum Flammis adure congruis,

Accincti ut artus excubent Luxu remoto pessimo.

reins

and hearts

in pity heal,
fires

And

with Thy anneal;

quell,

chastening

Gird Thou our

loins,

each passion

And
*Quicumque
ut horas noctium

every harmful lust expel.

as

Nunc concinendo rumpimus,

Ditemur omnes affatim Donis beatae patriae.

our anthems, upward borne, Awake the silence of the morn, Enrich us with Thy gifts of grace, From heaven, Thy blissful dwelling-place !

Now

'Praesta, Pater piissime,

Hear Thou our prayer, Almighty

King!

Patrique compar Unice, Cum Spiritu Paraclito Regnans per omne saeculura.

Hear Thou our

sing,

praises, while

we

Adoring with the heavenly host, The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation, a cento based on Chambers. There are sixteen translations. First line of Original Text Summce Deus

Author: Ambrosian, 7th

cent.

clementiae.

mercy, Thou who rulest over the vast fabric of the universe, God of one substance, and loving Father {pius), three in person, graciously accept, our tears with our hymns of praise, that with hearts free
1-2.

"0

Father of

infinite

70

SATURDAY AT LAUDS
from
sin

we may enjoy Thee more abundantly." Pius

is

here used for the vocative, supply Parens or Deus. Or it agrees with tu the subject of suscipe O Parens, tu pius (= benigne) suscipe. Puro, note the genitive sordium; the ablative is more common. Largius, adv., comp. of largus. 3. ''Burn Thou, with becoming (holy) flames, our reins and our depraved hearts, that our well girded limbs may watch, far removed from baneful luxury." Lumbos: the

loins, in

which the ancients located the seat of the feelings

or affections. Jecur: lit., the liver; considered formerly as the seat of the soul and affections. Accincti praBcincti: Sint lumbi vestri praecincti, et lucernae ardentes in manibus vestris (Luke 12, 35). The girding of the loins signifies an instant willingness to do the will of God. In the East where men wore long flowing garments it was necessary to gird them up by means of a belt when about to begin some work or set out on a journey. 4. "That all of us who now interrupt the hours of night with song, may be abundantly enriched with the gifts of the blessed land."

SATURDAY AT LAUDS
22

Aurora jam spargit polum

jam
spargit

AURORA

polum:

TPHE

dawn
east

is

sprinkling in the

Terris dies illabitur:

*
Its

Lucis resultat spiculum: Discedat omne lubricuin.

golden shower, as day flows in Fast mount the pointed shafts of

light:

Farewell to darkness and to sin!

"Phantasma

noctis exsulet: Mentis reatus corruat:

Quidquid tenebris horridum

Away, ye midnight phantoms all! Away, despondence and despair! Whatever guilt the night has

Nox
8

attulit culpa;, cadat.

Now
Ut mane, quod nos ultimum Hie deprecamur cernui,

let it

brought, vanish into

air.

So, Lord,

when

that last

morning

breaks,

Looking to which we sigh and

pray,

71

THE PSALTER
Cum
*

luce nobis effiuat,

may

it

to

Thy

Hoc dum canore

Deo
Patri

concrepat.

The dawning of a

minstrels prove better day.

sit gloria,

Ejusque

soli Filio,

To God the And to His

Glory,

Father glory be, sole-begotten Son;

to Thee,

Spiritu Paraclito, Nunc et per omne saeculum.

Cum

Holy Ghost,

While everlasting ages run,

Author: Ambrosian, 4th or 5th cent. Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Father Caswall. There are twelve
translations.

the heavens; day glides over the earth rays of light mount on high ; may every unclean thing depart. 2. "Let phantoms of the night be banished; let guilt of soul depart; whatever dreadful thing of evil the night brought with it, let it vanish with the darkness." Constr. Quidquid horridum culpae nox attulit, tenebris cadat. 3. "That on the last morning, together with the light, that which we here humbly pray for, and what accords with our song, may issue forth (come) to us." Constr. Ut cum luce (seterna) mane (illud) ultimum nobis effluat, quod nos hie, dum hoc canore concrepat, deprecamur cernui. This stanza is very obscure. It seems to contain a reference to the present morning, and to the last morning at the end of time. In this sense it might be rendered: "While the present morning resounds with song (canore), we here with profound humility beg (deprecamur cernui) that the last morning may also dawn (effluat) for us with light eternal." Abp. Bagshawe translates mane ultimum as referring to Saturday "On this morn of the week the last." The following is from an anonymous translation in the Hymnal
1.
;

"The dawn now overspreads

'

Noted:
So that last morning, dread and great, Which we with trembling hope await, With blessed light for us shall glow, Who chant the song we sang below.

72

VESPERS HYMNS OF THE PSALTER

of the Vespers hymns for six days of creation as recorded in the first chapter of Genesis. The Saturday hymn, which is a hymn in honor of the Most Holy Trinity, forms the only exception. The work of each of the six days is explained in the article on Hexcemeron, in the Cath.

The theme, or subject matter, the week is the work of the

Encycl.

The authorship of these six hymns is not definitely known. The series develops in an orderly manner the work of creation, devoting four stanzas to the work of each day. There is strong probability that these hymns are the work of one and the same author, and that that author is no other than the illustrious Pope and Doctor of the Church, St. Gregory the Great (540-604). In this connection it is interesting to record the opinion of the editors of the carefully edited Historical Edition of Hymns Ancient and Modern (1909) "The set," in their opinion, "must have come from one author, and it is not improbable that that author was St. Gregory" (p. 21). And again: "The series as a whole is probably rightly identified with a set of hymns for every evening in the week, which Irish records describe as having been sent by St. Gregory to St. Columba. The ancient
:

preface to Columba's

Alius prosator describes the coming of St. Gregory's messengers with gifts, including a set of hymns for the evenings of the week, and the sending
St.

hymn

Columba of his hymns to St. Gregory in return. The series is not unworthy of such an author, and the hymns go far to justify the tradition that ascribes to that most versatile of popes a place among the Hymn-writers" (p. XVII). See also the article on Hymnody, by Father
by
Clemens Blume,
S. J., in the Cath. Encycl., Vol. VII., p. 602.

The Benedictine editors of the works of St. Gregory credit him with eight hymns {Opera, Paris, 1705) H. A. Daniel in his Thesaurus Hyninl. Vol. I, assigns him three others. The Lucis Creator optime given below is one of the eight hymns assigned him by the Benedictine editors. The translations of these hymns in Part I of Mr. Orby Shipley's Annus Scmctus are from the Primer of 1706, and
;

73

THE PSALTER
are in
all

who was

probability the work of the poet received into the Church in 1685.

John Dryden,

SUNDAY AT VESPERS
23

Lucis Creator optime

Creator optime
proferens,

LUCIS

BLEST

Lucem dierum

Who
And
The
call

mak'st

Creator of the light, the day with

Primordiis lucis novae, Mundi parans originem:

radiance bright,
o'er the

forming world didst

first

light

from chaos

of all;

'Qui mane junctum vesperi

Whose wisdom
array

joined

in

meet

Diem

vocari praecipis:
fletibus.

Illabitur tetrum chaos,

Audi preces cum

The morn and eve, and named them Day:

Night comes with
fears
all its

darkling

Regard Thy people's prayers and

tears.
8

Ne mens
Vitse sit

gravata crimine, exsul munere,

Lest,

sunk
with

in

sin,

and whelmed

strife,

Dum

nil

perenne cogitat,
illigat.

They

lose the gift of endless life;

Seseque culpis

While thinking but the thoughts

of time,

They weave new chains of woe and

crime.
4

Coeleste pulset ostium:

But grant them grace that they

Vitale tollat prsemium:

may
gain:

strain

Vitemus omne noxium: Purgemus omne pessimum.

The heavenly gate and

Each harmful lure aside

prize to
to cast,

And purge away

B

each error past.

Prassta, Pater piissime,

Father, that

we ask be done,
Christ,

Patrique compar Unice,

Through Jesus
Son;

Thine only

Cum

Spiritu Paraclito

Regnans per omne sasculum.

Who, with
Thee,

the

Holy Ghost and

eternally.

Doth

live

and reign

Author: Probably by Pope

74

St.

Gregory the Great (540-

MONDAY AT VESPERS
Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by J. M. Neale. There are twenty-one translations; Father Caswall's being more widely used than any other. There are five translations in the Annus Scmctus. Theme The work of the first day the creation of light. Dixit Deus Fiat lux. Et facta est lux. Et vidit Deus lucem quod esset bona; et divisit lucem a tenebris. Appelavitque lucem Diem, et tenebras Noctem; factumque est vespere et mane dies unus (Gen.
604).
:

1,3-5).

august Creator of the light, who didst bring forth the light of day, and didst begin the origin of the world with Primordiis, origin, first beginthe creation of new light ning. Parans (paro 1), prepare, design. Originem, creation. 2. "Who didst command that morning joined with evening be called Day; foul darkness descends, hear Thou our prayers with our weeping. 3. "Lest the soul burdened with sin be deprived of the gift of life, while it thinks of nothing eternal and fetters itself with sins." Exsul, an exile, banished person; Constr. with the abl. or gen. 4. "Let it knock at the heavenly portal and bear away the prize of life let us avoid everything harmful, and purge out everything sinful." The subject is mens from the preceding stanza.
1.
; ' '
' ;

"0

MONDAY AT VESPERS
24

Immense
cceli

cceli

Conditor

IMMENSE

Conditor,

Qui mixta ne confunderent,

Aquae fluenta dividens, Coelum dedisti limitem.

f~\ ^-'

GREAT Creator of the sky, Who wouldest not the floods

on high
to confound,

With earthly waters

But mad'st the firmament their bound;

a

Firmans locum Simulque terra?

coelestibus,

The The
75

floods

above

Thou

didst

rivulis;

ordain;
floods below strain :

Thou

didst re-

THE PSALTER
Ut unda flammas temperet, Terrae solum ne dissipent.
That
moisture
heat,

might

attemper

Lest the parched earth should ruin meet.

'Infunde nunc, piissime,

Donum perennis gratis: Fraudis novae ne casibus

Nos
4

Upon our souls, good Lord, bestow Thy gift of grace in endless flow:
Lest some renewed deceit or wile Of former sin should us beguile.

error atterat vetus.

fides adaugeat:

Lucem

Sic luminis jubar ferat: Haec vana cuncta proterat: Hanc falsa nulla comprimant.
"Prsesta, Pater piissime,

Let faith discover heav'nly So shall its rays direct us And let this faith each error And never give to falsehood

light;

right:

chase,
place.

Grant

this,

Patrique compar Unice, Cum Spiritu Paraclito Regnans per omne eaeculum.

With

Christ,

Father, ever One Thy sole-begotten

And Holy

all adore, forevermore. Reigning and blest

Son, Ghost,

whom

Gregory the Great (540604). Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by J. M. Neale. There are seventeen translations. Theme The work of the second day the creation of the firmament, which includes the whole space between the surface of the earth and the most distant stars. This work is thus narrated by Moses Dixit quoque Deus Fiat firmamentum in medio aquarum, et dividat aquas ab aquis. Et fecit Deus firmamentum, divisitque aquas qu erant sub firmamento ab his, quae erant super firmamentum. Et factum est ita. Vocavitque Deus firmamentum Coelum: et factum est vespere et mane
St.
:

Author: Probably by Pope

dies secundus (Gen.

1.
*
'

1, 6-8).

great Creator of the heavens, Thou didst establish the sky as a boundary, dividing the floods of water, lest uniting they flow together." Fluentum, i, a stream, flood. See the article on Firmament in the Cath. Encycl. 2. "Thou dost establish a place for the heavenly waters, and also for the streams on earth, that water might moderate the heat, lest it destroy the soil of the earth." 3. "Pour forth now, most gracious Lord, the gift of Thy never-failing grace, lest by the misfortune of some new deception the old error should overwhelm us. Vetus error,
'

'

76

TUESDAY AT VESPERS
former sins. 4. "Let faith increase the light, and thus produce an effulgence of light; may it trample under foot all vain Adaugeat, the Origthings may nothing false supplant it. inal Text has inveniat; Neale translated the Original Text.
personified
or,
'

our ancient enemy, the devil;

'

Hcec, sc, fides.

TUESDAY AT VESPERS
25
Telluris

alme Conditor
"PARTH'S " command
mighty Maker, whose

TELLURIS

alme Conditor, Mundi solum qui separans,

Pulsis aquae molestiis, Terrain dedisti immobilem:

Raised from the sea the solid land And drove each billowy heap away, And bade the earth stand firm for
aye:

Ut germen aptum proferens,

Fulvis decora floribus, Foecunda fructu sisteret, Pastumque gratum redderet.

That

The

with flowers of golden hue, seeds of each it might renew;

so,

And And

fruit-trees

bearing fruit might

yield,

pleasant pasture of the field:

Mentis perusta? vulnera

Munda

Ut Motusque pravos

virore gratia;: facta fletu diluat,

atterat.

Our spirit's rankling wounds efface With dewy freshness of Thy grace:
That grief
of

may
ill,

cleanse each deed

And
4

o'er

each lust

may triumph

still.

Jussis tuis obtemperet:

Nullis malis approximet: Bonis repleri gaudeat, Et mortis ictum nesciat.

Let every soul Thy law obey, And keep from every evil way; Rejoice each promised good to win, And flee from every mortal sin.

Praesta, Pater piissime,

Hear Thou our prayer, Almighty

King!

Patrique compar Unice, Cum Spiritu Paraclito Regnans per omne saeculum.

Hear Thou our

sing,

praises, while

we

Adoring with the heavenly host, The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!
77

THE PSALTER
Author: Probably by Pope St. Gregory the Great (540604). Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation anon, in the

Hymnal Noted. There

are twenty translations. First line of Original Text: Telluris ingens Conditor. Theme: The work of the third day, viz., the separation of the land from the water, and the creation of every species of plant. As recorded by Moses: Dixit vero Deus: Congregentur
aquse, quae sub ccelo sunt, in

Et factum est ita. Et ait: Gergationesque aquarum appellavit Maria. minet terra herbam virentem et facientem semen et lignum pomif erum, f aciens f ructum juxta genus suum, cujus semen in semetipso sit super terram. Et factum est ita. Et protulit terra herbam virentem, et facientem semen juxta genus suum, lignumque faciens fructum, et habens unumquodque sementem secundum speciem suam. Et vidit Deus quod esset bonum. Et factum est vespere et mane dies tertius
;
. . .

locum unum et appareat arida. Et vocavit Deus aridam Terram congre-

(Gen.

1,

9-13).

1. " Benignant Creator of the world, who didst divide the surface of the earth, and driving off the troubled waters Solum, lit., ground, soil. didst firmly establish the land 2. "That it might bring forth appropriate produce, be adorned with golden flowers, become prolific in fruits, and yield agreeable sustenance." Decora and fecunda agree
;

'

'

with terra, understood. Sisteret, in the sense of existeret. Pastum, food for men and beasts. 3. "Cleanse by the freshness of Thy grace the wounds of the sin-parched soul, that it may wash away with tears its evil deeds, and suppress sinful emotions." Munda, imper. of mundare. Virore, viror, oris (from vireo 2, to be fresh, vigorous), freshness, power, vigor. Mens is the subj. of
diluat
4.
' '

and

atterat.

May it

obey Thy commands

may

it

draw nigh noth-

ing sinful; that it may rejoice to be filled with good, and know not the stroke of death." Mortis ictus, the stroke of death, i.e., mortal sin. The Original Text, translated above, has actum for ictum.

78

WEDNESDAY AT VESPERS
26
Cceli

Deus

sanctissime

CCELI

Deus sanctissime,

OGOD, whose hand hath spread

the sky,

Qui lucidas mundi plagas Candore pingis igneo, Augens decoro lumine:

And all its shining hosts on high, And painting it with fiery light, Made it so beauteous and so
bright:

'Quarto die qui flammeam

Thou, when the fourth day wa9

begun, Didst frame the circle of the sun, And set the moon for ordered change, And planets for their wider range:

Dum solis accendis rotam, Lunee ministras ordinem, Vagosque cursus siderum:

vel lumini Diremptionis terminum, Primordiis et mensium Signum dares notissimum;

Ut noctibus,

To

night and da>y, by certain line, Their varying bounds Thou didst
assign

And

gav'st a

signal,

known and

meet,

For months begun and months

complete.
4

Expelle noctem cordium: Absterge sordes mentium: Resolve culpa? vinculum: Everte moles criminum.

Enlighten Thou the hearts of men Polluted souls make pure again: Unloose the bands of guilt within: Remove the burden of our sin.

'Preesta, Pater piissime,

Grant

this,

Father, ever

One

Patrique compar Unice,

With

Christ

Thy

sole-begotten

Cum

Spiritu Paraclito
saeculura.

Regnans per omne

Whom,
One

Son, with the Spirit we adore, God, both now and evermore.

Author: Probably by Pope St. Gregory the Great (540604). Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by J. M. Neale. There are thirteen translations. Theme The work of the fourth day. On the fourth day, God created the heavenly bodies that adorn the firmament. The Mosaic account of the stupendous work which the hymn endeavors to recount is
:

narrated with wonderful simplicity in Genesis

79

1,

14-19:

THE PSALTER
Dixit autem Deus: Fiant luminaria in firmamento coeli, et dividant diem ac noctem, et sint in signa et tempora, et dies et annos: ut luceant in firmamento coeli, et illuminent terram. Et factum est ita. Fecitque Deus duo luminaria magna: luminare majus, ut prseesset diei: et luminare minus, ut praeesset nocti et stellas. Et posuit eas in firmamento cceli, ut lucerent super terram, et praeessent diei ac nocti, et dividerent lucem ac tenebras. Et vidit Deus quod esset bonum. Et factum est vespere et mane dies quartus. 1. "Most Holy God of heaven, Thou dost adorn with fierybrilliancy the lightsome regions of the universe, and dost embellish them with becoming splendor The light created on the first day was a vast, luminous, nebulous mass, which contracted and solidified on the fourth day, thus forming the sun and the stars. These heavenly bodies constitute the "lightsome regions" of the universe. Thou, on the fourth day didst light up the fiery disk 2. of the sun, didst appoint the orbit of the moon, and the wandering courses of the stars," 3. "That Thou mightest give to nights and days a boundary-line of separation, and a conspicuous sign for the beginning of the months. The boundary line between night and day darkness and daylight is indicated by the sun, the moon, and by the morning and evening stars. The new moon announces the beginning of the lunar month. 4. "Drive out the darkness from our hearts; wipe away the defilements of our souls; loosen the chains of guilt; overturn the great load of our sins."
:
: '

'

'

'

'

'

THURSDAY AT VESPERS
27

Magna Deus
potentia?,

potentice
Lord of Na-

"

1%/TAGNiE Deus
Qui
fertili

r\ SOVEREIGN
V*r
ture's might,

natos aqua

Partim relinquis gurgiti, Partim levas in aera.

bad'st the water's birth divide; Part in the heavens to take their
flight,

Who

And
80

part in ocean's deep to hide;

f^bugaromr

IS1 cotton Cm
;m^mftnuttfjflr6
<w&muti#nimdfl0jntf
s

omtm0Jft>fwm$3iw0
tttma

gem

mamm^m^
aluum ffijflciwt'tum xntmimtttfttiSflitit
ifumtlttnirftttmttt^ flft;$tmsrattutm*

tutf*^3!i mttfaicmitf

fm!mrfl}j0t^fninm
0ton\ut chit tffcx lit

ntwo iW ttmtinumu.
flmtrnnmljimuhmflN
turn nfc*

mfljftmuottm tftft
tirnittitmitaloflmo'ft

Codex Lalinus Specimen page from a Psalter executed in the Abbey of Metten, Bavaria, A.D. Iklh.

THURSDAY AT VESPERS
'Demersa lymphis imprimens,
Subvecta
ccelis erigens:

stirpe ab una prodita, Diversa repleant loca:

Ut

These low obscured, on airy wing Exalted those, that either race, Though from one element they
spring,

Might serve Thee in a

place.

different

'Largire cunctis servulis,

Grant, Lord, that

all,

we Thy

servants

Quos mundat unda sanguinis,

Nescire lapsus criminum, Nee ferre mortis taedium.

Saved by Thy
Blood,

tide

of cleansing

No more
fall,

'neath

sin's

dominion

Nor

fear the thought of death's dark flood!

*Ut culpa nullum deprimat:

Thy

Nullum efferat jactantia: Elisa mens ne concidat: Elata mens ne corruat.

The humble
trol;

varied love each spirit bless, cheer, the high conin

Check

each heart

its

proud

excess,

But raise the meek and contrite

soul!
"Preesta, Pater piissime,

Patrique compar Unice, Cum Spiritu Paraclito Regnans per omne saeculum.

This boon, Father, we entreat, This blessing grant, Eternal Son, And Holy Ghost, the Paraclete, Both now, and while the ages run.

Author! Probably by Pope St. Gregory the Great (540604). Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by W. J. Courthope. There are fourteen translations. Theme: The work of the fifth day the creation of the birds and fishes, both of which sprang from a common source, viz., water. The work of the fifth day is recorded in Genesis 1, 20-23 Dixit etiam Deus Producant aquaa reptile animse viventis,

et volatile super

terram sub firmamento cceli. Creavitque Deus cete grandia, et omnem animam viventem atque motabilem, quam produxerant aquae in species suas, et omne volatile secundum genus suum. Et vidit Deus quod esset bonum. Benedixitque eis, dicens: Crescite et multiplicamini, et replete aquas maris; avesque multiplicentur super terram. Et factum est vespere et mane dies quintus. 1. "0 God of great power, who dost assign in part the
81

THE PSALTER
offsprings of the fertile water, to the deep, and in part dost raise them aloft in the air;" Fertili: The water is called fruitful since it is the common source from which the natos sprang. Natos (ex). Gurgiti, lit., the birds and fishes a whirlpool the sea, the waters. 2. "Thou dost consign the fishes to the waters, and liftest up the birds on high, that animals proceeding from Supply the same source might occupy different places.* animalia after demersa, subvecta, and prodita. Demersa, all living creatures that make their home in the waters. Subvecta (from subveho, to bring up from below), the birds brought up from the waters and assigned to the

'

air.

to all Thy servants, whom the stream of Thy blood hath cleansed, to know not sinful falls, nor suffer
3.

"Grant

the loathsomeness of spiritual death." Largire, imper. of largior. TJnda sanguinis: This is by some taken as equivalent to unda et sanguis. It would then contain a reference to the blood and water that flowed from the pierced side of

pride exalt no one, lest the despondent soul be disheartened, and the proud soul be ruined."
guilt depress

Our Lord 4. "Let

(cf.

John

19, 34).

no one;

let

FRIDAY AT VESPERS
28

Hominis superne Conditor

HOMINIS

superne Conditor, Qui cuncta solus ordinans, Humum jubes producere Reptantis et ferae genus:

"

"1/TAKER

of man,

who from Thy

throne

Dost order all things, God alone; By whose decree the teeming earth To reptile and to beast gave birth

Et magna rerum corpora, Dictu jubentis vivida, Per temporum certas vices

The mighty forms

land,
Instinct

that

fill

the

Obtemperare servulis:

with life at Thy command, Are given subdued to humankind For service in their rank assigned.
82

FRIDAY AT VESPERS
1

Repelle, quod cupidini9 Ciente vi nos impetit,

From

all

Thy

servants drive

away

Aut moribus se suggerit, Aut actibus se interserit.

Whate'er of thought impure to-day Hath been with open action blent, Or mingled with the heart's intent.

Da gaudiorum praemia, Da gratiarum munera:

Dissolve litis vincula: Adstringe pacis foedera.

In heaven Thine endless joys bestow,

And
From
Bind

grant

Thy

gifts

of

grace

below;
chains of strife our souls
release,
fast

the peace.

gentle

bands

of

Praesta, Pater piissime,

Grant

this,

Patrique compar Unice,

With

Christ,

Father, ever One Thy sole-begotten

Cum

Spiritu Paraclito

Regnans per omne sseculum.

Whom,
One

Son, with the Spirit we adore, God, both now and evermore.

Author: Probably by Pope St. Gregory the Great (540Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by J. D. 604). Chambers, as altered in the English Hymnal. There are
First line of Original Text: PlasmaTheme: The work of the sixth day tor hominis Deus. the creation of brute animals and of man (Gen. 1, 24-31). The following is verses 25 and 27 only: Et fecit Deus bestias terrae juxta species suas, et jumenta et omne reptile terrse in genere suo. Et vidit Deus quod esset bonum. Et creavit Deus hominem ad imaginem suam: ad imaginem Dei creavit ilium; masculum et feminam creavit
sixteen translations.
.

eos.

august Creator of man, who alone dost dispose all things, Thou didst command that the earth bring forth Genus reptantis=reipti\m: genus reptiles and beasts."
1.

"0

ferce=besti& terra. 2. "And at the word of the Creator, the huge bodies of created beings became instinct with life, to obey Thy servants through determined changes of time. Per certas vices temporum, i. e., while fixed periods of time shall last, man is to rule over "the fishes of the sea, the fowls of the air, and the beasts, and the whole earth' ' (Gen. 1, 26).
' '

83

THE PSALTER
"Drive from us whatever evil desire may assail us with roused up violence, whether it attaches itself to our morals or intertwines itself with our actions." Se vnterserit, or sows itself among. Abp. Bagshawe translates the last two lines
3.

Or mingles with our inward lives, Or in our actions plays its part.
of heavenly joys; bestow us gifts of grace; rend asunder the chains of strife; closer the bonds of peace."
4.

"Grant us the reward

upon draw

SATURDAY AT VESPERS
29

Jam
sol recedit igneus:

sol recedit igneus

JAM

A S

fades the glowing orb of day,

of light,

Tu

lux perennis Unitas,

**

Nostris, beata Trinitas, Infunde lumen cordibus.

To Thee, great source we pray;

Blest Three in One, to every heart Thy beams of life and love impart.

Te mane laudum carmine, Te deprecamur vespere;

Digneris ut te supplices

At early dawn, at close of day, To Thee our vows we humbly pay;

May

Laudemus

inter coelites.

we, mid joys that never end, With Thy bright Saints in homage

bend.
'Patri, simulque Filio, Tibique sancte Spiritus,

To God the Father, and And Holy Spirit, Three

the Son,
in

One,

Sicut fuit,

sit

jugiter

Saeclum per omne gloria.

Be endless glory, as before The world began, so evermore.

Metee: Iambic Atjthok: St. Ambrose (340-397). Translation by Father Potter, altered. First dimeter. Lux beata Trinitas. There are line of Original Text: thirty-two translations, twenty of which are from the Roman Breviary Text. There are thirteen translations of this hymn in the Annus Sanctus, two of which are from the Original Text. This hymn is also used at Vespers on the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. The Original Text is
there given.
It is interesting to

compare the two

texts.

See

hymn

71.

84

SPECIAL DOXOLOGIES
1.

"The

eternal,

sun now sinks to rest: Thou light Unity and Blessed Trinity, infuse Thy light
fiery
'

into our hearts.

'

As

the daylight departs

we ask

that the

eternal light shall not fail us. glorify Thee in the morning with a hymn of 2. praise, we supplicate Thee in the evening; deign that we, Thy suppliants, may praise Thee among the Blessed." 3. Jugiter, adv., forever.

"We

SPECIAL DOXOLOGIES
Special doxologies are provided in the Breviary for certain feasts and seasons. They are all written in iambic dimeters, and they replace the ordinary doxologies in all hymns of the same meter. The following doxology is said from Christmas till the Epiphany, during the Octave of Corpus Christi, on the feasts of the Sacred Heart and Holy Name, and on feasts of the Blessed Virgin and during their Octaves.
Jesu, tibi sit gloria,

Qui natus

es de Virgine,

Cum

Patre, et

almo

Spiritu,

In sempiterna saecula.

All honor, laud, and glory be, Jesu, Virgin-born, to Thee; All glory, as is ever meet, To Father and to Paraclete.

For the Epiphany and Octave

Jesu, tibi sit gloria, Qui apparuisti gentibus,

All glory, Lord, to Thee we pay,

For Thine Epiphany to-day;

All glory, as is ever meet, To Father and to Paraclete.

Cum

Patre, et

almo

Spiritu,

In sempiterna saecula.

In Paschaltlme

Deo

Patri

sit

gloria,

Et Filio, qui a mortuis Surrexit, ac Paraclito, In sempiterna saecula.

To Thee who, dead, again dost live, All glory, Lord, Thy people give;
All glory, as is ever meet, To Father and to Paraclete.

For Ascensiontide
Jesu, tibi sit gloria, Qui victor in coelum redis,

Cum

Patre, et

almo

Spiritu,

In sempiterna saecula.

All Glory, Lord, to Thee we pay. Ascending o'er the stars to-day; All glory, as is ever meet, To Father and to Paraclete.

85

THE PSALTER THE ANTIPHONS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN

of the Blessed Virgin are four in number. In Choir, one of the Antiphons is recited at the end of certain hours in accordance with the following general rules 2. At the end of Lauds, 1. At the end of Compline, always. when no other hour is to follow. 3. When Lauds is followed by Prime and by any of the other hours, the Antiphon

The Antiphons

said at the end of the last hour recited. 4. At the end of any hour recited in Choir when the Office is finished and the members of the Choir are to retire from the chapel. Out of Choir, an Antiphon is said at the end of Compline, and at the end of Lauds if the Office is to end with Lauds, otherwise at the end of the last hour recited. Read the first article on Antiphon in the Cath. Encycl.
is

Read

also the articles on:

Cceli,

Alma Redemptoris Mater, Ave

Regina, Regina

and Salve Regina.

30

Alma Redemptoris Mater

Redemptoris Mater
et

ALMA
*"*
Porta

"l/rOTHER
111.

quae pervia coeli

benign of deeming Lord,

our

re-

manes,

stella

maris,
tu qua?

Star of the sea and portal of the

skies,

succurre cadenti, Surgere qui curat, populo

genuisti,

thy fallen people help afford Fallen, but striving still anew to
rise.

Unto

Natura

mirante,

tuum

sanctum

Thou

Genitorem,

Virgo prius ac posterius, Gabrielis ab ore Sumens illud Ave, peccatorum

miserere.

while wond'ring worlds adored, Bear thy Creator, Virgin then as

didst

who

once,

now,

by thy holy joy

word,
Pity the sinners

at

Gabriel's

who

before thee

bow.

Author: Ascribed to Hermann Contractus (1013-1054). Meter Hexameter. Julian's Diet, of Hymnol. mentions translations by Cardinal Newman, and by Fathers Caswall and Wallace, O.S.B. For the above translation the editor
86

ANTIPHONS OF OUR LADY

has to thank the distinguished scholar, the Rt. Rev. Sir Liturgical Use: David Oswald Hunter-Blair, O.S.B. Antiphon of our Blessed Lady from the Vespers of the Saturday before the first Sunday of Advent to the Feast
of the Purification, inclusive. "0 loving Mother of the Redeemer, who dost remain the ever accessible portal of heaven, and the star of the sea,

aid thy fallen people who strive to rise thou who, a Virgin both before and after receiving that Ave from the mouth of Gabriel, didst, while nature wondered, give birth to thy Holy Creator; have pity on us sinners.'
:

31

Ave Regina
Regina ccelorum, Ave Doraina Angelorum:

ccelorum
Queen
of

AVE

TTAIL,
!*

heaven,

enthroned!

Salve radix, salve porta, Ex qua mundo lux est orta:

Hail,

by Angels Mistress owned!

Jesse, Gate of morn, the world's true Light

Root of

Whence

was

born:

Gaude Virgo Super omnes

gloriosa,

speciosa,

Glorious Virgin, joy to thee, Loveliest whom in heaven they

are fair, Plead with Christ our sins to spare.
all

Vale, o valde decora, Et pro nobis Christum exora.

see: Fairest thou where

Authorship and date of composition uncertain. It has been in use since the twelfth century. Meter: Trochaic dimeter. Translation by Father Caswall. There are at least four additional translations. Liturgical Use: Antiphon proper to the season after the Purification, that is, from the end of Compline of Feb. 2d (even should the
Feast of the Purification be transferred) until Maundy Thursday, exclusive. "Hail, Queen of Heaven; hail, Mistress of Angels; hail, Root; hail, Portal whence came forth Light unto the
world. glorious Virgin, surpassing all in beauty; we "Rejoice, greet thee, Virgin most fair, intercede with Christ for us." Radix: "root of Jesse,' ' i.e., an offshoot from the root
'

87

THE PSALTER
of Jesse; a descendant of Jesse, the father of David. The Blessed Virgin was of the House of David ; Jesse therefore

was one of her ancestors. Mary is a root of Jesse, but her Divine Son is the root of Jesse (cf. Is. 11, lj Rom. 15, 12).
32

Regina
cceli laetare, alleluja,

cceli Icetare

REGINA

Quia quem meruisti portare,

alleluja,

JOY to thee,
Alleluia.

Queen of heaven
was thine
to

He whom
alleluja.

it

bear;
arisen;

Resurrexit, sicut dixit, alleluja,

Alleluia.

Ora pro nobis Deum,

As He promised, hath
Alleluia.

Plead for us a pitying prayer;

Alleluia.

Author, unknown it is found in 14th cent, manuscripts. Translation by Father Caswall. There are ten translations. Liturgical Use Antiphon of Our Lady from Compline of Holy Saturday, inclusive, till None of the Saturday
;
:

after Pentecost, inclusive.

33

Salve Regina
Regina,

SALVE
Ad
te

mater

miseri-

HAIL

to the

Queen who reigns

love,

cordia?,

above,

Vita, dulcedo et spes nostra, salve.

Mother of clemency and

Hail, thou, our hope,
ness;

clamamus,
Hevae.

exsules

filii

life,

sweet-

we
children

Eve's

banished
thee.

cry

to

Ad

te

suspiramus,
flentes

in

gementes et hac lacrimarum

We

from

this

wretched vale of

tears

valle.

Send sighs and groans unto thy

ears;

Eja ergo, advocata nostra,

Illos tuos misericordes oculos

ad

nos converte.
Et

Oh, then, sweet Advocate, bestow A pitying look on us below.

After this exile, let us see Our Blessed Jesus, born of thee. pious Maid, merciful, gracious Mary, lend thine aid.

Jesum,

benedictum

fructum

ventris tui,

Nobis post hoc exsilium ostende. clemens, o pia, o dulcis Virgo

Maria.

88

ANTIPHONS OF OUR LADY

Author: Ascribed to Hermann Contractus (1013-1054). Translation from the Primer, 1685. There are fifteen metrical translations, and the beautiful prose version which is said after every Low Mass. Antiphon Liturgical Use of our Blessed Lady from the First Vespers of the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity until None of the Saturday before the first Sunday of Advent. Since Jan. 6, 1884, the Salve Regina forms a part of the prayers which Pope Leo XIII
:

ordered to be said after every

Low

Mass.

89

Paet II
fEfyt

proper of

tfjc

&>ta&on

ADVENT
34

The Great Antiphons

of

Advent

Antiphons, as they are called, are said, one each day, at the Magnificat in Vespers, from December the 17th to the 23d, inclusive. Although not written in meter, they are strikingly poetical in thought, and replete with Scriptural allusions. Each Antiphon salutes the coming Messias under one of His many Scriptural titles, and closes with a proper petition. The authorship and date of composition are unknown. They are, however, at least as old as the ninth century, and probably much older. There are several translations in both prose and verse. Mr. Shipley's Annus Sanctus contains a metrical version by H. N. Oxenham. Read the articles on the Antiphons, and on Advent, in the Cath, Encycl.

The seven Great Antiphons, or

Sapientia

OSAPIENTIA,
fine

quae ex ore Alattingens a finem, fortiter

r\ WISDOM,
>-^

that

proceedest

tissimi prodiisti,

usque

ad

omnia: suaviterque disponens veni ad docendum nos viam

prudentise.

from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end mightily, and sweetly disposing all things: come and teach us the

way

of prudence,

(Sapientia) ex ore Altissimi prodivi (Ecclus. 24, 5). Attingens: Attingit ergo a fine usque ad finem fortiter, et disponit omnia suaviter (Wis. 8, 1).
91

Sapientia:

Ego

PROPER OF THE SEASON

O Adonal

OADONAI,

et

Dux domus

Israel, qui Moysi in igne flammae rubi apparuisti, et ei in legem dedisti: veni ad Sina redimendum nos in brachio ex-

tento,

and Leader of the V-7 House of Israel, who didst appear unto Moses in the burning bush, and gavest Him the Law on Sinai: come and redeem us by Thy outstretched arm,

f\ ADONAI,

Adonai: This

is

the

name

of Jehovah. minus," and in the Douay Bible by "Lord." It is retained in both texts twice, viz., in Exodus 6, 3, and in Judith 16, 16. Read the foot-note on Exodus 6, 3, in the Douay Bible. See also the articles on Adonai, and Jehovah, in the Cath.

substitute for the ineffable It is rendered in the Vulgate by " Do-

Hebrew

Encycl.

Domus

Israel:

The House

of Israel,

i.e.,

the

Jews, the chosen people of God. The expression occurs very often in the Old Testament, and a few times in the New. Read the article on Jacob, and the beginning of the article on Israelite, in the Cath. Encycl. Flammed rubi: Apparuitque ei (Moysi) Dominus in flamma ignis de medio rubi (Exod. 3, 2). In Sina legem dedisti: Cf. Exod., beginning with chapter 19.
Israelites, the

O Radix RADIX
signum
Jesse,

qui

stas

in

(~\

ROOT

of Jesse,

who

standest

populorum,
:

super

quem continebunt
ad

reges os suum, quern Gentes deprecabuntur veni

as the ensign of the people, before whom kings shall not open
their lips; to

>^

whom

liberandum

nos,

jam

noli

shall pray:

tardare,

tarry

come and now no more.

the Gentiles deliver us,

Radix Jesse: In die ilia, radix Jesse, qui stat in signum populorum, ipsum gentes deprecabuntur (Is. 11, 10). "Root of Jesse," i.e., a descendant from Jesse, the father of David (Rom. 15, 12). Our Lord, as the Son of the Virgin Mary, was of the House of David, hence a root of Jesse. Signum populorum: An allusion to the ensign of the Cross, around which the nations would rally. Super quem: super ipsum
continebunt reges os

suum

(Is. 52, 15).

92

GREATER ANTIPHONS OF ADVENT

O
Clavls David

\J

r\ CLAVIS
veni,

David,

et

sceptrum
aperis, et
et

f\ KEY

domus Israel; qui nemo claudit; claudis,

aperit:
et

nemo

domo

educ vinctum de carceris, sedentem in tene-

bris, et

umbra

mortis.

House of Israel; who and no man shutteth who shuttest, and no man openeth: come and lead the captive from the prison-house, and him that sitteth in darkness and in the shadow of death.
of the
openest,
;

of David, and Scepter

Clavis David: Hsec dicit Sanctus et Verus, qui habet clavem David qui aperit, et nemo claudit claudit, et nemo aperit (Apoc. 3, 7). Cf. also Is. 22, 22. Et sceptrum: Et Israel sceptrum hereditatis ejus (Jer. 51, 19). Et educ: et educeres de conclusione vinctum, de domo carceris sedentes in tenebris (Is. 42, 7).
:

Orieas

r\

ORIENS,

splendor

lucis

*** aetemae, et sol justitiae: veni, et illumina sedentes in tenebris, et umbra mortis.

f\ ORIENT, Splendor V/ Eternal Light, and

Justice:

of

the

that

sit

Sun of come and enlighten them in darkness and in the

death.

shadow of

Oriens: Variously rendered, dayspring, sunrise, dawn, east. It is one of the many Scriptural titles of the Messias, who was to be the Light of the world (John 8, 12), the Sun of Justice (Mai. 4, 2), the Orient from on high who visited us (Luke 1, 78), and who from eternity has been the Splendor of the Father's glory (Heb. 1, 3). Splendor: Candor est enim lucis asternae (Wis. 7, 26). Illumina: IIluminare his, qui in tenebris, et in umbra mortis sedent

(Luke

1,

79).

O Rex Gentium
Gentium, et desideratus earum, lapisque angularis, qui facis utraque unum: veni, et salva hominem, quern de limo
formasti.

r\ " REX

f~\

and the desire thereof, the Corner-stone that makest both one: come and save man, whom Thou
hast

KING

of the Gentiles, yea,

made

out of the slime of the

earth.

93

PROPER OF THE SEASON

Rex Gentium: Erit radix Jesse, et qui exurget regere gentes, in eum gentes sperabunt (Rom. 15, 12; Is. 11, 10).
Desideratus: et veniet desideratus cunctis gentibus (Agg. Lapis angularis: Christ is the Corner-stone (Eph. 2, 8). He is also our peacemaker who maketh both one 2, 20). (Eph. 2, 14). The Jews and Gentiles are the two who Christ died for all, and He founded a are made one. Church to save all men without distinction of race. De limo: Formavit igitur Dominus Deus hominem de limo terne (Gen. 2, 7).

O Emmanuel

EMMANUEL, Rex
noster,
et

et legifer

EMMANUEL,
all

our king and

of
their

exspectatio

gentium,
noster.

lawgiver, the expectation

Salvator earum: veni ad sal-

nations

and

Saviour:

vandum nos Domine Deus

come and save

God.

us,

Lord our

Exspectatio gentium: et ipse erit exspectatio gentium (Gen. 49, 10). Read the article on Emmanuel, in the Cath. Encycl. The following beautiful paraphrase of five of the above Antiphons is found in a hymn which dates from the beginning of the eighteenth century. The translation is by
Cf. Matt.
1,

Emmanuel:

23.

J.

M. Neale.
Veni, veni,
veni,

34B

Emmanuel

VENI,

Emmanuel;
Israel,

OCOME,

come, Emmanuel,
captive Israel,

Captivum solve Qui gemit in exilio,

Privatus Dei Filio.

And ransom

That mourns in lonely exile here,

Until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! rejoice! Emmanuel Israel. Shall come to thee,

Gaude

gaude

Emmanuel
Israel.

Nascetur pro

te,

'Veni, o Jesse Virgula; Ex hostis tuos ungula, De specu tuos tartari Educ, et antro barathri. Gaude! gaude! Emmanuel Nascetur pro te, Israel.

come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan's tyranny; From depths of hell Thy people
save,

And

give them victory o'er the grave. Rejoice! rejoice! Emmanuel Israel. Shall come to thee,

94

ADVENT
'Veni, veni, o Oriens; Solare nos adveniens; Noctis depelle nebulas Dirasque noctis tenebras.

come, Thou Dayspring, from on

high, cheer us by Thy drawing nigh; Disperse the gloomy clouds of

And

Gaude

gaude

Emmanuel
Israel.

Nascetur pro

te,

night,

And

death's dark
flight.

shadows put to

Rejoice! rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, Q Israel.

4

Veni, Clavis Davidica; Regna reclude coelica;

And

come, Thou Key of David, come open wide our heavenly

Fac

iter

tutum superum,

home;

Et claude vias inferum. Gaude! gaude! Emmanuel Nascetur pro te, Israel.

Make

safe the

way

that leads

on

high

And

close the path to misery. Rejoice! rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, Israel.

Veni, veni, Adonai, Qui populo in Sinai

O come, Adonai, Lord Who to Thy tribes,

height,

of might,

on Sinai's

Legem
In

dedisti vertice
estate gloria;.

ma

Gaude! gaude! Emmanuel Nascetur pro te, Israel.

In ancient times didst give the law In cloud and majesty and awe. Rejoice! rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, Israel.

35

Creator alme siderum

alme siderum,

CREATOR

BRIGHT
Jesus,

Builder of the heaven-

Sterna lux credentium, Jesu Redemptor omnium,

Intende votis supplicum.

ly poles,

Eternal light of faithful souls, Redeemer of mankind, Our humble prayers vouchsafe to

mind.
2

Qui dsmonis ne fraudibus

Periret orbis, impetu

Who,

lest the

fraud of hell's black

king

Amoris actus, languidi Mundi medela factus es.

Should
Didst,

all

men

to

destruction

bring,

The
95

by an act of generous love, fainting world's physician prove.

PROPER OF THE SEASON

'Commune
qui mundi nefas Ut expiares; ad crucem E Virginis sacrario Intacta prodis victima.

Who,

that

Thou mightst our

ran-

som pay

And wash
And

the stains of sin away,

Wouldst from a Virgin's

womb

proceed on the Cross a Victim bleed.

glorious power, whose saving name

*Cujus potestas
Et

gloria?,

Whose
sonat;

Nomenque cum primum

coelites et inferi

No

Tremente curvantur genu.

sooner any voice can frame, But heaven and earth and hell
agree

To honor them with trembling

knee.
5

Te deprecamur ultimas

Thee, Christ,

who

at

the

latter

Magnum

diei Judicem,
gratiae

day
Shalt be our Judge, we

Armis supernae

humbly

Defende nos ab hostibus.

pray Such arms of heavenly grace to send As may Thy Church from foee
defend.

Virtus, honor, laus, gloria Deo Patri cum Filio,

Sancto simul Paraclito, In saeculorum saecula.

Be glory given and honor done To God the Father and the Son And to the Holy Ghost on high,

From age

to age eternally.

Ambrosian, 7th cent. Meter Iambic dimeter. Translation a cento from the Primer, 1685, and the Evening Office, 17 10. First line of Original Text Conditor alme siderum. The Advent hymns were greatly altered by the revisers nnder Pope Urban VIII (1632). Only one line of this hymn was left unaltered, and only twelve words of the original were retained. Including both texts there are about thirty translations, nine of which are in Mr. Shipley's
:

Author

Annus Sanctus, both

Use: Vespers hymn Advent. The hymns and antiphons of Advent present in a concise and admirable manner the leading ideas of that holy season.
96

texts being represented. Liturgical for Sundays and week-days during

ADVENT
Jesus, kind Creator of the stars, eternal light of the faithful, Redeemer of all, give ear to the prayers of Thy suppliants. Creator: Omnia per ipsum facta sunt et sine ipso factum est nihil quod factum est (John 1, 3). Lux: Erat lux vera, quae illuminat omnem hominem venien1.
'

"0

'

tem
2.

in

(John 1, 9). "Thou wast impelled by the power of love to become

hunc

mundum

a remedy for the languid world, lest mankind should perish through the cunning of the devil." Constr. Qui actus impetu amoris, factus es medela mundi languidi, ne orbis fraudibus daemonis periret. Actus=comrnotu.s. 3. "To expiate the common guilt of mankind, Thou, a spotless Victim, didst go forth to the Cross from the sacred womb of a Virgin." The might of Thy glory is such that as soon as Thy 4.
'
'

name

is

uttered, the blessed

and the damned

alike

bend

with trembling knee." Cujus (est). Nomen: Ut in nomine Jesu omne genu flectatur ccelestium, terrestrium et infer-

norum
5.

(Philip. 2, 10).

beseech Thee, great Judge of the last day, defend us from our enemies with weapons of heavenly grace."

"We

36

Verbum supernum
supernum prodiens,
Patris aeterni sinu natus orbi subvenis,

prodiens
to this our

VERBUM
E
Qui

/^ELESTIAL Word, vJ earth

Sent
clime,

down from God's

eternal

Labente cursu temporis:

To

save mankind by mortal birth Into a world of change and time;

Illumina nunc pectora, Tuoque amore concrema, Ut cor caduca deserens Cceli voluptas impleat.

Enlighten our hearts ; vain hopes

destroy;

And And

in

Thy

love's

consuming

fire

Fill all the soul with heavenly joy,

melt the dross of low desire.

the Judge of quick

Ut,

cum

Damnabit

tribunal Judicis igni noxios,

So when
Shall

and

dead
bid His come,

awful

summons

97

PROPER OF THE SEASON

Et vox arnica debitum Vocabit ad ccelum pios.

To whelm

And
4

the guilty soul with dread, call the blessed to their home,

Non

flammarum nigros Volvamur inter turbines,

esca

Saved from the whirling, black

abyss,

Vultu Dei sed compotes Coeli fruamur gaudiis.

Forevermore to us be given

To share the feast of saintly bliss, And see the face of God in heaven. To God the Father and the Son Our songs with one accord we
raise;

Patri simulque Filio, Tibique sancte Spiritus, Sicut fuit, sit jugiter

And

Saeclum per

omne

gloria.

Holy Spirit, One With Them, be ever equal praise.

to the

Ambrosian, 5th or 6th cent. Meter: Iambic Translation by W. J. Courthope. There are dimeter. about thirty translations, four of which are in the Annus Sanctus. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Matins on Sundays and week-days during Advent. There is an article on this

Author:

hymn
1.

in the Cath. Encycl.

Heavenly "Word proceeding from the bosom of the Eternal Father, Thou wast born, and didst come to the aid Verbum, the of the world, in the fleeting course of time. "Word, the Eternal Son (cf. John 1, 1-14). Constr. Qui
' '

"0

labente cursu temporis (abl. absol.) natus es (et) orbi subvenis.

"Enlighten Thou our hearts and inflame them with Thy love, that the joys of heaven may fill the heart which abandons perishable things." Constr.: Ut voluptas coeli
2.

impleat cor deserens caduca.

That when the tribunal of the Judge shall condemn the guilty to the flames, and a friendly voice shall call the just to the heaven due to them, may we then not be cast
3-4.
' '

headlong into the black whirlpool as the food of flames, but participating in the beatific vision, may we enjoy the pleasures of heaven." Debitum: due to them, because promised to them by Christ. Constr.: Ut non volvamur esca flammarum inter nigros turbines, sed compotes vultu Dei fruamur gaudiis cceli.
98

ADVENT
37
"C'N
*-^

En

clara vox redarguit

clara vox redarguit

Obscura quseque personans: Procul fugentur somnia:

alto Jesus promicat.

ARK,

a herald voice

is

call-

ing;

Ab

"Christ is nigh," it seems to say; "Cast away the dreams of darkness, O ye children of the day."
Startled at the solemn warning, Let the earth-bound soul arise; Christ, her Sun, all sloth dispelling,

Mens jam resurgat torpida, Non amplius jacens humi:

Sidus refulget jam novum,

Ut

tollat

omne noxium.

Shines upon the morning

8

skies.

En Agnus ad nos

mittitur

Laxare gratis debitum: Omnes simul cum lacrimis Precemur indulgentiam:

Lo, the Lamb, so long expected, Comes with pardon down from heaven Let us haste, with tears of sorrow, One and all to be forgiven.

Ut,

cum secundo

fulserit,

So

when

next

He comes

with

Metuque mundum

cinxerit,

glory,

reatu puniat, Sed nos pius tunc protegat.

Non pro

Wrapping

all the earth in fear,

May He then as our defender On the clouds of heaven appear.

Honor, glory,
virtue, merit,

Virtus, honor, laus, gloria Deo Patri cum Filio,

To

Sancto simul Paraclito, In sseculorum saecula.

the Father and the Son, With the co-eternal Spirit, While eternal ages run.

Author: Ambrosian, 5th

cent.

Meter: Iambic dimeter.

Translation by Father Caswall, first line altered. First line of Original Text: Vox clara ecce intonat. There are twenty-seven translations, seven of which are from the Original Text. The Annus Sanctus contains three translations. This beautiful hymn breathes the spirit of Advent: it is an excellent summary of the Epistle (Rom. 13, 11-14), and of the Gospel (Luke 21, 25-33) of the first Sunday of Advent. Liturgical Use Hymn for Lauds on Sundays and week-days during Advent. 1. "Lo, a clear voice exhorts, penetrating everything darksome: Let dreams be banished afar: Jesus shines forth from heaven. Clara vox: These words are probably
:

'

'

99

PROPER OF THE SEASON

an allusion to the great preacher of penance, St. John the Baptist, who said of himself Ego vox clamantis in deserto dirigite viam Domini, sicut dixit Isaias propheta (John Redarguit: lit., to contradict, refute; to 1, 23: Is. 40, 3). admonish, urge to penance. This stanza might also be rendered: ''Behold, a clear penetrating voice reveals the falsity of darksome things," etc. 2. "Let the slothful soul now rise, no longer remaining prostrate on the ground: a new star now shines forth to take away everything harmful. Sidus novum Christus. Christ was the star that was to rise out of Jacob (Num. 24, 17), and take away the sins of the world (John 1, 29).
: '
'

Noxium,
3.

sinful.

sent to us, to pay our debt gratuitously: together, let us all with tears pray for pardon." Agnus: In the Scriptures, the lamb is a most common symbol of Our Lord (cf. Is. 53, 7; Jer. 11, 19; John

"Behold, the

Lamb

is

1,

29).
4.

"That, when for the second time He comes resplendent and girdles the world with fear, He may not punish us according to our deserts, but may He then lovingly protect us.
'

'

Fulserit

fulgens advenerit.

CHRISTMASTIDE
38
Jesu,

Redemptor omnium
TESUS,
iJ

JESU, Redemptor omnium,

Quern
lucis ante

the

Ransomer of man,

originem

Parem

paternae gloriae

Who, ere created light began, Didst from the sovereign Father
spring,

Pater supremus edidit.

His power and glory equalling.

8

Tu lumen, et splendor Patris, Tu spes perennis omnium,

Intende quas fundunt preces Tui per orbem servuli.

The Father's Light and Splendor

Thou,
Their endless

Hope

to

Thee that
praise

bow;
Accept
the

prayers

and
world

to-day

That
100

through

the servants pay.

Thy

CHRISTMASTIDE
'Memento, rerum Conditor, Nostri quod olim corporis, Sacrata ab alvo Virginis
Nascendo, formam sumpseris.
Salvation's Author, call to mind How, taking form of humankind, Born of a Virgin undefiled,

Thou

in

man's

flesh

becam'st a

Child.

*Testatur hoc praesens dies, Currens per anni circulum, Quod solus e sinu Patris

Thus testifies the present day, Through every year in long array,
That
Thou,
alone,
salvation's

source
Father's

Mundi

salus adveneris.

Proceededst
throne.
6

from

the

Hunc astra, tellus, aequora, Hunc omne quod coelo subest,

Salutis

The heavens above, main

the

rolling

Auctorem novae

And
With

all that earth's

wide realms

Novo

salutat cantico.

contain,

The
*Et nos, beata quos sacri
Rigavit unda sanguinis; Natalis ob diem tui Hymni tributum solvimus.

voice now loudly sing glory of their new-born King.

joyous

And we who, by Thy

Blood

precious

From

sin

redeemed, are marked for God,

the

On

this

day that saw Thy

birth,

Sing the new song of ransomed

earth.
T

Jesu, tibi

sit

gloria,

Qui natus es de Virgine,

Cum

Patre, et almo Spiritu In sempiterna saecula.

Lord, the Virgin-born, to Thee Eternal praise and glory be, Whom with the Father we adore And Holy Ghost forevermore.

Author: Ambrosian, 6th cent. Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by J. M. Neale, Father Potter, and the EvenFirst line of Original Text: Christe, Redemptor omnium. There are twenty-five translations, six of which are in the Annus Sanctus. Liturgical. Use Hymn for Vespers and Matins on Christmas Day. 1. "Jesus, the Redeemer of all, who, being the equal of the Father's glory, was begotten of the Sovereign Father before the beginning of light." The three Persons of the Holy Trinity are co-equal, co-eternal, and consubstantial.

ing

Office, 1710.

101

PROPER OF THE SEASON

and splendor of the Father, Thou neverfailing hope of all, give ear to the prayers which Thy servants throughout the world pour forth." In the hymns, Christ is repeatedly styled, lux, jubar, lumen, and splen2.

"Thou

light

dor Patris. ejus (1 Heb.

3.

Cum
1, 3).

sit

splendor glorise et figura substantia

"Remember, Creator of the world, that in being born Thou didst once assume the form of our body from the
of a Virgin.' 4. "The present day (the Feast of Christmas) recurring in the course of each year, bears witness to this, that Thou alone didst come forth from the bosom of the Father, the salvation of the world." Solus Filius unigenitus. The stars, the earth, and the seas, and every creature 5. under heaven doth greet Him with a new canticle, as the author of the new salvation." Salutis novce: the New Law with its Sacraments and other means of grace. also, whom the sacred stream of Thy blood hath 6. cleansed, pay Thee the tribute of a hymn on Thy birth-

sacred

womb

'

'

"We

dav."

39

solis ortus

cardine
lands that see the sun

ASOLIS

ortus cardine

Ad usque terra? limitem, Christum canamus Principem,

Natum Maria
Virgine.

TfROM

arise

To earth's remotest boundaries, The Virgin-born to-day we sing, The Son of Mary, Christ the King.
Blest

Beatus auctor saeculi Servile corpus induit: Ut carne carnem liberans, Ne perderet quos condidit.

Author of

this earthly frame,

take a servant's form He came, That, liberating flesh by flesh,

To

Whom He

had made might

live

afresh.
d

Cast8e Parentis viscera Coelestis intrat gratia:

In that chaste parent's holy womb Celestial grace hath found its

Venter Puellae bajulat

Secreta, quae

home;

non noverat.

And

she,

as

earthly

bride

un-

known,
Yet calls that Offspring blest her own.
102

CHRISTMASTIDE
*Domus pudici pectoris Templum repente fit Dei:
Intacta nesciens virum, Concepit alvo Filium.

The mansion of the modest breast Becomes a shrine where God shall
rest:

The pure and undefiled one

Conceived in her

womb

the Son.

'Enititur puerpera, Quem Gabriel praedixerat, Quern ventre Matris gestiens, Baptista clausum senserat.

That Son, that Royal Son she bore,

Whom
Whom,

Gabriel's afore
in

voice had told

His mother yet con-

cealed,

The infant Baptist had revealed.

'Foeno jacere pertulit:
Praesepe non abhorruit: Et lacte modico pastus
est,

The manger and the straw He bore, The cradle did He not abhor;

By milk

Per quem nee ales

esurit.

Who

in infant portions fed, gives e'en fowls their daily

bread.
r

Gaudet chorus coelestium, Et Angeli canunt Deo;

pastoribus Pastor, Creator omnium.
fit

The heavenly chorus

sky,

filled

the

Palamque

The Angels sang

to

God on

high,

What time

to shepherds, watching
creation's

lone,

They made

Shepherd

known.
8

Jesu, tibi sit gloria,

Qui natus

es de Virgine,

Cum

Patre, et

almo

Spiritu,

In eempiterna saecula.

All honor, laud, and glory be, Jesu, Virgin -born to Thee: All glory, as is ever meet, To Father and to Paraclete.

Sedulius, 5th cent. Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by J. M. Neale. There are eighteen translations, two of which are in the Annus Sanctus. Liturgical Use Hymn for Lauds on Christmas Day. This is a part to G) of an alphabetical hymn, the stanzas of (from which begin with successive letters of the alphabet. This hymn and No. 46, Crudelis Herodes Deum, are parts of the same hymn. Together they give in verse a devout descrip-

Author:

tion of the life of Christ. 1. "From the beginning of the rising of the sun, to the uttermost bounds of the earth, let us sing Christ, the Lord, born of the Virgin Mary." Car dine, lit., a hinge, also in
103

PROPER OF THE SEASON

solis ortu usque astron. a pole : cardo mundi, cardo cceli. ad occasum laudabile nomen Domini (Ps. 112, 3). 2. "The Blessed Creator of the world assumed a servile

body, that by flesh, He might liberate flesh, lest He lose Servile corpus: formam those whom He had created." Ut came camem liberans: servi accipiens (Phil. 2, 7). That by His incarnation He might liberate mankind from the power of the devil. heavenly grace enters the bosom of the chaste 3. Mother the womb of a virgin bears secrets, which she had not thought of." Gratia, in the sense of the "Author of grace." Seer eta: the incarnate Son of God. Non noverat: Mary had no foreknowledge of the mystery that was to be

"A
:

wrought in her womb. The mansion of her modest bosom suddenly becomes 4. the temple of God: unsullied, knowing not man, she conceived in her womb a Son." Nesciens virum, (cf. Luke 1,
'

'

34-41).

forth Him whom Gabriel had predicted, whom the Baptist, exulting had perceived, though still enclosed in the womb of his mother. Puerpera, from puer and par ere. Baptista gestiens: Et factum est, ut audivit salutationem Mariae Elisabeth, exultavit infans in utero ejus et repleta est Spiritu sancto Elisabeth (Luke The first chapter of St. Luke's Gospel is very beau1, 41). It contains two sublime canticles, the Magnificat tiful. (verses 46-55), and the Benedictus (verses 68-79). 6. "He deigned to lie on hay, nor did He disdain the crib and He, by whose providence not even a bird suffers hunger, is fed with a little milk." PrcBsepe, is, manger, crib this word occurs in several forms see Glossary. 7. "The choir of Saints rejoices, the Angels hymn their God, and the Shepherd, the Creator of all, became known to the shepherds." For the Scriptural references in this
5.

"The Mother brought

'

'

stanza, read

Luke

2, 13-18.

104

CHRISTMASTIDE
40
Adeste, fideles
fideles,

ADESTE,

COME,

all

ye faithful,

Laeti triumphantes Venite, venite in Bethlehem;

Natum videte Regem Angelorum:

Venite adoremus, Venite adoremus, Venite adoremus Dominum.

Joyful and triumphant, hasten to Bethlehem; hasten, See in a manger The Monarch of Angels. come let us worship Christ the Lord.

Deum de Deo, Lumen de lumine,

Gestant puellae viscera:

God

of

God

eternal,

Light from Light proceeding, He deigns in the Virgin's womb

to lie;

Deum verum, Genitum, non factum:

Venite adoremus

Very God of very God,

Begotten, not created.

Dominum.

come,
1

etc.

Cantet nunc Io!

Sing alleluia,
All ye choirs of Angels; Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above,

Chorus angelorum: Cantet nunc aula coelestium,

Gloria In excelsis Deo! Venite adoremus Dominum.

Glory to God
In the highest.

come,
*

etc.

Ergo qui natus

Die hodierna,
Jesu tibi
sit

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,

Born
True

this

happy morning;
Jesus, be glory given;

gloria:

To Thee,

Patris aeterni

Verbum

caro factum!

of the Father, In our flesh appearing.

Word

Venite adoremus, Venite adoremus, Venite adoremus Dominum.

come let us worship Christ the Lord.

18th cent. Teanslation by Canon Oakeley. There are forty translations. The complete hymn consists of eight stanzas, four of which are commonly used at Benediction during Christmastide. There are four translations of this hymn in Mr. Shipley's Annus Sanctus; the one by J. C. Earle is a translation of the complete hymn. The Adeste Fideles is not found in the Breviary or Missal. It is a beautiful invitation to the faithful "to come to Bethlehem" in spirit, and worship the new-born Saviour.
105

Authob unknown.

PROPER OF THE SEASON

the exception of the Dies Irce and the Stabat Mater," says W. J. Grattan-Flood, Mus.D., "it is doubtful if there is a more popular hymn in our churches than the Adeste Fideles" (The Dolphin, Dec, 1905). The above

"With

translation is literal. In 1. 15, Io is an interj. expressing great joy. Line 17, aula cozlestium, the court of the blessed, the heavenly court.

The Holy Innocents

41

Audit

tyr annus anxius

AUDIT

tyrannus anxius Arlpssp regum Principem, Adesse rptriim Prinrinpm.

Israel regat,

TV7ITH

terror

doth the tyrant

to

hear

Qui nomen

The King of kings hath come

Teneatque David regiam.

dwell Where David's court shall widely

A
2

rear sceptered reign o'er Israel.

cries
out,

Exclamat amens nuntio:

Successor
pellimur: Satelles, i, ferrum rape: Perfunde cunas sanguine.
instat,

Then

raging,

at

the

word: "He comes to stand where we have

stood:

Hence, soldier, and with ruthless sword Deluge the cradles deep with blood!"

Quid proficit tantum nefas? Quid crimen Herodem juvat? Unus tot inter funera Impune Christus tollitur.

What profiteth a crime so dread? What hope shall Herod's bosom

sway? Alone amidst the thronging dead, The Christ is safely borne away!
All glory for this blessed morn To God the Father ever be; All praise to Thee, Virgin-born, All praise, Holy Ghost, to Thee.

Jesu, tibi

sit

gloria,

Qui natus

es de Virgine,

Cum

Patre, et

almo Spiritu

In sempiterna saecula.

(348-413). Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Monsignor Henry. There are eleven translations. Liturgical Use Hymn for Matins on the Feast of
:

Author: Prudentius

106

THE HOLY INNOCENTS

a cento from the twelfth and last poem in the Cathemerinon of Prudentius, and in First line of complete its full form it contains 208 lines.
the

Holy Innocents.

This

hymn

is

Quicumque Christum quceritis. Four beautiful centos from this hymn were included in the Breviary by Pius V (1568). One of these centos begins with the first The following are the four line of the complete hymn. centos, their composition, and their liturgical use 1. Quicumque Christum quceritis (11. 1-4; 37-44; 85-88).

hymn:

Transfiguration. sola magnarum urbium 2.

72).
3.

(11.

77-80; 5-8; 61-64; 69-

Epiphany. Audit tyrannus anxius

(11.

93-100; 133-136).
125-132).

Holy

Innocents. 4. Salvete flores

cents.

martyrum

(11.

Holy Inno-

There is an article in the Cath. Encyl., treating of all four hymns, under the general heading: Quicumque Christum
quceritis.

"The anxious tyrant hears that the King of kings is come, who would rule the people of Israel and possess the
1.

royal throne of David." Tyrannus a/nxius: Audiens autem Herodes rex, turbatus est, et omnis Jerosolyma cum illo (Matt. 2, 3). Regum Princeps: Jesus Christ the prince of the kings of the earth (Apoc. 1, 5). Nomen Israel populus Israel. Regiam (sc. sedem). Et dabit illi Dominus Deus sedem David patris ejus (Luke 1, 32). 2. "Bendered frantic by the message, he cries out: 'A successor is at hand, we are driven away go, executioner, take the sword, drench the cradles with blood!' " Satelles, For the sing, for pi., attendants, bodyguard, soldiers. Scriptural account of the massacre of the Holy Innocents, see Matt. 2, 16-18. See also the articles on Holy Innocents and Herod, in the Cath. Encycl. What 3. "But what availeth so great an outrage? profiteth Herod this crime? Among so many slain, Christ

solus. Funera, alone is safely borne away. Unus funerals corpses, also death, esp. a violent death.
' ' ;

lit.,

107

PROPER OF THE SEASON

42
Salvete flores
flores

Martyrum
A LL
hail,

SALVETE
Quos

Martyrum,

ye

little

Martyr

lucis ipso in limine

Christi insecutor sustulit, Ceu turbo nascentes rosas.

**flowers, Sweet rosebuds cut

hours!

in

dawning

When Herod
find

sought the Christ to

the wind.

Ye
2

fell as

bloom before

Vos prima Christi Grex immolatorum

victima,
tener,

First victims of the

Martyr bands,
in tender

With crowns and palms

Aram sub ipsam

Palma
et

simplices coronis luditis.

Around

And
8

hands, the very altar, gay innocent, ye seem to play.

Jesu, tibi sit gloria,

Qui natus

Cum

es de Virgine, Patre et almo Spiritu, In sempiterna saecula.

All honor, laud, and glory be, O Jesu, Virgin-born to Thee; All glory, as is ever meet To Father and to Paraclete.

Authob: Prudentius (348-413). Metek: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Athelstan Kiley. There are about twentyfive translations. Liturgical Use Hymn for Lauds on the Feast of the Holy Innocents. This hymn is a cento from the Cathemerinon. See the Notes on the preceding hymn.
:

"Hail, flowers of the martyrs, whom on the very threshold of life, the persecutor of Christ snatched away even as the whirlwind, the budding roses." Lucis, lit., light fig., life or in a mystical sense, Christ. 2. "As the first sacrifice for Christ, a tender flock of victims, with sweet simplicity, ye play with your palms and crowns at the very altar side." Aram sub ipsam: The Original Text has ante for sub. Vidi subtus altare animas interfectorum propter verbum Dei (Apoc. 6, 9). This stanza has been greatly admired. It presents a picture of great beauty. The following is Father Caswall's translation of this hymn, of which Monsignor Henry says "Not to speak of the beauty and fidelity of the rendering, the trochaic rhythm vividly conveys the sense of the suddenness of the onslaught, the ruthlessness and swiftness of the destruction." (Cath. Encycl. Vol. XII, p. 607).
1.
;

108

THE HOLY NAME

42B

FLOWERS
hail!

of

martyrdom

all

Smitten by the tyrant foe

On

life's

threshold,

as the

bleed for Christ, sweet lambs! What a simple death ye died! Sporting with your wreaths and
First
to

gale

palms

Strews the roses ere they 'blow.

At the very

altar side!

Honor, glory, virtue, merit, Be to Thee, Virgin's Son! With the Father, and the Spirit, While eternal ages run.

The Holy Name

VESPERS

of Jesus

43

Jesu dulcis memoria

dulcis memoria,

JESU

JESU,
And
Nor
in

the very thought of Thee

fills

Dans vera cordis gaudia:

Sed super mel, et omnia, Ejus dulcis praesentia.
2

With sweetness

my

breast;
see,

But sweeter far Thy face to

Thy presence

rest.

Nil canitur suavius, Nil auditur jucundius, Nil cogitatur dulcius, Quam Jesus Dei Filius.

voice can sing, nor heart can

Nor can

frame, the memory find, sweeter sound than Thy blest

Name,
Saviour of mankind
3

Jesu spes poenitentibus, Quam pius es petentibus!

Quam

bonus te quaerentibus Sed quid invenientibus?

of every contrite heart, Joy of all the meek, To those who fall, how kind

O Hope

Thou

art!

How
*Nec lingua valet dicere, Nee littera exprimere:
Expertus potest credere,

good

to those

who

seek!

But what to those who find?

this

Ah!

Quid

sit

Jesum

diligere.

Nor tongue nor pen can show: The love of Jesus, what it is None but His loved ones know.
Jesu, our only joy be Thou,

Sis Jesu

Qui

es futurus

nostrum gaudium, praemium:

saecula.

Sit nostra in te gloria,

As Thou our prize wilt be; Jesu, be Thou our glory now,

Per cuncta semper

And through
109

eternity.

PROPER OF THE SEASON

Bernard (1091-1153). Meter: Iambic Translation by Father Caswall. Liturgical dimeter. Use: This and the two following centos are used on the Feast of the Holy Name, which is celebrated on the Sunday between the Circumcision and the Epiphany, or failing such a Sunday, on January 2d. The complete hymn as found in the Benedictine edition of the Opera of St. Bernard contains forty-eight stanzas. There are six translations of the complete hymn. Many centos from the hymn, including the three given here for Vespers, Matins, and Lauds, have been translated more There are two translations of these three frequently. centos in Mr. Shipley's Annus Sanctus. The Jesu dulcis memoria is a hymn of surpassing sweetness, and it has been universally accorded a place among According to Mr. the greatest hymns of the Church. James Mearns, the assistant editor of Julian's Dictionary The finest and most characof Hymnology, this hymn is

Author:

St.

'

'

teristic

specimen of St. Bernard's 'subjective loveliness' and its honied sweetness vindicates his title of 'Doctor Melifmus.' " Father Caswall's much admired translation preserves much of the " honied sweetness" of the original. The ascription of this hymn to St. Bernard has been called in question. Dom Pothier has discovered a copy of it in manuscripts of about the year 1070, in which it is ascribed to a Benedictine abbess. Father Blume, S.J., in the article on Hymnody in the Cath. Encycl. pronounces against its ascription to St. Bernard. On the other hand Mr. James Mearns says: "This hymn has been generally (and there seems little reason to doubt correctly) ascribed to St. Bernard." (Diet, of Hymnol.) There is an article on this hymn in the Index Vol. of the Cath. Encycl. 1. "Jesus! how sweet is the very thought! giving true joys of heart; but surpassing honey and all sweetness is His sweet presence." Supply est in lines 1 and 4. The Holy Name has Jesu in all the cases except the nom. and
ace.

"Nothing more sweet can be sung, nothing more pleasant can be heard, nothing more lovely can be thought of, than Jesus, the Son of God." no
2.

THE HOLY NAME

Jesus, the hope of penitents, how kind art Thou to those who pray! How good to those who seek Thee But what to those who find!" This question is answered in the following stanza.
3.
I

"0

tell, nor can written word express it: only one who knows from experience can say what it means to love Jesus." 5. "Mayest Thou, Jesus, be our joy, as Thou wilt be our reward in Thee be our glory forever.

4.

"No

tongue can

'

MATINS

44

Jesu
Rex
admirabilis,

Rex

admirabilis

JESU

OJESU,
In

King most wonderful

ineffable,

Et triumphator nobilis,

Thou conqueror renowned, Thou sweetness most

Dulcedo

ineffabilis,

Totus desiderabilis.
2

whom

all joys are

found!

Quando cor nostrum visitas, Tunc lucet ei Veritas, Mundi vilescit vanitas,
Et intus fervet caritas.

once Thou visitest the heart, Then truth begins to shine; Then earthly vanities depart; Then kindles love divine.

When

Jesu dulcedo cordium,

Fons vivus, lumen mentium, Excedens omne gaudium,

Et

Thou fount
Surpassing

Jesu, light of all below, of life and fire,

all the joys

we know,

omne desiderium.

And

all

we can

desire:

*Jesum omnes agnoscite,

May
And

every

heart

confess

Thy

Amorem
Jesum

ejus poscite: ardenter quaerite,

Name,
ever Thee adore; And, seeking Thee, itself inflame To seek Thee more and more.

Quaerendo inardescite.

Te nostra Jesu vox sonet, Nostri te mores exprimant, Te corda nostra diligant,
Et nunc,
et in

Thee may
bless;

our

tongues

forever

Thee may we love alone;

perpetuum.

And

ever in our lives express

The image of Thine own.

Authorship, Translation, etc., as in the preceding hymn. 1. Jesus, admirable king and noble conqueror, sweet'

'

ness ineffable, wholly to be desired."

gether, above all else.

Totus, wholly, alto-

1U

PROPER OF THE SEASON

dost visit our heart, then truth illuminates it; the vanity of the world becomes contemptible, and charity glows within.' 3. "0 Jesus, sweetness of hearts, living fountain, light of intellects, Thou dost surpass all joys and all desires." 4. "Let all confess Jesus, let all earnestly ask for His love; let all zealously seek Jesus, and in seeking Him be2.

"When Thou

come enkindled." Jesus, may our voices praise; may the 5. "Thee,
whole course of our lives (mores) give testimony of Thee; may our hearts love Thee now and forever." LAUDS

45

Jesu decus angelicum

decus angelicum, In aure dulce canticum,

JESU

OJESU,
Thy name
Enchanting

Thou
is
it

the Beauty art

to the heart,

Of Angel-worlds above;
music
with love.

In ore mel mirificum, In corde nectar ccelicum.

a

Qui te gustant, esuriunt; Qui bibunt, adhuc sitiunt;

Desiderare nesciunt, Nisi Jesum, quem diligunt.

Celestial Sweetness unalloyed!

Who eat Thee hunger still; Who drink of Thee still feel a void,
Which naught but Thou can
fill.

Jesu mi dulcissime, Spes suspirantis animae! Te quaerunt piae lacrimae, Te clamor mentis intimae.

sweet Jesu! hear the sighs Which unto Thee I send; To Thee mine inmost spirit cries My being's hope and end!

my

Mane nobiscum Domine,

Et nos illustra lumine; Pulsa mentis caligine,

Stay with us, Lord, and with Thy

light

Mundum
5

reple dulcedine.

Illume the soul's abyss; Scatter the darkness of our night, And fill the world with bliss.
Jesu, spotless Virgin-flower,

Jesu

flos

Matris Virginis,

Amor

nostrae dulcedinis,

Tibi laus, honor nominis,

Regnum

beatitudinis.

Our life and joy; to Thee Be praise, beatitude, and power, Through all eternity.
etc.,

Authokship, Translation, hymns.

112

as

in

the

preceding

THE EPIPHANY
Jesus, glory of the Angels, Thou art a sweet canticle to the ear, wondrous honey to the mouth, heavenly nectar to the heart." 2. " Those who taste of Thee still hunger; those who drink of Thee still thirst; they know not to desire ought else but Jesus whom they love." Ego sum panis vitae: qui venit ad me, non esuriet et qui credit in me, non sitiet
1.
:

"0

unquam (John
3.
'
'

6,

35).

sweet Jesus, the hope of my sighing soul loving tears and the cry of my inmost heart seek after

my most

Thee."
Lord, and illuminate us with Thy light; the darkness of the mind having been dispelled, fill the world with Thy sweetness." 5. "0 Jesus, flower of the Virgin-Mother, love of our sweetness, to Thee be praise, honor of name, kingdom of
4.

"Stay with

us,

blessedness."

The Epiphany
46
Crudelis Herodes,
Herodes,

Deum
impious Herod,
vainly
fear

CRUDELIS
Regem

Deum

WHY
He

venire quid times?

coelestia.

Non

eripit mortalia,

That Christ the Saviour cometh

here?
takes no earthly realms gives the crown that for aye.

Qui regna dat

away
lasts

Who
a

Ibant Magi, quam viderant, Stellam sequentes praeviam: Lumen requirunt lumine:

To

greet His birth, the

Wise Men

went,

Deum

fatentur munere.

Led by the star before them sent; Called on by light, towards Light
they pressed,

And by
3

their

gifts

their

God

confessed.

Lavacra puri gurgitis

Coelestis

Peccata,

Agnus attigit: quae non detulit,

sustulit.

In holy Jordan's purest wave The heavenly Lamb vouchsafed

lave;

to

Nos abluendo

That He, to whom was sin unknown, Might cleanse His people from their own.
113

PROPER OF THE SEASON

'Novum genus
Vinumque
potentiae:

New

Aquae rubescunt hydriae,

jussa fundere, Mutavit unda originem.

miracle of power divine! The water reddens into wine: He spake the word: and poured the wave
In other streams than nature gave.

Jesu, tibi

sit

gloria,

All glory, Lord, to Thee

we pay

Qui apparuisti Gentibus, Cum Patre, et almo Spiritu,

In sempiterna saecula.

For Thine Epiphany to-day:

All glory, as is ever meet, To Father and to Paraclete.

Meter: Iambic dimeter. Sedulius, 5th cent. Translation by J. M. Neale. There are about twenty-five translations, eight of which, including both texts, are in

Author:

the

Annus Sanctus. Liturgical Use Vespers hymn on

:

the

First line of Original Text: Feast of the Epiphany. Hostis Herodes impie. The texts differ only in the first two lines. In the Original Text these lines read
Hostis Herodes impie Christum venire quid times?

This

hymn

is

a continuation of No. 39,

signifies

A
;

solis ortus cardine.

appearance or manifestation. The word Epiphany threefold: To the Gentiles in the This manifestation was persons of the Magi (Matt. 2, 1-12) to the Jews at the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan (Mark 1, 9-11) to the Apostles when Christ wrought His first miracle at the marriage feast at Cana (John 2, 1-11). In the hymn, it will
;

be observed that a stanza manifestations.

is

devoted to each of the three

the articles on Epiphany, Herod, Magi and Cana, in the Cath. Encycl. 1. "Cruel Herod, why dost thou fear the coming of the Divine King? He taketh not away earthly kingdoms, who

Read

bestoweth heavenly ones." Regnum meum non est de hoc mundo (John 18, 36). 2. "The Magi proceeded, following the star, which they saw leading the way: by the aid of light, they seek the Light: by their gifts they acknowledge Him to be God." In the East it was customary when visiting kings or princes to offer them appropriate gifts. The gifts offered by the
114

THE EPIPHANY
of their belief in Christ's royal generation, in His divine nature, and in His human nature. Gold, the noblest of the metals, hence a gift suitable for a king, was symbolical of His royal generation: frankincense is a symbol of prayer, and was therefore, an acknowledgment of His Divinity; and myrrh, which is used in embalming, was expressive of His mortality as man. 3. "The Heavenly Lamb touched the cleansing bath of the limpid waters: by washing us, He took away (sustulit) sins which He Himself had not committed (detulit) .' Ecce Dei, ecce qui tollit peccatum mundi (John 1, 29). agnus "It is the teaching of St. Thomas that the Baptism of Christ was the occasion when He gave to Christian Baptism its power of conferring grace; but that the necessity of this Sacrament was not intimated to men till after the Resurrection' ' (Father Hunter's Outlines of Dogmatic Theology, Vol. II, p. 532). 4. new manifestation of power: the water of the jars becomes red, and the water which was bidden to issue forth as wine, changed its nature." Hydrite is the subject, and aquce the genitive of contents. Constr. Et unda (quae) jussa (est) vinum fundere, mutavit originem. The following is the Catholic poet Crashaw's beautiful epigram on the
'

Magi were expressive

"A

miracle at Cana:

Lympha pudica Deum

The modest water saw

vidit et erubuit.

its

God and

blushed.

47

O sola
Major Bethlem,
salutis coelitus

magnarum
-*-*

urbiutn
of noblest cities

OSOLA
Ducem

magnarum urbium
cui contigit

"DETHLEHEM,
None
can
the

once

with

thee

compare;

Incorporatum gignere.

Thou alone

Lord from heaven

Didst for us incarnate bear.

2

Quem stella, quae solis rotam Vincit decore, ac lumine; Venisse terris nuntiat

Was

Fairer than the sun at morning the star that told His birth; To the lands their God announcing,

Cum

carne terrestri Deum.

115

Hid beneath a form of

earth.

PROPER OF THE SEASON

3

Videre postquam ilium Magi,

By

Eoa promunt munera:

Stratique votis offerunt

Thus, myrrham,
4

et

aurum regium.

lambent beauty guided, See, the eastern kings appear; See them bend, their gifts to offer, Gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh.
its

Regem Deumque annuntiant

Thesaurus, et fragrans odor Thuris Sabaei, ac myrrheus Pulvis sepulchrum praedocet.

Solemn things of mystic meaning:

Incense doth the God disclose; Gold a royal child proclaimeth; Myrrh a future tomb foreshows.

Jesu, tibi sit gloria,

Holy

Qui apparuisti Gentibus, Cum Patre, et almo Spiritu

In sempiterna saecula.

brightness To the Gentile world displayed, With the Father and the Spirit, Endless praise to Thee be paid.
Jesu, in

Thy

Author: Prudentius (348-413). Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Father Caswall. There are twenty-two
translations.

Father Caswall 's translation is lofty, dignified, and musical it is more extensively used than all others combined. Liturgical Use Hymn for Lauds on the Feast of the Epiphany. This hymn is a cento from the Quicumque Christum quceritis. See hymn 41. Read the articles on Bethlehem, Saba, Magi, and Epiphany, in the Cath. Encycl. 1. "0 highly favored Bethlehem, greater than the great cities, to whom it was given to bring forth from heaven the Prince of salvation, in human form." Sola, unique, magnis urbibus singularly honored. Magnarum urbium
; :

a Graecism. This construction is more common with pronouns than with nouns (cf. Kaulen's Handbuch zur Vulgata, pp. 258-260). 2. "And a star which surpassed the disk of the sun in beauty and in splendor, announces to the nations that God Quern et. has come clothed in earthly flesh. 3. "As soon as the Magi behold Him, they bring forth their Eastern gifts; and prostrate, together with their prayers, they offer incense, myrrh, and royal gold." viderunt. Et procidentes adoraverunt eum; et Videre apertis thesauris suis obtulerunt ei munera, aurum, thus,
(abl.),
'

'

myrrham (Matt. 2, 11). 4. "The gold and the fragrant odor of Sabean incense proclaim Him King and God, and the dust of myrrh foreet

shadows the tomb."

Sabceus, adj.,
116

from Saba, the

chief

LENT
Arabia Felix, celebrated for its myrrh and frankincense. Myrrheus, adj., of myrrh, perfumed with myrrh. Reges Tharsis et insulae munera offerent; reges Arabum et Saba dona adducent (Ps. 71, 10).
city of

LENT
48

Audi benigne Conditor

benigne Conditor

A UDI

**

OKIND Creator, bow Thine ear

To mark
tear

Nostras preces In hoc sacro jejunio Fusas quadragenario.

cum

fletibus,

the cry, to

know

the

Before Thy throne of mercy spent In this Thy holy fast of Lent.

'Scrutator alme cordium, Infirma tu scis virium: Ad te reversis exhibe Remissionis gratiam.

Our

hearts

are

open,

Lord,

to

Thee:

Thou knowest our infirmity; Pour out on all who seek Thy face Abundance of Thy pardoning
grace.

Multum quidem peccavimus,

Ad

Sed parce confitentibus nominis laudem tui Confer medelam languidis.

many, this we know; Spare us, good Lord, Thy mercy show; And for the honor of Thy name

Our

sins are

Our
4

fainting souls to life reclaim.

Concede nostrum conteri Corpus per abstinentiam

Culpa; ut relinquant pabulum Jejuna corda criminum.

Give

us the springs
things,

self-control

that

From

discipline

of

outward

That fasting inward secretly

The

soul

may

purely dwell with

Thee.
Praesta beata Trinitas, Concede simplex Unitas; Ut fructuosa sint tuis

pray Thee, Holy Trinity, One God, unchanging Unity, That we from this our abstinence

We

Jejuniorum munera.

May

reap the fruits of penitence.

Author: Pope
Iambic dimeter.

St.

Gregory the Great (540-604). Meter: Translation by T. A. Lacey. There are

117

PROPER OF THE SEASON

twenty-two translations, eight of which are in the Annus Sanctus. Liturgical Use: Vespers hymn on Sundays and week-days during Lent. Read the article on Lent, in the
Cath. Encycl.

loving Creator, our prayers poured forth with our tears, in this sacred forty-day fast." Constr. Audi preces cum fletibus fusas in hoc, etc. 2. "Loving searcher of hearts, Thou knowest the weakness of our strength: grant us who have turned again to Thee, the grace of pardon." Infirma (orum) virium infirmas vires. 3. "Much, indeed, have we sinned, but spare us confessing our misdeeds: for the glory of Thy Name, grant a remedy to the weak. 4. "Grant that through abstinence our bodies may be brought into subjection, so that our hearts being free from sin may abandon the food of sin." Jejuna, lit., fasting, not partaking of food; it is here followed by the genitive
1.

"Hear,

'

criminum. 5. "Grant, blessed Trinity and simple Unity, that the rewards of fasting may be profitable to Thy servants,"

49
docti

Ex more

docti mystic

more EXServemus hocmystico jejunium,

THHE
The

fast, as

taught by holy lore, course

* We

Deno dierum

circulo

keep in solemn once more:

Ducto quater notissimo.

fast to all

men known, and

bound
In forty days of yearly round.
2

Lex

et

prophetae primitus

The law and

seers that

were of

Hoc

praetulerunt,

postmodum

Christus sacravit, omnium Rex atque factor temporum.

old In divers ways this Lent foretold,

Which

Christ,

all

seasons'

King

and Guide, In after ages sanctified.

8

Utamur ergo parcius

Verbis, cibis et potibus,

More

sparing

therefore

let

us

make The words we

take,

speak, the food

we

118

LENT
Somno,
jocis, et arctius

Our

sleep

and mirth,

and

closer

Perstemus in custodia.

barred

Be every sense
4

in holy guard.

Vitemus autem noxia, Quae subruunt mentes vagas:

Avoid the

Nullumque demus callidi Hostis locum tyrannidi.

5

evil thoughts that roll Like waters o'er the heedless soul Nor let the foe occasion find

Our

souls in slavery to bind.

let

Flectamus iram vindicem,

In prayer together

us

fall,

Ploremus ante judicem,

Clamemus ore supplici, Dicamus omnes cernui:

6

And cry for mercy, one and all, And weep before the Judge's feet, And His avenging wrath entreat.
Thy grace have we offended sore, By sins, God, which we deplore;
But pour upon us from on high, O pardoning One, Thy clemency.

Nostris malis offendimus

Tuam Deus

clementiam: EfFunde nobis desuper, Remissor, indulgentiam.

tui,

Memento quod sumus

Remember Thou, though

be,

frail

we

Licet caduci, plasmatis:

Ne

des honorem nominis Tui, precamur, alteri.

That yet Thine handiwork are we; Nor let the honor of Thy Name Be by another put to shame.
Forgive the sin wrought;
sought
that

Laxa malum quod fecimus, Auge bonum quod poscimus:

Placere quo tandem tibi Possimus hie, et perpetim.

we have
we have

Increase the good that

That we

at length, our

wanderings
here

o'er,

May
'Praesta beata Trinitas,

please

Thee

and

evermore.
Grant, Grant,

Thou Blessed

Trinity,

Concede simplex Unitas, Ut fructuosa sint tuis Jejuniorum munera.

Essential Unity,

That

this

May work

our fast of forty days our profit and Thy

praise.

Author Ascribed to Pope St. Gregory the Great (540Meter Iambic dimeter. Translation by J. M. Neale. 604)
:
. :

There are twelve translations. Liturgical Use: Matins hymn on Sundays and week-days during Lent. 1. "Taught by mystic use, let us observe this fast, which is completed in the well known tenfold round of days taken
119

PROPER OF THE SEASON

mystico, sacred tradition. The Lenten fast is of very ancient, if not of apostolic origin. similar fast was observed by the prophets Moses (Ex. 34, 28) and Elias (III Kings 19, 7-8). Deno, see denus in the Glossary.

four times."

More

texts have denum (= denorum). The following is Neale's translation of this stanza rewritten in Hymns

Some

Ancient and Modern:

of ages past, us keep again the fast Which, year by year, in order meet Of forty days is made complete.
let

By precepts taught

Now

2.

"The law and

the prophets first revealed this; after-

wards Christ, the king and maker of all seasons, sanctified it." Hoc, sc. jejunium, the Lenten fast. Lex et prophetce: By the law is meant the Mosaic Law, the Pentateuch; by the prophets, the later books of the Old Testament. Lex et prophetae usque ad Joannem (Luke 16, 16).
3.

"Let

us, therefore, use

more sparingly words,

and jests, and fast on our guard." 4. "Moreover, let us avoid those hurtful things which subvert fickle souls; and let us give no occasion for the tyranny of the cunning foe." 5-6. "May we, weeping before the Judge, soften His avenging wrath let us cry aloud with suppliant voices, and prostrate let us all say: 'By our sins, God, we have offended Thy goodness; pour out upon us from on high,
drink, sleep
;

and

food, let us remain severely stead-

Thy mercy. 7. "Remember that we are Thy creatures (tui plasmatis) though frail; we beseech Thee that Thou give not to another the honor of Thy Name." Plasmatis, the genitive denoting possession with esse; of Thy making, creation. Alteri, to Satan, the enemy of the human race. 8. "Pardon the evil we have done; increase the good for which we pray, that we may at length be able to please
f orgiver of sins,
'

'

Thee here and

in eternity."

120

LENT
50

Sol

salutis, intimis

OSOL
Dum

salutis, intimis

JESU,
With

salvation's

Jesu refulge mentibus, nocte pulsa gratior

Within
shine,

our

inmost

Sun Divine, bosoms

away

Orbi dies renascitur.

light all darkness drive

And
2

give the world a better day.

Dans tempus

acceptabile,

Now

days of grace with mercy

flow,

Da, lacrimarum rivulis Lavare cordis victimam, Quam laeta adurat caritas.

Lord, the gift of tears bestow, To wash our stains in every part, Whilst heavenly lire consumes the
heart.

Quo

fonte manavit nefas,

Rise, crystal tears,

from

that

same

Fluent perennes lacrimae, Si virga poenitentiae Cordis rigorem conterat.

source

From whence our

course;

sins derive their

Nor

cease,

till

hardened hearts

relent,

And
4

softened
repent.

by your streams,

Dies venit, dies tua,

In qua reflorent omnia:

Behold, the happy days return, The days of joy for them that

Laetemur

et

nos in viam

Tua

reducti dextera.

mourn May we of their indulgence share, And bless the God that grants our
prayer.

Te prona mundi machina Clemens adoret Trinitas,

Et nos novi per gratiam Novum canamus canticum.

May
And
In

heaven and earth aloud proclaim The Trinity's almighty fame;

newness both
voice.

we, restored to grace, rejoice of heart and

Author: Ambrosian, 6th cent. Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation from the Primer of 1706, probably by John
three lines altered. There are twelve transFirst line of Original Text: Jam Christe sol lations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Lauds on Sundays justifies. and week-days during Lent. "In this hymn Lent is regarded as a season of waiting and penitential preparation

Dryden;

first

121

PROPER OF THE SEASON

for the Second Creation at Easter" (Diet, of Hymnology, According to Duffield "It expresses the earlyp. 576). Christian attitude towards God's works, connecting the looked-for Easter with the renewal of the world by spring" (Latin Hymn-Writers and Their Hymns, p. 335). 1. "0 Jesus, Sun of salvation, shine Thou in our inmost souls, till, the night having been dispelled, more welcome This is a hymn for Lauds, day is born anew to the world. which was said at daybreak. As the sun at daybreak dispels the darkness, in like manner we entreat the Sun of salvation, the true Light of the world, to flood our hearts with the quickening beams of His grace. 2. "Having given this acceptable time, grant also that we cleanse with floods of tears the victim of our heart, which may gladsome charity consume by its flames." Tempus acceptabile, a time of grace; Lent is preeminently a time of grace. Victima, something offered in sacrifice. There is an allusion here to the purification of the victims of sacrifice in the Old Law, and to their destruction in whole or in part by fire. Such for example were the holocausts, the peace-offerings, and the sacrifices of propitiation. So too shall "the victim which is our heart" be purified by tears of sorrow, and consumed by the flames of an ardent charity. Ecce nunc tempus acceptabile, ecce nunc dies salutis (II Cor. 6, 2). 3. "From the selfsame source whence sins arose, shall ceaseless tears arise, if but the rod of penance break the icy coldness of the heart." Fonte, "the source" is the heart of man. Ab intus enim de corde hominum malae cogitationes procedunt, adulteria, fornicationes, homicidia (Mark 7, 21). Virga: The rod is a symbol of chastisement, and here, of self-inflicted chastisement. 4. "The day comes, Thy day, on which all shall bloom anew; then may we too rejoice, led on the way by Thy right hand." Dies: The day alluded to may be either Judgment Day or the coming Easter Day. 5. "0 loving Trinity, may the whole fabric of the universe humbly adore Thee, and we, renewed by Thy grace, would sing Thee a new song of praise. Prona, prostrate.
' ' '

'

122

PASSIONTIDE
51
Vexilla Regis prodeunt
Regis prodeunt: Fulget Crucis mysterium,
vita

VEXILLA
Qua

ABROAD the Regal Banners

Now
tery;

fly,

shines the Cross's mys-

mortem

pertulit,

Et morte vitam protulit.

Upon it Life did death endure, And yet by death did life procure.
Who,
wounded
spear,

Quae vulnerata lanceae

with

direful

Mucrone diro, criminum Ut nos lavaret sordibus,

Manavit unda,
et sanguine.

From

Did, purposely to wash us clear stain of sin, pour out a flood Of precious Water mixed with Blood.

Impleta sunt quae concinit David fideli carmine,

That which the Prophet-King of

old Hath in mysterious verse foretold, Is now accomplished, whilst we
see

Dicendo nationibus: Regnavit a ligno Deus.

God
4

ruling nations from a Tree.

Arbor decora

et fulgida,

Ornata regis purpura, Electa digno stipite

O lovely and refulgent Tree, Adorned with purpled maj-esty; Culled from a worthy stock, to
bear

Tam

sancta

membra

tangere.

Those

Limbs
were.

which

sanctified

Beata, cujus brachiis

Blest Tree,

whose happy branches

that that

Pretium pependit

saeculi,

bore

Statera facta corporis,

The wealth The beam

did

the
that

world

Tulitque praedam tartari.

restore

did

Body

weigh

Which

raised prey.
Cross,
in
this

up

hell's

expected

Hoc

Crux ave spes unica, passionis tempore

Hail,

of hopes

the most

sublime

Piis adauge gratiam, Reisque dele crimina.

Now

mournful

Passion

time,

Improve religious souls in grace, The sins of criminals efface.

123

PROPER OF THE SEASON

7

Te, fons salutis Trinitas, Collaudet omnis spiritus: Quibus Crucis victoriam
Largiris,

May
To

Blest Trinity, salvation's spring, every soul Thy praises sing;

those

Thou

grantest conquest

adde premium.

by

The holy Cross, rewards apply.

Venantius Fortunatus (530-609). Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by W. K. Blount. There are about forty translations, ten of which are in Mr. ShipAccording to Julian's Diet, of ley's Annus Sanctus. Hymnology the above translation, dating from 1670, is by far the best rendering of the Vexilla Regis in common use while J. M. Neale's translation, in various forms, is more widely used than all others put together (p. 1221). Neale's translation of the Original Text is in the Baltimore Manual of Prayers, p. 612. Liturgical Use Vespers hymn from Passion Sunday to Wednesday of Holy Week. It is also the Vespers hymn on the Feasts of the Finding (May 3) and of the Exaltation (Sept. 14) of the Holy Cross. The Vexilla Regis was originally intended as a Processional Hymn, and it is still so used on Good Friday, when the Blessed Sacrament is carried from the Repository to the High Altar. Neale justly styles the Vexilla Regis "a world-famous hymn" and "one of the grandest in the treasury of the Latin Church" (Medieval Hymns p. 6). It was composed by Fortunatus on the occasion of the reception of a relic of the True Cross, which was sent by the Emperor Justin II to St. Radegunde. Read Monsignor Henry's interesting article on this hymn in the Cath.
:

Author:

Encycl.
brightly suffered Vexilla: the old Roman cavalry standard, which, after Constantine, was surmounted by a Cross instead of by the Roman eagle. Mysterium: The Cross is by preeminence the symbol of man's redemption. Qua, sc. cruce. Vita: the author of life, Christ. Vitam (ceternam). 2. "He was wounded by the cruel point of a spear, and there issued forth water and blood to cleanse us from the
1.

the King come forth; gleams the mystery of the Cross, on which Life death, and by His death, obtained for us life." lit. banners; here, the Cross. The vexillum was
of

"The banners

124

PASSIONTIDE
defilements of sin." Quce, sc. vita, from the preceding stanza. Unda et sanguine: An allusion to, sed unus milituni lancea latus ejus aperuit, et continuo exivit sanguis et

aqua (John
3.

19, 34).
fulfilled

what David foretold in faithful song, saying to the nations: 'God has reigned from a Tree.' " A ligno: "from the wood," or, "from a tree." The reference is to Ps. 95, 10 Dicite in gentibus quia Dominus regnavit a ligno. The words a ligno are not found in any present text of the Scriptures. They were, however, frequently quoted by the early Fathers; and St. Justin even accused the Jews of having erased them from the Hebrew text. If not a Scriptural, the a ligno is at least a liturgical
:

"Now is

during Paschal time in the "Commemoration of the Cross," in both Lauds and Vespers. "The words are probably a gloss by some early Christian
expression
still

in use

scribe, transferred, in course of time,

from the margin

into

the text" (Rev. J. M'Swiney, S.J., in his Translation of the Psalms and Canticles, p. 405). In this stanza, some texts read cecinit for concinit, dicens for dicendo, and regnabit for regnavit. 4. "0 beautiful and resplendent Tree adorned with the purple of the King, chosen to bear on thy worthy trunk, limbs so holy. Purpura, purple here, the Most Precious Blood. Tang ere: to touch, come in contact with. 5. "0 blessed Tree upon whose branches hung the ransom of the world it was made the balance of the body, and snatched away the (expected) prey of hell." The last two lines are obscure, and are variously rendered. PreHum: Empti enim estis pretio magno (I Cor. 6, 20). Statera, lit., a steelyard; a balance, beam, scales; also the value of a thing, price. "Statera corporis, the payment of the body having been made; others read facta est: many read statera sceculi, the price of the world" (March's Latin Hymns, p. 254). The following translations are
'

'

good:
"The price of human-kind
to pay, spoil the spoiler of his pray."

And

Neale

125

PROPER OF THE SEASON

"Balance sublime! upon whose beam Was weighed the ransom of mankind." Caswall

The
6.

last

two stanzas of the hymn are not by Fortunatus.

"Hail, Cross, our only hope! In this Passiontide increase grace in the just, and for sinners, blot out their
sins
7.
>>

"May

every spirit praise

fount of salvation; to whom the Cross, grant also the reward."

Thee, Trinity, Thou Thou gavest the victory of

52

Pange lingua
lingua gloriosi
certaminis,

gloriosi
tongue, the glorious
rife:

PANGE

SING, my
battle

Lauream

Et super Crucis trophaso Die triumphum nobilem: Qualiter Redemptor orbis

With completed victory

And above

the Cross's trophy

Immolatus

vicerit.

Tell the triumph of the strife: How the world's Redeemer con-

quered

By surrendering
2

of His

life.

De

parentis protoplasti Fraude Factor condolens, Quando pomi noxialis

In necem morsu ruit: Ipse lignum tunc notavit,

God, His Maker, sorely grieving That the first-made Adam fell, When he ate the fruit of sorrow, Whose reward was death and hell, Noted then this Wood, the ruin

Damna
8

ligni ut solveret.

Of

the ancient

wood

to quell.

Hoc opus nostra? salutis Ordo depoposcerat;

Multiformis proditoris Ars ut artem falleret, Et medelam ferret inde,
Hostis unde
laeserat.

For the work of our salvation Needs would have his order so, And the multiform deceiver's Art by art would overthrow, And from thence would bring the
med'eine

Whence
4

the insult of the foe.

ful-

Quando

venit ergo sacri

Wherefore, when the sacred

ness

Plenitudo temporis, Missus est ab arce Patris Natus, orbis Conditor; Atque ventre virginal i

Came

amictus prodiit.

the appointed time was come, His left world's Maker Father, Sent the heav'nly mansion from, And proceeded, God Incarnate,

Of

This

Of
126

the Virgin's holy

womb.

PASSIONTIDE
5

Vagit infans inter arcta Conditus praesepia: Membra pannis involuta Virgo Mater alligatt Et Dei manus pedesque
Stricta cingit fascia.

Weeps
That

the Infant in the

manger

in Bethlehem's stable stands;

His limbs the Virgin Mother Doth compose in swaddling bands, Meetly thus in linen folding Of her God the feet and hands.

And

53
6

Lustra sex qui jam peregit, Tempus implens corporis,

Thirty years

among

us dwelling,
fulfilled,

His appointed time

Sponte libera Redemptor

Passioni deditus, Agnus in Crucis levatur

Born

for

this,

He

meets

His

Passion,
this He freely willed: the Cross the Lamb is lifted, Where His life-blood shall be

For that

Immolandus

stipite.

On

spilled.
7

Felle potus ecce languet: Spina, clavi, lancea

He endured

the nails, the spitting,

Mite corpus perforarunt: Unda manat, et cruor:

Terra, pontus, astra, mundus, Quo lavantur flumine!

Vinegar, and spear, and reed; From that holy Body broken Blood and water forth proceed: Earth, and stars, and sky, and ocean,

By
8

that flood

from

stain are free.

Crux fidelis, inter omnes Arbor una nobilis:

Silva talem nulla profert Fronde, flore, germine: Dulce ferrum, dulce lignum,

Faithful Cross! above all other, One and only noble Tree!

None None

in foliage, none in blossom. in fruit thy peers may be;

Dulce pondus sustinent.

9

Sweetest Wood and sweetest Iron Sweetest Weight is hung on thee.

Flecte

ramos arbor Tensa laxa viscera,

Et rigor lentescat

alta,

ille,

Quem

dedit nativitas;

Et superni

membra
stipite.

regis

Tende miti
10

Tree of glory relaxing sinews bend; For awhile the ancient rigor, That thy birth bestowed, suspend; And the King of heavenly beauty On thy bosom gently tend

Bend thy boughs,

Thy

Sola digna tu fuisti Ferre mundi victimam;

Atque portum praeparare Area mundo naufrago,

Quam

sacer cruor perunxit,

Thou alone wast counted worthy This world's ransom to uphold; For a shipwrecked race preparing Harbor, like the Ark of old; With the sacred Blood anointed

Fusus Agni corpore.

From
127

the smitten

lamb

that rolled.

PROPER OF THE SEASON

u Sempiterna
Trinitati
sit

beatae

To

gloria,

^Equa Patri, Filioque; Par decus Paraclito:

Unius Trinique nomen Laudet universitas.

the Trinity be glory Everlasting, as is meet; Equal to the Father, equal

To

the Son, and Paraclete: Trinal Unity, whose praises

All created things repeat.

Fortunatus (530-609). Meter: Translation by J. M. Trochaic tetrameter catalectic. Neale. There are about twenty-five translations, four of which are in Mr. Shipley 's Annus Sanctus. Liturgical Use The Pange lingua is in use in both the Missal and the Breviary. Missal use: The whole hymn (eleven stanzas) is recited or sung during the " Adoration of the Cross" in For the morning service on Good Friday. Breviary use Office use, the hymn is divided into two equal parts with a
Venantius
:

Author:

The first five stanzas are assigned to Matins from Passion Sunday to the Wednesday of Holy Week, inclusive. The same stanzas form the Matins hymn for the Feasts of the Finding (May 3) and of the ExaltaThe remaining five tion (Sept. 14) of the Holy Cross. stanzas, beginning with Lustra sex, are used in Lauds whenever the Pange lingua is used in Matins. Read the article on the Pange lingua gloriosi, in the Cath. Encycl. In the opinion of Dr. Julian, this noble hymn is "one of the finest of the Latin Medieval Hymns, and perhaps the best of its author" {Diet, of Hymnology, p. 880). Neale
doxology.

common

"in the very first class of Latin Hymns" {Medieval Hymns, p. 1). Dr. Neale 's translation above is of the Original Text. The hymn was not greatly altered by the
places
it

revisers.

Sing, my tongue, the victory in that glorious combat, and, of the trophy of the Cross, sing a noble song of triumph, recounting how the Redeemer of the world, when immolated, conquered." Pange, frame, i. e., sing, celebrate in song. It has the same meaning as die in 1. 4. Daniel, in his Thes. Hymnol. lists fourteen hymns beginning with the words Pange lingua. Lauream, victory; the Original Text has proslium, which to the revisers under Urban VIII Neale, however, maintains that seemed tautological. prcelium is the better word, for "It is not to the glory of
1.
'
'

128

PASSIONTIDE
the termination of Our Lord's Conflict with the devil that the poet would have us look, but to the glory of the struggle itself, as indeed he tells us at the conclusion of the verse" (Medieval Hymns, p. 4). Certaminis: The contest between Christ and Satan for the possession of the human race (cf. Gen. 3, 15). Super de, of, about, concerning. Trophceo: Originally the trophceum was a tree stripped of its branches and adorned with the spoils of war. Representations of the stumps of trees so adorned are often found on coins. The poet probably alludes to these early trophies Later, however, the in "the trophy of the Cross." "trophy" was a monument erected on a battle-field on the spot where the defeated enemy turned to flee (cf. Harper's Diet, of Class. Liter, and Antiq., p. 1615). 2. "Deeply grieved by the infidelity of the first-created man, when by the eating of the fatal fruit he rushed headlong to death, the Creator Himself then chose the tree that would undo the harm wrought by the former tree."

He

then resolved the Cross's wood Should make that tree's sad damage good.

Ipse lignum tunc notavit: There is an ancient legend that the Cross of Christ sprang from a seed or bough of the Tree of Life. In her Christian Life in Song, Mrs. Charles gives the following version of the legend: "When Adam died, Seth obtained from the guardian cherubim of Paradise a branch of the tree from which Eve ate the forbidden fruit. This he planted on Golgotha, called the place of the scull, because Adam was buried there. From this tree, as the ages rolled on, were made the ark of the testimony, the pole on which the brazen serpent was lifted up, and other instruments and from its wood, at length, then grown old and hard, was made the Cross." 3. "This work the plan of our salvation demanded, that art might outwit the art of the multiform deceiver, and thence bring the remedy whence the foe wrought the injury." Ars, the wisdom of God; artem, the cunning of Satan. Multiformis: Satan has appeared under various forms: To Eve as a serpent (Gen. 3, 1); to Christ in the desert, as a man (Matt. 4, 1-10) to the Saints in various
; ;

129

PROPER OF THE SEASON

forms; and he
even as an angel of light (II Cor. 11, 14). Et medelam ferret inde .... imde: This thought is beautifully expressed in the Preface of the Qui salutem humani generis in ligno crucis constiCross tuisti, ut wide mors oriebatur, hide vita resurgeret, et qui (the serpent) in ligno vincebat, in ligno quoque vinceretur. 4. "When, therefore, the fulness of the sacred time was come, the Son, the Creator of the world, was sent forth from His Father's home, and, clothed in flesh, He came forth from a virginal womb." Plenitudo temporis: Ubi venit plenitudo temporis, misit Deus Filium suum factum ex muliere (Gal. 4, 4). Arce: heaven; the bosom of the eternal Father. Came: In human form. 5. "As an Infant, He cries, hidden in a narrow manger: the Virgin-Mother swathes His limbs wrapped up in swaddling-clothes, and a tight band binds the hands and feet
:

may appear

of

God."

The following translation of

is

this stanza,

from

the Divine Office, 1763,

very beautiful

Thus God-made-Man an Infant lies, And in the manger weeping cries; His sacred limbs by Mary bound, The poorest tattered rags surround; And God's incarnate feet and hands Are closely bound with swathing-bands.

Annus Sanctus,

p. 100.

Conditus: some texts have positus. Note the play on the word Conditor; the infinite Conditor of the preceding stanza is here conditus, hidden, sheltered. Fascia may be either the subject of cingit, or the ablative. In the latter case Virgo-Mater is the subj. of cingit; viz., the VirginMother, with a tight band, binds the hands and feet of God.

The former
6.

is

preferable.

lived thirty years, completing the period of His earthly sojourning, the Redeemer, of His own free will, gave Himself up to His Passion, and as a Lamb to

"When He had

be slaughtered, He was lifted up on the tree of the Cross." Lustra: lustrum, a period of five years: it is here the accusative of time denoting how long. Sponte libera: Oblatus est quia ipse voluit, et non aperuit os suum: sicut ovis ad
130

PASSIONTIDE
occisionem ducetur, et quasi agnus coram tondente se obmutescet, et non aperiet os suum (Is. 53, 7). Agnus: The Paschal Lamb of the Old Law was a most striking
figure of Christ, the

"Lamb

Lamb, Paschal
3-11.
7.

in the

Read the article on Cath. Encycl. Read also Exodus 12,

of

God."

partakes of gall; lo, He swoons: thorns, nails, and a lance pierce His tender body water flows forth, and blood by which flood, the earth, the sea, the stars, and the whole world is purified." Potus: perf. part, passive, used frequently in an active sense, signifying one who has drunk or partaken of something. The allusion is to the potion offered to our Blessed Lord before His crucifixion. Et dederunt ei vinum bibere cum felle mistum. Et cum
: ;

"He

(Matt. 27, 34: cf. also Mark 15, It was customary in ancient times to offer to one 23.) about to be crucified a potion to sustain him or to deaden
gustasset, noluit bibere.

This drink Our Lord merely tasted. Languet: He grows weak; languet is entirely independent Quo lavantur flumine: Of the cleansing of felle potus. power of the Precious Blood, St. Thomas, in the Adoro Te devote sings
his
sensibilities.

Cujus una

stilla

salvum facere
quit ab

Totum mundum

omni

scelere.

Whereof one only drop, in Thy sweet mercy spilt, Would have the power to cleanse the world from all
8.

its guilt.

"0

among

faithful (Tree of the) Cross! the one noble Tree all trees no forest yields thy like in foliage, flower,
:

and fruit: sweet iron, sweet wood, that bear so sweet a burden." This stanza is one of great beauty. Fidelis: The Tree in Eden (Gen. 3, 1-7) was perfidious; the Tree on Calvary has become the very symbol of faith. What other tree can ever hope to bear foliage, flowers, and fruit of infinite worth and beauty
9.

"Bend thy

limbs,

lofty Tree, relax thy tense fibers,

and let that hardness which thy nature gave thee, unbend; and stretch on thy softened trunk the members of the heavenly King." 10. Thou alone wast deemed worthy to bear the Victim
' '

131

PROPER OF THE SEASON

and as an Ark, to provide a haven for a shipwrecked world; which (ark) the sacred blood poured forth from the body of the Lamb hath anointed." Area: "In stanza 10, the Cross seems to be regarded, by a change of figure, as a ship in which the faithful safely ride over the waves of this troublesome world, after those waves have been smoothed for them by the anointing oil that flowed from the wounds of the Lamb of God" (Diet, of Hymnology,
of the world
;

p. 880).

"Eternal glory be to the Blessed Trinity; equal glory be to the Father and to the Son equal glory to the Paraclete; may the whole world praise the Name of the One, and of the Three.
11.
; '

The Seven Dolors

of the Blessed Virgin

the friday after passion sunday

54

Stabat Mater dolorosa

Mater dolorosa

STABAT

Juxta Crucem lacrymosa, Dum pendebat Filius. Cujus an imam gementem, Contristatam et dolentem,
Pertransivit gladius.

T the

Cross her station keeping,

Stood the mournful Mother weeping,

Close to Jesus to the last: Through her heart, His sorrow

sharing, All His bitter anguish bearing, Now at length the sword had passed.

quam

tristis et afflicta

Oh, how sad and sore distressed

Fuit ilia benedicta Mater Unigeniti! Quae moerebat, et dolebat, Pia Mater, dum videbat Nati poenas inclyti.

Was
Of

that Mother highly blest the sole-begotten One!

Christ above in torment hangs; She beneath beholds the pangs Of her dying glorious Son.

Quis

est

homo
Christi

qui non
si

fleret,

Matrem

videret

Whelmed
Can
the

In tanto supplicio? Quis non posset contristari,

Christi

one who would not weep, in miseries so deep Christ's dear Mother to behold?
Is there

Matrem contemplari

From
132

Dolentem cum Filio?

human heart refrain partaking in her pain, In that Mother's pain untold?

PASSIONTIDE
4

Pro peccatis Vidit Jesum

Et
Vidit
flagellis

suae gentis
in tormentis,

Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled,

subditum:

suum dulcem Natum

emisit spiritum.

Moriendo desolatum,

Dum
5

She beheld her tender Child All with bloody scourges rent; For the sins of His own nation, Saw Him hang in desolation, Till His Spirit forth He sent.

Eja Mater, fons amoris,

thou Mother! fount of love!

Me

sentire

Fac, ut Fac, ut ardeat cor meum In amando Christum Deum

vim doloris tecum lugeam:

my spirit from above, Make my heart with thine accord:

Touch

Make me Make my

feel as

thou hast felt; soul to glow and melt

Ut

sibi

complaceam.

With the love of Christ

my

Lord.

55
6

Sancta Mater, istud agas, Crucifixi fige plagas Cordi meo valide: Tui Nati vulnerati, Tarn dignati pro me pati, Poenas mecum divide.

Holy Mother! pierce me through;

In

Of
Let

my my
me

heart each

wound renew

Saviour crucified: share with thee His pain,

Who Who
Let

for all

my
in

sins

was

slain,

for

me

torments died.

Fac

pie Mere, Crucifixo condolere,

stare,

me tecum

me

mingle tears with thee,

Mourning Him who mourned for

me,
All the days that I may live: By the Cross with thee to stay; There with thee to weep and pray; Is all I ask of thee to give.

Donee ego vixero: Juxta Crucem tecum

Et

me tibi sociare In planctu desidero.

56
8

Virgo virginum praeclara, Mihi jam non sis amara, Fac me tecum plangere: Fac ut portem Christi mortem,
Passionis fac consortem, Et plagas recolere.

Virgin of all virgins blest! Listen to my fond request: Let me share thy grief divine;
Let me, to
In

my

latest breath,

body bear the death Of that dying Son of thine.

my

Fac Fac

me me

plagis vulnerari,

Wounded

Cruce inebriari,

Et cruore Filii. Flammis ne urar succensus, Per te, Virgo, sim defensus
In die judicii.

with His every wound, Steep my soul till it hath swooned In His very Blood away; Be to me, Virgin, nigh, Lest in flames I burn and die, In that awful Judgment day.
133

PROPER OF THE SEASON

10

cum sit hinc exire, Da per Matrem me venire Ad palmam victoria?. Quando corpus morietur
Christe,

Christ,

when Thou
hence,

shalt call

me

Fac ut animce donetur

Paradisi gloria.

Be Thy Mother my defence, Be Thy Cross my victory; While my body here decays,

May my

soul Thy goodness praise, Safe in Paradise with Thee.

Author: Ascribed to Jacopone da Todi, O.F.M. (d. 1306). Meter: Trochaic dimeter. Translation by Father Caswall. There are more than sixty translations, three of which are in Mr. Shipley's Annus Sanctus. Father CaswalPs translation is by far the most extensively used. Liturgical Use Sequence for the Mass of the Seven Dolors on the Friday after Passion Sunday, and on the 15th of September when another Feast of the Seven Dolors is celebrated. For Office use, the Stabat Mater is divided into
:

three parts for Vespers, Matins and Lauds, as follows:

54 Vespers: 55 Matins: 56 Lauds:

Stabat Mater dolorosa. Sancta Mater istud agas. Virgo virginum prceclara.

recognized as the tenderest and most pathetic hymn of the Middle Ages. In the simplest, and at the same time in the most vivid manner, it represents the Blessed Mother of God plunged in grief and weeping beneath the Cross on which her beloved Son was suffering so unmerited and so painful a death. The historical event (John 19, 25) is narrated in the first, second and fourth stanzas. The remaining stanzas are made up of reflections, affections, petitions, and resolutions arising from the contemplation of Our Lord's bitter sufferings and death. There is an excellent article on this hymn in the Cath. Encycl. The same article treats of another hymn the Stabat Mater speciosa which is a sort of imitation of the "Dolorosa." It represents our Blessed Mother watching beside Our Lord's cradle at Bethlehem. The two hymns are probably by the same author. The Stabat Mater speciosa is given below with a translation by that sweet and powerful veris

The Stabat Mater

'

'

134

PASSIONTIDE
Florence MacCarthy. Mr. MacCarthy 's translations of both hymns are in the Annus Sanctus. 1. "The sorrowful Mother stood weeping beside the Cross, while her Son hung thereon: a sword pierced her sighing, compassionate, and grief-stricken soul." Stabat: Stabant autem juxta crucem Jesu mater ejus, etc. (John
sifier,"

Denis

19, 25).

Pertransivit gladius: Et tuam ipsius animam pertransibit gladius (Luke 2, 35). Read the beautiful Canticle The sword of Simeon's of Simeon (Luke 2, 29-32). prophecy, which was to pierce the soul of the Mother, was the sword of grief that transfixed her as she stood beside the Cross on Calvary. Mary is the " Sorrowful Mother," and her Divine Son is the "Man of Sorrows" (Is. 53 3). 2. "0 how sad and how afflicted was that Blessed Mother of the Only-Begotten! How she grieved and suffered, that loving Mother, when she beheld the pains of her glorious

Son."
there that would not Aveep, if he should behold the Mother of Christ in such great distress? "Who would be able not to grieve, if he should contemplate the Mother of Christ suffering with her Son?" Constr. Quis si contemplaretur. posset non contristari. Contemplari 4. "For the sins of His own nation, she saw Jesus in torments and subjected to stripes. She beheld her sweet Son dying, abandoned, until He yielded up the ghost." Pro peccatis suce gentis: Ipse enim salvum faciet populum suum a peccatis eorum (Matt. 1, 21). For a history of the Passion of Our Lord, cf. Matt. 26-27; Mark 14-15; Luke 22-23; John 18-19. Emisit spiritum: Jesus autem iterum damans voce magna, emisit spiritum (Matt. 27, 50). 5. "Ah, Mother, fount of love, make me feel the force of grief, make me weep with thee. Make my heart burn with the love of Christ, my God, that I may be pleasing to Him." Sibi, for ei or ipsi. This use of the pronouns is quite common in Late Latin and in the Vulgate e. g., Matt. 16, 21
3.

"Who

is

Mark 10, 32; Gen. 2, 18; Tobias 3, 11. 6. "Holy Mother, mayest thou bring
wounds
of the Crucified

it

to pass, that the

be deeply stamped upon my heart. Share with me the sufferings of thy wounded Son who thus deigned to suffer for me." The Prophet Zach-

may

135

PROPER OF THE SEASON

had long foretold these same plages in the sacred members of Our Lord: Quid sunt plagae istae in medio manuum tuarum? Et dicet: His plagatus sum in domo eorum qui diligebant me (Zach. 13, 6). The following is D. F. MacCarthy's rendering of this stanza:
arias
Blessed Mother of prediction, Stamp the marks of crucifixion Deeply on my stony heart, Ever leading where thy bleeding Son is pleading for my needing, Let me in His wounds take part.

that I may devoutly weep with thee, and suffer with the Crucified as long as I shall live. I long to stand beside the Cross with thee, and to unite myself to thee, in
7.

"Grant

thy grief."
peerless Virgin of virgins, be not unfavorably disposed towards me now grant that I may mourn with thee. Grant that I may bear about (in my body) the death of Christ; make me a sharer in His passion, and make me mindful of His sufferings." Amarus, bitter; unkind, illreference to II Cor. disposed. Portem mortem Christi:
8.
' '

4, 10.
9.
'
'

that I may be inebriated with the Cross and with the Blood of thy Son. That I may not be tormented by the flames of Virgin, be defended by thee on the day of hell, may I,

Fac (me) consortem. Grant that I may be wounded with His wounds,

Judgment." Succensus, from succendo

3, set

here pleonastically. Inebriari: As in Ps. 35, tur ab ubertate domus tuae: et torrente voluptatis tuae potabis eos. Translation: "They shall be inebriated (i.e., plentifully filled, sated, filled to overflowing) with the plenty of thy house and thou shalt make them drink of the torrent of thy pleasure." See also Ps. 22, 5. Christ, the hour has come for me to depart 10. "When, hence, grant that through Thy Mother I may obtain the palm of victory. When my body shall die, grant that the glory of Paradise be given to my soul."
;

on fire; used 9: Inebriabun-

136

PASSIONTIDE
57

Stabat Mater speciosa

Mater speciosa Juxta foenum gaudiosa,
jacebat parvulus;

STABAT
Dum

BYWith

the crib wherein reposing,

His

eyes

in

slumber

closing,

Cujus animam gaudentem, Laetabundam et ferventera

Pertransivit jubilus.

Lay serene her

Infant-boy, Stood the beauteous Mother feeling Bliss that could not bear concealing,

So her face o'erflowed with

2

joy.

quara laeta et beata Fuit ilia immaculata Mater unigeniti

Quae gaudebat
Exultabat,

et

ridebat,

cum

videbat

rapture naught could smother Of that most Immaculate Mother Of the sole-begotten One; When with laughing heart exthe
ulting,

Oh,

Nati partum

inclyti.

She beheld her hopes resulting

In the great birth of her Son.
3

Quisquam est, qui non gauderet, Christi matrem si videret

In tanto solatio?

Who

Quis non possit

Christi

collaetari,

matrem contemplari Ludentem cum filio?

would not with gratulation See the happy consolation Of Christ's Mother undented? Who would not be glad surveying Christ's dear Mother bending,
praying, Playing with her heavenly Child?

Pro peccatis suae gentis Christum vidit cum jumentis

Et algori subditum;
Vidit

For a sinful world's salvation,

Christ her Son's humiliation

She beheld and brooded

o'er;

suum dulcem natum

Saw Him weak,

a child, a stranger,

Vagientem, adoratum
Vili diversorio.
5

Yet before Him in the manger Kings lie prostrate and adore.
O'er that lowly manger winging, Joyful hosts from heaven were singing Canticles of holy praise; While the old man and the maiden, Speaking naught, with hearts
o'erladen,

Nato Christo
Coeli cives

in praesepe

canunt laete gaudio; Stabat senex cum puella Non cum verbo nee loquela

Cum immenso

Stupescentes cordibus.

Pondered on God's wondrous ways.

6

Me

Eja, mater, fons amoris, sentire vim ardoris Fac, ut tecum sentiam;

Fount of

love, forever flowing,

feel like thee;

With a burning ardor glowing,

Make me, Mother,

137

PROPER OF THE SEASON

Fac, lit ardeat cor meum In amatum Christum Deum,

Ut
7

sibi

complaceam.

Let my heart, with graces gifted All on fire, to Christ be lifted, And by Him accepted be.

Sancta mater, istud agas, Prone introducas plagas Cordi fixas valide;

Holy Mother, deign to bless me, With His sacred Wounds impress
me, Let them in my heart abide; Since He came, thy Son, the Holy,

Tui nati

ccelo lapsi,

Jam

dignati foeno nasci

Pcenas

mecum

divide.

To

All His pains with

8

a birth-place, ah, so lowly, me divide.

Fac

me

vere congaudere,

Jesulino cohaerere, Donee ego vixero;

Make me with true joy delighted, To Child-Jesus be united

While my days of life endure; While an exile here sojourning,

In

me

sistat

ardor

tui,

Puerino fac

me

frui,

Make my

heart

like

thine

be

Dum sum
9

in exsilio.

burning

With a love divine and pure.

Virgo virginum praeclara, Mihi jam non sis amara, Fac me parvum rapere; FaCjUtpulchruminfantemportem, Qui nascendo vicit mortem, Volens vitam tradere.
Spotless Maid and sinless Woman, Make us feel a fire in common, Make my heart's long longing sure.

Virgin of all virgins highest, Prayer to thee thou ne'er denyest, Let me bear thy sweet Child too. Let

me

bear
life,

Him

in

my

bosom,
lose

10

Fac me tecum satiari, Nato me inebriari, Stantem in tripudio;

et accensus Obstupescit omnis sensus Tali me commercio.

Lord of

and never

Him,

Since His birth doth death subdue. Let me show forth how immense is

Inflammatus

The effect on all my senses Of an union so divine.

All who in the crib revere Him, Like the shepherds watching near

Him,
Will
11

attend
night,

Him

through

the

Fac me nato custodiri, Verbo Dei praemuniri,

Conservari gratia; Quando corpus morietur Fac, ut animae donetur

By thy powerful prayers

Grant,

protected,

May

Queen, that His elected behold heaven's moving light.

Tui nati gloria!

Make me by His birth be guarded, By God's holy word be warded, By His grace till all is done; When my body lies obstructed, Make my soul to be conducted, To the vision of thy Son.
138

PASSIONTIDE
so close an imitation of the preceding hymn that its translation will not be found difficult. The following brief notes will be found quite sufficient. The numbers refer to stanzas of the hymn. Translation by Denis Florence
is

This

hymn

MacCarthy. 1. Gaudiosus

gaudens, joyful.
5.

inn; here a stable.

Senex cum

Senex (cum
ing in sense.

Diversorium, lit., an puella; Joseph and Mary.

4.

et) puella,

hence the

pi.
:

Stupescentes, agree-

7. Prone introducas, etc. Downward press and firmly fix, etc. 8. Jesulinus and puerinus, diminutives of Jesus and puer. 9. Vitam trader e: to give life to men. 10.

Tripudium, joy, delight.

58

Gloria, laus, et honor

laus,
et

GLORIA,
sit

honor,

tibi

Rex

Christe

Redemptor
prompsit

A LL glory, laud, and honor ** To Thee, Redeemer, King,

To whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring.
Thou art the King of Israel, Thou David's royal Son,

Cui

decus Hosanna pium.

puerile

Gloria, laus, etc.

8

Israel es tu Rex, Davidis et in-

clyta proles:

Nomine

qui

in

Domini,

Rex

Who

in the Lord's

Name

comest,

benedicte, venis.
Gloria, laus, etc.
8

The King and Blessed One.

All glory, laud,
te
etc.

Coetus

in

excelsis

laudat

coelicus omnis,

The company of Angels Are praising Thee on high,

Et

mortalis

homo,

et

cuncta

And

creata simul.

Gloria, laus, etc.

4

mortal men and Created make reply. All glory, laud, etc.

all things

Plebs Hebraea tibi cum palmis obvia venit: Cum prece, voto, hymnis, adsu-

The people of the Hebrews With palms before Thee went; Our praise and prayer and
anthems
Before Thee we present. All glory, laud, etc.

mus ecce tibi. Gloria, laus, etc.

5

Et tibi passuro solvebant munia

laudis:

Nos

tibi

regnanti pangimus ecce melos.

To Thee before Thy Passion They sang their hymns of praise; To Thee now high exalted Our melody we raise.
All glory, laud,
139
etc.

Gloria, laus, etc.

PROPER OF THE SEASON

c

Hi placuere
nostra:

tibi,

placeat devotio
cui

Thou

didst accept their praises,

Rex bone, Rex clemens,

cuncta placent.
Gloria, laus, etc.

bona

Accept the prayers we bring, Who in all good delightest, Thou good and gracious King.
All glory, laud,
etc.

Authoe: Theodulf, Bishop of Orleans (b. about 760; d. 821). Meter: Elegiac. Translation by J. M. Neale. There are twelve translations, two of which are in the Annus Sanctus. Liturgical Use: Processional hymn on Palm Sunday.
There is a pretty legend concerning the composition of this hymn. Theodulf, so runs the legend, had for some political reasons been imprisoned in a monastery in Angers. During his incarceration he wrote this hymn, which he sang from the window of his cell when the king, Louis the Pious, was passing in the procession on Palm Sunday in 821. The hymn so moved the king that he immediately ordered that the holy bishop be set at liberty and restored to his see. The legend is now discredited on historical grounds. The hymn is based on the following passages of Scripture: Ps. 117, 25-26; Matt. 21, 1-16; Mark 11, 9-10; Luke 19, 37-38 John 12, 12-13. This is the only instance of the use of elegiac verse in the hymns of the Church. Each stanza of this species of poetry consists of a couplet composed of a dactylic hexameter and a so-called pentameter verse. The
;

same as the former except that it omits the last half of the third foot and of the sixth foot. In the following couplet the elegiac strophe is both imitated and described by the poet Coleridge:
latter is the

In the hexameter rises In the pentameter aye

the fountain 's silvery column falling in melody back.

is

The translation given below, which

is

also

by

J.

M. Neale,

meter of the original. It is quite as literal as prose. The following words only will require any comment. 1. Cui pium: to whom youthful beauty offers a loving hosanna. 3. Ccetus codicus omnis, the whole heavenly host. 5. Munia laudis: they offered their meed of praise. Melos (neut.), hymn, song. Read the articles on Hosanna, Palm Sunday, and on Palm in Christian Symbolism, in the Cath.
in the
.

Encycl.
140

EASTERTIDE
58B

GLORY
Thou

and honor and laud be to Thee, King Christ the Redeemer Children of old in whose praise sweetest hosannas outpoured. Israel's Monarch art Thou, and the glorious Offspring of David,
that approachest, a King, blest Glory and honor and laud, etc.
in the

name

of the Lord.

Glory to Thee upon high, the heavenly armies are singing; Glory to Thee upon earth, man and creation reply. Glory and honor and laud, etc.

Met Thee with palms

We

in their hands, that day the folk of the Hebrews; with our prayers and our hymns, now to Thy presence approach.

Glory and honor and laud,

etc.

They

to

Thee proffered

their

praise,

for

to

herald

Thy dolorous

Passion

We

to the

King on His throne, utter the jubilant hymn. Glory and honor and laud, etc.
to Thee, unto

They were then pleasing

Thee our devotion be pleasing;

Merciful King, kind King,

who

in all
etc.

goodness art pleased.

Glory and honor and laud,

EASTERTIDE
The Paschal Sequence
59
Victimce Paschali
Paschali

VICTIMS

pHRIST
V^
Christians,

the

Lord

is

risen

Laudes immolent Christiani.

to-day:

'Agnus redemit oves:

Christus innocens Patri Reconsiliavit Peccatores.

haste your vows to pay; Offer ye your praises meet At the Paschal Victim's feet; For the sheep the Lamb hath bled,
Sinless in the sinner's stead. Christ the Lord is risen on high;

Now

he

lives,

no more

to die.

141

PROPER OF THE SEASON

3

Mors

et vita duello Conflixere mirando:

Christ, the Victim undefined,

Dux

vitae

mortuus,

Man to God hath reconciled; When in strange and awful strife

Met together Death and Life; Christians, on this happy day Haste with joy your vows to pay. Christ the Lord is risen on high; Now He lives, no more to die.
Say,
viventis,

Regnat vivus.

Die nobis, Maria, Quid vidisti in via?

Sepulchrum Christi

Et gloriam vidi resurgentis.

wond'ring Mary, say sawest on thy way. "I beheld, where Christ had lain, Empty tomb and Angels twain; I beheld the glory bright

What thou

Of
Angelicos
testes,

the risen

Christ

Now
Now

Lord of light: hope is risen again; He lives, and lives to reign."

my

Sudarium

et vestes.

Surrexit Christus spes mea: Praecedet vos in Galilaeam.

Christ,

who once
in

for sinners bled,

the first-born

Throned
6

endless

from the dead. might and

power,

Scimus Christum surrexisse

mortuis vere:
nobis, victor
Alleluja.

Tu

Rex, miserere.

Amen.

Lives and reigns forevermore. Hail, eternal hope on high! Hail, Thou King of victory! Hail, Thou Prince of Life adored Help and save us, gracious Lord.

TranslaAscribed to Wipo, 11th cent. tion by Jane E. Leeson. There are about twenty-five translations, three of which are in the Annus Sanctus. Liturgical Use: Sequence in the Mass daily from Easter Sunday to

Author:

the structure, the history, and the development of this species of hymn, read the article on Prose or Sequence, in the Cath. Encycl. The same work contains a well written article on the Victimce Paschali. Read also the article on Lamb, Paschal. No hymns occur in the Divine Office during the last three days of Holy Week nor
inclusive.

Low Sunday

For

during Easter week. The beautiful Paschal sequence sings the praises of the risen Christ. For the purpose of treatment it may be divided into two parts. The first part consists of an exhorta142

EASTERTIDE
tion to all Christians to offer sacrifices of praise to Christ, the true Paschal Lamb, the Sinless One, who by His immolation on the Cross reconciles sinners to His Father. Death and Life engage in a most unusual combat; the Prince of

Life dies, but by His very death He triumphs and now reigns in glory. The second part is in the form of a dialogue. Mary Magdalene is appealed to as a witness of the Resurrection, and she testifies I saw the sepulcher of the living Christ, the glory of the risen Lord, the witness-angels at the tomb, the napkin and the winding-sheet." Then in an ecstasy of joy she proclaims to the Apostles "Christ my hope is risen and He shall go before you into Galilee." It concludes with a testimonial of our belief in the Resurrection and with a petition for mercy. The history of the Resurrection is told in John 20 read also the beginning of Matt. 28; Mark 16; Luke 24. 1. "To the Paschal Victim, let Christians offer the sacrifice of praise." The Lamb hath redeemed the sheep Christ the Sin2. less One hath reconciled sinners to His Father." 3. "Death and Life contended in a wondrous encounter: the Prince of Life died indeed, but now reigns living. 4. "Tell us, Mary, what sawest thou on the way? I saw the sepulcher of the living Christ, I saw the glory of Him that had risen." 5. "I saw the angelic witnesses, the napkin and the linen cloths. Christ, my hope, hath risen He shall go before you into Galilee." 6. "We know in truth that Christ hath risen from the victorious King, have mercy on us." Vicdead: Thou, bello. Conflixtims Paschali: cf. Exodus 12-13. Duello erunt, fought, contended. Maria: Mary Magdalene, to whom Our Lord first appeared after His resurrection. The following is Robert Campbell's translation of the Victimce Paschali. Note the striking difference between this translation and Miss Leeson's translation above. The difference is due to the meter. The two translations illustrate the hurried pace of the trochee and the stately tread of the iambus.
:

'

'

'

'

'

143

PROPER OF THE SEASON

59B
VictimcB Paschali

THE

holy Paschal work is wrought, The Victim's praise be told, The loving Shepherd back hath brought The sheep into His fold: The Just and Innocent was slain
reconcile to

To

God

again.
life

Death from the Lord of

hath

fled

The
Behold,

conflict strange is o'er;

He

liveth that

was dead,

And

lives

forevermore:

Mary, thou soughtest Him that day; Tell what thou sawest on the way.
"I saw the empty cavern's gloom, The garments of the prison, The Angel-guardians of the tomb, The glory of the Risen." We know that Christ hath burst the grave,

Then, victor King, Thy people save.

60

Ad
regias

regias

Agni dapes

**

\D

Agni dapes,

Stolis amicti candidis,

\T **

the

Lamb's high

feast

we

Post transitum Maris rubri, Christo canamus Principi:

sing Praise to our victorious King, Who hath washed us in the tide Flowing from His pierced side.

Divina cujus caritas Sacrum propinat sanguinem,

Almique membra corporis

Amor
3

sacerdos immolat.

Praise we Him whose love divine Gives the guests His Blood for wine, Gives His Body for the feast, Love the victim, love the priest.

Sparsum cruorem postibus

Vastator horret Angelus: Fugitque divisum mare:

Where

Merguntur hostes

fluctibus.

Paschal blood is the poured, Death's dark Angel sheathes his sword; Israel's hosts triumphant go
the

Through
144

wave

that

drowns the

foe.

EASTERTIDE
4

Jam Pascha nostrum

Christus Paschalis idem victima, Et pura puris mentibus

Sinceritatis

est,

Christ, the

Lamb whose Blood was

shed,

Paschal victim, Paschal bread;

azyma.

With sincerity and love Eat we manna from above.

Mighty Victim from the sky, Powers of hell beneath Thee lie; Death is conquered in the fight; Thou hast brought us life and
light.

vera coeli victima, Subjecta cui sunt tartara, Soluta mortis vincula, Recepta vita? praemia.

Victor subactis inferis Trophaea Christus explicat, Cceloque aperto, subditum

Now Thy

Regem tenebrarum
7

trahit.

banner Thou dost wave; Vanquished Satan and the grave; Angels join His praise to tell See o'erthrown the prince of hell.
Paschal triumph, Paschal joy, Only sin can this destroy; From the death of sin set free, Souls re-born, dear Lord, in Thee.

Ut

sis perenne mentibus Paschale Jesu gaudium,

A
s

morte dira criminum

Vita? renatos libera.

Deo

Patri

sit

gloria,

Hymns

Et Filio, qui a mortuis Surrexit, ac Paraclito, In sempiterna saecula.

of glory, songs of praise, Father, unto Thee we raise;

Risen Lord,

all praise to

Thee,

Ever with the Spirit be.

cent.

Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Robert Campbell. There are about thirty translations. First line of Original Text: Ad coenam Agni providi. Liturgical Use Vespers hymn from Low Sunday to Ascension Day. This hymn was greatly altered by the revisers under Urban VIII (1632) only three lines remained unaltered. There are ten translations of this hymn in Mr. Shipley's Annies Sanctus, both texts being represented. Of the translations of the Roman Breviary Text, Mr. Campbell's is more extensively used than all others combined. It
: ;

Author: Ambrosian, 7th

not so literal as some other translations, but it is a hymn of great beauty, and it is not surprising that it is found in so many hymn books. In the Ad regias Agni dapes, there is reference to the ancient custom of administering to catechumens the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. Originally there was no Mass on Holy Saturday proper. The long but beauis

145

PROPER OF THE SEASON

ceremonies began Saturday evening and lasted throughout the night. The Litany and Mass were sung towards morning. During Mass the neophytes, vested in beautiful white robes (stolce albce), were admitted for the first time to the "banquet of the Lamb," i.e., to the Eucharistic table. The white garments were worn during the week following Easter, and on Low Sunday the newly baptized appeared for the first time without their white robes. It is for this reason that Low Sunday is known in the language of the Church as Dominica in Albis (depositis), i.e., the Sunday on which the newly baptized appeared after laying aside their white baptismal robes. Read the articles on Catechumen, Holy Saturday, Baptism (esp. part XV), Red Sea (esp. the last paragraph), in the Cath. Encycl. 1. "After the passage of the Red Sea, clothed in white robes at the royal banquet of the Lamb, let us sing to Christ our King." Stolis: The stole was originally a long, beautiful, flowing outer garment. Maris rubri: The Red Sea is a symbol of Baptism. Et omnes in Moyse baptizati sunt in nube et in mari (I Cor. 10, 2). Under the leadership of Moses, who was a figure of Christ, the Jews received Baptism in figure by their passage through the Red Sea. Thus also by eating of the manna, they partook in figure of the Eucharistic manna (cf. Exodus 13). The following is Father Husenbeth's translation of this stanza:
tiful

Come
And
2.

to the regal feast displayed,

In robes of purest white arrayed,

The Red Sea's threatening

perils past,
last.

sing to Christ secure at

divine charity gives us His sacred Blood to drink; and love, as priest, immolates the members of His

"His

august Body." 3. "The destroying Angel sees with awe the blood upon the door-posts the sea divided flees, the foe is overwhelmed by the waters." The sprinkling of the door-posts of the Israelites with the blood of the Paschal Lamb, to preserve them from the sword of the destroying Angel, is a figure of our redemption by the Blood of Him whom the Paschal
:

146

EASTERTIDE
Lamb
Ex.
4.

prefigured

(cf.

Ex.

12, 22-23).

Divisum mare:

(cf.

14, 22-31).

our Pasch, and the same is our Paschal victim, and the pure unleavened bread of sincerity for pure souls." Victima paschalis, Paschal Lamb. Itaque epulemur, non in f ermento veteri, neque in fermento malitige et nequitiae, sed in azymis sinceritatis et veritatis (I Cor. Leaven is a symbol of corruption, hence of sin: un5, 8). leavened bread is symbolical of purity and of freedom from
Christ
is

"Now

corruption. 5. "0 true Victim of heaven, by whom hell was vanquished, the bonds of death were broken, and the rewards Cui a quo in the passive, this use of of life regained. the dative is quite common. 6. "Hell having been subdued, Christ as victor displays His trophies; and, heaven opened, He drags behind Him the vanquished king of darkness." Trahit (post se). Jesus, mayest be an everlasting 7. "That Thou, Paschal joy to our hearts, deliver us re-born to life, from a dire death of sin.
'

'

'

61

Rex sempiterne
sempiterne ccelitum,
Creator omnium,
Filius.

ccelitum
the heavens' eternal

REX

OTHOU,
King,

Rerum

j^Equalis ante saecula

Semper Parenti

Creator, unto Thee we sing, With God the Father ever One, Co-equal, co-eternal Son.

Nascente qui

mundo Faber

Thy hand, when

began,

first

the world

Imaginem vultus tui Tradens Adamo, nobilem Limo jugasti spiritum.

Made

And

Thine own pure image man, linked to Adam, sprung from

in
earth,

A
3

living soul of heavenly birth.

craft the

Cum

livor et fraus daemonis

And when by
foe

envious

Fcedasset

humanum

genus:

Had marred Thy

below,
147

noblest

work

PROPER OF THE SEASON

Tu carne amictus, perditam Formam reformas Artifex.
Clothed in our
restore
flesh,

Thou

didst

The

image
before-

Thou

hadst

made

Qui natus olim

e Virgine,

Once wast Thou born of Mary's

Nunc e sepulcro nasceris Tecumque nos a mortuis

Jubes sepultos surgere.

womb;

And now, new-born from

tomb,
Christ,

out the
us
rise

Thou

bidd'st

From
5

with Thee death to immortality.

Qui pastor

Aqua
Haec Haec

aeternus gregem lavas Baptismatis:

Eternal Shepherd,

Thou

dost lave

Thy

flock

in

pure

baptismal

est est

lavacrum mentiura; sepulcrum criminum.

wave That mystic bath, that grave of

sin,

Where ransomed
begin.
6

souls

new

life

Nobis diu qui debitae

Redemptor

affixus Cruci,

Nostra? dedisti prodigus

Pretium salutis sanguinem.

7

Redeemer, Thou for us didst deign To hang upon the Cross of pain, And give for us the lavish price Of Thine own Blood in sacrifice.
Grant, Lord, in Thee each faithful

Ut

sis

perenne mentibus

Paschale, Jesu, gaudium, morte dira criminum Vitas renatos libera.

mind
Unceasing Paschal joy

may

find;

And from

the death of sin set free Souls newly born to life by Thee.

Deo

Patri

sit gloria,

To Thee, once
live,

dead,

who now

dost

Et Filio, qui a mortuis Surrexit, ac Paraclito, In sempiterna saecula.

All glory, Lord, Thy people give, Whom, with the Father, we adore, And Holy Ghost forevermore.

Author: Ambrosian, 6th

:

cent.

Meter: Iambic dimeter.

Translation a cento. There are ten translations. Liturgical Use Matins hymn from Low Sunday till Ascension Day. This hymn is a revision of the Original Text, Rex ceterne Domine, the first line of which was, in the revision of 1568, altered to Rex sempiterne Domine (Benedictine Breviary Text) this in turn was altered in 1632 to the
;

148

EASTERTIDE
In its original form, it contained sixteen stanzas. It is mentioned in the Rule of Aurelianus of Aries (d. 555) and by St. Bede (d. 735) in his Be Arte Metrica. 1. "0 eternal King of the blessed, Creator of all things, The hymn Son ever equal to the Father, before all ages is addressed to the Son by whom all things were made (cf.
Text,
ccelitwm.
: '

Roman Breviary

Rex sempiterne

'

from codes, itis. 2. Who as Creator, when the world was made, didst bestow upon Adam the image of Thy countenance, and didst yoke a noble spirit with the slime of the earth." Imago: Faciamus hominem ad imaginem et similitudinem nostram (Gen. 1, 26). Formavit igitur Dominus Deus hominem de
John
1,
'

1-14; Col. 1,12-22).

Ccelitum,

'

limo terrae, et inspiravit in faciem ejus spiraculum vitae, et f actus est homo in animam viventem (Gen. 2, 7). 3. "When the envy and deception of the devil had disfigured the human race, Thou, the Maker, clothed in flesh didst restore the lost form." Formam, beauty. Livor invidia, envy, malice. 4. "As Thou wast once born of a Virgin, so art Thou now born from the tomb and Thou dost bid us buried with Thee, to arise from the dead." (cf. Rom. 6, 4.) 5. Thou art the eternal Shepherd who dost cleanse Thy flock in the waters of Baptism: that is the laver of souls, that is the sepulcher of sin." The purification of the soul by washing is a common figure in the Old Testament. Amplius lava me ab iniquitate mea et a peccato meo munda

'

'

me
6.

(Ps. 50, 4).

fastened to the Cross, which was long our due, Thou didst lavishly give Thy Blood as the price of our salvation." Debited agrees with cruci; on account of our sins, the Cross (i.e., crucifixion) was long and justly due
us.

"As Redeemer

Jesus, mayest be an everlasting Paschal joy to our hearts, deliver us re-born to life, from a dire death of sin.
7.
'

"That Thou,

149

PROPER OF THE SEASON

62

Aurora cesium purpurat

coelum purpurat,
jubilat,

AURORA

THE
When

morn

had

spread

her

i^ther resultat laudibus,

Mundus triumphans

crimson rays, rang the skies with shouts

of praise;

Horrens avernus inf remit:

Earth joined the joyful

swell,

hymn
to

to

That

brought quished

despair
hell.

van-

Rex ille dum fortissimus De mortis inferno specu Patrum senatum liber um
Educit ad vita? jubar.

He comes

victorious

from
to save,

the

grave,

The Lord omnipotent

And
The

brings with

Him

to light of

day
Saints
lay.
3

who long imprisoned

Cujus sepulchrum plurimo Custode signabat lapis,

Victor triumphat, et suo Mortem sepulchro funerat.

Vain

is

the

cavern's
seal,

three-fold

ward

The

stone,

the

the

armed

guard death, no more thine arm we

fear,

The
4

Victor's

tomb

is

now

thy bier.

Sat funeri, sat lacrimis, Sat est datum doloribus: Surrexit exstinctor necis,

Let

We
We

hymns know

of joy to grief succeed, that Christ is risen

Clamat coruscans Angelus.

indeed hear His white-robed Angel's

voice,
in

And
5

our risen Lord rejoice.

died, with Christ

Ut

sis perenne mentibus Paschale Jesu gaudium, A morte dira criminum

With Christ we

we

rose,

Vitae renatos libera.

at the font His name we chose Oh, let not sin our robes defile, And turn to grief the Paschal

When

smile.
8

Deo

Patri

sit gloria,

Et Filio, qui a mortuis Surrexit, ac Paraclito, In sempiterna ssecula.

To God the Father let us sing, To God the Son, our risen King, And equally let us adore The Spirit, God forevermore.
150

EASTERTIDE
Author:
dimeter.

Ambrosian, 4th or 5th cent. Meter: Iambic Translation by Robert Campbell. Liturgical

Use: Hymn at Lauds from Low Sunday to the Ascension. In its complete form this hymn comprises forty-four lines. For Breviary use it is divided into three parts. These parts are given here as Hymns 62, 63 and 64. In each hymn the stanza beginning Tu sis perennis mentium and The the doxology form no part of the original hymn. hymn was greatly altered by the revisers under Urban VIII (1632). The first lines of the three parts of the Original Text and of the Roman Breviary Text are as
follows
Roman
Breviary Text
Original Text

62 Aurora caelum purpurat 63 Tristes erant Apostoli 64 Paschale mundo gaudium

Aurora

lucis

rutilat

Tristes erant Apostoli Claro Paschali gaudio

Including both texts, there are twenty-seven translations of No. 62 there are about fifteen translations each of the Nos. 63 and 64. The Annus Sanctus contains four translations, one of which is from the Original Text. It also contains two translations of Sermone blando angelus, which begins with the sixth stanza of the Original Text. There is an article on Aurora lucis rutilat in the Cath. Encycl. It is worthy of note that this is the only instance in the Cath. Encycl. in which the first line of the Original Text is used as a title instead of the first line of the Revised Text of Urban VIII the Roman Breviary Text. Liturgical Use: No. 62 is the hymn for Lauds from Low Sunday to the Ascension. No. 63 is assigned to Vespers and Matins, and No. 64 to Lauds, in the Common Office of Apostles and Evangelists during Paschal Time. 1. "The dawn is purpling the sky; the air resounds with hymns of praise; the exulting earth shouts for joy; trembling hell rages." 2. "While He the almighty King leads forth the liberated host of the fathers from the darksome cavern of death Limbo. There is an Inferno specu to the light of life. article on Limbo in the Cath. Encycl. Senatus, a council of elders a body of venerable and distinguished persons such
;

'

'

151

PROPER OF THE SEASON

as the patriarchs, prophets, coming of the Messias.
3.

etc.,

who awaited

in

Limbo

the

" Whose sepulcher, surrounded by an ample guard, a stone seals (nevertheless) as a conqueror He triumphs, and He buries death in His own sepulcher. Illi autem abeuntes munierunt sepulchrum, signantes lapidem cum custodibus (Matt. 27, 66). Absorpta est mors in victoria. Ubi est, mors, victoria tua? Ubi est, mors, stimulus tuusf ( I Cor. 15,
; '

'

54-55).

" Enough of death, enough of tears, enough of sorrows! The conqueror of death has risen, the resplendent Angel cries." Sat = satis: Enough time have ye given to death, to weeping and to sorrows. Exstinctor, destroyer,
4.

annihilator.

Jesus, mayest be the everlasting Paschal joy of our hearts, deliver us re-born to life, from a dire death of sin."
5.

"That Thou,

63

Tristes erant Apostoli

erant Apostoli

rpRISTES

WHILE
Their

Christ's

disciples,

De

Christi acerbo funere,

grieving, sad,

Quem

morte crudelissima Servi necarant impii.

Master's deplore,
faithless

painful
servants'

death
cruel

Whom
Had
2

hands, bathed in His

gore;

own crimson

Sermone verax Angelus

Mulieribus praedixerat:

Quick

from
above,

the

happy

realms
wing, joy

Mox

ore Christus gaudium Gregi feret fidelium.

An Angel comes on joyful And to the women tells the

bring.

That to His flock their Lord will

Ad

anxios Apostolos Currunt statim dum nuntiae,

As they with eager

haste,

steps

make

Mae micantis obvia

Christi tenent vestigia.

Their joyous message to repeat, Their Master's glorious form they

see,

And
152

falling clasp His sacred feet.

EASTERTIDE
4

Galila2ae

ad

alta

montium

Cheered by
flock

this tale,

His faithful

Se conferunt Apostoli, Jesuque, voti compotes, Almo beantur lumine.

And

The Galilean mount ascend, there with loving awe behold

heart's

Their

sole

wish,

their

truest friend.
5

Ut sis perenne mentibus Paschale Jesu gaudium;

That Thou mayst be our Paschal

joy

morte dira criminum

Through

happy,

never-ending

Vitae renatos libera.

years,

Thine own poor children, Jesu,

free

From
6

sin's

sad death with

all its

fears.

Deo

Patri

sit

gloria,

To God

Et Filio, qui a mortuis Surrexit, ac Paraclito, In sempiterna saecula.

Who

the Father, and the Son, rose from death, glad praise,

repeat Let equal praise be ever sung

To God

the

Holy

Paraclete.

This is a continuation of the preceding hymn. Translation by Father Potter. Liturgical Use Hymn for Vespers and Matins in the Common Office of Apostles and Evangel:

ists in Eastertide.

over the bitter interment of Christ, whom impious servants had slain by a most cruel death." Servi impii, the Jews. 2. "The Angel, truthful in speech, had foretold to the women: 'Soon by word of mouth shall Christ bring joy to
1.

"The Apostles were sad

the flock of the faithful.' " Respondens autem Angelus dixit mulieribus Nolite timere vos scio enim, quod Jesum, qui crucifixus est, quaBritis. Non est hie surrexit enim sicut dixit (Matt. 28, 5-6). 3. "While they forthwith as messengers are hastening to the anxious Apostles, they clasp the feet of the radiant Vestigia, lit., footsteps, Christ meeting them on the way. footprints obvia agrees with vestigia. Et exierunt cito de monumento cum timore et gaudio magno, currentes nuntiare discipulis ejus. Et ecce Jesus occurrit illis, dicens: Avete. Illae autem accesserunt, et tenuerunt pedes ejus, et adoraverunt eum (Matt. 28, 8-9).
:
:

'

'

153

PROPER OF THE SEASON

the mountain heights of Galilee the Apostles betake themselves and their wish is fulfilled they are made happy by the kindly light of Jesus.' ' Ad alta montium
4.
: ;

"To

ad altos montes.

Altum,

i,

a height.

Undecim autem

disillis

cipuli abierunt in Galilaeam in

montem, ubi constituerat

Jesus (Matt. 28, 16).

Jesus, mayest be an everlasting Paschal joy to our hearts, deliver us re-born to life, from a dire death of sin."
5.

"That Thou,

64

Paschale

mundo gaudium

PASCHALE
Cum

mundo gaudium

WITH

the

fair

sun of Easter

Sol nuntiat formosior, luce fulgentem nova Jesum vident Apostoli.

morn
The world's excelling joy is born, When, bright with new and greater
grace,

The Apostles
face.
2

see

the

Saviour's

In carne Christi vulnera Micare tamquam sidera Mirantur, et quidquid vident Testes fideles praedicant.

They

in

their

Lord's

fair

flesh

descry

The wounds
high,

that shine as stars on

And, wondering, faithful witness

bear,

And
3

all

that they have seen de-

clare.

Christe clementissime, nostra posside: Ut lingua grates debitas

Rex

Tu corda

Tuo rependat nomini.

most loving King, we pray, Possess our inmost hearts to-day, While grateful lips with glad acChrist,

claim

Sing fervent praises to Thy Name.

4

Ut

sis perenne mentibus Paschale Jesu gaudium;

morte dira criminum

Lord Jesu, that Thou mayest be Our Easter joy eternally, Our souls from death of sin set
free

Vitas renatos libera.

That they, new born,

Thee,

may

live to

154

EASTERTIDE
5

Deo

Patri sit gloria, Et Filio, qui a mortuis Surrexit, ac Paraclito, In sempiterna saecula.

To God the Father, and the Son, From death arisen, praise be
done:

With God the Holy Ghost on high

Henceforth to
all eternity.

a continuation of the two preceding hymns. Liturgical Use: Translation by Alan G. McDougall. Hymn for Lauds in the Common Office of Apostles and Evangelists in Eastertide. 1. "A more beauteous sun proclaims to the world the joys of Easter, when the Apostles behold Jesus resplendent The new light is that which emanates with a new light. from His glorified body. The sun is now more beauteous for at His death it was darkened.
This
is
' '
'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.

"They wonder

to

see the

wounds

in the

flesh

of

Christ shine like stars, and what they see, as faithful witnesses, they proclaim." Vulnera: That the marks of the nails and spear were plainly visible in the glorified body of Christ is evident from the testimony of St. Thomas (cf.

John
3.

20, 27-28).

"0

Christ,

hearts, that

Thou our our tongues may return due thanks to Thy King most
merciful, possess

Name." 4. "That Thou,

Jesus, mayest be the everlasting Paschal joy of our hearts, deliver us re-born to life, from a dire death of sin."

65

Salutis
humanse Sator,

humance Sat or

SALUTIS

HAIL,

Thou who man's Reart,

Jesu, voluptas cordium,

deemer

Orbis redempti Conditor, Et casta lux amantium:

Jesu, the joy of every heart; Great Maker of the world's wide

And

frame, purest love's flame:

delight

and

Qua

victus es dementia, ferres crimina?

What nameless mercy Thee

came,

o'er-

Ut nostra

To bear our load

shame?
155

of

sin

and

PROPER OF THE SEASON

Mortem
subires innocens,

For

guiltless,

Thou Thy
erring

life didst

morte nos ut tolleres?

That

give,

sinful
live.

man might

Perrumpis infernum chaos;

Vinctis catenas detrahis; Victor triumpho nobili

The realms of woe are forced by

Thee,
Its

captives
free;

from

their chains set

Ad dexteram

Patris sedes.

And Thou, amid Thy ransomed

train,

At God's

right

hand dost

victor

reign.
4

Te cogat indulgentia, Ut damna nostra sarcias Tuique vultus compotes

Dites beato lumine.

Let mercy sweet with Thee prevail, To cure the wounds we now bewail; Oh, bless us with Thy holy sight, And fill us with eternal light.

Tu dux ad
Sis

astra, et semita,

Our

guide, our
rest,

way

to heavenly

meta nostris cordibus, Sis lacrymarum gaudium,

Sis dulce vita; praemium.

Be Thou the aim of every breast; Be Thou the soother of our tears, Our sweet reward above the
spheres.

or 8th cent. Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Father Potter. First line of Original Text Jesu nostra redemptio. The Annus Sanctus contains eight translations of this hymn, both texts being represented. In all there are about thirty translations. Liturgical Use Vespers hymn from the Ascension to Pente:

Author: Ambrosian, 7th

cost.

Jesus, Author of man's salvation, the delight of our hearts, the Creator of the world redeemed, and chaste light of those that love Thee." Sator, lit., a sower, planter Sower of Life 's immortal seed. Caswall.
1.
1
'

"0

'

'

wert Thou overcome that Thou wouldst bear our sins, and innocent, wouldst suffer death to free us from death?" Ipse autem vulneratus est propter iniquitates nostras, attritus est propter scelera nostra (Is. 53, 5). 3. Thou didst break open the lower regions, and remove
2.
'

"By what mercy

'

156

EASTERTIDE
them that were bound; as a conqueror in a noble triumph, Thou dost now sit at the right hand of the Father. Infernum chaos, Limbo He descended into hell" (Creed). Ad dexter am Patris sedes: Dixit Dominus Domino meo: sede a dextris meis (Ps. 109, 1; Matt. 22, 44); Dominus = Pater; Domino = Filio; sede, abide, be. The
the chains of
'

'

'

'

expression "sit Thou at my right hand" signifies the place of highest honor, but it implies no particular posture of body. 4. "May Thy mercy constrain Thee to repair our loss, and in the contemplation of Thy countenance, mayest Thou gladden us with blessed light." Vultus compotes, participating in the beatific vision. See the article on Beatific Vision, and Part III of the article on Heaven, in the Cath. Encycl. 5. Thou guide and way to heaven, be Thou the goal of our hearts, our joy in tears, the sweet reward of life."
'
'

Semita

via:

Ego sum

via, et Veritas et vita

(John

14, 6).

66

Mterne Rex

altissime
Monarch, King most
re-

AETERNE

Rex altissime, Redemptor et fidelium, Cui mors perempta detulit Summae triumphum gloriae.

ETERNAL
High,

Whose Blood hath brought

demption nigh,

By whom

And
2

the death of Death was wrought, conquering grace's battle fought:

Ascendis orbes siderum, Quo te vocabat ccelitus Collata, non humanitus,

Rerum

potestas

omnium.

Ascending by the starry road, This day Thou wentest home to God, By Heaven to power unending
called,

And by no human hand

3

installed.

Ut

trina

rerum machina,

That

so, in nature's triple

frame,

Coelestium, terrestrium,

Et inferorum condita,
Flectat

Each heavenly and each earthly name,

genu jam subdita.

And

May
157

things in hell's abyss horred, bend the knee and own Lord.

ab-

Him

PROPER OF THE SEASON

4

Tremunt videntes Angeli Versam vicem mortalium: Peccat caro, mundat caro, Regnat Deus Dei caro.

Yea, Angels tremble when they see How changed is our humanity; That Flesh hath purged what flesh

had

stained,

And God,

the flesh of God, hath

reigned.
8

Sis ipse

nostrum gaudium,

Manens olympo prsemium, Mundi regis qui fabricam,

Be Thou our joy, mighty Lord, As Thou wilt be our great re-

ward

Mundana

vincens gaudia.

Earth's joys to Thee are nothing worth,

Thou joy and crown

and
6

of heaven

earth.

te precantes quaesumus, Ignosce culpis omnibus, Et corda sursum subleva Ad te superna gratia.

Hinc

To Thee we therefore humbly pray That Thou wouldst purge our sins

And

away, draw our hearts by cords of

grace
celestial

To Thy
7

dwelling-place.
shall
their

Ut cum repente cceperis Clarere nube judicis,

Poenas repellas debitas, Reddas coronas perditas.

So when the Judgment day

come,

And
Thou

all

must doom,
lost

rise to

meet

wilt remit the debts

we owe,

And
8

our

crowns again be-

stow.
Jesu, tibi sit gloria,

All glory, Lord, to Thee

we pay,

Qui

victor in coelum redis,

Ascending o'er the

Cum

Patre, et

almo

Spiritu,

In sempiterna saecula.

to-day; All glory, as is ever meet, To Father and to Paraclete.

stars

Ambrosian, 5th cent. Meter Iambic dimeter. Translation by J. M. Neale and others. There are fifteen translations. Liturgical Use Hymn for Matins from As:
:

Author

cension to Pentecost. 1. "0 eternal and sovereign King, and Redeemer of the faithful, to whom the annihilation of death brought a triumph of the greatest glory:" 2. "Thou didst ascend above the orbits of the stars, whither the sovereignty over all things summoned Thee, which sovereignty was given Thee from heaven, not by
158

WHITSUNTIDE
men."
* '

Ccelitus, adv.

from above, by the Father.

coelo et in

Data

est

mihi omnis potestas in

terra (Matt. 28, 18). 3. So that the threefold fabric of the universe, creatures (condita) of heaven, of earth, and of hell, may now in submission bend the knee to Thee." Condita creata. Machina, order, structure, fabric, kingdom. Ut in nomine Jesu omne genu flectatur coelestium, terrestrium, et infernorum (Phil.

2,

10).
4.

tremble, beholding the altered lot of mortals flesh sinned, Flesh cleanses from sin, the God-Man reigns as God." Dei caro: lit., "the flesh of God reigns as God." Vicem, lot, estate, condition; versam, changed, reversed.
:

"The Angels

Thyself our joy, our abiding reward in heaven, Thou who, surpassing all earthly joys, dost rule over the fabric of the universe. 6. "Therefore, praying we beseech Thee, pardon all our sins, and by Thy heavenly grace raise aloft our hearts to
5.
'

"Be Thou

Thee." 7. That when Thou dost unexpectedly begin to shine in splendor on a cloud as judge, Thou mayest remit the punishments due, and restore our lost crowns." Et tunc videbunt Filium hominis venientem in nube cum potestate magna, et majestate (Luke 21, 27).
'
'

WHITSUNTIDE
67
Veni, Sancte Spiritus
Sancte Spiritus,

VENI,

Et emitte ccelitus Lucis tuae radium. Veni pater pauperum, Veni dator munerum, Veni lumen cordium.

TT *0LY
Come,

SPIRIT come and

>

slline

On our
divine,

souls

with

beams
bright.

Issuing from

Thy radiance

Father of the poor,

Ever bounteous of Thy store, Come, our hearts' unfailing light.

Consolator optime, Dulcis hospes animae,

Come, Consoler, kindest, best, Come, our bosom's dearest guest,

Sweet refreshment, sweet repose.
159

Dulce refrigerium.

PROPER OF THE SEASON

In labore requies, In aestu temperies,

In fletu solatium.
3

Rest in labor, coolness sweet, Tempering the burning heat, Truest comfort of our woes.

lux beatissima, Reple cordis intima

divinest light, impart

faithful heart

Unto every

Tuorum

fidelium.

Sine tuo numine, Nihil est in homine, Nihil est innoxium.

Plenteous streams bright flood.

from

love's

But for Thy blest Deity, Nothing pure in man could be; Nothing harmless, nothing good.
each sinful stain; Gently shed Thy gracious rain On the dry and fruitless soul. Heal each wound and bend each
will,

sordidum, est aridum, est saucium. Flecte quod est rigidum, Fove quod est frigidum, Rege quod est devium.
est

Lava quod Riga quod Sana quod

Wash away

Warm

our hearts benumbed and

chill,

All our wayward steps control.

8

Da

tuis fidelibus,

Unto

all

Thy

faithful just,
trust,

In te confidentibus, Sacrum septenarium.

Who

in

Thee confide and

Da virtutis meritum, Da salutis exitum, Da perenne gaudium.

Deign Grant Grant Grant

the sevenfold gift to send. us virtue's blest increase,

a death of hope and peace, the joys that never end.

Author: Probably by Pope Innocent III (1161-1216). Meter Trochaic dimeter catalectic. Translation by Father
:

Aylward, O.P. There are about forty translations of these Father Caswall's is the most widely used. There are six translations in the Annus Sanctus. Liturgical Use: Sequence for Whitsunday and throughout the octave. In medieval times the Veni Sancte Spiritus was known as "The Golden Sequence. In the opinion of critics it is justly regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces of sacred Latin poetry. Trench considers it the loveliest of all the hymns in the whole circle of sacred Latin poetry, and adds that it could only have been composed by one who had been acquainted with many sorrows, and also with many consolations (Sacred Latin Poetry, p. 195). "The Sequence for Whitsunday," says Dr. Gihr, "can have come but from a heart wholly inflamed with the fire of the Holy Ghost. It is
; '
'

160

WHITSUNTIDE
an incomparable hymn, breathing of the sweetness of Paradise, and regaling us with heaven's sweetest fragrance. Only the soul buried in deep recollection can suspect and taste the wealth of deep thought and affections this Pentecost hymn contains, and that, too, in a form remarkable as much for beauty as for brevity" {The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, p. 464). There is an article on the Veni Sancte
Spiritus, in the Cath. Encycl. In studying this hymn the richness of the rhyme is deserving of special note. In each of the six-line stanzas, lines 1 and 2, 3 and 6, 4 and 5 rhyme and every third line through;

in ium. out the The introductory and thrice repeated Veni in the first stanza is expressive of the intense longing of a worldbuffeted, sin-harried soul for the advent of the "best conThe similar repetition of the verb Da in the closing soler.
' '

hymn ends

stanza is equally expressive of earnestness and of loving confidence in the "giver of gifts." 1. "Come Holy Spirit, and send forth from heaven the ray of Thy light. Come, Father of the poor; come, giver of gifts; come, light of hearts." Pater pauperum, i.e., the poor in spirit (Matt. 5, 3) who may either be destitute of the goods of this world, or detached from them, "as having nothing, and possessing all things" (II Cor. 6, 10). Bator munerum: The Holy Spirit is the dispenser of the countless gifts or graces which Christ merited for us. 2. "Thou best consoler, sweet guest of the soul, sweet coolness: in labor, rest; in heat, refreshment; in tears, solace." Consolator, the Latin rendering of the Greek Paraclitus, consoler, comforter. 3. "0 most blessed Light, fill Thou the inmost recesses Without Thy divine asof the hearts of Thy faithful! sistance there is nothing in man, nothing harmless." 4. "Cleanse what is base, bedew what is parched, heal

what

wounded bend what is rigid, warm what is chilled, guide what is astray." Lava, wash by Baptism and Penance; riga, bedew with Thy grace; sana, heal what is wounded by sin; flecte, bend what is fixed the stubborn will; fove, warm what is cold our hearts; rege, guide
is
;

sinners.
161

PROPER OF THE SEASON

5.

"Give

to

Thy

gifts.

Give them

faithful confiding in Thee Thy sevenfold the reward of virtue give them the death
; ;

of safety (a happy death) give them eternal

joy.

' '

Sacrum

septenarium, the sacred sevenfold gifts, viz., wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and the fear of the Lord (cf. Is. 11, 2-3).

68

Veni Creator Spiritus

Creator Spiritus,

VENI

CREATOR-SPIRIT,
Come,

all-Divine,

Mentes tuorum visita, Imple superna gratia,

Quae tu creasti pectora.

every soul of visit Thine, And fill with Thy celestial flame The hearts which Thou Thyself didst frame.
gift of God, Thine is the sweet Consoling name of Paraclete And spring of life and fire and

Qui

diceris Paraclitus,

Altissimi donum Dei, Fons vivus, ignis, caritas, Et spiritalis unctio.

And
3

love unction flowing from above.

gifts

Tu
Tu

septif ormis
rite

munere,
Patris,

The mystic sevenfold

Finger
Thine, of God's
divine;

are

Digitus paternas dexterae,

promissum

right

hand
to

Sermone ditans

guttura.

The

Father's

promise
rich

sent

teach

The tongue a
speech.

and heavenly

*Accende lumen sensibus:

Infunde amorem cordibus:
Infirma nostri corporis Virtute firmans perpeti.

Kindle

with

fire

brought

from

above Each sense, and

love;

fill

our hearts with

And

grant our flesh, so weak and

frail,

The strength of Thine which cannot

5

fail.

Hostem repellas longius, Pacemque dones protinus:

Ductore sic te praevio, Vitemus omne noxium.

And

Drive far away our deadly foe, grant us Thy true peace to
still,
ill.

know; So we, led by Thy guidance

May
162

safely pass through every

WHITSUNTIDE
9

Per

te

sciamus da Patrem,

To

us,

through Thee, the grace be

Noscamus atque Filium; Teque utriusque Spiritura Credamus omni tempore.

shown

To know

And

the Father and the Son; Spirit of Them both, may we

rest

Forever
7

our faith

in Thee.

Deo

Patri

sit

gloria,

Et Filio, qui a mortuis Surrexit, ac Paraclito, In saeculorum saecula.

To Sire and Son be praises meet, And to the Holy Paraclete; And may Christ send us from
above That Holy Spirit's
gift of love.

Probably by Rabanus Maurus (776-856). Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Father Aylward, O.P. There are about sixty translations, eight of which Liturgical Use: Hymn for are in the Annus Sanctus. Vespers and Terce on Whitsunday and throughout the octave. Terce (the 3d hour, 9:00 A. M.) was the hour on which the Holy Ghost descended upon the Apostles (Acts The hymn is used on many other solemn occasions 2, 15). in liturgical and extra-liturgical functions as an invocation
to the

Author:

Holy

Spirit.

With the exception

of the

Te Deum,

probably no other hymn so extensively used in the Church as the Veni Creator Spiritus. The authorship has been variously ascribed to Rabanus Maurus, Charlemagne, St. Ambrose, and to St. Gregory the Great. Read the articles on the Veni Creator Spiritus, Paraclete, and on Holy Ghost, in the Cath. Encycl. 1. "Come, Creator Spirit, visit the souls of Thy children, and fill with heavenly grace the hearts which Thou hast made. ,, Creator: The three Divine Persons concur equally in their external operation; thus the Father created, the Son created, and the Holy Ghost created.
there
is
2.

"Thou who

most high,
unction."

art called the Paraclete, the gift of God the living fountain, fire, love, and spiritual

Paraclitus: the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit; a Greek word signifying the consoler, comforter. In the Scriptures the word occurs only in St. John 14, 16 14, 26 Donum: The Holy Spirit is called the "gift 15, 26; 16, 7. of God most high." To receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2, 38) is equivalent to receiving the Holy Ghost with

163

PROPER OF THE SEASON

His
gifts.

Fons vivus: Sed aqua, quam ego dabo

ei, fiet

in

the fire of the sin-destroying, and purifying. This fire manifests itself in works of charity, and especially in preaching with zeal and fervor the word of God. Caritas: Deus caritas est, et qui manet in caritate, in Deo manet, et Deus in eo (I John 4, 16). Spirituals The grace of God is called unction Spiritalis or anointing because the effects produced by it in the spiritual order are analogous to those produced by ointment in the natural order. It cools, refreshes, exhilarates,

eo fons aquae salientis in vitam seternam Ignis: Earthly fire illuminates, enkindles, purifies from dross; so too, in its nature, is Holy Spirit enlightening, love-enkindling,

(John 4, 14). consumes, and

strengthens, heals, enriches, etc. 3. "Thou art sevenfold in Thy gifts, the finger of the Father's right hand; Thou art the express promise of the Septiformis: Father, endowing tongues with speech." The seven gifts of the Holy Ghost are enumerated by the Prophet Isaias Et requiescet super eum spiritus Domini
:

spiritus sapiential et intellectus, spiritus consilii et fortitudinis, spiritus sciential et pietatis, et replebit eum spiritus

Digitus Dei: The Holy Spirit is called the "finger of God" as may be seen from the following parallel passages: Si in digito Dei ejicio daemonia (Luke 11, 20). Si autem ego in Spiritu Dei ejicio daemones (Matt. 12, 28). Rite, explicit, distinctly stated. Promispromissio. Et ego mitto promissum Patris mei in sum, i vos (Luke 24, 49). Sed expectarent promissionem Patris (Acts 1, 4). Sermone: A reference to the gift of tongues (Acts 2,4). 4. "Enkindle Thy light within our minds, infuse Thy love into our hearts strengthen the weakness of our flesh by Thy never-failing power. 5. "Drive far away our enemy, and forthwith grant us peace; so that while Thou leadest the way as our guide, we may avoid everything harmful." 6. "Grant that through Thee we may know the Father; through Thee, the Son and may we ever believe in Thee, the Spirit of Them both."
timoris

Domini

(Is. 11, 2-3).

'

164

WHITSUNTIDE
69

Jam

Christus astra ascenderat

JAM

Christus astra ascenderat.

Reversus unde venerat,

Patris fruendum munere Sanctum daturus Spiritum.

NOWHe
Had

Christ, ascending

whence
starry

came,
o'er

mounted
frame,

the

The Holy Ghost on man below, The Father's promise, to bestow.

2

Solemnis urgebat dies, Quo mystico septemplici

Orbis volutus septies, Signat beata tempora.

The solemn
nigh,

time

was

drawing

Replete with heav'nly mystery, On seven days' sevenfold circles borne, That first and blessed Whitsun-

morn.

Cum

lucis

hora

tertia

When
There

the

third

hour shone
rushing

all

Repente mundus intonat,

Apostolis orantibus Deum venire nuntiat.

around,

came
sound,

mighty

And

told the Apostles, while in prayer,

That, as was promised,

there.
4

God was

De

Patris ergo lumine

Decorus ignis almus est, Qui fida Chiisti pectora Calore Verbi compleat.

Forth from the Father's light it came, That beautiful and kindly flame: To fill with fervor of His word The spirits faithful to their Lord.

Impleta gaudent viscera, AfHata sancto Spiritu,

With joy the Apostles' breasts are

fired,

Vocesque diversas sonant, Fantur Dei magnalia.

By God

the

Holy Ghost
in

inspired:

And

straight,

divers kinds of

speech,

The wondrous works of God they

preach.
6

Notique cunctis Gentibus,

Graecis, Latinis,

To men

Barbaris,

Simulque demirantibus, Linguis loquuntur omnium.

of every race they speak, Alike Barbarian, Roman, Greek: From the same lips, with awe and
fear,

All

men

their native accents hear.

165

PROPER OF THE SEASON

7

Judaea tunc incredula, Vesana torvo spiritu, Madere musto sobrios

Christi fideles increpat.

But Juda's sons, e'en faithless

yet,

With mad

infuriate rage beset,

Christ's followers
all

To mock

com-

bine,

As drunken
wine.
8

with

new-made

editis miraculis Occurrit et docet Petrus, Falsum profari perfidos, Joele teste comprobans.

Sed

When

lo!

with signs and mighty

deeds,

Stands Peter in the midst,

pleads;

and
lie

Confounding

malignant By Joel's ancient prophecy.

their

Deo

Patri

sit

gloria,

Et Filio, qui a mortuis Surrexit, ac Paraclito, In saeculorum saecula.

To God To God

the Father

let

us sing,

the Son, our risen King, equally let us adore The Spirit, God forevermore.

And

Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation First four stanzas by J. M. Neale remainder by G. H. Palmer and J. W. Doran. There are about fifteen translations, three of which are in the Annus SamcLiturgical Use: Hymn for Matins on Whitsunday tus. and throughout the octave. The hymn is a metrical setting

Author: Ambrosian, 4th

:

cent.

of Acts 2, 1-16. 1. " Christ had already ascended on high, returning whence He came, that He might send the Holy Spirit, who was to be received as the gift of the Father." Fruendum: fut. part, of fruor, signifying one who or that which is to be enjoyed; here rather in the sense of "to be imparted." Munere, by the liberality, generosity, etc. The Holy Ghost proceeds from the Father and the Son, and was sent by the

Father and the Son. 2. The solemn day drew nigh, on which the earth, having revolved seven times in the mystical sevenfold, announces the blessed time." Dies, Pentecost. Septemplici hebdomas, a period of seven days. It is styled mystical because of the well known mysterious significance of the number seven. The meaning of the stanza is that seven times seven revolutions of the earth take place between Easter and Pentecost. The Pentecost of the Jews was celebrated on the fiftieth day after the Passover or Jewish
' '

166

WHITSUNTIDE
Easter. The Easter and Pentecost of the Jews were figures of the Christian festivals. The Pentecost of the Old Law was the festival on which was celebrated the " ingathering" of, and also the thanksgiving for the harvest (of. Ex. 34, See also the article on Whitsunday, 22; Deut. 16, 9-10). in the Cath. Encycl.
Behold the appointed morn appear In solemn mystery sublime! Seven times sevenfold this earthly sphere
Revolving, marked the blessed time. /. D. Chambers.

hour of day the whole world suddenly resounds, and announces to the praying Apostles that God is come. Deum = Spiritum Sanctum.
3.

"When
"Of

at the third
'

'

the Father's light, therefore, is that beauteous, kindly flame, which fills with the fervor of the Word the hearts of those believing in Christ." Fidus is generally
4.

followed by the dative, but in poetry also by the genitive. Or, fida pectora, Christ's faithful souls. Colore verbi: This may be interpreted as in Neale's version, viz. "To fill with fervor of His word." It would then refer to the gift of fervid eloquence with which the Apostles were endowed. Or Verbum might preferably be rendered: the Word, the eternal Son of God. Note the following:

To warm each
With

faithful breast

below

Christ, the Lord's all-quickening glow.

Father Aylward.

"Filled therewith (sc. colore verbi), their hearts, inspired by the Holy Ghost, rejoice, and speaking divers tongues, they proclaim the wondrous works of God." 6. "At one and the same time, they (each one) spoke to the astonished people in the tongues of all, and they were understood by all, Greeks, Romans, and Barbarians." Noti (sunt). Cunctis, etc., are in the dative with the pasRead the article on Tongues, Gift sive, not the ablative. of, in the Cath. Encycl. 7. "Then faithless Juclea, rendered insane by its savage spirit, accuses the sober, faithful followers of Christ of being drunk with new wine." Judcea, i.e., the Jews.
5.

167

PROPER OF THE SEASON

the miracles wrought, Peter opposes them, and shows that the perfidious Jews speak falsely, proving it by the testimony of Joel" (cf. Joel 2, 28).
8.

"But by

70

Beata nobis gaudia

nobis gaudia
orbita,

BEATA
Cum

ROUND

roll

the

weeks

our

Anni reduxit

hearts to greet,

Spiritus Paraclitus Illapsus est Apostolis.

With blissful joy returning; For lo! the Holy Paraclete On twelve bright brows sits burning:

Ignis vibrante lumine

With quivering flame He

lights

on

Linguae figuram detulit, Verbis ut essent proflui,

Et caritate fervidi.

each, In fashion like a tongue, to teach That eloquent they are of speech, Their hearts with true love yearning.

Linguis loquuntur omnium, Turbae pavent Gentilium:

While with

all

tongues they speak

to all,

Musto madere deputant, Quos Spiritus repleverat.

The nations deem them maddened,

And drunk
call,

with wine the Prophets

Whom
4

God's good Spirit gladdened;

this

Patrata sunt haec mystice, Paschae peracto tempore,

marvel

in

mystery done

Sacro dierum circulo,

The holy Paschaltide outrun, By numbers told, whose reckoning

Quo

lege

fit

remissio.

won
Remission for the saddened.

Te nunc Deus piissime

Vultu precamur cernuo,
Illapsa nobis coelitus

God most Holy, Thee we pray, With reverent brow low bending,
Grant us the
Spirit's gifts to-day

Largire dona Spiritus.

sacrata pectora Tua replesti gratia: Dimitte nostra crimina, Et da quieta tempora.

The gifts from heaven descending;

And,
since,

Dudum

Thy grace hath deigned

to bide

Within our breasts once sanctified, Deign, Lord, to cast our sins aside, Henceforth calm seasons sending.
168

WHITSUNTIDE
7

Deo

Patri

sit

gloria,

To God

the

Father,

laud

and

Et Filio, qui a mortuis Surrexit, ac Paraclito, In sseculorum saecula.

praise,

Praise to the Son be given; Praise to the Spirit of all grace, The fount of graces seven

As was
Is

of old, all worlds before,

now and shall be evermore, When time and change are spent
and
o'er

All praise in earth and heaven.

Bishop of Poitiers (d. 368), but on insufficient evidence. Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by W. J. Blew. There are about twenty translations. The Annus Sanctus contains three translations, and a fragment of a fourth. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Lauds on Whitsunday and throughout the octave. 1. "The circle of the year has again brought back to us
to St. Hilary,

Author: Ascribed

blessed joys, when the Spirit, the Comforter, came down upon the Apostles." 2. "The fire with tremulous flame assumed the shape of a tongue, that they might be eloquent in speech and fervent in charity." Et apparuerunt illis dispertitss lingua? tamquam ignis, seditque supra singulos eorum (Acts 2, 3). Speaking in the tongues of all, the multitudes of the 3. Gentiles are amazed: they deemed as drunk with new wine, those whom the Holy Ghost had filled." 4. "These things were wrought mystically, when the Paschal time was completed, in the sacred circle of days in numero, as which by law remission occurred." Circulo in the Original Text. Remissio: The allusion is to the annus remissionis (Ezech. 46, 17), or Year of Jubilee, which in the Old Law occurred every fifty years (cf. Lev. During the Year of Jubilee, debts were remitted, 25). slaves liberated, etc. Read the article on Jubilee, in the Cath. Encycl. Read also the article on Sabbatical Year, as both are referred to in Lev. 25. most 5. "With bowed heads, we now beseech Thee, loving God, to bestow upon us the gifts of the Holy Ghost, which were sent down from heaven." Largire, imper. of
' '

largior.
169

PROPER OF THE SEASON

didst fill with Thy grace sacred breasts; pardon now our sins and grant us peaceful days." The first two lines of this stanza may refer either to our own breasts sanctified in Baptism, or to the breasts of the Apostles which were sanctified in so wondrous a manner on the day of Pentecost. Note the elaborate English
6.

"Formerly Thou

doxology.

Trinity Sunday

71

O
sol recedet igneus,

lux beata Trinitas

OLUX
Jam

beata Trinitas,

Et principalis Unitas,

f\ TRINITY of blessed light V/ Unity of princely might,

The fiery sun now goes his way; Shed Thou within our hearts Thy
ray.

Infunde lumen cordibus.

Te mane laudum carmine, Te deprecemur vespere Te nostra supplex gloria

Per cuncta laudet
saecula.

To Thee our morning song

praise,

of

To Thee our evening prayer we

raise;

Thy glory

suppliant we adore Forever and forevermore.

Deo Patri sit gloria, Ej usque soli Filio, Cum Spiritu Paraclito, Et nunc et in perpetuum.

All laud to God the Father be; All praise, Eternal Son, to Thee; All glory, as is ever meet, To God the Holy Paraclete.

for the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. The Roman Breviary text of this hymn is the same as that of the Vespers hymn for Saturday, No. 29, with the substitution of amor em for lumen in 1. 4. The text given above is the Original Text with a translation of the same by J. M. Neale. Compare the above Latin text with the Revised Text, hymn 29.
:

Liturgical Use Vespers

hymn

72

SummcB Parens dementia

Parens clementiae,

SUMM7E

Mundi regis qui machinam, Unius et substantia?, Trinusque personis Deus,

by whose command i9 swayed This ordered world which Thou

hast

OGOD,

made;

Parent of heavenly clemency, In nature One, in persons Three;

170

TRINITY SUNDAY
2

Da dexteram

surgentibus,

Assist us while our

Exurgat ut mens sobria, Flagrans et in laudem Dei Grates rependat debitas.

Inflamed

with

Thy

minds we raise, immortal

praise;

That with our sober thoughts, we

may
Forever our thanksgiving pay.
3

Deo

Patri

sit

gloria,

May

Natoque Patris unico,

Cum Spiritu Paraclito, In sempiterna saecula.

Liturgical Use:

age by age Thy wonders tell, Eternal praise Thy works reveal, And sing with the celestial host The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

for Matins on the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. Translation in the Primer, 1706, probably by John Dryden. This hymn is a cento from hymns already treated. The first stanza is from Hymn 21 the second, from Hymn 20.

Hymn

73

Tu, Trinitatis Unitas

Unitas,

TU, Trinitatis Orbem

OTHOU,
sway,

who

dost all nature

potenter quae regis, Attende laudis canticum, Quod excubantes psallimus.

Dread Trinity

in Unity,

Accept the trembling praise we

pay

To Thy
2

eternal majesty.

0rtus refulget lucifer, Prasitque solem nuntius: Cadunt tenebrae noctium: Lux sancta nos illuminet.

The
Is

star that heralds in the

dawn
true

slowly fading in the skies;

The darkness melts

Light,

Thou

Upon our darkened

8

souls arise.

Deo Patri
Ejusque

sit

gloria,

soli Filio,

Cum
Nunc

Spiritu Paraclito,
et

To God the Father glory be, And to the sole-begotten Son, And Holy Ghost co-equally,
While everlasting ages run.

per

omne

saeculum.

Lauds on the Feast of the Translation by Father Caswall. Most Holy Trinity. This hymn is a cento from hymns already treated. The first stanza is from Hymn 19; the second, from Hymn 20.
Liturgical Use:
for
171

Hymn

74

PROPER OF THE SEASON O Deus, ego amo te

ego

ODEUS,

amo

te,

ly/TY God,
-*-*--

love Thee, not be-

Nee amo te, ut salves me, Aut quia non amantes te

jEterno punis igne.

cause
yet since they

hope for heaven thereby;

Nor

who

love Thee

not

Must burn
2

eternally.

tu, mi Jesu, totum me Amplexus es in cruce;

Tu,

Tulisti clavos, lanceam,

my Jesus, Thou didst me the Cross embrace; For me didst bear the nails and
Thou,

Upon

Multamque ignominiam,

spear,

And manifold
8

disgrace;

Innumeros dolores,
Sudores, et angores, Et mortem, et haec propter me,

And And

griefs
less,

and torments number-

Ac pro me

peccatore.

sweat of agony; E'en death itself; and all for one

Who
*Cur
igitur

was Thine enemy.

non amem

te,

Jesu amantissime,

Non, ut in ccelo salves me, Aut ne aeternum damnes me,

blessed Jesus Christ, Should I not love Thee well, Not for the sake of winning heaven, Or of escaping hell;

Then why,

Nec praemii
Sed
et

ullius spe,

Not with the hope of

aught,

gaining

sicut tu amasti

me?
es,
es.

amabo te, Sic amo Solum quia Rex meus

Et solum quia Deus

Not seeking a reward;

But as Thyself hast loved me,
ever-loving

Lord?

E'en so

And

in

Thy

love Thee, and will love, praise will sing,

Solely because

Thou

art

my

God,

And my

eternal King.

"It seems Francis Xavier (1506-1552). fairly certain that the original was a Spanish or Portuguese sonnet, and was written by St. Francis Xavier in the East Indies about 1546" {Diet, of Eymnology, p. 1679). There are several Latin versions the author of the above version Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by is not known. Father Caswall. There are about twenty-five translations.

Author:

St.

172

CORPUS CHRISTI
not found in the Breviary or Missal it is deservedly very popular. There is an article on Deus ego amo te in the Cath. Encycl. The article treats of two Latin hymns beginning with the same first line both hymns are attributed to St. Francis Xavier. Of these hymns Dr. Duffield says: "They are transfused and shot through by a personal sense of absorption into the divine love, which has fused and crystallized them in its fiercest heat." And to their author, he pays this beautiful tribute: "It is impossible to study his life without a conviction there was in it a devout and gallant purpose to bless And in the two hymns which bear his the world name we are able to discover that fine attar which is the precious residuum of many crushed and fragrant aspirations, which grew above the thorns of sharp trial and were strewn at last upon the wind-swept beach of that poor Pisgah island from which he truly beheld the distant Land" (Latin Hymn-Writers and Their Hymns, pp. 298-315). The hymn offers no difficulty to the translator.

Although

this

hymn

is

....

Corpus Christi
preliminary observations

The next five hymns are the great Eucharistic hymns of They were written at St. Thomas Aquinas (1227-1274). the request of Pope Urban IV, on the occasion of the institution of the Feast of Corpus Christi in 1264. The hymns
of the Angelic Doctor are remarkable for their smoothness and clearness, and for their logical conciseness and dogmatic precision. They are pervaded throughout by a spirit of the profoundest piety so characteristic of the Angel of the Schools. It is fitting that a great Doctor of the Church and a great Saint should have confined his hymn-writing to a single subject, and that, the sweetest and profoundest of
all subjects,

the

Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.

collectively contain

The hymns taken

an admirable sum'
'

The mary of the Catholic doctrine of the Holy Eucharist. Lauda Sion," says Archbishop Bagshawe, is in itself "a condensed compendium of exact theology" (Breviary
173

PROPER OF THE SEASON

Missal Sequences, Preface). Several of the clear-cut, doctrinal statements that are found in the Lauda Sion occur again and again in the other hymns. To obviate
repetitions in the Notes,

Hymns and

and

to afford additional aids to

the proper understanding of the hymns, the following doctrinal statements from authoritative sources may be found useful 1. "It has always been believed in the Church of God that immediately after the consecration, the true Body of Our Lord and His true Blood exist under the species of bread and wine, together with His Soul and Divinity: the Body under the species of bread, and the Blood under the species of wine, by force of the words; but the Body under the species of wine, and the Blood under the species of bread, and the Soul under both by force of the natural connection and concomitance by which the parts of the Lord Christ, who rose from the dead to die no more, are linked together and the Divinity by reason of Its admirable Hypostatic Union with the Body and Soul. Wherefore it is most true that there is as much contained under either species as under both, for Christ exists whole and entire under the species of bread, and under every part of the species, whole too and entire under the species of wine and under its parts" (Council of Trent, Sess. 13, Ch. 3. Quoted from the Outlines of Dogmatic Theology, by Father Hunter, S.J. Vol. 3, p. 258). 2. The following is from the Profession of Faith of Pope Pius IV, which was drawn up shortly after the conclusion of the Council of Trent: "I profess that in the most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist, there is truly, really, and substantially, the Body and Blood, together with the Soul and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that there is made a conversion of the whole substance of the bread into the Body, and of the whole substance of the wine into the Blood which conversion the Catholic Church

....

Transubstantiation. I also confess, that under either kind alone, Christ is received whole and entire, and a true Sacrament" (From Father Devine's The Creed Explained,
calls

p. 55).
3.

"Since the species of bread and wine are not the

174

CORPUS CHRISTI
proper, but only the assumed species of the Body and Blood of Christ, what is done to the species cannot therefore be said to be done to the Body and Blood of Christ itself. If, for instance, the former are divided or broken, the Body of Christ is not thereby divided or broken. But as the Body of Christ exists permanently under the species, and is really present wherever the species are, it is actually borne from place to place, as are the species. We may rightly say, however, that the Sacrament is broken {fracto demum sacramento) for the species are an essential part of the Sacrament" (Father Winner's Handbook of the Christian Religion, p. 334). 4. "Every day the Eucharistic mysteries place Our Lord in a state analogous to that which He took upon Himself in The Eucharistic species subsist inthe Incarnation. dependently of their proper substance, as the human nature of the Word Incarnate subsisted independently of His natural personality. Not without reason does the Church, in her offices and Eucharistic hymns, constantly bring these two mysteries together, the Incarnation and Transubstantiation" (From The Eucharistic Life of Christ, in Father Matthew Russell's Jesus Is Waiting, p. The following paragraph expresses briefly and 87). authoritatively the teaching of the Church concerning the Incarnation and the Person of Christ. 5. "But it is also necessary for eternal salvation, that he also believe faithfully the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Now the right faith is, that we believe and confess, that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is both God and man. He is God of the substance of His Father, begotten before the world; and He is man of the substance of His Mother, born in the world. Perfect God and perfect man
; .

of rational soul

and human

flesh subsisting.

Equal

to the

Father according to His Divinity; less than the Father according to His humanity. Who, although He is both God and man, yet He is not two, but one Christ. One, not by the conversion of the Godhead into flesh, but by the assuming of human nature unto God. One altogether, not by confusion of substance, but by unity of person. For as the rational soul and the body constitutes one man, so God and
175

PROPER OF THE SEASON

one Christ" (From the Creed of St. Athanasius) Such was the Christ who was born for us at Bethlehem; the Good Shepherd who sought out the lost sheep of the house of Israel; the great High Priest who gave Himself to His disciples with His own hands at the Last Supper; and who as Priest and Victim offered Himself on Calvary, and daily offers Himself on countless altars from the rising
is
.

man

the setting of the sun. 6. " Christ is entirely present under each species and under each particle of either species. Christ is entirely present with His flesh and blood, His body and soul, His manhood and Godhead under each species. Christ gave His disciples the same body that He possessed, and on our altars bread is changed into the same body which is now glorified in heaven for the words This is body, would not be true, unless the bread were changed into the living body of Christ as it now exists. So, too, the wine is changed into the blood of the living Christ. But where the body of the living Christ is there is also His blood, and His soul, and divinity; and where His blood is there is also His body, soul, and divinity the entire Christ." " Christ is wholly present in each particle of either species so that he who receives one particle of the host receives the whole Christ" (Winner's Handbook, p. 334). 7. The parallel passages in the Scriptures referring directly to the Institution of the Holy Eucharist are the following: St. Matt. 26, 26-28; St. Mark 14, 22-24; St. Luke The following is from 22, 19-20; St. Paul I Cor. 11, 23-25. St. Luke: "And taking bread, he gave thanks, and broke,
till

My

body which is given for you. Do this for a commemoration of me. In like manner the chalice also, after he had supped, saying: This is the chalice, the new testament in my blood, which shall be shed for you." See also the words of promise (St. John 6, 48-59) which were uttered by Our Lord about one year before the institution of the Holy Eucharist. 8. Types: By types, in the Scriptures, are meant such persons and things in the Old Law as prefigured persons and things in the New. The Old Law itself and the various sacrifices it prescribed were but the types or shadows, not
to them, saying: This is
176

and gave

my

QakitudoDtui
CipTetffrieOa

pDmftbrtiafunttiidl
et imicfn^abiic? uicj

OmrjRutcfccoJUia^

ftrfancfamntoaliptndnii,
&iinita0:csrffrbimiira(fa

ftutairtqiflspriocOi

ctrdnburtiurcirOI
cu>cnfectprniiipblii

ntiiobilhrmiftiicprdjafua.

niaitpitHinor

%^|jnraPtt 0f6.
4

abjrfewtffatefuBC^cn

nnsmonrfrfenmrnnr

YitiiiOmm&a
tarn*.
i

ftfrrttrnifirmiinn?'^^. m4Kimnnnr0nIrtlin

#amnipDftnr.nm^|

Missale Einsiedlense i6//j Century, 180 pages {Codex Photo-reproduction from the original in Msc. 10 r 4). the Abbey of Maria Einsiedeln shows "Initium Introilus SS. Triniiatis." The miniature of the Holy Trinity done in strikingly rich colors and sst within an initial which is carried out in gold all ajiinst a highly decorative red and blue background in connection with the appropriately ornate, yet legible, text emphasizes the beauty and perfection of the illuminator s art at that
time.

CORPUS CHRISTI
the reality, of future good things promised (cf. Heb. 10, 1-19). The principal types mentioned in the hymns are:

The Paschal Lamb (Exod. 12). The Paschal Lamb is the most expressive type or figure of Christ mentioned in the Old Testament. It was slain the day before the Passover it was to be without blemish it was to be offered to God and then eaten; not a bone of it was to be broken;
(a)
;
;

blood sprinkled on the door-posts of the Israelites preserved them from temporal death, as Christ's Blood shed on the Cross preserves us from eternal death. It might also be noted that a lamb is remarkable for its gentleness; it submits to unmerited suffering without complaint (Is. 53, 7; Acts 8, 32) in the Old Law it was slain for sins not its own Christ is the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins
its
; ;

of the world (cf. John 1, 29-36) He is the Lamb which slain from the beginning of the world (Apoc. 13, 8), in the foreknowledge of God.
;

was
i.e.,

Manna was the miraculous 16). bread of the Israelites during their forty years' sojourn in the desert it came down from heaven every morning, and it was consumed in the morning; it was small and white; and such was its nature that " neither had he more that had gathered more, nor did he find less that had provided less (Exod. 16, 18). (c) Isaac (Gen. 22). Isaac was a type of Christ in that he was the well beloved and only-begotten son of his father Abraham; He carried on his shoulders the wood on which he was to be sacrificed; he was an obedient and willing victim; his life, as recorded in Gen. 15-35, pictures him as pre-eminently a man of peace, whose willing sacrifice on Mount Moria was typical of the greater Sacrifice on Mount
(b)

Manna: (Exod.
;

'

Calvary.
(d)

Azymes (Exod.

12-13).

The azyme-bread was un-

leavened bread prescribed by the Mosaic Law for the Feast of the Passover. There was also a Feast of the Azymes (of the Unleavened Bread) which continued for seven days. The Azymes and Passover were practically one and the same feast. Unleavened bread is a type of sincerity, truth, moral integrity, exemption from the corrupting leaven of
sin, etc. (cf. I

Cor.

5, 8).

177

PROPER OF THE SEASON

In the Cath. Encycl., read the following articles: Corpus Christi; Eucharist; Pasch; Supper, Last; Azymes; Lamb, Paschal; Manna; Isaac; Types in Scripture; and the beginning of each of the two articles on Host. The same work contains seven articles on the hymns of These articles, listed under the following St. Thomas. titles, are from the pen of the eminent hymnologist, the Rt. Rev. Monsignor H. T. Henry, Litt.D. Lauda Sion, Adoro Te Devote, Sacris Solemniis, Pange Lingua, Tantum Ergo, Salutaris. Monsignor Henry's Verbum Supemum, and Eucharistica contains translations of all these hymns and devotes to them more than thirty pages of comment.
9.
:

75

Lauda Sion Salvatorem

Sion Salvatorem, Lauda ducem et pastorem,

LAUDA
Quantum

PRAISE,
Saviour,

Sion,

praise

thy

In hymnis et canticis.
potes, tantum aude: Quia major omni laude,

Shepherd, Prince, with glad behavior, Praise in hymn and canticle: Sing His glory without measure, For the merit of your Treasure Never shall your praises fill.

Nee laudare

sufficis.

Laudis thema specialis, Panis vivus et vitalis

Wondrous theme
ing,

of mortal sing-

Hodie proponitur. Quern in sacrae mensa

Living
coenas

Bread
bringing,

and

Bread

life-

Turbae fratrum duodena; Datum non ambigitur.

Sing we on this joyful day:

At the Lord's own table given To the twelve as Bread from Heaven, Doubting not we firmly say.
Sing
voice with praise His sonorous; Every heart shall hear the chorus Swell in melody sublime: For this day the Shepherd gave us Flesh and Blood to feed and save
us,

Sit laus plena, sit sonora,

Sit jucunda, sit decora,

Mentis jubilatio. Dies enim solemnis agitur, In qua mensae prima recolitur

Hujus

institutio.

Lasting to the end of time.

178

CORPUS CHRISTI
*

In hac

Novum Pascha

Regis, novae legis, Phase vetus terminat.

mensa novi

At the new King's sacred table, The new Law's new Pasch is able

Vetustatem novitas,

To succeed the ancient Rite: Old to new its place hath given,
Truth has far the shadows driven, Darkness flees before the Light.

Umbram
5

fugat Veritas, Noctem lux eliminat.

in coena Christus gessit,

Quod

And
"Do

as

He
it

hath done and planned

Faciendum hoc expressit In sui memoriam.

Docti sacris
institutis,

this"

hear
it,

His

love

com-

mand
Learned,

Panem, vinum in salutis Consecramus hostiam.

"For a memory of me."

Lord,
in

Thy

own

science,

Bread and wine, in sweet compliance,

As a Host we
6

offer Thee.

Dogma
Quod
in

datur Christianis,

Thus

carnem transit panis, Et vinum in sanguinem. Quod non capis, quod non vides, Animosa firmat fides, Praeter rerum ordinem.

Christian in faith the heareth: That Christ's Flesh as bread appeareth, And as wine His Precious

Blood:

Though we

not nor see it, Living Faith that doth decree it All defects of sense makes good.
feel
it
7

Sub

diversis speciebus,

Lo! beneath the species dual

(Signs not things),
is

Signis tantum, et non rebus, Latent res eximiae. Caro cibus, sanguis potus: Manet tamen Christus totus,

hid a jewel

Far beyond creation's reach! Though His Flesh as food

abideth,

Sub utraque

specie.

And

His

Blood

as

drink

He

hideth

Undivided under each.

8

sumente non concisus,

confractus, non divisus: Integer accipitur.

Whoso

Non

eateth It can never Break the Body, rend or sever;

Christ

entire

our hearts

doth

Sumit unus, sumunt mille: Quantum isti, tantum ille: Nee sumptus consumitur.

fill:

Thousands eat the Bread of Heaven, Yet as much to one is given: Christ, though eaten, bideth
still.

179

PROPER OF THE SEASON

r

Sumunt
Vitae,

boni, suraunt mali:

inaequali,

Sorte tamen

Good and bad, they come Him:

Unto
life

to greet

vel interitus.

Mors

est malis, vita bonis:

Vide paris sumptionis,

the former eat Him, the latter unto death; These find death and those find

And

Quam

sit

dispar exitus.
See,

heaven

from the same

How
10

life-seed given, harvest differeth! the

Fracto

demum Sacramento
memento,

When

at last the

Bread

Ne

vacilles, sed

Doubt not what the

spoken

broken. Lord hath

is

Tantum esse sub fragmento, Quantum toto tegitur.

Nulla
rei
fit

scissura:
fit

In each part the same love-token, The same Christ, our hearts

Signi tantum

Qua

fractura: nee status, nee statura

adore:

Signati minuitur.

For no power the Thing divideth 'Tis the symbols He provideth, While the Saviour still abideth Undiminished as before.
Hail, angelic Bread of Heaven, Now the pilgrim's hoping-leaven, Yea, the Bread to children given

11

Ecce panis angelorum, Factus cibus viatorum: Vere panis filiorum, Non mittendus canibus.
In figuris praesignatur, Cum Isaac immolatur: Agnus Paschae deputatur: Datur manna patribus.

dogs must not thrown In the figures contemplated, 'Twas with Isaac immolated,

That

to

be

By

the Lamb 'twas antedated, In the Manna it was known.

12

Bone Pastor, panis

Jesu,

vcre,

O Good

nostri miserere:

Shepherd, still confessing Love, in spite of our transgress-

Tu nos pasce, nos tuere: Tu nos bona fac videre

In terra viventium.

ing
Here Thy blessed Food possessing, Make us share Thine every blesslife and love: power hath all comThou, whose

Tu

qui cuncta scis

et vales:

Qui nos pascis hie mortalcs: Tuos ibi commensales,

Cohaeredes
et

ing In the land of

pleted

sodales
civiurn.

Fac sanctorum

And Thy
Make us, By Thy
In

Flesh meted,
at

as

Food hath

Thy

Saints,

table seated, as friends

be

greeted,

Thy

paradise above.

See

" Preliminary

Observation"
180

above.

Meter

CORPUS CHRISTI
Trochaic dimeter, in great part. Translation by Monsignor Henry. There are about twenty translations, two of which are in the Annus Sanctus. Liturgical Use: Sequence for the Feast of Corpus Christi, and throughout the octave. 1. "Praise, Sion, thy Saviour, praise thy Leader and thy Shepherd in hymns and canticles. As much as thou canst, so much darest thou, for He is above all praise, nor art thou able to praise Him enough." Sion: the faithful, the Church, see Glossary. Major: Benedicentes Dominum, exaltate ilium quantum potestis major enim est omni laude
:

Ecclus. 43, 32-34). 2. "To-day there is given us a special theme of praise, the Bread both living and life-giving, which, it is not to be doubted, was given to the assembly of the brethren, twelve in number, at the table of the holy Supper. Quern datum esse. For duodena see denus in the Glossary. 3. "Let our praise be full and sounding; let the jubilations of the soul be joyous and becoming; for that solemn day is now being celebrated, on which is commemorated the first institution of this table." Mensce, table, the Holy Eucharist.
(cf.
' '

....

the new Pasch of the New Law puts an end to the ancient Pasch. The new supplants the old, truth puts to flight the shadow, day banishes night." Pascha: the Pasch, Passover (cf. Exod. 12-13). Phase: This is another form of Pascha and has the same meaning (cf. Exod. 12, 21; 34, 25; Num. 9, 4). The English word Phase occurs only in the Douay Bible. The expressions "The new supplants the old," etc., refer to the institution of the New Sacrifice foretold by Malachias (1, 10-11), of which the sacrifices of the Old Law were but shadows, types, and figures. 5. "What Christ did at that Supper, the same He commanded to be done in remembrance of Him. Taught by His sacred precepts, we consecrate bread and wine into the Victim of salvation." 6. "This is the dogma given to Christians, that bread is changed into Flesh and wine into Blood. What thou dost not understand, what thou dost not see, a lively faith confirms in a supernatural manner." Prater rerum ordinem:
4.

"At

this table of the

new King,

181

PROPER OF THE SEASON

In an extraordinary manner, transcending the evidences of
the senses
7.

and of the

intellect.

" Under different species (different) in externals (signis) only, and not in reality {rebus), wondrous substances lie hidden. Flesh is food, Blood is drink nevertheless Christ remains entire under each species." The species of bread and wine differ in their external appearances, in taste, color, form, etc., but under each species there is one and the same divine substance, "Christus
:

totus."
the recipient the whole (Christ) is received; He is neither cut, broken, nor divided. One receives Him; a thousand receive Him as much as the thousand receive, so much does the one receive; though eaten He is not diminished. ' 9. "The good receive Him, the bad receive Him, but with what unequal consequences of life or death. It is death to the unworthy, life to the worthy: behold then of a like reception, how unlike may be the result!" 10. "When the Sacrament is broken, doubt not, but remember, that there is just as much hidden in a fragment, as there is in the whole. There is no division of the substance, only a breaking of the species takes place, by which neither the state nor stature of the substance signified is diminished. ' 11. "Lo, the Bread of Angels is made the food of earthly pilgrims: truly it is the Bread of children, let it not be cast to dogs. It was prefigured in types, when Isaac was immolated, when the Paschal Lamb was sacrificed, when Manna was given to the fathers. " Filiorum canibus: The children are the worthy; the dogs are the unworthy. Non est bonum sumere panem filiorum et mittere canibus (Matt. 15, 26). These words were addressed by Our Lord to the Chanaanite woman; the children alluded to by Christ are the Jews, the seed of Abraham; the dogs are the Gentiles who were so designated on account of their idolatry and other sinful practices. 12. "0 Good Shepherd, True Bread, Jesus, have mercy on us feed us and protect us make us see good things in the land of the living. Thou who knowest all things and
8.
:

"By

....

182

CORPUS CHRISTI
canst do there be
all things,

who here

feedest ns mortals,

make us

guests, the co-heirs, and heavenly citizens." Terra viventium:

Thy

companions of the Credo videre bona

Domini
76

in terra viventium (Ps. 26, 13).

Pange Lingua

PANGE

lingua gloriosi Corporis mysterium, Sanguinisque pretiosi, Quern in mundi pretium Fructus ventris generosi Rex effudit Gentium.

CING, my

tongue, the Saviour's

glory,

Of His Flesh the mystery sing; Of the Blood, all price exceeding, Shed by our immortal King,
Destined, for the world's redemption,

From
2

a noble

womb

to spring.

Nobis datus, nobis natus

Ex

intacta Virgine,

Et in mundo conversatus, Sparso verbi semine, Sui moras incolatus

a pure and spotless Virgin Born for us on earth below, He, as Man, with man conversing,

Of

Stayed,

the

seeds

of

truth

to

sow;

Miro

clausit ordine.

Then He closed in solemn order Wondrously His life of woe.

In supremae nocte ccenae, Recumbens cum fratribus bservata lege plene Cibis in legalibus,

On the night of that Last Supper Seated with His chosen band, He, the Paschal victim eating,
First fulfills the

Law's command:

Cibum

turbae duodenee

Then

as

Food

to all His brethren

Se dat suis manibus.

4

Gives Himself with His

own hand.

Verbum

caro,

panem verum
efficit:

Word made
nature

Flesh, the bread of

Verbo carnem

Fitque sanguis Christi merum, Et si sensus deficit, Ad firmandum cor sincerum Sola fides sumcit.

By His word to Flesh He turns; Wine into His Blood He changes: What though sense no change
discerns? Only be the heart in earnest, Faith her lesson quickly learns.

Tantum ergo Sacramentum Veneremur cernui: Et antiquum documentum Novo cedat ritui:
Praestet fides

Down
Newer

in adoration falling,

Lo! the sacred Host we hail; Lo! o'er ancient forms departing,
rites of grace prevail; Faith for all defects supplying, Where the feeble senses fail.

supplementum

Sensuum

defectui.

183

PROPER OF THE SEASON

1

Genitori, Genitoque

To
quoque

Laus

et jubilatio,

the everlasting Father, And the Son who reigns on high,

Salus, honor, virtus

Sit et benedictio:

Procedenti ab utroque

Compar

sit

laudatio.

Holy Ghost proceeding Forth from Each eternally, Be salvation, honor, blessing, Might, and endless majesty. With
the

Meter: above. See "Preliminary Observations" Trochaic tetrameter. Translation by Father Caswall. There are about twenty-five translations, eight of which Liturgical Use: are in Mr. Shipley's Annus Sanctus. Vespers hymn on the Feast of Corpus Christi the Tcmtum Ergo and doxology are sung during Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. It is used also as a processional hymn on Holy Thursday, Corpus Christi, and during the Forty Hours' Adoration.
:

The Pange Lingua

is

pre-eminently the

Blessed Sacrament. It is the most "This hymn," says Eucharistic hymns of St. Thomas. Dr. Neale, "contests the second place among those of the Western Church with the Vexilla Regis, the Stabat Mater,

of the Most beautiful of the great

hymn

the Jesu dulcis memoria, the Ad regias Agni dapes, the Ad Supemam, and one or two others, leaving the Dies Irce in It has been a bow of Ulysses to its unapproachable glory. The Pange translators" (Medieval Hymns, p. 179). Lingua of St. Thomas is, according to Dr. Julian "One of the finest of medieval Latin hymns a wonderful union of sweetness of melody with clear-cut dogmatic teaching" (Diet, of Eymnology, p. 878). With the addition of rhyme, St. Thomas imitates in this beautiful hymn the Pange

Lingua of Fortunatus.
Sing, my tongue, the mystery of the glorious Body and of the precious Blood, which the King of the Gentiles, the fruit of a noble womb, shed for the redemp' tion of the world. 2. "Given to us, and born for us of a stainless Virgin, He dwelt on earth sowing the seed of the word, and closed in a wondrous manner the days of His earthly sojourning." Nobis datus: Parvulus enim natus est nobis et filius datus et vocabitur nomen ejus, Admirabilis, Conest nobis siliarius, Deus Fortis, Pater futuri sseculi, Princeps pacis
1.
' ' .
.

184

CORPUS CHRISTI
(Is. 9, 6).

Spar so verbi semine: Our Lord

is

the sower in

the beautiful ''Parable of the Sower" (Matt. 13; Mark 4; Luke 8) ; the seed is the good tidings of the kingdom of God, which Christ came on earth to sow in the hearts of men. Miro clausit or dine; What this " wondrous manner" was is explained in the next two stanzas. On the night of the Last Supper, reclining with His 3. brethren the Law having been fully complied with in regard to legal meats with His own hands, He gives HimTurbce duodence, self as Food to the assembled twelve." to the assembly twelve in number. For duodence, see denus
' *

Exod. 12, 3-11). 4. "The Word-made-Flesh changes by His word true bread into His Flesh; and wine becomes the Blood of Christ and if the intellect does not grasp this, faith alone This stanza, on suffices to make sure the sincere heart."
in the Glossary.

Cibis in legations

(cf.

account of the many verbal and real antitheses it contains, has been "the great crux of the translator" (Neale). In the article on the Pange Lingua in the Cath. Encycl. there are seven translations of this stanza and much interesting comment. Verbum caro: the Incarnate Word, the God-

Man, the Word-made-Flesh (cf. John 1, 1-14). 5. "Let us therefore, prostrate, adore so great a Sacrament, and let the Old Law give way to the New Ordinance Et let faith supplement the weakness of the senses." antiquum .... ritui: and let the Old Law (with its typic sacrifices and Paschal Lamb) give way to the New Rite (in which the Lamb of God is sacrificed). Cernui, adj., prostrate, profoundly bowed; with deep humility. 6. "To the Father and to the Son be praise, glory, salvation, honor, power, and benediction also and to Him proceeding from Them both be equal praise.
!

'

77

Sacris solemniis juncta sint gaudia

solemniis
juncta
sint

SACRIS
Et
ex

A T

this

our solemn Feast,

gaudia,
praecordiis

**
sonent
praj-

conia;

Let holy joys abound, And from the inmost breast Let songs of praise resound; Let ancient rites depart,

185

PROPER OF THE SEASON

Recedant Vetera, nova sint omnia, Corda, voces, et opera.
2

And

all

be new around,

In ev'ry act and voice and heart.

Noctis recolitur coena novissima, Qua Christus creditur agnum et

azyma
Dedisse fratribus, juxta legitima Priscis indulta patribus.

Remember we that eve, When, the Last Supper spread, Christ, as we all believe, The lamb, with leavenless bread,

Among His brethren shared, And thus the Law obeyed,

Of old unto
their sires declared.

Post

agnum
epulis,

typicum,

expletis
dis-

Corpus Dominicum datum

cipulis,

Sic totum omnibus,

singulis,

quod totum

Ejus fatemur manibus.

The typic lamb consumed, The legal Feast complete, The Lord unto the Twelve His Body gave to eat; The whole to all, no less The whole to each, did mete With His own hands, as
confess.

we

Dedit fragilibus corporis ferculum, Dedit et tristibus sanguinis poculum, quod trado Dicens: accipite vasculum, Omnes ex eo bibite.
Sic sacrificium istud instituit,

gave them, weak and frail, His Flesh, their food to be; On them, downcast and sad, His Blood bestowed He:

He

And

thus to them
all

He

spake,

"Receive this

Cup from Me,

And
To

of you of this partake."

So He
sic

this Sacrifice

Cujus officium committi voluit quibus Solis presbyteris,

congruit,

institute

did will,

And

Ut sumant,

et

dent ceteris.

charged His priests alone That office to fulfil: In them He did confide:

To whom pertaineth still To take, and to the rest divide.

6

Panis angelicus

fit

panis homi-

num;
Dat panis
ccelicus figuris termi-

num:
res mirabilis,

manducat Domiet

num
Pauper, servus,
7

humilis.

Thus Angels' Bread is made The Bread of man to-day: The Living Bread from Heaven With figures doth away: wondrous gift indeed! The poor and lowly may Upon their Lord and Master feed.
Triune Deity,

Te

trina Deitas unaque poscimus, Sic nos tu visita, sicut te coli-

mus:

To Thee we meekly pray, So mayst Thou visit us,

186

CORPUS CHRISTI
Per tuas

Ad

semitas due nos tendimus, lucem, quam inhabitas.

quo

As we our homage pay; And in Thy footsteps bright Conduct us on our way To where Thou dwell'st in cloudless light.

See "Preliminary Observations" above. Meter: Asclepiadic and Glyconic. Translation", a cento based on the translation by J. D. Chambers. There are about fifteen translations, two of which are in the Annus Sanctus. Liturgical Use: Matins hymn for the Feast of Corpus Christi. The meter imitates the classical meter of Horace, but like all the hymns of St. Thomas, it is purely accentual. On account of the rhyme, the Asclepiadic lines may be
conveniently divided at the CEesura. 1. "With this sacred solemnity let our joys be blended, and from our inmost heart let praises resound; let old things depart, let all be new hearts, words, and works." Vetera: the olden rites, the Pasch and its attendant ceremonies; or, sin, sinful habits, the leaven of malice and wickedness (I Cor. 5, 7-8). Nova: let all things be new, or renewed by the grace of God. 2. "Of that night, the Last Supper is recalled to mind, at which we believe that Christ gave the lamb and the leavenless bread to His brethren, according to the legal precepts given to the ancient fathers." (cf. Exod. 12-13.) 3. "After the typic lamb, and when the meal was ended, we profess that Our Lord, with His own hands, gave His Body to His brethren; He so gave It that the whole was given to all, and the whole to each." Totum (sc. corpus). 4. "He gave to the weak His Body as food, and He gave to the sad the cup of His Blood, saying: Receive ye the cup which I give to you, drink ye all of it." 5. "Thus He instituted this Sacrifice (Sacrament) the administration of which He willed should be entrusted to priests alone, whom it thus behooves to receive it themselves, and to give it to others." 6. "The Bread of Angels becomes the Bread of men; wondrous the Bread of Heaven puts an end to types; thing, the poor, the servant, and the lowly, eat their Lord Panis angelicus and panis coelicus are Scriptural allusions

'

187

PROPER OF THE SEASON

was a type of the Manna of the New Law. Et pluit illis manna ad manducandum, et panem Panem angelorum manducavit homo: dedit eis. cceli
to the

manna

of old, which

cibaria misit eis in abundantia (Ps. 77, 24-25). 7. "0 triune Deity, we beseech Thee, that Thou visit us, as we adore Thee lead us by Thy ways, whither we direct our steps, to the light wherein Thou dost dwell.
;
'

78

Verbum supernum
supernum prodiens,
linmifins linquens

prodiens
Heav'nly
forth. forth,

VERBUM
Nec
Np.c.

HPHE
--

Word

proceeding

Patris

dexte-

ram, opus suum exiens, Venit ad vitae vesperam.

Ad

And Had

Yet leaving not the Father's side, going to His work on earth reached at length life's
eventide.

a discipulo Suis tradendus aemulis, Prius in vitae ferculo In

mortem

By false disciple to be given To foemen for His Blood athirst,

Himself, the Living Bread from

Se tradidit discipulis.

He
Quibus sub bina specie Carnem dedit et sanguinem; Ut duplicis substantias Totum cibaret hominem.

Heaven, gave to His disciples

first.

To them He
In
love's

gave, in two-fold kind,

His very Flesh, His very Blood:

own

fulness

thus

de-

signed

Of
4

the whole

man

to be the food.

Se nascens Convescens Se moriens Se regnans

dedit socium,
in edulium,
in pretium, dat in praemium.

By birth, our fellow-man was He; Our meat, while sitting at the
board;

He He

died, our

ransomer to be; ever reigns, our great reward.

salutaris hostia,

Quae

coeli

pandis ostium,

Bella premunt hostilia, Da robur, fer auxilium.

saving Victim, opening wide gate of heaven to man below, foes press on from every side, Thine aid supply, Thy strength bestow.

The Our

Uni trinoque Domino,

sempiterna gloria: Qui vitam sine termino Nobis donet in patria.
Sit

To Thy

great

Name

be endless
in

praise,

Immortal Godhead, One

Three; grant us endless length of days In our true native land, with Thee.
188

CORPUS CHRISTI
Meter: See the "Preliminary Observations" above. Iambic dimeter. Translation by J. M. Neale the last two stanzas by Father Caswall. There are about twenty-five translations, four of which are in the Annus Scmctus. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Lauds on the Feast of Corpus Christi. The Salutaris is familiar from its frequent use in Benediction. In this beautiful hymn St. Thomas imitates the hymn Verbum Supernum, No. 36. The fourth stanza is an admirable example of perfect form and condensed meaning. It so pleased Rousseau that he would have given all his poetry to be its author. 1. "The Heavenly Word going forth, yet not leaving the right hand of His Father, went forth to His allotted work, and arrived at the evening of His life." Verbum: the Word, the Eternal Son of the Father (cf. John 1, 1-14). Dexter am: the place of honor and dignity; by the incarnation Christ did not relinquish this. Opus: Christ said: Me oportet operari opera ejus qui misit me, etc. (John 9, 4). 2. "When about to be delivered over to His enemies, by a disciple, to be put to death, He first gave Himself to His disciples as the Bread of Life." 3. "To them He gave His Flesh and His Blood under a twofold species, that He might wholly feed man, who is of a twofold nature." The Holy Eucharist is primarily the food of the soul; but on account of the intimate union of the body and soul, what promotes the health and vigor of the soul, by a sort of redundancy augments the powers of the body. The Holy Eucharist is a figure of that bread which Elias ate, "and walked in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights" (cf. Ill Kings 19, 6-8). 4. "By being born, He gave Himself to us as our companion; at the table, He gave Himself as our food; dying He gave Himself as our ransom; now reigning in glory He gives Himself as our reward." Se nascens, by His incarnation. Convescens (convescor), while eating with His apostles at the Last Supper, He gave, etc. Se moriens, when dying on the Cross, He gave, etc. 5. "0 Saving Victim, that openest the gate of heaven; hostile attacks oppress us, give us strength, bring us aid." Eostia, victim, host, sacrifice. According to St. Paul,
;

189

PROPER OF THE SEASON

Christ "delivered Himself for us, an oblation and a sacrifice (hostiam) to God for an odor of sweetness" (Eph. 5, 2; Rom. 12, 1). Bella: hostile assaults of the world, the Militia est vita hominis super flesh, and the devil.

terram (Job 7, 1). 6. "Eternal glory be to the Triune God, who giveth us life without end in our native land above.
'

79

Adoro
te

te devote, latens

Deltas
God, devoutly
I

ADORO
Deitas,

devote,

latens

TJIDDEN
-*--*

adore
these

Quae sub his figuris vere latitas: Tibi se cor meum totum subjicit, Quia te contemplans, totum deficit.

Truly
All

Thee, present
veils:

underneath

heart subdues itself before Thee, Since it all before Thee faints and
fails.

my

Visus, tactus, gustus in te fallitur,

Not

to sight, or taste, or touch be

credit,

Sed auditu solo tuto creditur. Credo quidquid dixit Dei Filius, Nil hoc verbo veritatis verius.

Hearing only do we
I

trust secure;

believe,

Word
3

for God the Son hath said it of Truth that ever shall endure.

In cruce latebat sola Deitas,

On

the

Cross

was

veiled
lieth

Thy

At hie

Ambo

humanitas: tamen credens, atque conlatet

simul

et

Godhead's splendor,

Here Thy Manhood

too

hidden

fitens,

Peto quod petivit latro pcenitens.

Unto both alike my faith I render, And, as sued the contrite thief, I
sue.

Plagas, sicut tueor:

Thomas, non

in-

Though
Thee,

Fac

Deum tamen meum te confiteor. me tibi semper magis eredere,

look not on Thy wounds with Thomas, my Lord, and Thee, my

I

God,

call:

In te

spem habere,

te diligere.

Make me more and more believe Thy promise, Hope in Thee, and love Thee over
all.

190

CORPUS CHRISTI
5

memoriale mortis Domini, Panis vivus vitam praestans homini,

Prassta meae menti de te vivere,

Memorial of My Saviour dying, Living Bread, that givest life to

man;

May my
Taste

soul, its life

from Thee

Et

te illi

semper dulce sapere.

supplying,

Thy
it

sweetness, as on earth

can.
Jesus, Pelican of heaven,

Me immundum munda
Totum mundum
scelere.
7

Pie pellicane Jesu Domine, tuo sanguine: Cujus una stilla salvum facere
quit

Deign,

Me, a

sinner, in

Thy Blood

to lave,

To a single drop of which is given All the world from all its sin to
save.

ab

omni

Jesu, quern velatum

nunc aspicio : Oro fiat illud, quod tarn sitio: Ut te revelata cernens facie,
tuae gloria;.

Contemplating, Lord, Thy hidden

presence,

Grant

me what

thirst

for and

Visu sim beatus

implore, In the revelation of Thine essence To behold Thy glory evermore.

" Preliminary Observations" above. See Meter: Trochaic trimeter, catalectic. The first line has a syllable of anacrusis, i.e., an upward beat before beginning the regular meter. Translation by Justice John O'Hagan. There are about twenty-five translations. The Adoro Te Devote is found in the "Thanksgiving after Mass" in the front part of the Missal. A part of it is frequently sung in Benediction. It is an excellent example of rhymed prayer expressed in the simplest language. L "I devoutly adore Thee, hidden Deity, who truly liest hidden under these figures. My whole heart subjects itself to Thee, for it finds itself wholly lost in contemplating Thee." 2. "Sight, touch, and taste are each deceived in Thee, but by hearing only can we safely believe I believe whatever the Son of God hath said; nothing can be more true than this word of Him who is the Truth." Veritas: Ego sum via, et Veritas, et vita (John 14, 6). Christ is the
:

source and fountain of all truth. 3. "On the Cross was hidden Thy Divinity alone, but here Thy Humanity also lies concealed; nevertheless be191

PROPER OF THE SEASON

and confessing both, I pray for what the penitent thief did pray." Petivit latro pcenitens: Et dicebat ad Jesum Domine, memento mei, cum veneris in regimm tunm (Luke 23, 42).
lieving
:

4.

"Thy Wounds,

hope in Thee, and love Thee." Plagas sicut Thomas: (cf. John 20, 27-28). 5. "0 Memorial of the Lord's death, Living Bread that givest life to man grant to my soul ever to live on Thee, and that Thou mayest ever taste sweet to it." Mi (sc.
:

confess Thee to believe in Thee, put

Thomas did, yet do I be my God make me ever more and more

I do not see, as
:

my

menti )
loving Pelican, Jesus Lord, cleanse me, unclean, in Thy Blood, one drop of which hath power to save the whole world from all its sin." Pie pelicane: The pelican is a symbol of Christ and of charity. There is a legend that when food fails, the pelican feeds her young with her own blood. When she is thus represented in Christian art, she is said to be "in her piety," i. e., standing over her nest with her wings extended, and wounding her breast from
6.

"0

which
7.

fall

drops of blood.

Jesus, seech Thee that

"0

Thou whom veiled I now behold, I what I so thirst for may happen that
:

be-

be-

holding Thee with

happy

in the

Thy countenance unveiled, vision of Thy glory." See the

and on Heaven,
esp.

may

be

articles

on

Beatific Vision,

Part

III, in the Cath.

Encycl.

80

Ave verum Corpus natum

verum Corpus natum De Maria Virgine,

AVE

HAIL,
Of

true Body, truly born

the Virgin

Mary

mild,

Vere passum, iramolatum In cruce pro homine, Cujus latus perforatum

Truly offered, racked and torn,

On the Cross, for man defiled, From whose love-pierced, sacred

side

Unda fluxit et sanguine, Esto nobis praegustatum Mortis in examine. clemens, pie,
dulcis Jesu, Fili

Flowed Thy true Blood's saving

tide:

Be a
eg.

foretaste sweet to

me

Mar

In

my

death's great agony, Thou loving, gentle One,

Sweetest Jesus, Mary's Son,

192

CORPUS CHRISTI
Author: Probably by Pope Innocent VI
Meter: Trochaic tetrameter Father Edward F. Garesche,
tions.
(d.

1362).

catalectic.

Translation by

This beautiful little Elevation of the Host in Breviary or Missal. The Latin texts differ slightly. 1. "Hail, true Body, born of the Virgin Mary, which truly suffered and was immolated on the Cross for man; whose pierced side streamed with Water and with Blood. Be Thou to us a foretaste (of heaven) when we are in the sweet Jesus, Son loving, clement, agony of death.
of Mary.
'

There are ten translahymn was formerly sung at the Mass. It is not found in the
S.J.

81

Anima
Christi, sanctifica

Christi

ANIMA

me. Corpus Christi, salva me. Sanguis Christi, inebria me. Aqua lateris Christi, lava me. Passio Christi, conforta me. bone Jesu, exaudi me. Intra tua vulnera absconde me. Ne permittas me separari a te. Ab hoste maligno defende me. In hora mortis meae voca me. Et jube me venire ad te.

SANCTIFY me
Be

wholly, Soul of

my

Christ adored; sure Salvation,

Body

of the

Lord:
Fill

and

satisfy

me,

Thou Blood
the

unpriced

Wash me, Sacred Water, from

side of Christ.

Passion

of

my

Saviour,

be

my
my
let

Good
In

strength in need: and gracious Jesus, to

Ut cum

Sanctis tuis

In sascula

laudem te. saeculorum. Amen.

prayer give heed:

Thy Wounds most precious

me refuge find: All the power malignant of the foeman bind: At death's final hour, call me to
Thy
Bid
face:

me

stand beside Thee in the

I

heavenly place: There with Saints and Angels

shall sing to

Thee
ages
of

Through

the

countless

eternity.

Author: Unknown, 14th

Ball.

cent.

Translation by T.

I.

There are about

verse.

The Anima

translations in prose or Christi has never been in liturgical use

fifteen
193

PROPER OF THE SEASON

however, found in most Missals and This beautiBreviaries in the Thanksgiving after Mass. ful prayer has been richly indulgenced for priests who recite it after Mass. The Anima Christi is popularly believed to have been composed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, who places it at the beginning of his Spiritual Exercises, and frequently refers to it. But as the Anima Christi dates from 1330 or earlier, and St. Ignatius was born in 1491, it is impossible that he should have been the author of it. See the article on the Anima Christi in the Cath. Encycl. The popular metrical translation "Soul of my Saviour sanctify my breast" dates from 1882 its author is not known.
in the Church.
It is,
'

'

'

'

Feast of the Sacred Heart

THE FRIDAY AFTER THE OCTAVE OF CORPUS CHRISTI

82

Auctor be ate
beate saeculi,

sceculi

AUCTOR

CHRIST,
bright,

the world's Creator

Christe Redemptor omnium: Lumen Patris de lumine,

Who

didst

mankind

from

sin

Deusque verus de Deo.

redeem, Light from the Father's glorious

Light,

True God of God,

2

in bliss

supreme.

Amor
Quod

coegit te tuus

Thy

love

Mortale corpus sumere, Ut novus Adam redderes,

vetus ille abstulerat.

compelled assume

Thee

to

mortal body, man to save; Reversing the old Adam's doom;

Our ransom
3

the

New Adam

gave.

Ille

amor almus

artifex

That love which gloriously framed

all

Terra? marisque, et siderum,

Errata patrum miserans, Et nostra rumpens vincula.

The

earth, the stars,

and wondrous

Took
Broke
194

sea pity on our parents' fall,

all

our bonds and

set

us

free.

THE SACRED HEART

4

Non

corde discedat tuo Vis ilia amoris inclyti: Hoc fonte gentes hauriant Remissionis gratiam.

Saviour, let Thy potent love Flow ever from Thy bounteous Heart; To nations that pure fount above The grace of pardon will impart.

Percussum ad hoc est lancea, Passumque ad hoc est vulnera: Ut nos lavaret sordibus,

His

Heart for this was

wide,
the

opened
soldier's

And wounded by
spear,

Unda

fluente, et sanguine.

That freely from His sacred side Might flow the streams our souls
to clear.
6

Decus Parenti, et Filio, Sanctoque sit Spiritui, Quibus potestas, gloria

Glory to Father and to Son, And to the Holy Ghost the same, To whom all power, when time is

Regnumque

in

omne

est saeculum.

And

done, endless rule, in endless fame.

Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Father Husenbeth. There are eight translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Vespers. Of the five hymns given here in honor of the Sacred Heart, the Annus Sanctus contains two translations of Nos. 82, 83, 84, and one each of Nos. 85 and 86. These hymns are evidently the work of the same author. " Their play of fancy and
cent.

Author: Unknown, 18

imagination, their rhetorical finish, their condensed phraseology, give clear intimations of a skill which has profited by the models constructed by St. Ambrose. They abound, too, in Biblical allusions, every stanza recalling some type, or figure, or prophecy, or fulfilment" (Msgr. Henry, in his Eucharistica, p. 235). 1. "0 Blessed Creator of the world, Christ, the Redeemer of all, Light of the Father's Light, and true God of God." The words Lumen de lumine, Deus verus de Deo (vero) are from the Nicene Creed. They express the doctrine of the eternal generation of the Word, the Creator of all things (John 1, 1-3). 2. "Thy love constrained Thee to assume a mortal body, that the New Adam might restore what the old Adam had taken away. For the parallel between Christ and Adam,
of
' '

see

Rom.

5, 12-21.

105

PROPER OF THE SEASON

and sea and stars, took pity on the sins of our fathers, and broke our chains." Amor and artifex are in apposition. Patrum, the just of the Old Law. 4. "May the power of Thy wondrous love not depart from Thy Heart let the nations draw from that fount the
3.
:

"That

love, the gracious builder of the earth

grace of pardon.'
5.

"For

this It

was pierced with a

lance, for this It suf-

fered wounds, that It might cleanse us from our sins by the issuing forth of Water and Blood." Cor is the subject, from the preceding stanza. Ad hoc, for this purpose. 6. "Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, to whom be power and glory and kingdom forever and ever."

83
"C^N
-"-^

En
ut superba

ut superba

criminum
0,

criminum
*- i

how

the savage crew

sins hath rent

Et saeva nostrorum cohors Cor sauciavit innocens Merentis haud tale Dei!
2

Of our proud

The Heart of our all-gracious God,

That Heart so innocent.

Vibrantis hastam militis Peccata nostra dirigunt: Ferrumque diras cuspidis

Mortale crimen
s

acuit.

The soldier's quivering lance Our guilt it was that drave, Our wicked deeds that to its point Such cruel sharpness gave.

scisso Ecclesia Christo jugata nascitur: Hoc ostium Arcae in latere est: Genti ad salutem positum.

Ex corde

wounded Heart, whence sprang The Church, the Saviour's bride; Thou Door of our Salvation's Ark
Set in
its

mystic side.

Ex hoc perennis Ceu septiformis

Stolas ut
illic

gratia,

fluvius;

Lavemus Agni

sordidas in sanguine.

Thou holy fount, whence flows The sacred sevenfold flood, Where we our filthy robes may
cleanse
In the

Lamb's saving Blood:

Turpe est redire ad crimina, Quae Cor beatum lacerent: Sed aemulemur cordibus

By sorrowful relapse, Thee will we rend no more;

But
like the flames, those types of

Flammas amoris

indices.

love,

Strive

heavenward

to soar.

196

THE SACRED HEART

6

Hoc, Christe, nobis, hoc, Pater, Hoc sancte, dona, Spiritus, Quibus potestas, gloria

Father and Son supreme

And Spirit, hear our cry; Whose is the kingdom, praise and
power,

Regnumque

in

omne

est saeculum.

Through

all

eternity.

Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Father Caswall. There are six translations. Liturgical Use Matins hymn for the Feast of the
cent.
:

Author: Unknown, 18th

Sacred Heart.
the haughty and savage horde of our sins the innocent Heart of God, who deserveth not such treatment." Merentis, of God not deserv1.

''Behold,

how hath wounded

ing, etc.

''Our sins guide the lance of the hesitating soldier, and mortal sin doth sharpen the iron of the cruel shaft." Vibrantis militis; The soldier is represented as hesitating, uncertain of the exact place where he should insert the spear to pierce the Saviour's Heart: our sins guided the spear. Cuspidis: cuspis, a point, esp. the head of a spear. 3. "From that pierced Heart was born the Church united with Christ that entrance was made in the side of the Ark for the salvation of the human race." Genti ad salutem,
2.
:

for the
4.

human

race, for their deliverance.

"From

It unfailing

grace flows forth like a sevenfold

Blood of the Lamb, we may wash our sullied robes." In Baptism we are presented with a stola Candida, a snow-white garment, which is symbolical of the sanctifying grace which adorns the soul. By sin this stola Candida becomes a stola sordida. Et laverunt
flood, that therein, in the

stolas suas, et dealbaverunt eas in sanguine

7,

Agni (Apoc.

14: see also 22,

5.

14).

Septiformis fluvius, the seven

sacraments.

"It were shameful to turn again to sins, which lacerate that blessed Heart but let us in our hearts emulate the flames, which are types of love."
;

6.

"Grant us

this,

Christ, this,

Father,

this,

Holy

Spirit, to

whom be power and

glory and kingdom forever."

197

PROPER OF THE SEASON

84

Cor, area legem continens

area legem continens
servitutis veteris,

COR,
Sed Sed

JESUS,
Hid
in

behind

Thy

Temple's

Non

veil,

gratiae,

sed veniae,

an ark of gold,

et misericordiae.

On
Thy

stones engraven, lay the finger wrote of old.

Law

Cor, Sanctuarium novi

Intemeratum

foederis,

Thy

But in Thy Body's temple new, life-blood's throbbing shrine,

Templum
Velumque
3

vetusto sanctius,
scisso utilius.

Held, upon fleshly tables graved, The law of Love Divine.

Te vulneratum

caritas

And when And

To

that Heart in death

veil

was

Ictu patenti voluit;

stilled,

Amoris invisibilis Ut veneremur vulnera.

Each temple's
lo,

was riven:

within

Thy Love's red

shrine,

us to look was given.

Hoc sub amoris symbolo

Passus cruenta,

There make us gaze and see the

love

Utrumque

et mystica, sacrificium

Which drew Thee,

great

Christus Sacerdos obtulit.

for our sake, High-priest, Thyself to

God

A
6

sacrifice to

make.

Quis non amantem redamet? Quis non redemptus diligat, Et Corde in isto seligat Sterna tabernacula?

Thou, Saviour, cause that every

soul

Which Thou

May

hast loved so well, will within Thine open Heart

In life and death to dwell.

8

Decus Parenti et Filio, Sanctoque sit Spiritui, Quibus potestas, gloria

Grant

it,

And

Spirit,

Father, only Son, God of grace,

all

To whom

worship shall be

Regnumque

in

omne

est saeculum.

done, In every time and place.

Bute's Roman Breviary. There are seven translations. Liturgical Use Hymn for Lauds on the Feast of the Sacred Heart. The above translation and one by Rosa Mulholland "0 tender Heart, strong ark which doth enshrine," are found in several hymnals. Both are in the Annus Sanctus.
:

Unknown, 18th cent. Meter Translation from the Marquess of

Author

Iambic dimeter.

198

THE SACRED HEART

Heart, Thou ark, which dost contain the law, not the law of ancient servitude, but of grace, of pardon, and of mercy. The Old Law was a law of servitude, and was eminently suited to the hard-heartedness of the Jews. It was a law of fear and bondage given amid thunders, and appropriately engraved on stone. The New Law, on the contrary, is a law of love and liberty engraved by the Holy Spirit on the hearts of the faithful. 2. "0 Heart, undefiled sanctuary of the New Law, temple more sacred than that of old, and veil more useful than that which was rent." Vetusto (templo) scisso (velo). Velum, cf. Matt. 27, 51. 3. Thy love hath willed that Thou be wounded with an open wound, that we might (see and) venerate the wounds of Thy invisible love. Ictus, blow, stroke, stab. Patenti, abl. of pres. part, of patere, 2, to be open. 4. "Under this symbol of love, He suffered in a bloody and mystical manner; and Christ as priest offered a twofold sacrifice." The twofold sacrifice is that of Calvary (cruenta) and the Mass {mystica). 5. Who would not love in return one loving him ! Who, redeemed, would not love (his Redeemer), and choose in that Heart an eternal dwelling place?"
1.
'
' ; * '

"0

'

'

'

85

Quicumque certum
A LL

quceritis

certum qusritis Rebus levamen asperis: Seu culpa mordet anxia, Seu poena vos premit comes.
2

QUICUMQUE

ye

who

seek a comfort sure

**

In trouble and distress, Whatever sorrow vex the mind, Or guilt the soul oppress:
Jesus,

Jesu, qui, ut agnus innocens,

Sese immolandum tradidit, Ad cor reclusum vulnere, Ad mite cor accedite.

3

who gave Himself for you the Cross to die, Opens to you His sacred Heart;

Upon

to that

Heart draw nigh.

Auditis ut suavissimis Invitet omnes vocibus: Venite quos gravat labor

Ye hear how kindly he invites; Ye hear His words so blest:

"All ye that labor come to Me,

Premitque pondus criminum:

And
199

will give

you

rest."

PROPER OF THE SEASON

'Quid Corde Jesu mitius? Jesum cruci qui affixerant Excusat, et Patrem rogat

What meeker than

Heart?

the Saviour's

As on
It

Ne

perdat ultor impios.

the Cross He lay, did His murderers forgive, for their pardon pray.

And
6

Cor, voluptas Coelitum, Cor, fida spes mortalium, En hisce tracti vocibus,

Ad
8

te

venimus supplices.

Heart, Thou joy of Saints on high, Thou hope of sinners here, Attracted by those loving words To Thee I lift my prayer.

Tu nostra terge vulnera Ex te fluente sanguine Tu da novum cor omnibus

Qui
te

Wash thou my wounds

Blood,

in that dear

Which

gementes invocant.

New
And

from Thee doth flow; grace, new hope inspire, a

forth

new
better heart bestow.

Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Father Caswall. There are six translaFather Caswall 's translation is a great favorite tions. with hymn book compilers, both Catholic and non-Catholic. Liturgical Use Hymn for Vespers and Matins in an Office of the Sacred Heart granted by special concession. This and the following hymn are not found in the latest edition
cent.
:

Author: Unknown, 18th

of the Breviary.

"All ye who seek an unfailing consolation in adversity, whether uneasy guilt gnaws at you, or punishment, its companion, oppresses you." 2. " Approach that Heart disclosed by a wound, the gentle Heart of Jesus, who, as an innocent lamb, gave Himself up to be sacrificed." Jesu is the genitive after Cor. 3. "Ye hear how, with the sweetest words He invites all 'Come ye whom labor doth weigh down, and a weight of sins doth oppress.' " Venite ad me omnes qui laboratis et
1.

onerati estis, et ego reficiam vos (Matt. 11, 28). Even 4. "What is more meek than the Heart of Jesus? those who had fastened Jesus to the Cross, It excuses, and It implores the Father that as an avenger He destroy not the godless." Pater, dimitte illis: non enim sciunt, quid faciunt (Luke 23, 34). Heart, the 5. "0 Heart, the delight of the Blessed,
200

THE SACRED HEART

surest hope of mortals, lo, attracted by these words, we suppliantly come to Thee. Hisce vocibus, viz., in the two preceding stanzas. Cleanse Thou our wounds in the Blood flowing from 6. Thee grant a new heart to all, who sighing invoke Thee.
' '
' '
'

Novum

cor, a

new

life.

86

Summi
Parentis Filio,

Parentis Filio
Son of God most High, Thou Father of the life to be, Prince of Peace, to Thee we cry, We bring our song of praise to Thee.
the

SUMMI

OTHOU,

Patri futuri saeculi, Pacis beatae Principi,

Promamus

ore canticum.

Qui vulneratus pectore Amoris ictum pertulit, Amoris urens ignibus Ipsum qui amantem diligunt.

Thy Heart was wounded by

blow

the

Ordained of everlasting love; Such love among Thy flocks below

Thou
3

kindlest at the fires above.

Jesu, doloris victima,

innocentem compulit, Dura ut apertum lancea Latus pateret vulneri?

Quis

te

Dear Christ in pity for our woe Thou didst Thyself as victim give, The cruel pangs to undergo, To ope Thy breast that man might
live.

f ons

amoris inclyte

vena aquarum limpida, flamma adurens criminal cordis ardens caritas!

5

sacred fount of love sublime, living spring of waters free, fire to cleanse away all crime, Heart aflame with charity.

In Corde, Jesu, jugiter Reconde nos, ut uberi

Dono fruamur

gratiae,

Coelique tandem prasmiis.

Lord, keep us ever in Thy Heart, Thy tender love to feel and know, The joys of heaven to us impart, When we shall leave these walks below.

Parenti, et Filio, Sit laus, honor, sit gloria, Sancto simul Paraclito

Semper

Glory to Father and to Son, And to the Holy Ghost the same, To whom all power, when time is

In sasculorum saecula.

And
201

done, endless rule, in endless fame.

PROPER OF THE SEASON

Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by D. J. Donahoe. There are five translations. Liturgical Use Hymn for Lauds in an Office of the Sacred Heart granted by special concession. Like the preceding hymn it is not found in the latest edition of the
cent.
:

Author: Unknown, 18th

Breviary.
1.

"Let us sing a hymn of praise

to the

to the

Son

of the

most

High Father,

Father of the world

to come, to the

Prince of blessed peace." Patri futuri sceculi: These words and Princeps pads, refer to Christ, and are taken
literally
2.

from Isaias 9, 6. "He who, wounded in the

:

breast,

endured out of love

the stroke, doth enkindle with the flames of love those who reciprocate His love." Constr. Urens (eos) ignibus amoris qui ipsum amantem diligunt. 3. "0 Jesus, Victim of sorrow, who drove Thee, innocent, thereto, that Thy side, opened by a cruel spear, should be exposed to injury?" Dura, hard, unfeeling. Vulneri, hurt, wounding. 4. "0 glorious fount of love! limpid spring of flame that burnest away sins! waters! the glowing love of that Heart!" 5. "In Thy Heart, Jesus, hide us forever, that we may enjoy rich gifts of grace, and in the end, the rewards of

heaven.
6.

'

"Be

praise, honor,

and glory
all

forever; and likewise, through

clete."

Father and Son ages to the Holy Parato the

87

Dies
irae,

irce,

dies ilia

U
2

rVlES

dies ilia,

rpHAT
*-

day of wrath, that dread-

Solvet saeclum in favilla: Teste David cum Sibylla.

ful day,

When

heaven and earth shall pass away, Both David and the Sibyl say.
terror then shall us befall, lo, the Judge's steps appall,
to sift the deeds of all.

Quantus tremor est futurus, Quando Judex est venturus, Cuncta stricte discussurus!

What

When
About
202

DIES IRM
8

Tuba mirum spargens sonum

Per sepulchra regionum, Coget omnes ante thronum.

The mighty trumpet's marvellous

tone Shall pierce through each sepulchral stone And summon all before the throne.

*Mors

stupebit, et natura,

Now

Cum resurget creatura, Judicanti responsura.

5

Death and Nature in amaze Behold the Lord His creatures

raise,

To meet
Liber scriptus proferetur,
In

the Judge's awful gaze.

that the
is

The books are opened,

quo totum continetur,

judicetur.

Unde mundus

May
The

dead have their doom from what

read,

record of dread.

our

conscience

Judex ergo cum sedebit, Quidquid latet, apparebit: Nil inultum remanebit.

The Lord of judgment

down,

sits

Him

And

every

secret

thing

makes

known

No
7

crime escapes frown.

His vengeful

Quid sum, miser, tunc dicturus? Quern patronum rogaturus?

Ah, how shall

What

I that day endure? patron's friendly voice se-

Cum

vix Justus

sit

securus?

cure,

When

scarce

the just themselves

are sure?
8

Rex tremendae

majestatis,

Qui salvandos salvas gratis, Salva me, fons pietatis.

King of dreadful majesty, Who grantest grace and mercy

free,

Grant mercy
9

now and

grace to me.

Recordare, Jesu pie, Quod sum causa tuae viae: Ne me perdas ilia die.

Good Lord,
sake,

'twas for

my

sinful
flesh

That

Thou

our

suffering

didst take;

Then do not now

10

my

soul forsake.

Quaerens me, sedisti lassus: Redemisti crucem passus: Tantus labor non sit cassus.

Thy sheep was weariness sought; Upon the Cross His life was bought; Alas, if all in vain were wrought.
In

203

PROPER OF THE SEASON

11

Juste judex ultionis, Donum fac remissionis

just

For pity take

avenging Judge, 1 pray, my sins away,

Ante diem
12

rationis.

Before the great accounting-day.

1

Ingemisco tamquam reus:

groan beneath the

guilt,

which

Culpa rubet vultus meus:

Supplicanti parce, Deus.

Thou
Canst
read

upon

my

blushing

brow;
But spare, now.
13

God, Thy suppliant

Qui Mariam

absolvisti,

Thou who
bind,

didst Mary's sins un-

Et latronem exaudisti,

Mihi quoque spem

dedisti.

And mercy
Dost
fill

for the robber find,

with hope mind.

my

anxious

14

Preces meae non sunt dignae: Sed tu bonus fac benigne, Ne perenni cremer igne.

My

feeble prayers can claim,

make no
Thy
great

Yet, gracious Lord, for

Name, Redeem me from

flame.
15

the quenchless

Inter oves locum praesta, Et ab hoedis me sequestra, Statuens in parte dextra.

At Thy

right

hand,
sheep,

give

me

a
of

place

Among Thy
grace,

child

Far from the goats' accursed

16

race.

Confutatis maledictis, Flammis acribus addictis:

Yea, when Thy justly kindled ire

Shall sinners hurl to endless
fire,

Voca me cum
17

benedictis.

Oh,
In

call

me

to

Thy chosen

choir.

Oro supplex et acclinis, Cor contritum quasi cinis: Gere curam mei finis.

suppliant prayer I prostrate bend, My contrite heart like ashes rend, Regard, Lord, my latter end.

18

Lacrimosa dies

ilia,

Qua

resurget ex favilla,

When man
Be
thou

Oh, on that day, that tearful day, to judgment wakes

Judicandus homo reus. Huic ergo parce, Deus: Pie Jesu, Domine, Dona eis requiem.

from
stay,

clay,

the

trembling

sinner's

spare him, God, we humbly pray. Yea, grant to all, Saviour Blest, Who die in Thee, the Saints' sweet
rest.

And

204

DIES IUM
of Celano, 13th cent. Meter Trochaic dimeter. Translation, a cento stanzas 1-5, 10, 14, 17, 18, by W. F. Wingfield, the remainder by Father Aylward, O.P.
:
:

Author

Thomas

There

are, or rather were, in 1895,

lish translations of this

some 234 recorded Engworld-famous hymn. There are

four translations in Mr. Shipley's Annus Sanctus. Liturgical Use Sequence in Requiem Masses. It is very probable that the Dies Irce was composed as a sequence for the
:

first

of the Latin original has continulured translators to attempt to reproduce this noble ally hymn in the vernacular. The great number of the translations is an eloquent witness of this fact. It is freely acknowledged that no adequate translation has yet appeared. Dr. Coles, a Newark physician, who made eighteen translations of the hymn, maintains that no single version can reflect the totality of the original. The untranslatableness of the hymn is acknowledged by the Rev. Mr. Duffield, whose sixth version, in his opinion, has not carried him "one inch" beyond the first. Some idea of the difficulties that confront the translator may be obtained from the following apologia of Dr. Coles for having made so many versions: "To preserve, in connection with the utmost fidelity and strictness of rendering, all the rhythmic merits of the Latin original, to attain to a vital likeness as well as to an exact literalness, at the same time that nothing is sacrificed of its musical sonorousness and billowy grandeur, easy and graceful in its swing as the ocean on its bed, to make the verbal copy, otherwise cold and dead, glow with the fire of lyric passion, to reflect, and that too by means of a single version, the manifold aspects of the many-sided original, exhausting at once its wonderful fulness and pregnancy, to cause the white light of the primitive so to pass through the medium of another language as that it shall undergo no refraction whatever, would be desirable, certainly, were it practicable; but so much as this it were unreasonable to expect in a single version" (Dies Irce in Thirteen Original Versions, p. 33). Some idea of the intangible beauty and consequent un-

Sunday in Advent. The exquisite beauty

205

PROPER OF THE SEASON

translatableness of the hymn may be obtained from the Thus Mr. Saintsjudicious opinions of eminent critics. " Rhyme, alliteration, cadence, and adjustment of bury: vowel and consonant values, all these things receive perfect expression in it, or, at least in the first thirteen stanzas, for the last four are a little inferior. It is quite astonishing to reflect upon the careful art or felicitous accident of such a line as

Tuba mirum spargens sonum,

with the thud of the trochee falling in each instant on a different vowel; and still more on the continuous sequence of five stanzas, from Judex ergo to non sit cassus in which a word could not be displaced or replaced by another without loss. The climax of verbal harmony corresponding to and expressing religious passion and religious awe, is reached in the last,
Quaerens me sedisti lassus, Redemisti crucem passus: Tantus labor non sit cassus!

where the sudden change from the dominent e sound (except in the rhyme foot) of the first two lines to the a's of the last is simply miraculous, and miraculously assisted by what may be called the internal sub-rhyme of sedisti and
This latter effect can rarely be attempted without a jingle: there is no jingle here, only an ineffable melody. After the Dies Ires, no poet could say that any effect of poetry was, as far as sound goes, unattainable; though few could have hoped to equal it, and perhaps no one except Dante and Shakespeare has fully done so" (Flourishing of Romance, p. 9). According to Dr. Duffield, the Dies Irce "gives us a new conception of the powers of the Latin tongue. Its wonderful wedding of sense and sound the u assonance in the second stanza, the o assonance in the third, the a and i assonance in the fourth, for instance the sense of organ music that runs through the hymn, even unaccompanied, as distinctly as through the opening verses of Lowell's Vision of Sir Launfal and the transitions as clearly marked in sound as in meaning from lofty adoration to pathetic
redemisti.

206

DIES IRM
entreaty, impart a grandeur and dignity to the Dies Ira which are unique in this kind of writing. Then the wonderful adaptation of the triple rhyme to the theme like blow following blow of hammer upon anvil, as Daniel says impresses every reader" (Latin Hymns, p. 249). Scriptural references: The hymn is replete with Scriptural references to both the Old and New Testaments. The actual Judgment scene will be found in detail in Matt. 24, 27-31; Luke 21, 25-27; Apoc. 20, 12-15.

Analysis: (a) The first six stanzas are descriptive. They picture with remarkable brevity and detail the Judgment scene of the Scriptures. (b) The remaining stanzas are lyric in character and express the anguish of one of the multitude there present in spirit his pleading before the Judge, who, while on earth, sought him unceasingly over the hard and thorny ways

from Bethlehem to Calvary and now, in anticipation of the Judgment, pleads before a Saviour of infinite mercy, who, on Judgment Day, will be a Judge of infinite justice, be;

scarcely the just will be secure. (c) The seventh stanza serves to connect the descriptive with the lyric part of the hymn. In it the soul acknowledges the futility of expecting aid from creatures for even the Saints and Angels will be judged. (d) The eighth stanza represents Christ in the twofold character of "King of awful majesty" in the Last Judgment, and "Fount of loving piety" in the present life. (e) The next six stanzas (9-14) develop the thought of God's mercy. They comprise two divisions of three stanzas each. The last stanza of each division contains an appropriate prayer. The first division (stanzas 9-11) deals with the first basis on which an appeal for mercy may rest, viz., on the labors and sufferings of Christ. The second division (12-14) deals with the second basis on which an appeal for mercy may rest, viz., on the repentance of the sinner. (f) In the fifteenth stanza the Scriptural division of the sheep (the just) from the goats (the reprobates) is set before us in the sixteenth stanza the picture of the Judgment is concluded with the depart ye cursed, and come

fore

whom

'

'

'

'

'

'

ye blessed" of the Scriptures.

207

PROPER OF THE SEASON

a very interesting article on the Dies Ira, in the Cath. Encycl. scholarly and extensive series of articles on the Dies Ira appeared in The Dolphin, from Nov., 1904, to May, 1905. The series, 144 pages in all, consists of Notes on the Dies Ira by the Rev. Mr. Warren, M.A., a collaborator in Julian's Dictionary of Hymnology, and of Comments on the Notes of Mr. Warren, by the Rt. Rev. Msgr. H. T. Henry, Litt.D. To these articles the editor is greatly indebted. In the article on Judgment, in the Cath. Encycl., read the last section, which treats of the General Judgment. The following is Sir Walter Scott's greatly admired condensed rendering of the Dies Ira which is found in his Lay of the Last Minstrel. It consists of only twelve lines.
is

There

87B
rpHAT
*

Day

of wrath, that dreadful day,

When

What power

How

heaven and earth shall pass away, shall be the sinner's stay? shall he meet that dreadful day?

When, shrivelling like a parched scroll, The flaming heavens together roll; When louder yet, and yet more dread, Swells the high trump that wakes the dead:
0, on that day, that wrathful day,

When man

to

judgment wakes from

clay,

Be Thou the trembling sinner's stay, Though heaven and earth shall pass away!

The metrical translations of the respective stanzas, given below, are from various authors whose translations are mentioned by Mr. Warren as among the best. The stanzas are uniformly in trochaic sevens, thus forming a fine cento.
of wrath, that day shall reduce the world to glowing embers, David with the Sibyl being witness.
1.
'

"That day

208

DIES IIUE
87C

AHWhen day
that

of wrath

and woe,

the fire that seers foreknow All the world shall overflow.

Canon Bright

Dies irce, dies ilia: These words of "startling suddenness" with which the poet ushers in his theme are from the Prophet Sophonias Dies irse, dies ilia, dies tribulationis et
:

angustiae, dies calamitatis et miseriae, dies

caliginis, dies nebulae et turbinis, dies

tenebrarum

et

tubae et clangoris

(Soph.
(cf.

1,

15-16).

Solvet:
;

(cf.

II Peter

3,

10).

Teste David:

Pss. 10, 7 ; 49, 3-6 and esp. 101, 26-28). Sibylla: If any particular Sibyl is meant it is the Erythraean Sibyl, the author of the well-known acrostic on the name of Christ. However, " David and the Sibyl" here stand for Jew and Gentile, the witnesses respectively of inspiration and of mere natural religion. See the article on Sibylline Oracles, in the Cath. Encycl. 2. "How great shall be the trembling, when the Judge shall come to investigate rigidly all things."
what trembling shall appear

When His coming

shall be near

Who
For

shall all things strictly clear.

Dean

Alford

the Scriptural account of the Judge's

cf.

coming

to

judge

the world,

Luke

21,

25-27.

Stride discussurus: To

search and thoroughly lay bare. 3. "The trumphet scattering a wondrous sound through the sepulchers of the whole world shall gather all before the throne."
At the unearthly trump's command Heard in graves of every land All before the throne must stand.

Canon Bright
et

Tuba: Et mittet angelos suos cum tuba

voce magna: et

congregabunt electos ejus a quattuor ventis, a summis ccelorum usque ad terminos eorum (Matt. 24, 31).
209

PROPER OF THE SEASON

4.

"Death and Nature

shall

stand aghast, when the

creature shall rise again to answer to the Judge."

Death shall shrink and Nature quake

When

all

creatures shall awake,

Answer

to their

God

to

make.

Dean Alford
:

Et

dedit

mare mortuos qui

in eo erant

et
;

mors

et inf emus

dederunt mortuos suos qui in ipsis erant et judicatum est de singulis secundum opera ipsorum (Apoc. 20, 13). 5. "The written Book shall be brought forth, in which all is contained whence the world is to be judged."
Then the volume
shall be spread

And

the writing shall be read Which shall judge the quick and dead. Isaac Williams

Liber: Et vidi mortuos magnos et pusillos stantes in conspectu throni, et libri aperti sunt et alius liber apertus est, qui est vitas; et judicati sunt mortui ex his quae scripta erant in libris secundum opera ipsorum (Apoc. 20, 12). The "Book" is the Book of Life which contains a most detailed record of each one's life, even of his most secret thoughts and idle words. 6. "When therefore the Judge shall be seated, whatsoever is hidden shall be brought to light nothing shall re;

main unpunished."
When
the Judge His place has ta'en All things hid shall be made plain,

Nothing unavenged remain.

Abp.

Trench

With
7.

this stanza the epic or narrative part of the closes, the remaining stanzas are lyric in character.

hymn

"What

shall

I,

shall I entreat,

when

What patron wretched, then say? even the just shall hardly be without

anxiety?"
What

Who
When

shall wretched I then plead, for me shall intercede,

the righteous scarce

Isaac

is

freed?

Williams

210

DIES IRM
Patronus, advocate, counsel. Cum vix Justus: Et si Justus vix salvabitur, impius et peccator ubi parebunt! (I Peter,
4,

18).
8.
'

''King of awful majesty, who savest freely those who Fount of mercy. are to be saved, save me,
King of dread, whose mercy
free

Saveth those that saved shall be, Fount of pity, pity me.

Lord Lindsey

Salvandos: Read the articles on Elect, Salvation, and parts of the article on Grace, in the Cath. Encycl. loving Jesus, that for my sake Thou 9. "Remember, didst come upon earth: let me not, then, be lost on that day."
Jesus, 'twas

my

debt to pay

Messenger of the Sacred Heart, England.

Tucc
vice:

Thou didst wend Thy weary way; Keep me on that dreadful day.

Christ's whole life on earth,

"From

the poor

manger

to the bitter cross."

Ne me per das: Quia quos dedisti mihi, non perdidi ex eis quemquam (John 18, 9). 10. "Seeking me Thou sattest weary; suffering the Cross, Thou didst redeem me let not so great a labor be in
;

vain.

'

Weary

seeking me, Diedst redeeming on the tree; Not in vain such toil can be.
satst

Thou

Mrs. E. Charles

Sedisti lassus: Jesus was often weary seeking the lost sheep of the house of Israel, but the poet here undoubtedly had in mind the touching picture of Our Lord resting at Jacob's well, and awaiting the Samaritan woman (John 4, 6). Dr. Johnson could not repeat this touching verse without

shedding tears.

"Just Judge of vengeance, grant the ere the day of accounting."

11.

gift of

pardon

211

PROPER OF THE SEASON

Thou
just Judge of wrath severe, Grant my sins remission here, Ere Thy reckoning day appear.

Dean
my

Alford

Ultionis:
32, 35).
12.

Mea

est ultio, et ego

like

retribuam in tempore (Deut.

face reddens with

"I groan

one condemned;

guilt; the suppliant spare,

Sighs and tears

God."

sorrow speak, Shame and grief are on my cheek, Mercy, mercy, Lord, I seek.

my

Dr.

Schaff

here taken in the sense of one condemned rather than one accused, as the line following would seem to im-

Reus
ply13.

is

to

"Thou who the thief, to me

didst absolve Mary, and didst hearken also Thou hast given hope."

Thou who Mary didst forgive And who badst the robber live, Hope to me dost also give.

Abp.

Trench

Mariam

absolvisti:

Mary Magdalen, who, whether named

or not, is the sinner referred to by the four Evangelists Matt. 26, 7; Mark 14, 3; Luke 7, 48; 10, 38-42; John 12, 2-3. Et dicebat ad Jesum: Latronem: the penitent thief. Domine, memento mei, cum veneris in regnum tuum. Et dixit illi Jesus Amen dico tibi, hodie mecum eris in para:

diso (Luke 23,42-43).

are my prayers; but do Thou who art good benignly grant that I burn not in everlasting fire.
14.

"Unworthy

'

Though my prayers deserve no

Yet good Lord, grant
I

hire,

my
fire.

desire,

may

'scape eternal

James Dymock
'

15.

me

sheep appoint me a place, and separate from the goats, placing me at Thy right hand.

"Amid Thy

212

DIES IRM
Mid Thy sheep my place command, From the goats far off to stand, Set me, Lord, at Thy right hand.

Abp.

Trench

Et

statuit oves

quidem a dextris

suis, hcedos

autem a

sin-

istris

(Matt. 25, 33).

16.

to

"The accursed having been silenced and the bitter flames, call me with the blessed."
When the curst are put to shame, Cast into devouring flame, With the blest then call my name. Dr. Schaff

given over

Confutatis:

from the
fecistis

The wicked will be silenced when they hear lips of Our Lord Amen, dico vobis quamdiu non
: :

uni de minoribus

his,

nee mihi fecistis (Matt. 25,

45).
17.

trite

"Kneeling and prostrate I pray, with a heart conas though crushed to ashes; have a care of my last
'

hour.

Contrite, suppliant, I pray,

Ashes on my heart I lay; Care Thou for me on that day. Mrs. E. Charles

Contritum, utterly crushed. 18. "Doleful shall be that day on which guilty man shall rise from the glowing embers to be judged spare him, then, God. Merciful Jesus, Lord, grant them rest."
:

Full of tears the day shall prove When from ashes rising move

To

the judgment guilty

men:

Spare, Thou God of mercy, then. Lord, all-pitying, Jesu Blest,

Grant them Thine eternal

Isaac

rest.

Williams

translation is given below. It is more extensively used than any other translation of the Dies Irce. Dr. Irons translation was made from the Paris Missal Text but it is generally edited to conform to the Text of the Roman Missal. Judging from the

Dr.

W.

J. Irons'

much admired
'

213

PROPER OF THE SEASON

of hymn-books and other books that contain this translation it is quite probable that a few million copies of it are printed each year. It is said that the sale of Hymns Ancient and Modem (H. A. & M.) alone exceeds one million copies annually. Dr. Irons' translation is in our own Baltimore Manual of Prayers, and in the London Catholic Truth Society's Book of Sequences. The translation retains the exact meter

number

and rhyme scheme of the

original.

87D

DAY

of wrath and

doom impending,

David's word with Sibyl's blending! Heaven and earth in ashes ending!

0, what fear man's

bosom

rendeth,

When from heaven the Judge descendeth, On whose sentence all dependeth!
Wondrous sound the trumpet Through earth's sepulchers it
All before the throne
it

flingeth,

ringeth,

bringeth.

Death

is

All creation

To

its

and nature quaking, awaking, Judge an answer making.

struck,
is

Lo! the book exactly worded, Wherein all hath been recorded; Thence shall judgment be awarded.

When the Judge And each hidden

What

His seat attaineth, deed arraigneth,

Nothing unavenged remaineth.

shall I, frail man, be pleading? for me be interceding,

Who
When

the just are

mercy needing?

King of majesty tremendous,

Who

Fount of

dost free salvation send us, pity, then befriend us!

Think, kind Jesu!

my

salvation

Caused Thy wondrous Incarnation; Leave me not to reprobation.

214

DIES IR^
Faint and weary Thou hast sought me, On the Cross of suffering bought me; Shall such grace be vainly brought me?

Righteous Judge! for sin's pollution Grant Thy gift of absolution, Ere that day of retribution.
Guilty,

now

pour

my

moaning,

All my shame with anguish owning; Spare, God, Thy suppliant groaning!

Through the sinful woman shriven, Through the dying thief forgiven, Thou to me a hope hast given.
Worthless are my prayers and sighing, good Lord, in grace complying, Rescue me from fires undying.
Yet,

With Thy favored sheep O place me, Nor among the goats abase me, But to Thy right hand upraise me.
While the wicked are confounded, Doomed to flames of woe unbounded,
Call

me
I

with

Thy

Saints surrounded.

Low

kneel, with heart submission, Crushed to ashes in contrition;

Help

me
that

in

my

last condition!

day of tears and mourning! the dust of earth returning, Man for judgment must prepare him; Spare, God, in mercy spare him!

Ah!

From

Lord

all-pitying, Jesu Blest,

rest.

Grant them Thine eternal

215

Part III
(Efje

proper

of

tfje

&>ainta

be observed that with a few noteworthy exceptions the hymns in honor of the Saints have not been translated as often as the remaining hymns of the Breviary. This is in part explained by the fact that the cultus of a Saint is more or less national in character, and the Breviary contains few hymns in honor of Saints who are especially venerated in English-speaking countries.
It

will

THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Dec. 8

88

Prcedara
Intacta Mater Numinis,

custos virginum

"DrUECLARA
Spes nostra,

custos virginum,

T>LEST
*-*

guardian of

all

virgin

souls,

Ccelestis aula? janua,

coeli

gaudium.

Portal of bliss to man forgiven, Pure Mother of Almighty God, Thou hope of earth and joy of

heaven
2

Inter rubeta lilium,

Columba formosissima,
Virga e radice germinans Nostro medelam vulneri.

Fair Lily found among the thorns, Most beauteous Dove with wings of gold, from whose tender root Rod

upsprang
That
217
healing
foretold.

Flower

so

long

PROPER OF SAINTS
3

Turris draconi impervia, Arnica stella naufragis, Tuere nos a fraudibus,

Thou Tower
proof,

against the

dragon

Thou

Tuaque

luce dirige.

Star to storm-tossed voyagers dear; Our course lies o'er a treacherous deep, Thine be the light by which we
steer.

*Erroris umbras discute, Syrtes dolosas amove, Fluctus tot inter, deviis Tutam reclude semitam.

Scatter

the mists

that

round us

hang;

Keep

away; And while through darkling waves

far the fatal shoals

we sweep, Open a path

5

to light

and day.

Jesu, tibi

sit

gloria,

Qui natus

es de Virgine,

born of Virgin bright, Immortal glory be to Thee;

Jesu,

Cum
In

Patre, et

almo

Spiritu,

Praise to the Father infinite

sempiterna saecula.

And Holy Ghost

cent.

eternally.

Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Father Caswall. There are at least four translations. This hymn first appeared in the Office of the Purity of the Blessed Virgin, authorized by Pope Benedict XIV, in 1751. Present Liturgical Use: Hymn for Matins on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. 1. "Illustrious guardian of virgins, chaste Mother of

Author: Unknown, 17th

God, portal of the heavenly court, our hope, the joy of Janua coeli, Gate of heaven." Coelestis aulce janua heaven (Litany). 2. "Thou lily among the thorns, dove all-beauteous, rod from the root (of Jesse) producing a healing balm for our wounds. " Rubeta, orum, thorns. Sicut lilium inter spinas, Columba: Surge, sic arnica mea inter filias (Cant. 2, 2). propera, arnica mea, columba mea, formosa mea, et veni (Cant. 2, 10). In the Scriptures the dove is a symbol of innocence and purity, and also of tender and devoted affection. Virga: Egredietur virga de radice Jesse et flos de radice ejus ascendet (Is. 11, 1). Jesse was the father of David, and was, therefore, a lineal ancestor of the Blessed

Virgin.
3.

"Thou tower

inaccessible to the dragon, star friendly

218

ST.
by thy light."

PETER'S CHAIR AT
Turris

ROME

to the shipwrecked, protect us

from deception, and guide us Turris Davidica, Tower of David

(Litany: cf. Cant. 4, 4). 4. " Dispel the shadows of error, remove treacherous shoals among so many waves, reveal a safe path to those astray."
;

ST.

PETER'S CHAIR AT
Jan. 18

ROME

89

Quodcumque
lUODCUMQUE
in orbe nexi-

in or be

y^f
Erit

bus revinxeris, revinctum Petre siderum

in

arce

whatever thou shall bind on earth, The same is bound above the starry

pETER,

Et

quod

resolvit

hie

potestas

What
Is

tradita,

Erit solutum cceli in alto vertice:

In fine

mundi

judicabis saeculum.

sky here thy delegated power doth loose, loosed in heaven's supremest Court on high:

To judgment shalt thou come, when the world's end is

nigh.
2

Patri

perenne
gloria,

sit

per

sevum
in-

Tibique

laudes

concinamus

clytas,

Sterne Nate, sit superne Honor tibi, decusque:

jugiter

Spiritus

sancta

Praise to the Father, through all ages be; Praise to the consubstantial sovereign Son, And Holy Ghost, One glorious Trinity;

To whom
Trinitas

Laudetur

omne

per

saeculum.

all majesty and might belong; So sing we now, and such be our

eternal song.

Paulinus Patriarch of Aquileia (726-802). Meter: Iambic trimeter. Translation by Father Caswall. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Vespers and Matins on the Feast of St. Peter's Chair at Rome. It is similarly used on the Feast of St. Peter's Chair First line of Original Text: Quodcumque at Antioch.
to
St.

Author:

Ascribed

219

PROPER OF SAINTS
vinclis

super terram strinxeris. This hymn is a part of a longer hymn beginning: Felix per omnes festum mundi There are nine stanzas in the complete hymn. cardines. In addition to several anonymous translations in the early Primers, there are ten later translations, three of which are This hymn is evitranslations of the complete hymn.

dently later than, and modeled on, the Decora lux which is used on the Feast of SS. Peter and Paul (June 29). 1. "Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth with chains, Peter, shall be bound in the stronghold of the skies, and what here the power bestowed upon thee doth loosen, shall be loosed in heaven's exalted height; at the end of the world thou shalt judge mankind." This stanza contains a metrical rendering of Matt. 16, 19: Et tibi dabo claves regni coelorum. Et quodcumque ligaveris super terram,

ligatum et in ccelis: et quodcumque solveris super terram, erit solutum et in ccelis. Judicabis: Cf. Matt. 19,
erit
28.

"To God the Father be glory through endless ages; Eternal Son, may we sing Thy glorious praises Heavenly Spirit, to Thee be honor and glory: unceasingly may the
2.
;

Holy Trinity be praised through

90

all

eternity."

Beate Pastor Petre

Pastor Petre, clemens
accipe

BEATE
Verbo

(~\ ^-J

PETER, Shepherd

good, our

voices sing of thee;

Voces precantum,
vincula

criminumque

Thy very word had might from

chains of sin to free;

resolve, cui potestas tradita

terris

To

thee,

by

power

divine,

the

Aperire

coelum,

apertum

mystic keys were given,

claudere.

Which ope

the skies to men, or close the gates of heaven.

Sit Trinitati

sempiterna gloria,
jubilatio,

Honor, potestas, atque

Per universa

In unitate, quae gubernat omnia,

astern itatis

All honor, might, and power, and hymns of joy we bring, While to the Trinity eternal praise

saecula.

we

sing:

He

rules the universe in

wondrous

Unity,

And
220

shall,

throughout the days of

all eternity.

CONVERSION OF
Author: Ascribed
losopher Boethius
to Elpis
(d.

ST.

PAUL

(480-524).

493), wife of the phiMeter: Iambic trimeter.

Translation by T. I. Ball. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Lauds on the Feast of St. Peter's Chair at Rome (Jan. 18), and at Antioch (Feb. 22). This hymn is the first stanza of the hymn for Lauds on the Feast of SS. Peter and Paul (June 29). See hymn 117.

CONVERSION OF
Jan. 25

ST.

PAUL

91

Egregie Doctor Paule

Doctor Paule mores

EGREGIE
instrue,

Et nostra tecum pectora in coelum

trahe:

f^|Uri souls' great Teacher, Paul, ^-^ our guide in wisdom's ways, Teach us, our fainting hearts, to
Till

Velata

dum

meridiem

cernat
caritas.

fides,

heaven's glad clime to raise, Faith in clearest light her bright meridian gains,

Et soiis instar sola regnet

And Love

with sun-like

fire

with-

in each
2

bosom

reigns.

Sit Trinitati

sempiterna gloria,
jubilatio,

Honor, potestas, atque

Per universa

In unitate, quae gubernat omnia,

asternitatis saecula.

All honor, might, and power, and hymns of joy we bring, While to the Trinity eternal praise we sing; He rules the universe in wondrous Unity, And shall, throughout the days of
all eternity.

as in the preceding hymn. Translation by Father Potter. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Vespers and Matins on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. This hymn is the second stanza of the hymn for Lauds on the Feast of SS. Peter and Paul (June 29). See hymn
117.

Author and Meter

221

PROPER OF SAINTS ST. MARTINA

Jan. 25

92

Martina
celebri

celebri

MARTINA

plaudite

WITH

nomini Cives Romulei, plaudite gloria;: Insignem meritis dicite Virginem, Christi dicite Martyrem.

song9, great joyous Rome, Martina's fame extell,

tol,

Her glowing praises

and

all

her mighty deeds; Virgin pure and chaste,

leads a stainless
life,

she

And
2

for her

Lord a Martyr

bleeds.

Hasc

dum
tibus

conspicuis orta paren-

Inter delicias, inter amabiles

happy home is hers, and all that makes this world So sweet, and fresh, and fair, to
those who love its wiles: noblest parents sprung, 'mid wealth, and love, and joy, life speeds on, 'mid naught

Luxus

iJlecebras ditibus affluit

Faustae muneribus domus.

From
Her

but smiles.
8

Vitae

despiciens comraoda, dedicat

et

Se rerum Domino,

munifica

manu
Christi

pauperibus

distribuens

These pleasures soon she spurns her wealth she gladly gives To Christ's own blessed poor herself, to God above; No other wealth she seeks save
her own spotless Spouse, Forever blest in His pure love.

opes, Quaerit praemia coelitum.

*A

nobis abigas lubrica gaudia Tu, qui Martyribus dexter ades,

Thou, the Martyrs' strength,

all

Deus

And
tuis

fill

Une

et

trine:

da famulis

jubar,

Show
beas.

cheating joys expel, us with Thy bright and never-fading love; us the beam divine, which

Quo clemens animos

forms the crowning joy, God, Three in One, of bliss above.

Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644). Meter: Asclepiadic and Glyconic. Translation by Father Potter. There are four translations. Liturgical Use: The com222

Author:

ST.
plete

MARTINA

hymn

and

is

divided into three parts of three stanzas each used as follows

is

92 Vespers: 93 Matins: 94 Lauds:

Martince celebri Non illam crucians Tu natale solum

is

The same doxology

nobis abigas

used at the end of

each part. 1. "Praise, citizens of Rome, the illustrious name of Martina, praise her glory; celebrate in song a Virgin rendered illustrious by her merits; sing a Martyr of Christ." Romulei, adj., of Romulus. 2. "As she was born of distinguished parents, she lived amid pleasures, amid the fascinating allurements of luxury, and she abounded in the rich gifts of a prosperous house.'
Constr.
3.
:

Affluit ditibus

muneribus domus

f austse.

despising the comforts of life, she dedicates herself to the Lord of creation, and with a lavish hand she distributes her riches among the poor of Christ, and seeks for herself the reward of the Blessed." St. Martina was left an orphan at an early age. As soon as she obtained possession of her property, she distributed it among the poor of

"But

Rome.
God, Three and One, Thou who dost mightily assist the Martyrs, drive far from us dangerous pleasures: grant to Thy servants the light wherewith Thou dost graciously bless their souls." Jubar, the light of glory.
4.

"0

93

Non illam
illam
ferae,

crucians
agonizing hooks, the rending scourge, Shook not the dauntless spirit in her breast; With torments racked, Angels her fainting flesh Recruit with heavenly feast.

NON
Non
Hinc

crucians

ungula,

T^HE

non

virgas horribili vulnere

com-

movent;
lapsi
e

Superum sedibus

Angeli
Ccelesti
2

dape recreant.

Quin
Se

rictu

deposita ssevitie leo placido projicit ad pedes:

et

vain they cast her to the ravening beasts; Calm at her feet the lion crouches
In

down:
223

PROPER OF SAINTS
Te Martina tamen dans gladius
neci
Coeli coetibus inserit.
3

Till smitten

by the sword

at length

she goes

To her immortal crown.

Te, thuris redolens ara vaporibus, Quae fumat, precibus jugiter invocat,

Now

Et falsum
tui

perimens auspicium,

Delet nominis omine.

4

with the Saints Martina reigns in bliss, And where Idolatry sat throned of yore, From her victorious altar praise and prayer With odorous incense soar.

nobis abigas lubrica gaudia, Tu, qui Martyribus dexter ades,

Expel false worldly joys; and

us,

fill

Lord,

Deus

With Thy irradiating beam divine;

tuis

Une

et

Trine:

da famulis
beas.

Who

jubar,

with Thy suffering Martyrs present art,

trine.

Quo clemens animos

Great Godhead one and

This is a continuation of the preceding hymn. Translation by Father Caswall. 1. "Neither the agonizing hook, nor wild beasts, nor the rods with their painful wounds shake her constancy thereupon Angels descend from the abodes of the Blessed and strengthen her with heavenly food." Ungula, a clawshaped torturing hook. 2. "And even the lion, laying aside his savage nature, with friendly gaping jaws lays himself down at her feet: thee, at length, Martina, the sword delivers up to death and enrolls thee among the hosts of heaven. St. Martina beheaded in 228, in the persecution under Alexander was Severus. 3. "The altar which smokes, redolent with the odors of incense, unceasingly invokes thee with prayers, and it destroys and annihilates by the omen of thy name baneful idol-worship." Auspicium, divination by means of birds. The word is here used in the sense of idolatry, heathen worship in general. Omine: The "omen" alluded to is a reference to the derivation of the Saint's name Martina {the warlike) from Mars, Martis, the god of war. The "warfare" she waged was on the idols in the vicinity of Rome, many of whose altars were overthrown by her prayers.
;
' '

224

ST.
94

MARTINA
natale solum
TIJE thou the guardian of thy
*-*
native land,
to all Christian nations grant

Tu
natale

npU
*-

solum protege, tu
Christiadum

Da

bonae pacis requiem plagis;

And

Armorum

strepitus, et fera prcelia

From
From

repose din of
hostile
all

arms,

and

every

In fines age Thracios.

band

our borders drive away

our foes.
2

Et

regum socians agmina sub

crucis

Bid Christian princes marshal

their force

all

Vexillo, Solymas nexibus exime, Vindexque sanguinis innocui

hosticum

Beneath the sacred standard of the Rood, To avenge sweet Salem's sacrilegious loss,

Robur funditus

erue.

And
3

crush the Paynim red with guiltless blood.

Tu nostrum columen,
inclytum,

tu

decus

Nostrarum obsequium respice mentium; Roma? vota libens excipe, quae

pio

thee our hopes are built, as on a tower; Receive the homage we now humbly pay,

On

The

vows

which
rites,

Rome accomand
canticles'

plishes this hour,

Te

ritu canit, et colit.

With pious

sweet lay.

*A nobis

abigas lubrica gaudia Tu, qui Martyribus dexter ades,

Keep

far

from us

all

dangerous

delight,

Deus

Une

et

Trine: jubar,

tuis

da famulis
beas.

who comfortest Thy Martyrs' pain; One God in Persons Three, bestow
God,

Quo clemens animos

Thy
Wherewith

light

Thou makest
slain.

strong

Thy Martyrs

This is a continuation of the preceding hymn. Translation by Father Wallace, O.S.B. 1. "Protect thy native land and give to Christian nations the repose of holy peace banish the din of arms and dreadful wars to Thracian fields." ChristianoChristiadum rum, Christians. In fines Thracios: afar, to the remotest
:

regions.
225

PROPER OF SAINTS
uniting the armies of kings under the banner of the Cross, deliver Jerusalem from bondage, and as an avenger of innocent blood, utterly destroy the hostile power (of the Turks)." Solymce, poetical form of Hierosolyma, orum, Jerusalem. 3. "Thou, our pillar of strength, our illustrious ornament, behold the benevolent disposition of our hearts; graciously accept the prayers of Rome, who in a loving manner sings thy praises and honors thee."
2.

"And

THE HOLY FAMILY

FIRST

SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

95

O Lux
coelitum

be at a coelitum

OLUX beata
Et

HIGHEST Hope
Jesu, on

of mortals,

summa

spes mortalium,

Blest Light of Saints above,

Jesu, o cui domestica Arrisit orto caritas.

2

whose boyhood

Home
And

smiled with kindly love;

Maria, dives gratia, sola quae casto potes Fovere Jesum pectore,

thou

whose bosom nursed

Cum
3

lacte

donans oscula.

Him, Mary, highly graced, Whose breast gave milk to Jesus, Whose arms thy God embraced;

Tuque ex

vetustis

patribus

And

thou of

all

men

chosen

Delecte custos Virginis, Dulci patris quern nomine Divina Proles invocat.
4

To guard the Virgin's fame, To whom God's Son refused not

A
Of

Father's gracious

name;

De

stirpe Jesse nobili

Born for the nation's healing,

Jesse's lineage high,

Nati in salutem gentium, Audite nos qui supplices Vestras ad aras sistimus.
5

Behold the suppliants kneeling,

hear the sinners' cry!

redux ad vesperum Rebus nitorem detrahit, Nos hie manentes intimo Ex corde vota fundimus.
sol

Dum

The sun returned

Dusks

to evening,

all the twilight air:

We, lingering here before you, Pour out our heartfelt prayer.
226

THE HOLY FAMILY

"Qua
vestra sedes floruit

Your home was

Virtutis

omnis

gratia,

Made

Hanc detur

in domesticis

Referre posse moribus.

7

as a garden glad with fairest flowers; May life thus blossom sweetly In every home of ours.

Jesu, tibi sit gloria.

Jesus, to
Spiritu,

Thee be glory,

Qui natus

es de Virgine,

Cum
In

Patre, et

almo

sempiterna saecula.

The Maiden-Mother's Son, With Father and with Spirit While endless ages run.

(1810-1903). Meter: Iambic the Marquess of Bute's Roman Breviary. There are three translations. Liturgical Use Hymn for Vespers on the Feast of the Holy Family. 1. "0 blessed Light of the Saints, and supreme hope of mortals, Jesus, upon whose birth domestic affection
:

Author: Pope Leo XIII dimeter. Translation from

smiled;" Cui
2.
' *

orto.

Mary, rich in grace, thou alone wast able to nour-

ish Jesus at thy chaste breast, giving

Him

kisses with thy

milk
3.

; '

of

"And thou, of the ancient fathers, the chosen guardian the Virgin, whom the Divine Child did call by the sweet

the noble root of Jesse, for the salvation of mankind, hearken to us, your suppliants, who stand at your altars." De stirpe Jesse: Et egredietur virga de radice Jesse, et flos de radice ejus ascendet (Is. 11, 1). Jesse was the father of David. Both Mary and Joseph were of the house of David. 5. "When the sun declining towards evening takes away from things their beauty, we remaining here pour forth our prayers from the bottom of our hearts." Hie, viz., in the church. 6. "The grace of every virtue with which your home abounded, vouchsafe that we too may be able to reproduce the same in our home lives. Constr. Ut detur, nos hanc gratiam referre posse in moribus nostris domesticis.
' '
:

name of Father," 4. "Both having sprung from

227

PROPER OF SAINTS
96

Sacra jam splendent

jam splendent decorata

SACRA

THOUSAND
shed
shrines
air

lights their glory

lychnis

**
On

Templa, jam sertis redimitur ara fumant redolentque pio Et

acerrae

and

altars garlanded;

While swinging censers dusk the

Thuris honore.

With perfumed prayer.

Num

juvet

Summo

Geniti

And
Of Or

shall

we

sing the ancestry

Parente Regios ortus celebrare cantu? Num domus David, decora et

vetustae

Jesus,

Son of God most High? the heroic names retrace Of David's race?

Nomina
3

gentis?

Gratius nobis memorare parvum Nazarae tectum, tenuemque culturn,

Sweeter

is

lowly Nazareth,
childish

Where Jesus drew His

Gratius Jesu tacitam referre Carmine vitam.

4

breath Sweeter the singing that endears His hidden years.

Nili ab extremis peregrinus oris Angeli ductu, propere remigrat

An Angel leads From Egypt to

Where Jesus

the pilgrim
to

band

their native land,

Multa perpessus Puer et paterno Limine sospes,

clings

Joseph's

arm, Secure from harm.

Joseph, humili excolendus Abdito Jesus juvenescit aevo,

Arte,

qua

"And

the Child grew in wisdom's

ken

And

years and grace with

God and

Seque

fabrilis

socium laboris

men;"

Adjicit ultro.

And
membra,
cru-

in

His father's humble art

part.

Took share and

6

Irriget

sudor

mea

"With

toil," saith

He,

"my

limbs

dixit,

Antequam sparso madeant

ore:

are wet, Prefiguring the Bloody Sweat:" Ah! how He bears our chastise-

Haec

quoque

humano

generi

expiando Poena luatur.

7

ment With sweet content!

Assidet Nato pia Mater almo, Assidet Sponso bona nupta;

felix

At Joseph's bench, at Jesus' side, The Mother sits, the Virgin-Bride; Happy, if she may cheer their
hearts

Si potest curas relevare fessis

Munere amico.
228

With loving

arts.

THE HOLY FAMILY

8

neque

expertes,

operae

et

Blessed
sting

Three!
toil

who
and

felt

the

laboris,

Nee mali ignari, miseros Quos reluctantes per rerum

Urget egestas.
11

juvate,

Of want and

suffering,

acuta

Pity the needy and obscure Lot of the poor.

Demite his
Faustitas,

fastus,

quibus ampla
date

Banish the "pride of

all

life"

from
joys

splendet

mentem

rebus

Whom

ampler wealth
befall:

and

aequam: Quotquot implorant benigno

Cernite vultu.
10

columen,

Be every heart with love repaid That seeks your aid.

Sit tibi, Jesu, decus atque virtus,

Sancta

qui

vitae

documenta
et

praebes,

Glory to Thee, Jesu dear, Model of holy living here! Who reign'st, with Sire and Holy
Ghost, O'er heaven's host.

Quique cum summo Genitore almo Flamine regnas.

Author: Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903). Meter: Sapphic and Adonic. Translation by Monsignor Henry. There
are two translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Matins on the Feast of the Holy Family. 1. ''The sacred temples are already resplendent with lamps; the altar is wreathed round with garlands, and in loving honor vessels of incense smoke and emit a pleasant odor." Acerra, an incense-box, a censer. 2. "Would it not be pleasing to celebrate in song the royal birth of the Son from the sovereign Father ! And to sing of the house of David and of the illustrious names of that ancient family?" Ortus, pi., both the temporal and the
eternal birth of the Son.

us it is more agreeable to call to mind the little house at Nazareth, and the simple mode of life therein; more agreeable to relate in song the hidden life of Jesus. 4. "As a wanderer, under the guidance of an Angel, suffering much, the Child quickly returns from the distant banks of the Nile and is safe in His father's house." Paterno refers to St. Joseph, His foster-father. 5. "Jesus grows up in His hidden life, working faithfully
3.

"To

'

229

PROPER OF SAINTS
at the

same humble profession as

'

St.

Joseph; and of His

own accord He devotes Himself

pentering.
6.

to the profession of car-

perspiration moisten My limbs," He said, "before they become wet with My Blood poured forth; this toil must also be suffered in expiating the sins of the human race." Poenam luere, to suffer, undergo punishment. 7. "The loving Mother sits beside her beloved Son; the good bride, beside her spouse, happy if she can lighten the labors of the weary with affectionate attention." 8. "0 ye who have endured pains and toil, who were not unacquainted with misfortune, help the poor whom dire poverty oppresses in their struggle against necessitous conditions." This and the following stanza call to mind Pope Leo's great Encyclical Rerum novarum which treats of the relations between capital and labor (1891). 9. "Banish from men pride, with which ample wealth bedecks itself; grant us equanimity in the affairs of life: behold with a benign countenance all who invoke the Most High." Columen, lit., a height; heaven. 10. "Praise be to Thee, Jesus, who givest the holy precepts of life, who reignest with the sovereign Father

"May

and the Holy

Spirit.

97

O gente felix hospita

felix hospita

OGENTE

Augusta sedes Nazarae,

Quae fovit alma Ecclesiae Et protulit primordia.

f\ HOUSE of Nazareth the blest, V/ Fair hostess of the Lord,

The Church was nurtured
at

Thy

And
3

breast shared thy scanty hoard.

qui pererrat aureo Terras jacentes lumine, Nil gratius per saecula Hac vidit aede, aut sanctius.
Sol,

In all the spreading lands of earth The wandering sun may see No dearer spot, no ampler worth

Than

erst

was found

in thee!

Ad hanc

frequentes convolant

We know

Coelestis aulae nuntii,

Virtutis hoc sacrarium

Visunt, revisunt, excolunt.

thy humble tenement Was heaven's hermitage: Celestial heralds came and went In endless embassage.

230

THE HOLY FAMILY

*Qua mente
Jesus,

qua manu,

Optata patris perficit! Quo Virgo gestit gaudio

There, whatsoever Joseph asks Christ hastens to fulfill;

While Mary loves the household

tasks

Materna obire munera!

That wait her joyous

5

will.

Adest amoris particeps Curaeque Joseph conjugi, Quos mille jungit nexibus
Virtutis auctor gratia.

There, Joseph toileth at her side Her joys and griefs to share,

With thousand
bride,

ties

knit

to

his

Of
6

love

and work and prayer.

Hi diligentes invicem
In Jesu

amorem

confluunt,

Yet how their burn

bosoms constant

Utrique Jesus mutuae

And
In

deeper ardors prove

love

Dat

caritatis praemia.

of Christ, whose return Tokens of mutual love.

eyes

Sic

fiat,

ut nos caritas

then, in all the

homes of
life:

earth,

Jungat perenni fcedere, Pacemque alens domesticam

Be Love

the

bond of

Amara
8

vita;

temperet!

enthrone at every hearth The peace that husheth strife.

it

May

Jesu, tibi sit gloria,

Qui natus

es

de Virgine,

Cum

Patre, et

almo

Spiritu,

Jesu, born of Virgin bright, All glory be to Thee, With Father and with Paraclete,

In sempiterna sascula.

Through

all eternity.

Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Monsignor Henry. There are three translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Lauds on the Feast of the Holy Family. 1. "0 thou, in thy occupants (gevite) most blessed, hospitable, august abode of Nazareth, which fostered and nourished the holy beginnings of the Church. " Gente, the Holy
(1810-1903).

Author: Pope Leo XIII

Family.
2.
'
'

The

sun, which with its golden light courses over the

nations lying far below, hath through the ages seen nothing more pleasing than this house, nothing more holy." 3. "To it in great numbers fly the messengers of the heavenly court they visit, revisit, and honor this sanctuary of virtue." 4. "With what a heart and hand doth Jesus fulfill the
;

231

PROPER OF SAINTS
wishes of His foster-father! With what joy doth the Virgin strive to perform her maternal duties!" Mente, good
will.
5.
'
'

Manu,

diligence.
in her love

Sharing

and

solicitude, St.

Joseph stands

ever beside his spouse; the very source of virtue graciously unites both with a thousand ties. Gratia, in a most loving manner. 6. " Loving each other, they unite in their love for Jesus; and Jesus gives to both the rewards of mutual love." 7. "So may it happen that charity may unite us in an everlasting covenant; and fostering domestic peace may it alleviate the bitter things of life."

APPARITION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN

MARY IMMACULATE
Feb. 11

98

Te dicimus

prceconio
f~\
^-^

dicimus praeconio, TE Intacta Mater Numinis,

Nostris benigna laudibus Tuam repende gratiam.

VIRGIN Mother
While

of our God,

we

thy

matchless

Do To

glories chant, thou, in answer to our praise, us abundant graces grant.

are,

Sontes

Adami

posteri

Infecta proles gignimur; Labis paternae nescia

We Adam's guilty children A sin-infected progeny,

Thou
art,

Virgin,

we

believe,

Tu
3

sola,

Virgo, crederis.
invidi

Alone from

his infection free.

Caput draconis

The envious dragon's cruel head

conteris vestigio, sola gloriam refers Et

Tu

Thou with thy

down,

heel dost trample

Intaminatae originis.

And

of a stainless origin Thou only dost the glory own.

humanae decus Quae tollis Hevae opprobrium,

gentis

Flower of the human race, Who takest Eve's reproach away,

Protect us

Tu nos Tu nos

tuere supplices, labantes erige.

when we cry

to thee, to

Our
232

tottering
stay.

footsteps deign

APPARITION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN

'Serpentis antiqui potens Astus retunde et impetus, Ut coelitum perennibus

From
Thy

the old serpent's wiles and

force,

clients mightily defend,

Per

te

fruamur gaudiis.

That, through thy mercy, they

may

win Those heavenly joys which never

end.
6

Jesu, tibi

sit

gloria

Jesus, to

Thee be glory given,

Virgin-Mother bore,

Qui natus

es de Virgine,

Whom

erst the

Cum

Patre, et

almo Spiritu

In sempiterna saecula.

With Father and with Holy Ghost, Through endless ages evermore.

Author: Unknown. Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Archbishop Bagshawe there are no other translations. Liturgical Use Hymn for Matins on the Feast of
; :

the Blessed Virgin

Mary Immaculate

at Lourdes.

This Feast was authorized by Pope Leo XIII, and was extended to the entire Church by Pope Pius X, in 1907. The Office with its three proper hymns appeared only recently in the Breviary. The hymns are translated by Archbishop Bagshawe, in his Breviary Hymns and Missal Sequences. With the exception of the hymn for Matins they are also translated by the Benedictines of Stanbrook, in their The Day Hours of the Church. To understand many allusions in these hymns, the article on Lourdes, in the Cath. Encycl. should be consulted. This is especially true of the hymn Omnis expertem. stainless Mother of 1. "We praise thee with jubilation, God; for our praises, graciously bestow upon us thy
favor. '
guilty descendants of Adam are brought forth Virgin, we believe art a sin-infected people thou alone, free from our first father's infection." Crederis, passive, thou art believed. The dogma of the Immaculate Conception was proclaimed by Pope Pius IX, Dec. 8, 1854. Bead
2.

"We

the article on Immaculate Conception, in the Cath. Encycl. Thou dost crush with thy heel the head of the envious 3. dragon, and dost alone preserve the glory of a stainless origin." Vestigio: lit., a footprint; that part of the foot which makes a print the sole. It is here used in the sense
'
'

233

PROPER OF SAINTS
of calcaneum, the heel. Ipsa conteret caput tuum, et tu insidiaberis calcaneo ejus (Gen. 3, 15).
4.

"0

away

thou, the glory of the human race, who takest the reproach of Eve, protect thy suppliants, and en-

courage us who waver." 5. "Do thou mightily frustrate the cunning and the assaults of the old serpent, and through thee may we enjoy the everlasting joys of heaven. j?

99

Aurora
soli praevia

soli

pravia

**

\ URORA

OROSY
claim
Salvation's

dawn!

that dost pro-

Felix salutis nuntia, In noctis umbra plebs tua Te, Virgo, supplex invocat.

happy day,
'mid night's
pray.

To

thee,

Virgin, shades,

Thy people humbly

2

Torrens nefastis fluctibus Cunctos trahens voragine, Leni residit aequore

The

torrent, that engulfs all those

Within its whirlpool drawn, Rests calm as o'er its softened

Cum
3

transit

Area

foederis.

wave The ark of God

While
earth

is

borne.

torret arescens humus, rore sola spargeris; Tellure circum rorida, Intacta sola permanes.

Dum

is

parched

with

Tu

scorching heat,

Alone thou art bedewed; With dew o'erspread the

earth

And
*Fatale virus evomens Attollit anguis verticem; At tu draconis turgidum
Invicta conteris caput.
5

around, thou untouched art viewed.

rears his head aloft Disgorging poisoned spleen; But thou his proud, inflated head Dost crush with power as Queen.

The serpent

Mater benigna, respice

Fletus precesque supplicum,

loving Mother, hear our prayer,

As suppliant we

Et dimicantes tartari
Victrix tuere ab hostibus.
6

cry; Protect us in our strife with hell Who dost its power defy.
Jesu, born of Virgin bright,

Jesu, tibi

sit

gloria,

Qui natus

es de Virgine,

Cum

Patre, et

almo

Spiritu,

All glory be to Thee, With Father and with Paraclete,

In sempiterna saecula.

Through
234

all eternity.

APPARITION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN

Author: Unknown. Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by the Benedictines of Stanbrook. There are two
Liturgical Use: Hymn for Lauds. See the note on the preceding hymn. 1. "0 dawn that goeth before the sun, joyous herald Virgin, suppliantly invoke of our salvation, thy people, Mary was the dawn that thee amid the shades of night. preceded the rising Sun of Justice. The torrent with its inauspicious waves which draws 2. all men into the whirlpool, subsides into a placid sea while the Ark of the Covenant is passing." Area foederis, Ark of the Covenant (Litany) for an explanation of this title of our Blessed Lady, see the last paragraph of the article on Ark, in the Cath. Encycl. The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object the Israelites possessed, and it was the material symbol of the Divine presence (cf. Exod. 25, 10-22 Josue 3-4). 3. "When the dry earth is parched, thou alone art besprinkled with dew; when the earth on every side is wet with dew, thou alone dost remain untouched" (cf. Judges
translations.
' '

'

'

6,

37).
4.

serpent vomiting forth his fatal poison lifts his head, but thou unconquered (Maid) dost crush the swollen head of the dragon." (Cf. Gen. 3, 4-15). 5. "0 loving Mother, behold the tears and prayers of thy suppliants, and victoriously defend those in battle with the hosts of hell."

"The

100

Omnis expertem
expertem
maculae
'

OMNIS

0! Mary

is

exempt from

stain

Mariam
Edocet summus fidei magister; Virginis gaudens celebrat fidelis Terra triumphum.

-*-

of sin,

Proclaims the Pontiff high; And earth applauding celebrates

with joy

Her triumph,
t

far

and high.

Ipsa se praebens humili puellae Virgo spectandam, recreat paventern,

Unto

lowly

timid

maid

she

shows Her form in beauty

235

fair,

PROPER OF SAINTS
Seque conceptam sine labe sancto
Praedicat
ore.

And

the Immaculate truth

Conception

Her sacred
3

lips declare.

specus felix, decorate divae Matris aspectu! veneranda rupes, Unde vitales scatuere pleno Gurgite lymphs.

honored cave, by Mary's smile adorned! Q hallowed rock, whence spring The living waters of a gushing

The
4

stream, gifts of life to bring.

Hue catervatim pia turba nostris, Hue ab externis peregrina terris Affluit supplex, et opem potentis
Virginis orat.

And

thither

from the bounds of earth

f armost

The pilgrims wend

And

their way, suppliant around the Virgin's shrine Her powerful help they pray.
sufferers'

preMater lacrimas cantum, Donat optatam miseris salutem; Compos hinc voti patrias ad oras

Excipit

The

cry

the

Mother

fondly hears,

And And

Turba

revertit.

grants the longed-for grace; health restored, the pilgrim throng returns Unto its native place.

Supplicum,
casus,

Virgo,

miserata

Virgin

have compassion on our

needs,

Semper o nostros refove labores, Impetrans mcestis bona sempiternae

Refresh us laboring on; Obtain for us the joys of heavenly

life,

Gaudia
7

vitae.

When sorrow

all is gone.

decus Patri, genitaeque Proli, Et tibi compar utriusque virtus Spiritus semper, Deus unus, omni
Sit

All praise and honor to the Father

be,

Temporis

aevo.

And And

to His only Son, to the Spirit,

power of both,

for aye,

In

Godhead ever One.

Author Unknown. Meter Sapphic and Adonic. Trans:

lation bv the Benedictines of Stanbrook. There are two translations. Liturgical Use Hymn for II Vespers on the Feast of the B.V.M. Immaculate. The hymn for I Vespers is the Ave maris stella. See the note on hymn 98. 1. "The supreme teacher of faith solemnly affirms that Mary is free from all stain; the faithful everywhere re:

236

THE SEVEN HOLY FOUNDERS

Virgin." Summits magister: Pope Pius IX, who proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, Dec. 8, 1854. 2. The Virgin revealing herself in all comeliness to an humble maid reassures the trembling girl, and with sacred lips declares herself to have been conceived without sin." The lowly maid to whom the Blessed Virgin appeared on eighteen different occasions was a fourteen-year-old girl, Bernadette Soubiroux. On one occasion she revealed her identity saying: "I am the Immaculate Conception." 3. "0 fortunate grotto, honored by the apparition of hallowed rock, whence living waters the Blessed Mother in full stream gush forth!" .The reference is to the mysterious spring from which flows the wonder-working water of Lourdes. 4. "Hither in troops do pious pilgrims come from our own country; hither from the foreign lands suppliant pilgrims come, and implore the aid of the powerful Virgin." Hue: hither, to Lourdes in France. Nearly five million pilgrims, in 5,297 pilgrimages visited Lourdes from 1867 to
joicing celebrate the triumph
of

the

'

'

1908.

receives the tears of the petitioners and grants to the afflicted the desired health; having obtained their wish the pilgrims return to their own countries."
5.

"The Mother

Precantum for precantium.

Virgin, thou who dost compassionate the misfortunes of thy suppliants, ever alleviate our sufferings and obtain for the afflicted the blessed joys of eternal life."
6.

"0

THE SEVEN HOLY FOUNDERS

Feb. 12

101

Bella

dum
**

late

BELLA

dum

late

furerent, et

TJ7HEN
Was
Our

urbes
Caede fraterna gemerent cruentae, Adfuit Virgo, nova semper edens

war was raging, and the town

of

red with blood bands,

brother

Munera

matris.

Virgin-Mother

bowed

her

down
With bounteous hands.
237

PROPER OF SAINTS
2

En

Ut sibi Quos

vocat septem famulos, fideles in luctu recolant dolores, tulit tulit ipsa Jesus, consors Sub cruce Nati.

Seven

faithful sons she bid to share Her Dolours, all the shame and
loss

Which Jesus

suffered,

and she bare

Beneath His Cross.

3

parent Dominse vocanti: tectis opibusque Splendidis

Illico
spretis,

So when their Lady called, as naught They deemed their palaces and
wealth,

Urbe secedunt procul

Abdita montis.

in

Senari

The

mountain's desert sought Far off by stealth.

places

Corpora

hie

poenis

cruciant

For

others' sins the scourge they

plied,

acerbis,

Sontium labes hominum piantes: Hie prece avertunt lacrymisque

fusis

As they the way of penance trod; By prayers and tears they turned
aside

Numinis iram.
'Perdolens

The wrath of God.

Token of love, the Mother's hand Gave to her sons their garb of woe; Sanctioned the pious work they
planned,

Mater fovet, atque amictum Ipsa lugubrem monet induendum: coepta Agminis sancti pia
surgunt,

Mira patescunt.
'Palmes
in

With wondrous show.

viridans

bruma

The
Her

vine, to spread their

honors
greenly

honores Nuntiat patrum: proprios Mariae

wide, sprouts
flung,

in

winter

Ore

lactenti vocitant puelli

Nomine

Servos.

"See, those are Mary's servants," cried The infant tongue.

decus Patri, genitseque Proli, compar utriusque virtus Spiritus semper, Deus unus,
Sit

Now

to

the

Father

thanks

and

Et

tibi,

praise;

omni

To Thee, To Thee,

Temp oris

aevo.

Son, the same we send; great Spirit, through all days World without end.

Author: Vincent Tarozzi, 19th cent. Meter: Sapphic and Adonic. Translation anon, in the Servite Manual
238

THE SEVEN HOLY FOUNDERS

Liturgical Use: Hymn for Matins. With the exception of the hymn Matris sub alma numine, the five hymns formerly in use on the Feast of the Seven Founders have been omitted from the latest editions of the Breviary.
(1892).

The five hymns were translated by Archbishop Bagshawe and Father "Wallace, O.S.B. Julian's Dictionary of Hymnology mentions no translations of the hymns in honor of the Seven Holy Founders. Eead the article on Servites, Order of, in the Cath. EncycL 1. ''While wars were raging and blood-stained cities
groaned with fratricidal carnage, the Virgin appeared ever manifesting the new gifts of a mother." Bella: The bloody feuds and dissensions among the Italian cities from
the 11th to the 13th century are familiar to the student of history. St. Alexis, the last of the Seven Founders, died in 1310. 2. "Behold, in her grief, she calls unto herself seven faithful servants that they might recall to mind the sufferings which Jesus endured, and which she, the sharer of His sufferings, endured beneath the Cross of her Son." The object of the Servite Order is to preach everywhere compassion for the sufferings of Jesus crucified and of Mary desolate, as well as hatred for sin, the accursed cause of them both (cf. Servite Manual, p. xiv). 3. "Without hesitation they obey their Lady's call: spurning their stately palaces and wealth, they withdraw afar from the city into the hidden recesses of Mount Senario." The Blessed Virgin first appeared to the Seven Holy Founders in 1233. She exhorted them to leave the world and dedicate themselves, under her auspices, to the service of God. This they did without delay. 4. "Here they afflict their bodies with dire punishments, atoning for the sins of guilty men: here by their prayers and by their abundant tears they avert the anger of God. 5. "The Mother greatly encourages them and tells them that they should wear a garb indicative of mourning; the pious undertakings of the holy company prosper; wondrous things become manifest." Mir a, miracles. young vine becoming green in winter proclaims 6. the glory of the Fathers children unweaned proclaim them
'

"A

239

PROPER OF SAINTS
Mary's own Servants." The miracle of the vine occurred in March while the mountain was still covered The vine which had been planted the with hoar frost. preceding year, grew miraculously in a single night, and was covered at once with foliage, flowers, and fruit symbol of the speedy increase of their little community as was revealed to the bishop of Florence. Puelli: On two " Bedifferent occasions infants cried out in the street: hold the servants of Mary." by name
to be

102

Sic patres vitam

patres vitam

SIC

peragunt

in

^PHE

fathers

lived

life

in

umbra,
Lilia ut septem nivei decoris,

*
White

shade,
glistening
lilies

Yet seemed to Peter's vision seven

for

Virgini excelsee bene grata, Petro

the

Visa nitere.

Maid,

The Queen of heaven.

2

Jamque divina rapiente flamma,

quaeque Cursitant urbes, loca oberrant, Si queant cunctis animis dolores Figere Matris.

Through

city streets, o'er hills

and

plains,

Upborne by love

To

fix in

men

divine, they trod, the Mother's pains,

The swords of God.

This was the power in which they
spoke,
Till each wild passion

Hinc valent

iras

domuisse

caecas,

corda fera Nescia pacis et jungunt, Erigunt moestos, revocant nocentes

owned

their

sway:

They cheered

the sad,

from sinners

Dicta piorum.

broke Their chains away.

Till at last the Virgin

*At suos Virgo comitata servos Evehit tandem superas ad oras: Gemmeis sertis decorat per aevum

Queen

Led them to mansions in the sky, Mansions where garlands aye are
green,

Omne
5

beatos.

And
Eja

never die.
all

nunc
cantis

coetus

gemitum

pre-

May
And

they hear cries of

who

P ra Y?
see

Audiant, duros videant labores: Semper et nostris faveant benigno

how hard our

to the

earthly

strife:

Lumine

votis.

Aiding us onward

day

When
240

all is life.

THE SEVEN HOLY FOUNDERS

8

decus Patri, genitaeque Proli, Et tibi, compar utriusque Virtus Spiritus semper, Deus unus omni
Sit

Now

to

the

Father
Son,

thanks

and

praise;

To Thee, To

the

same we

Temporis

aevo.

send; Thee, great Spirit, through all days, World without end.

Meter: Sapphic and Adonic. Translation by Charles Kegan Paul. Liturgical Use Hymn for Lauds on the Feast of the Seven Holy
Tarozzi, 19th cent.
:

Author: Vincent

Founders.
spent their lives in obscurity, yet of snow-white beauty they seemed to Peter well pleasing to the Virgin high exalted." Petro: to shine St. Peter of Verona saw in a vision a mountain covered with flowers, among which were seven lilies, dazzling white, of exquisite perfume. Mary herself explained the vision the flowers were the Religious on Mount Senario, the seven lilies were the Seven Founders. 2. "And now divine charity impelling them, they traverse cities and wander everywhere, if perchance they might be able to fix the Sorrows of the Mother in the souls
1.

"The Fathers

as seven

lilies

of all."
able to restrain blind passions; they unite (in the bonds of love) fierce hearts ignorant of peace; the words of the pious preachers raise up the dejected and recall sinners."
3.

"By

this

means they are

Virgin leading forth her servants accompanies them to the heavenly regions, and with jeweled garlands she adorns her servants forever blessed." 5. "0 may they now hear the sighs of those assembled in prayer may they behold their difficult labors and may they with loving inspirations be favorable to our prayers."
4.

"At

last the

103

Matris sub almce

T> Y Mary's inspiration led, >U A sevenfold offspring comes
to light;

TV/TATRIS sub almse numine *" Septena proles nascitur: Ipsa vocante, ad arduum
Tendit Senari verticem.

At Mary's

call

away they sped

To Mount
241

Senario's rugged height.

PROPER OF SAINTS
2

Quos

terra fructus proferet

What

fruits

of

grace

the

earth

Dum

sacra proles germinat, Uvis repente turgitis Onusta vitis praemonet.

shall bear

When

they have sown their seeds

divine!

Christ's

vine

shall

bud

with

clusters rare,

Empurpled with the ruddy wine.

3

Virtute claros nobili Mors sancta coelo consecrat: Tenent olympi limina Servi fideles Virginis.

holy death to heaven speeds souls with virtue's glory crowned; When Mary for her servants

The

pleads,

Heaven's blessed portals they have found.

*

Cohors beata Numinis

Regno potita respice Quos hinc recedens fraudibus

Cinctos relinquis hostium.

happy souls who now obtain The Kingdom, and the scepter
bear!

Look down on us who still remain Where Satan spreads his subtle
snare.

"Ergo, per almas vulnera Matris rogamus supplices, Mentis tenebras disjice, Cordis procellas comprime.

Therefore on bended knee we pray, For sake of Mary's bitter grief; Chase darkness from our mind away, And give our troubled hearts
relief.

Tu

nos, beata Trinitas,

And Thou,

Trinity Divine!

Perfunde sancto robore, Possimus ut feliciter

Exempla patrum subsequi.

Confirm us in Thy holy grace! That so we may our hearts incline To walk in these Thy servants'
ways.

Author: Vincent
:

Tarozzi, 19th cent.

Meter: Iambic

dimeter. Translation by Father Wallace, O.S.B. Liturgical Use Hymn for II Vespers on the Feast of the Seven

Holy Founders.
the fostering care of the Blessed Mother, a sevenfold progeny comes into being: she calls them, and they direct their steps to the lofty summit of Mount Senario." Proles is the subject of nascitur and tendit. 2. The vine suddenly laden with bursting clusters f ore1.
'
'

"Under

242

ST.
'

JOSEPH
'

shadows what rich fruits the earth shall produce when this The miraculous vine is referred sacred progeny expands.
to in
,3.

Hymn

101.

holy death doth consecrate to God those rendered illustrious by great virtue: the faithful servants of the Virgin possess mansions in heaven." 4. "0 blessed band who have obtained possession of the Kingdom of God; departing hence, look down on those whom you leave behind, surrounded by the snares of enemies." 5. " Suppliantly, therefore, we ask through the wounds of a loving Mother, dispel the darkness of our minds, and restrain the passions of our souls." Holy Trinity, fill us with Thy 6. "Mayest Thou, strength, that happily we may be able to follow the example of the Fathers."

"A

ST.

JOSEPH
Mar. 19

104
THE,
*

Te, Joseph, celebrent

Joseph, celebrent agmina
coelitum,
chori,
"

ET

*-*

Angels chant thy praise, pure spouse of purest

Bride,

Te cuncti resonent christiadum

Qui
clarus
inclytae

meritis,

junctus

es

Casto foedere Virgini.

While Christendom's sweet choirs the gladsome strains repeat, To tell thy wondrous fame, to raise the pealing hymn, Wherewith we all thy glory greet.

Almo

cum tumidam germine conjugem Admirans, dubio tangeris anxius, Afflatu superi Flaminis Angelus Conceptum puerum docet.

When
And

An
And

doubts and bitter fears thy heavy heart oppressed, filled thy righteous soul with sorrow and dismay, Angel quickly came, the

wondrous
drove thy away.

secret told,

anxious

griefs

243

PROPER OF SAINTS
3

Tu natum Dominum
exteras
j^Egypti

stringis,

ad

Thy arms thy new-born Lord, with

profugum
Solymis

tu

sequeris
et

Him

plagas;

Amissum

quaeris,

Him
And

invenis,

Miscens gaudia

fletibus.

tender joy embrace; then to Egypt's Land thy watchful care doth bring; in the Temple's courts once lost thou dost regain, 'mid thy tears dost greet thy King.
till

Post mortem reliquos mors pia

consecrat,

Not

death's pangs are o'er

do

Palmamque
cipit:

emeritos gloria sus-

others gain their crown, But, Joseph, unto thee the blessed
lot

was given
did
yet

Tu

vivens,

Superis par, frueris

While

life

endure,

thy

Deo,

God
As do
Grant

to see

and know,

Mira

sorte beatior.

the Saints above in heaven.

us,

Nobis,

summa

Trias, parce pre-

cantibus,

Da Joseph
dere:

meritis
liceat

sidera

scan-

Ut tandem
petim

nos

tibi

per-

Gratum promere canticum.

for great Trinity, Joseph's holy sake, In highest bliss and love, above the stars to reign, That we in joy with him may praise our loving God, And sing our glad eternal strain.

Meter: Asclepiadic and Glyconic. Translation by Father Potter. There are seven translations. Liturgical Use Vespers hymn on the Feast of St. Joseph. Of the three hymns given here for the Feast of St. Joseph, the first two are used also in the office of the Solemnity of St. Joseph, which is celebrated on the Wednesday before the third Sunday after Easter.
cent.
:

Author: Unknown, 17th

the hosts of heavenly spirits praise thee, Joseph; may all the choirs of Christendom resound with thy name, thou who, renowned for merits, wast united in chaste wedlock to the glorious Virgin." 2. "When thou didst wonder at thy bride grown great with her august Child, sorely wert thou afflicted with doubt but an Angel taught thee that the Child was conceived by a breath of the Holy Spirit. ,, (Cf. Matt. 1, 18-21). Flaminis: flamen, from flo 1, to blow, just as spiritus is from spiro, to blow. 3. "Thou dost embrace the new-born Lord, and dost follow Him, a fugitive, to remote parts of Egypt: lost in
1.

"May

244

ST.

JOSEPH
=

Jerusalem, thou dost seek and find Him, Urns mingling joys with tears." Solymcz, arum Hierosolyma, orum, Jerusalem. (Cf. Luke 2, 48). 4. "A pious death doth make other men happy after death, and glory awaiteth those who have merited a palm: but thou still living, in a wonderous manner more fortunate, dost, like the Blessed, enjoy thy God." Emeritos, the p. part, of the deponent emereor. 5. ''0 sovereign Trinity, have mercy on us Thy suppliants grant that by the merits of St. Joseph we may enter heaven, and that finally we may be permitted to sing unto Thee forever a sweet canticle."
;

105

Ccelitutn Joseph decus

Joseph decus, atque
vitae,

CCELITUM
nostra?

TOSEPH,

the

praise

and glory

J
columenque

of the heavens,

Certa

spes

mundi,

Quas

tibi laeti

canimus, benignus Suscipe laudes.

Sure pledge of life, and safety of the wide world, As in our joy we sing to thee, in kindness List to our praises.

Te Sator rerum
Virginis

statuit pudicae

Thou by

the world's Creator wert

sponsum,
dici,

voluitque

appointed

Verbi Te patrem

dedit et minis-

Spouse of the Virgin: thee He willed to honor

trum
Esse salutis.

Naming

thee Father of the

Word,

and guardian Of our salvation.

stabulo jacentem, Quern chorus Vatum cecinit futurum, Aspicis gaudens, humilisque naturn

Tu Redemptorem

Thou thy Redeemer,

stable,

lying in

Whom
Sawest

long ago foretold the choir

of prophets,
rejoicing,

and

thy

God

adoredst
adoras.

Numen
4

Humble

in childhood.

Rex
Cujus

Deus
orbis,

regum,

Dominator
tremit
in-

God, King of Kings, and Governor

of the ages,

ad nutum ferorum

He
245

at

whose word the powers of hell do tremble,

PROPER OF SAINTS
Turba,
cui

pronus
tibi subdit.

famulatur

He whom

aether,

the adoring heavens ever worship

Se
5

Called thee protector.

Praise
to

Laus
Quae

sit

excelsae Triadi perennis,

the

Triune

Godhead

tibi

praebens superos hon-

everlasting,

ores,

Who
vitae.

Det

tuis nobis meritis beatae

Gaudia

with such honor mightily hath blest thee; may He grant us at thy blest
petition

Joys everlasting.

Author: Unknown, 17th cent. Meter: Sapphic and Adonic. Translation by Alan G. McDougall. There are
Liturgical Use: Hymn for Matins on the Feast of St. Joseph. 1. "Thou art, Joseph, the glory of the Blessed, the sure hope of our life, and the pillar of the world graciously
six translations.
:

joyfully sing to thee." 2. "The Creator of the world appointed thee the spouse of the most pure Virgin, and He willed that thou be called the father of the Word; and He made thee a minister of salvation." Ministrum, instrument. 3. "Rejoicing thou didst behold the Redeemer lying in the stable, Him whose advent the choir of prophets had foretold and thou didst humbly adore the new-born God. 4. God, the King of kings, and the Ruler of the world, at whose nod the hosts of hell tremble, whom the heavens prostrate serve, makes Himself subject to thee." Se subdit: Et erat subditus illis (Luke 2, 51). 5. "Never-ending praise be to the most high Trinity who didst bestow upon thee heavenly honors, and may the same grant us, through thy merits, the joys of a blessed life."
' ; '
'

accept the praises

we now

106
TSTE,
*-

Iste,
quern
laeti

quern

Iceti

colimus

fideles,

Cujus excelsos canimus triumphos,

die Joseph meruit perennis

Hac

Gaudia

vitas.

throughout the * Church to earth's far ends > With prayer and solemn rite, Joseph this day triumphantly ascends Into the realms of light.
246

TJ770RSHIPPED

ST.
2

JOSEPH
blest

nimis

felix,

nimis o beatus,

beyond the

lot of

mortal

Cujus extremam vigiles Christus et Virgo simul astiterunt Ore sereno.

ad horam

men!
O'er whose last dying sigh and the Virgin-Mother Christ

watched serene, Soothing his agony.

3

Hinc

stygis victor, laqueo solutus

Loosed

from

his

fleshly

chain,

Carnis, ad sedes placido sopore Migrat aeternas, rutilisque cingit

gently he

fleets,

As

Tempora

sertis.

calm sleep, away; And diademed with light, enters

in

the seats

Of everlasting day.
*Ergo regnantem flagitemus omnes,

There throned in power,

his loving aid

let

us

Adsit ut nobis, veniamque nostris Obtinens culpis, tribuat supernae

With fervent prayers implore; So may he gain us pardon in our

need,

Munera

pacis.

And
6

peace forevermore.

plausus, honores, Trine, qui regnas,

Sint
tibi

tibi

sint

Glory and praise to Thee, blest

Trinity

Deus,
fideli

et

coronas

One only God and Lord, Who to Thy faithful ones

failingly

un-

Aureas servo tribuis

Omne

per aevum.

Their aureoles dost award.

Sapphic and Adonic. Translation by Father Caswall. There are five Liturgical Use: Hymn for Lauds on the translations. Feast of St. Joseph.
cent.

Author: Unknown, 17th

Meter:

"He, whom we the faithful now joyfully honor, whose glorious triumphs we sing, Joseph, hath this day obtained
1.

the joys of eternal life." 2. "0 thrice happy, and thrice blessed Saint, at whose last hour, Christ and the Virgin keeping watch, assisted

with serene countenance." 3. " Victorious over hell, and liberated from the bonds of the flesh, he departs hence in a peaceful sleep to his eternal home, and crowns his temples with shining garlands." 4. "Now reigning above, let us all beseech him to help us, obtaining for us pardon for our sins, and procuring for us (by his intercession) the gifts of heavenly peace."
247

PROPER OF SAINTS
"Glory and honor be to Thee, God, Three in One, who reignest and who dost bestow upon Thy faithful ser5.

vants everlasting crowns of gold." Servo fideli, in a colevery faithful servant. Trine, see denus in lective sense the Glossary.

ST.

HERMENGILD
Ape. 13

107

Regali solio
solio fortis Iberise,

REGALI

GLORY
Who
Dying for

of Iberia's throne!

Hermenegilde jubar, gloria Marty rum, Christi quos amor almis

Coeli coetibus inserit.
2

Joy of martyred Saints above! the crown of life have won

their Saviour's love.

Ut

perstas

patiens,

pollicitum

Deo
Servans obsequium! quo potius
tibi

What intrepid faith was thine! What unswerving constancy!

Bent to do the will divine

With exact

fidelity.

Nil proponis, et arces Cautus noxia, quae placent.

3

Ut motus cohibes,

pabula

qui

parant Surgentis vitii, non dubios agens

Per vestigia gressus,

Every rising motion checked Which might lead thy heart astray, How thou didst thy course direct Whither virtue showed the way.

Quo
4

veri via dirigit!

Sit

rerum Domino jugis honor

Patri,

Et

Natum
tium,

celebrent ora precan-

Honor, glory, majesty, the Father and the Son, With the Holy Spirit be, While eternal ages run.

To

Divinumque supremis Flamen laudibus efferant.

(1568-1644). Meter: Lines 1, 2 of each stanza, Asclepiadic; line 4 is Glyconic; line 3 This and the following is the same as line 4 but catalectic. hymn are the only hymns in the Breviary written in this meter. Translation by Father Caswall. There are four Liturgical Use: Hymn for Vespers and translations. Lauds. Read the article on St. Hermengild, in the Gath.
248

Author: Pope Urban VIII

ST.
Encycl.

HERMENGILD

Note the spelling Hermengild or Hermenegild. " Brave Hermengild, shining light for the throne of 1. Spain, the glory of the martyrs whom love for Christ hath enrolled among the august choirs of heaven." St. Hermengild was martyred in 585.
2.

persistently didst thou persevere in the allegiance promised to God! Nothing was more dear to thee than this, and thou didst cautiously avoid hurtful things that please.' ' Constr. Nil potius tibi proponis quo
:

"How

quam
3.

illud, sc.

"How

obsequium. Noxia, earthly honors, etc. well thou didst restrain the passions which
! '

furnish food for incipient vice, making no hesitating steps along the path whither the way of truth directs 4. "To the Father, the Lord of creation, be perpetual honor; may the mouths of Thy suppliants praise the Son, and let them glorify with sovereign praise the Holy Spirit."

108

Nullis te genitor
te

NULLIS
trahit,

genitor

blanditiis

*
otio,

pROM

the

truth

thy

soul

to

turn,

Non vitae caperis divitis Gemmarumve nitore,

Regnandive cupidine.

Pleads a father's voice in vain; Naught to thee were jewelled crown, Earthly pleasure, earthly gain.

Diris

non

acies te gladii minis,

Angry

Nee

terret

perimens

carnificis

furor

threat and naked sword Daunted not thy courage high; Choosing glory with the Lord,

Nam

mansura caducis

Rather than a present joy.

Praefers gaudia coelitum.

Nunc nos

Superum protege

sedibus

amidst the Saints in light, Throned in bliss forevermore;

Now

Clemens, atque preces,

dum

cani-

tua Quaesitam nece palmam, Pronis auribus excipe.

4

mus

Oh! from thy exalted height, Hear the solemn prayer we pour.

Sit

rerum Domino jugis honor

Patri,

Et

Natum
tium,

celebrent ora precan-

Honor, glory, majesty, To the Father and the Son, With the Holy Spirit be, While eternal ages run.

Divinumque supremis Flamen laudibus efferant.

249

PROPER OF SAINTS
This is a continuation of the preceding hymn. Translation by Father Caswall. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Matins on the Feast of St. Hermengild. 1. "By no blandishments could thy father seduce thee, nor wert thou captivated by the leisure of a life of affluence, nor by the sparkling of gems, nor by the desire of reigning." 2. "The sharp edge of the sword, with dire threats, did not terrify thee, nor did the destructive rage of the executioner; for thou didst prefer the abiding joys of the Blessed to transitory ones." 3. "Do thou now from the mansions of the Blessed graciously protect us, and with willing ear receive our prayers, while we celebrate in song the martyr's palm obtained by thy death.
'

ST.

VENANTIUS
May
18

109
TI/TARTYR * Lux et
Tor tore victo
Lffitus

Martyr Dei Venantius

Dei Venantius, decus Camertium,
et judice,

IfENANTIUS,

hail!

God's

Martyr bright,

Thy

triumphum

concinit.

country's honor and her light; Who didst with joy thy triumph
sing,

Thy judge and

ing.
2

tortures conquer-

Annis puer, post vincula,

Post carceres, post verbera, Longa fame frementibus Cibus datur leonibus.

A child

he heeds no pain, Nor dungeon damp, nor galling

in years,

chain;

The tender

youth

for

food

is

thrown

To
8

lions,

mad

with hunger grown.

the beasts of

Sed ejus innocentiae Parcit leonum immanitas, Pedesque lambunt Martyris, Ira? famisque immemores.

wondrous

sight!

prey Their food reject, and turn away; Then tamely lick the Martyr's feet,

A
250

tribute to his virtue meet.

ST.
4

VENANTIUS
Then downwards hung,
exposed
his

Verso deorsum vertice Haurire fumum cogitur: Costas utrimque et viscera Succensa lampas ustulat.

mouth

To

clouds

of disposed,
clear,

smoke

beneath

Whilst with slow torches, burning

His naked breasts and sides they

sear.
5

Sit laus Patri, sit Filio,

Praise to the Father, and the Son,

Tibique sancte Spiritus: Da per preces Venantii Beata nobis gaudia.

And Holy
Oh!

Spirit,

Your

grant Martyr's prayer, blissful joy we

share.

Three in One; that through this

all

may

Author: Unknown, 17th

:

cent.

Translation by Father Potter. tions. Liturgical Use Hymn for Vespers. St. Venantius was martyred at the age of fifteen, in the year 250. 1. "Venantius, the Martyr of God, the light and glory of the people of Camarino, having triumphed over torturer and judge, now joyfully blends his voice with the song of triumph." Camertium, gen. pi. Camertes, ium, the inhabitants of Camerino, which was known in ancient times as Camers. Abp. Bagshawe renders this line: "Who Latium light and glory brings." As a matter of fact Camerino is not in Latium but in Umbria some ninety miles northeast of Rome. Father Caswall's translation in his Lyra Catholica is scarcely less happy: "Camertium's
light,
2.

Meter: Iambic dimeter. There are four transla-

her joy and prize."

child in years, after chains and imprisonment and stripes, he is given as food to lions raging from long

"A

hunger."
the ferocity of the lions spares his innocence, and unmindful of their rage and hunger they lick the Martyr's feet." 4. "With head hung downward he is forced to inhale smoke, and a flaming torch scorches his ribs and his flesh on either side." Viscera is used to signify the flesh lying under the skin. 5. "Be praise to the Father, and the Son, and to Thee,
3.

"But

251

PROPER OF SAINTS
Holy Spirit grant us through the prayers of Venantius
:

the

blessed joys of heaven."

110

Athleta Christi nobilis

Christi nobilis

ATHLETA

Idola damnat Gentium, Deique amore saucius Vitae pericla despicit.

2

TVTOBLE champion of the Lord! * Armed against idolatry!

In thy fervent zeal for

God
thee.

Death had naught of fear for

Loris revinctus asperis, rupe praeceps volvitur: Spineta vultum lancinant: Per saxa corpus scinditur.

Bound with
form

thongs, thy youthful

Down the rugged steep they tear, Jagged rock and rending thorn
All thy tender flesh lay bare.

Dum membra

raptant Martyris,

Languent siti satellites: Signo crucis Venantius E rupe fontes elicit.

4

toil, the savage crew, Fainting, sinks with deadly thirst; Thou the Cross dost sign; and lo! From the rock the waters burst.

Spent with

Bellator o fortissime, Qui perfidis tortoribus E caute praebes poculum, Nos rore gratiae irriga.
Sit laus Patri, sit Fiiio,

Saintly warrior-prince! who thus Thy tormentors couldst forgive; Pour the dew of grace on us,

Bid our fainting

spirits live.

Tibique sancte Spiritus: Da per preces Venantii Beata nobis gaudia.

To Thee, And Holy

Spirit,

Father, with the glory be;

Son

Oh, grant us through Thy Martyr's prayer

The joys of immortality.

Atjthok: Unknown, 17th cent. Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Father Caswall. There are three translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Matins on the Feast of St. Venantius. 1. "The noble athlete of Christ abominates the idols of the pagans, and smitten with the love of God he despises the dangers that threaten his life. 2. " Bound with rough thongs he is precipitated headlong from a cliff; thorns lacerate his countenance, and his body is torn by the sharp rocks." 3. " While the executioner's attendants drag along the limbs of the Martyr, they become faint with thirst by the
'
;

252

ST.

VENANTIUS

sign of the Cross Venantius causes water to issue forth from a rock." 4. "0 thou most brave warrior who dost offer to thy torturers a drink brought forth from a rock, refresh us with the dew of grace.
'

111

DUM nocte Diem propinquam

Nobis
2

Dum nocte pulsa lucifer pulsa lucifer THE golden

nuntiat,
Is

star of

morn

refert Venantius Lucis beatae munera.

climbing in the sky; The birthday of Venantius

Awakes

the

Church

to joy.

Nam

criminum caliginem, Stygisque noctem depulit,

cives lumine
Divinitatis imbuit.

Veroque

His native land in depths Of pagan darkness lay; He o'er her guilty regions poured The light of heavenly day.

Aquis sacri baptismatis

Lustravit ille patriam:

Quos

tinxit

unda

milites,

Her in baptismal streams Of grace he purified; E'en those who came to take
life,

his

In astra misit Martyres.

With him
4

as Martyrs died.

Nunc Angelorum

particeps,

Adesto votis supplicum: Procul repelle crimina,

With the Angels now he shares Those joys which never cease; Spirit blest, Look down on us,

Tuumque lumen
5

ingere.

And

send us

gifts

of peace.

Sit laus Patri, sit Filio,

Praise to the Father, Son,

Tibique sancte Spiritus:

Da per preces Venantii Beata nobis gaudia.

And, Holy Ghost, to Thee, Oh, grant us through Thy Martyr's

prayer

A
Author: Unknown, 17th cent. Translation by Father Caswall.
tions.

blest eternity.

Liturgical Use: Hymn St. Venantius. 1. "When (the darkness having been dispelled) the morning star heralds in the approaching day, Venantius brings us the gifts of blessed light." There is reference here to the ancient custom of saying Lauds at daybreak. Light is a symbol of Christ.
253

Meter: Iambic dimeter. There are three translafor Lauds on the Feast of

PROPER OF SAINTS
2.

of acquainted with the true light of the Godhead." 3. "With the waters of holy Baptism he purified his native land: the soldiers whom he baptized with water he

"For he drove away the darkness hell, and he made his fellow citizens

of sin

and the night

sent as martyrs to heaven." Tingo 3, to wet, moisten; in late Latin used in the sense of "to baptize." 4. "Now being a companion of the Angels, give ear to the prayers of thy suppliants banish afar what is sinful, and pour out upon us thy light."
;

ST.

JULIANA FALCONIERI
June 19

112

Ccelestis
Agni nuptias,

Agni nuptias

CCELESTIS

Juliana,

dum

TO be
Is

petis,

Lamb's celestial bride Juliana's one desire;

the

Domum

paternam

deseris,

For

this

she

quits

her

father's

Chorumque

ducis Virginum.

home,

And
2

leads the sacred virgin choir.

Sponsumque suffixum Cruci

Noctes, diesque dum gemis, Doloris icta cuspide,

By

day, by night, she

mourns her

Spouse
Nailed to the Cross, with ceaseless
tears,

Sponsi refers imaginem.

Till in herself,

The image of
3

that

through very grief, Spouse appears.

Quin septiformi vulnere Flos ad genu Deiparae: Sed crescit infusa fletu,

Like Him,

all

wounds, she kneels

transfixed

Flammasque

tollit caritas.

Before the Virgin-Mother's shrine; And still the more she weeps, the

more Mounts up
divine.
4

the

flame

of

love

Hinc morte fessam proxima

Non usitato te modo Solatur, et nutrit Deus, Dapem supernam porrigens.

That love so deep the Lord repaid His handmaid on her dying bed; When, with the Food of heavenly
life,

By miracle her
254

soul

He

fed.

ST.
8

JULIANA FALCONIERI
All praise to Thee, Maker blest! Praise to the everlasting Son; Praise to the mighty Paraclete While ages upon ages run.

/Eterne rerum Conditor, /Eterne Fili par Patri, Et par utrique Spiritus,
Soli tibi
sit

gloria.

(1680-1743). Translation by Father Caswall. There are four translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Vespers and Matins. St. Juliana was the foundress of the Third Order of Servites. She died in the year 1341. 1. "When thou, Juliana, didst seek the nuptials of the Heavenly Lamb, thou didst abandon thy father's house and lead a choir of virgins." For an explanation of the term "Nuptials of the Heavenly Lamb," see the article on Marriage, Mystical, in the Cath. Encycl. 2. "By day and night thou didst bewail thy Spouse fastened to the Cross, till pierced with a sword of sorrow thou didst bear the image of thy Spouse." Cuspide, a

Author: Francesco Meter: Iambic dimeter.

Maria

Lorenzini

sharp point. 3. Yea, with a sevenfold wound thou didst weep at the feet of the Mother of God, but by thy tears, the charity infused increased and rendered more keen the poignancy (flammas) of thy grief." Septiformi vulnere: The seven Sorrows of our Blessed Mother. Flamimas, sc. doloris. Tears of sorrow increase the love of God in our hearts and thereby render the greatest sorrows more endurable. 4. "Hence it was that exhausted by the approach of death, in no ordinary manner did God console and nourish thee, spreading out before thee Heavenly Food." There is reference in this stanza to a miraculous image found on the Saint's breast after her death. "Being unable to receive Holy Communion because of constant vomiting, she requested the priest to spread a corporal on her breast and lay the Host on it. Shortly afterwards the Host disappeared and Juliana expired, and the image of a cross, such as had been on the Host, was found on her breast"
'
'

{Cath. Encycl.).

"Eternal Creator of the world, Eternal Son equal to the Father, and Spirit equal to both: to Thee alone (0 Trinity) be glory."
5.

255

PROPER OF SAINTS THE NATIVITY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

June 24
113
queant UT Mira

Ut queant
laxis resonare fibris

laxis
thy
spirit,

f\ FOR
^-^

holy John, to

famuli gestorum tuorum, Solve polluti labii reatum,

Sancte Joannes.

chasten Lips sin-polluted, fettered tongues to loosen; So by thy children might thy deeds
of

wonder

Meetly be chanted.
2

Nuntius celso veniens olympo,

Lo

Te

patri

magnum
et
vita?

fore nascitu-

rum,

a swift herald, from the skies descending, Bears to thy father promise of thy
!

Nomen,

seriem gerendae

greatness;

Ordine promit.

How

he shall name thee, what thy

future story, Duly revealing.

promissi dubius superni, Perdidit promptse modulos

Ille

lo-

quelae:

Scarcely believing message so transcendent, Him for season power of speech

forsaketh,
Till, at

Sed reformasti genitus peremptze Organa vocis.

thy wondrous birth, again returneth Voice to the voiceless.

in

*Ventris obstruso recubans cubili, Senseras Regem thalamo manentern:

thy mother's womb all darkly cradled, Knewest thy Monarch, biding in

Thou,

Hinc parens,

nati meritis, uterque

Abdita pandit.

Whence

His chamber, the two parents, through

Mysteries uttered.

their children's merits,

Sit decus Patri, genitaeque Proli,

Et

tibi

Spiritus semper,

compar utriusque virtus, Deus unus, omni Temporis aevo.

Praise to the Father, to the Son begotten, And to the Spirit, equal power possessing,

One God whose

glory, through the lapse of ages, Ever resoundeth.

Author: Paul

the

Deacon (720-799).
256

Meter: Sapphic

NATIVITY OF
and Adonic.

ST.

JOHN THE BAPTIST

Translation, a cento from The Hymner, based on a translation by W. J. Blew, in the meter of the original. There are about twenty translations of this beautiful hymn. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Vespers. The hymns given below for Matins and Lauds are parts of this hymn. The translations are in blank verse. In reading care should be taken to observe the caesura which in Sapphic verse occurs generally after the fifth syllable. There is an article on this hymn in the Cath. Encycl., and another on Paulus Diaconus its author. 1. "That thy servants may be able to sing thy deeds of holy John, the wonder with pleasant voices, remove, guilt of our sin-polluted lips." Laxis fibris is intended to express a good condition of the voice, freedom from hoarseness, etc., "with vocal cords well strung." St. John is invoked for ailments of the throat, and he is even considered a special patron of singers. The Saint's miraculous birth is recorded in detail in Luke 1. The whole chapter should be read. Zachary, the father of the Precursor, lost his voice on account of his disbelief in the Angel's promise (Luke 1, 19), and again "his tongue was loosed" (laxis This stanza is fibris) at the naming of John (Luke 1, 64). of special interest to musicians as the syllables marked in italics were those chosen by G-uido of Arezzo (990-1050) for the syllabic naming of the notes Ut, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La. The famuli mentioned in this stanza are the choir who (as Zachary recovered his voice at the naming of John) would implore their patron to endow them with voices worthy of singing the praises of one so illustrious. 2. "A messenger from highest heaven discloses in due order to thy father that thou wouldst be born great, thy name, and the whole course of the life thou wouldst lead. Nomen, Nuntius, the Archangel Gabriel (Luke 1, 19).
'

John (Luke
17).
3.

1, 13).

Seriem vita gerendce

(cf.

Luke

1,

15-

(Zachary) doubtful of the heavenly promise lost the power of ready speech; but when born, thou didst The disbelief of restore the organs of the lost voice." Zachary is recorded in Luke 1, 18 the penalty in verse 20 the restoration of the power of speech in verse 64.
;

"He

257

PROPER OF SAINTS
" Still resting in the concealed abode of the womb, thou didst perceive thy King reposing in His chamber: thereupon both parents by the merits of their son revealed hidden things." The last two lines of this stanza are Obscure. In the translation given above the two parents are Zachary and Elisabeth and the mysteries they uttered are Elisabeth's "Blessed art thou among women," etc. (Luke 1, 42-45), and Zachary 's "Blessed be the Lord God
4.
;

of Israel," etc. (Luke 68-79). However, there is no lack of translators who ignore the masculine uterque and the singular nati and translate quite as literally as Archbishop

Bagshawe
"The two Mothers
then, on account of their Babes,

Things hidden unfold."

two parents are Mary and Elisabeth, and the whole stanza gives us a picture of the Visitation. The "hidden things" uttered by Elisabeth are the same as those mentioned above (Luke 1, 42-45), and Our Lady replies in her incomparable Magnificat (Luke 1,
In
this interpretation the

46-55).

the better interpretation. 5. "Glory be to the Father, and to* the only-begotten Spirit, power eternally aqual to Them Son, and to Thee, both, one God, forever and ever."
is

This

114

Antra
deserti,

deserti

ANTRA
annis,

teneris

sub

rpHOU,

in thy childhood, to the

Civium, turmas fugiens,

petisti,

Ne

levi posses

maculare vitam Crimine linguae.

desert caverns Fleddest for refuge from the cities' turmoil, Where the world's slander might not dim thy luster, Lonely abiding.

Praebuit

durum tegumen camelus

sacris,

Camel's hair raiment clothed thy

saintly

Artubus
Cui

strophium

bi-

members;
thy
the

dentes;
latex

Leathern

haustum,
locustis.

sociata

the girdle which loins encircled;

pastum Mella

Locusts

and

honey,

with

fountain-water, Daily sustained thee.

258

NATIVITY OF
3

ST.

JOHN THE BAPTIST

Oft in past ages, seers with hearts expectant Sang the far-distant advent of the Day-Star; Thine was the glory, as the world's

tantum cecinere Vatum Corde praesago jubar affuturum: Tu quidem mundi scelus auferentem
Caeteri

Indice prodis.

Redeemer
First to proclaim
1

Him.

Non

fuit vasti spatium per orbis quisquam Sanctior genitus Joanne, Qui nefas ssecli meruit lavantem Tingere lymphis.

Far as the wide world reacheth, born of woman, Holier was there none than John
the Baptist;

Meetly in water laving

Him who

Man from
5

cleanseth pollution.

decus Patri, genitaeque Proli Et tibi, compar utriusque virtus Spiritus semper, Deus unus, omni
Sit

Temporis

aevo.

Praise to the Father, to the Son begotten, And to the Spirit, equal power possessing, One God whose glory, through the
lapse of ages, Ever resoundeth.

This is a continuation of the preceding hymn. Translation by M. J. Blacker and G. H. Palmer. Liturgical Use Matins hymn. 1. "From thy tenderest years, fleeing the throngs of men, thou didst seek the caves of the desert, lest thou stain thy life by the slightest sin of the tongue." (Cf. Luke 1,
:

80.)

furnished the rough covering for thy sacred members thy girdle, the sheep provided the fountain furnished thy drink, and honey together with locusts thy food." Prcebuit, this is the predicate of the whole stanza. Compare this stanza with Matt. 3, 4. 3. "The rest of the Prophets only foretold with prophetic spirit the Light that was to come but thou with thy finger didst point out Him who taketh away the sins of the world." Indice prodis: Ecce agnus Dei, ecce qui tollit
2.
; ; :

"The camel

peccatum mundi (John

4.

1,

29).

"Throughout the space of the wide world there was no one born who was more holy than John, who was deemed
259

PROPER OF SAINTS
worthy
with water Him who washeth away the sins of the world." (Cf. Matt. 11, 11.)
to baptize

115

O
felix,

nimis felix
celsi,
nilpu

ONIMIS
doris,

meritique
nivp.i nivei

Nesriens Nesciens

lahfim labem

f~\ MORE than blessed, merit ^" high attaining, Pure as the snow-drift, innocent
of evil, Child of the desert, mightiest of Martyrs, Greatest of Prophets.

Praepotens Martyr,
cultor,

nemorumque

Maxime Vatum.

Serta ter denis alios coronant Aucta crementis, duplicata quos-

dam;
Trina
te fructu

Thirtyfold increase some with glory crowneth; Sixtyfold fruitage prize for others

cumulata centum

Nexibus ornant.

winneth Hundredfold measure, thrice

peated, decks thee, Blest one, for guerdon.

re-

Nunc potens
mis

nostri meritis opi-

may
All

the virtue of thine intercession,

Pectoris duros lapides revelle,

stony

hardness

from

our

Asperum planans

iter, et

reflexos

Dirige calles.

hearts expelling, Smooth the rough places,

and the

crooked straighten

Here
4

in the desert.

Ut pius mundi Sator

tor,

et

Redemp-

Thus may our gracious Maker and

Redeemer,
Seeking a station for His hallowed
footsteps,

Mentibus culpa? sine labe puris,

Rite dignetur veniens beatos

Ponere gressus.

Find,

when He cometh, temples

Meet
undefiled, to receive

Him.

Laudibus cives celebrent superni Te Deus simplex, pariterque

trine,

Now

as the Angels celebrate praises,

essential,

Thy
co-

Godhead
et

Trinity

Supplices

nos

veniam

pre-

equal;

camur:
Parce redemptis.

Spare Thy redeemed ones, as they

bow

before Thee,

Pardon imploring.

This

is

a continuation of the two preceding hymns.

260

NATIVITY OF
Translation by M.
cal Use
1.
:

ST.

JOHN THE BAPTIST

Liturgi-

Hymn
thrice

Blacker and G. H. Palmer. for Lauds.

J.

"0

happy

thou,

and of exalted merit, knowing

no stain upon thy snow-white purity; thou mightiest of martyrs, friend of solitude, greatest of prophets." Nemorum, nemus, a grove, forest, a place of solitude some texts have eremi; eremus, desert, wilderness, solitude. 2. "Crowns enriched with thrice tenfold increase adorn some; others a double crown adorns; but a triple crown with fruitage heaped up with a hundred twinings adorns
:

thee." Constr. Serta (crowns, garlands) aucta ter denis crementis (increase, fruit) coronat alios, quosdam duplicata serta coronant te ornant trina f ructu cumulata serta centum nexibus. The stanza plainly refers to the Parable of the Sower, some of whose seed falling on good ground "brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, and some thirtyfold" (Matt. 13, 8). Our Lord Himself explains the meaning of this parable (Matt. 13, 18-23). The triple crown ascribed to St. John is probably that referred to in the preceding stanza, viz., that of martyr, hermit, and prophet. Note the following:
: ;

Some crowns
Thy

with glory thirtyfold are shining:

Others, a double flower

trinal chaplet bears

and

fruit

combining:

an intertwining

Hundredfold

fruitage.

H.

T. Henry.

rendered powerful by thy rich merits, pluck out the stony hardness of our hearts, make plain the rough way, and make straight the crooked paths." (Cf. Luke
3. 3, 4-5.)

"Now

4.

"So

that the loving Creator and

Redeemer

of the

world, coming, may becomingly condescend to direct His blessed footsteps into our hearts free from all stain of
sin.
5.
'

"With songs of praise let the heavenly citizens extol Thee, God, One and Three; suppliantly we pray for pardon: spare Thy redeemed ones."
261

PROPER OF SAINTS SS. PETER AND PAUL

June 29
116

Decora lux
lux aeternitatis,
au-

DECORA
ream

THE

Diem

beatis irrigavit ignibus,

cipes,

Apostolorum quae coronat PrinReisque in astra liberam pandit viam.

beauteous light of God's eternal Majesty Streams down in golden rays to grace this holy day

Which crowned

And

the princes of the Apostles' glorious choir, unto guilty mortals showed the heavenward way.

Mundi

Magister,

atque

coeli

The teacher

of

the

world

and

Janitor,

Romae parentes, arbitrique Gentium,

Per
Vitae

ensis
victor

ille,

hie

per

crucis

necem

senatum laureati possident.

keeper of heaven's gate, Rome's founders twain and rulers too of every land, Triumphant over death by sword and shameful cross, With laurel crowned are gathered to the eternal band.

Roma

felix,

quae

duorum

happy Rome who

!

in thy

martyr

Principum
Es consecrata glorioso sanguine: Horum cruore purpurata ceteras Excellis orbis una pulchritudines.

princes' blood,

twofold stream, art washed and doubly sanctified. All earthly beauty thou alone outshinest far,

Empurpled

by

their

outpoured

life-blood's glorious tide.

4

sempiterna gloria, Honor, potestas, atque jubilatio, In unitate, qua? gubernat omnia, Per universa saeculorum saecula.
Sit Trinitati

All honor, power, and everlasting

jubilee

To Him who

To

things made and governs here below, God in essence One, and yet in persons Three,
all

Both now and ever, while unending ages flow.

Author: Ascribed
Boethius.

to Elpis, the wife of the philosopher

She died about 493. Meter: Iambic trimeter. Translation by Msgr. Canon L. Hall. First line of Original Text Aurea luce et decore roseo. The hymn was
:

262

SS.

PETER AND PAUL

considerably altered by the revisers under Pope Urban VIII, in 1632. Including both texts there are at least twelve translations. The complete hymn consists of six stanzas, including the doxology. The order of the stanzas in the complete hymn is as follows: Decora lux; Mundi magister; Beate Pastor Petre; Egregie Doctor Paule; Roma f elix Sit Trinitati. Note the use made of parts of this hymn on the Feasts of St. Peter's Chair (hymn 90), and of the Conversion of St. Paul (hymn 91). 1. "The beauteous Light of Eternity hath flooded with blissful fires this golden day which crowns the Princes of the Apostles, and opens unto the guilty a free way to heaven." God is "the beauteous Light of Eternity." The "blessed fires" are His graces and blessings. The "golden day" is the festival of the two Apostles. 2. "The teacher of the world, and the door-keeper of heaven, fathers of Rome, and judges of the nations, the one triumphant over death by the sword, the other by the Cross; now laurel-crowned they sit in the assembly of eternal life." Mundi Magister, St. Paul (Cf. Rom. 11, 13) Coeli Janitor, St. Peter (Cf. Matt. 16, 19). Arbitri, judges (Cf. Matt. 19, 28). Constr. Ille (Paulus) victor per necem ensis, hie (Petrus) per necem crucis possident laureati
;
:

senatum vitae. 3. " happy Rome, who art consecrated by the glorious blood of two Princes empurpled by the blood of these, thou
;

alone dost surpass all other beauties of the world. 4. "To the Trinity in Unity that doth govern all throughout eternity, be endless glory, honor, power, and
'

jubilation. '

117

Beate Pastor Petre

Petre, clemens

IDEATE Pastor ** accipe

vincula

pETER,
*-

blest Shepherd, hearken

to our cry,

Voces precantum, criminumque

And

with

a word unloose guilty chain;

our

Verbo

resolve,

cui

potestas

tradita,

Aperire terris
claudere.

coelum,

apertum

Thou! who hast power to ope the gates on high To men below, and power to shut them fast again.

263

PROPER OF SAINTS
2

Egregie
Et

Doctor

Paule,

mores

Lead

us,

great teacher Paul,

in

instrue,

tecum pectora in ccelum trahe: Velata dum meridiem cernat

nostra
fides,

wisdom's ways, And lift our hearts with thine to heaven's high throne; Till faith beholds clear the meridian blaze;

Et

solis

instar

sola

regnet

And

caritas.
8

sunlike in the charity alone.

soul

reigns

sempiterna gloria, Honor, potestas, atque jubilatio, In unitate, quae gubernat omnia, Per universa aeternitatis saecula.
Sit

Trinitati

Praise, blessing, majesty, through

endless days,

Be

to the Trinity
in

Who

pure sways

unity

immortal given; profoundly

Eternally alike all things in earth and heaven.

This is a continuation of the preceding hymn. Translation by Father Caswell. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Lauds on the Feast of SS. Peter and Paul. See Hymns 90

and
1.

91.

blessed shepherd Peter, thou to whom was given the power to open heaven, and, opened, to close it, mercifully receive the prayers of thy suppliants, and by thy word unloose the chains of their sins." Precantum for precantium. This stanza is a metrical rendering of Matt. Et quodcumque 16, 19 Et tibi dabo claves regni ccelorum. erit ligatum et in ccelis: et quodligaveris super terram, cumque solveris super terram, erit solutum et in ccelis. 2. "Illustrious teacher Paul, mould thou our lives, and draw with thee to heaven our hearts, till faith now veiled beholds the bright noonday, and, like the sun, charity alone doth reign." St. Paul was taken up "even to the third heaven," i.e., to the abode of the Angels and Saints (Cf. II Cor. 12, 1-4). The same illustrious Doctor teaches us that "We see now through a glass in a dark manner" (I Cor. 13, 12). (i.e., by faith): "but then face to face" And again, that charity remains forever "never falleth away" (I Cor. 13, 8) though in the next world faith shall pass into vision, and hope into the enjoyment of God.
:

"0

264

THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

July
118
T^ESTIVIS
resonent

Festivis resonent
compita
ex-

*
Cives
Taedis

WITH
And

vocibus,
laetitiara

frontibus

plicent,

glad and joyous strains now let each street resound, let the laurel wreath each Christian brow entwine;

flammiferis ordine deant Instructi pueri et senes.

pro-

With torches waving bright, let old and young go forth, And swell the train in solemn line.
Whilst we with bitter tears, with sighs and grief profound, Wail o'er the saving Blood, poured
forth

Quern dura moriens Christus in

arbore
Fudit
multiplici

vulnere

San-

guinem,

upon

the Tree,

Nos

facti

memores dum colimus,

decet
Saltern fundere lacrymas.

Oh, deeply let us muse, and count the heavy price, Which Christ hath paid to make
us free.

'

Humano
Adami Adami

generi pernicies gravis

crimine contigit: integritas et pietas novi Vitam reddidit omnibus.

veteris

The primal man of old, who fell by serpent's guile, Brought death and many woes upon his fallen race; But our New Adam, Christ, new
life

unto us gave,
to
all

And brought
grace.

ne'er-ending

*Clamorem validum summus ab

aethere

To heaven's
Of

Languentis
audiit,

Geniti

si

Pater

highest height, the wailing cry went up Him, who hung in pain, God's

Placari potius sanguine debuit, Et nobis veniam dare.

own eternal Son; His saving, priceless Blood, His Father's wrath appeased, And for His sons full pardon won.
Whoe'er
in

Hoc quicumque stolam sanguine

proluit,

that pure

Blood his

guilty soul shall wash,

Abstergit maculas, et roseum decus, Quo fiat similis protinus Angelis: Et Regi placeat, capit.

Shall from his stains be freed be made as roses bright Shall vie with Angels pure, shall please his King and Lord, And precious shine in His glad
sight.

265

PROPER OF SAINTS
6

A
Se

recto

instabilis

tramite post-

Oh, from the path of right ne'er

thy steps depart, But haste thee to the goal in virtue's peaceful ways; Thy God who reigns on high will e'er direct thy steps, And crown thy deeds with blissful
let

modum
nullus retrahat, meta sed ultima Tangatur: tribuet nobile prae-

mium, Qui cursum Deus adjuvat.

days.
7

Nobis

propitius potens,

sis,

Genitor

Father of

things made, to us propitious be,

all

Ut quos unigenae Sanguine Filii Emisti, et placido Flamine recreas,

Coeli

ad culmina transferas.

dear Son, His saving Blood did spill; Holy Spirit, grant the souls by Thee refreshed Eternal bliss may ever fill.

For

whom Thy own

Meter: Asclepiadic and Glyconic. Translation by Father Potter. There are five translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Vespers. Read
cent.

Authok: Unknown, 17th

the article on Precious Blood, in the Cath. Encycl. 1. "Let the streets re-echo with festive song, let the people manifest joy in their countenances, let young and old arrayed in due order proceed with flaming torches." Compitum (mostly pi.) crossroads; here, streets, ways. 2. "While mindful of the fact we worship the Blood which, from many a wound, the dying Christ shed upon the cruel Tree, it behooves us to shed at least tears." Facti, fact, deed, viz., the suffering and death of Christ. 3. "Grave loss befell the human race by the sin of the old Adam. The sinlessness and love of the new Adam have restored life to all." St. Paul draws a parallel between Christ and Adam (cf. Rom. 5, 12-21). 4. "If the Father heard from heaven the loud cry of His expiring Son far more ought He be appeased by His Blood, and grant us pardon." 5. "Whoever washeth his robe in this Blood, washeth away its stains and gaineth a roseate beauty whereby he forthwith becometh like unto the Angels, and pleasing to the King." He who cleanses his soul by Baptism and Penance, which derive their efficacy from Christ's atonement, shall obtain the gift of sanctifying grace (roseum decus) which makes him pleasing to God.
;

266

THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD

6.

"Henceforth

let

no unstable one withdraw himself

let

the final goal be touched. God who aideth us on the way bestoweth a noble prize.' 7. "Almighty Father, be Thou propitious to us, so that those whom Thou didst purchase by the Blood of Thine only-begotten Son, and whom Thou dost re-create in the Holy Spirit, those same mayest Thou one day transfer to the heights of heaven." Unigena, a, adj. unigenitus, only, only-begotten; it here modifies Filii. Placidu, calm, gentle, peaceful.

from the straight path, but

119

Ira justa Conditoris

justa Conditoris

IRA
Noe

Imbre aquarum vindice Criminosum mersit orbem,

in area sospite:

who

once,

in

righteous

vengeance,

Mira tandem vis amoris Lavit orbem Sanguine.

the world beneath the Flood, Once again in mercy cleansed it With the stream of His own Blood, Coming from His throne on high On the painful Cross to die. Blest with this all-saving shower,

Whelmed

Tarn salubri terra felix

Irrigata pluvia,

Earth

her

beauty

straight

re-

Ante spinis quae scatebat, Germinavit flosculos: Inque nectaris saperem

Transiere absynthia.

sumed;
In the place of thorns and briars, Myrtles sprang, and roses

bloomed:
Bitter

wormwood

of the waste
its taste.

Into honey changed

3

Triste protinus venenum Dirus anguis posuit,

Et cruenta belluarum
Desiit ferocia:

Mitis Agni vulnerati Haec fuit victoria.

Scorpions ceased; the slimy serpent Laid his deadly poison by; Savage beasts of cruel instinct Lost their wild ferocity;

Welcoming the gentle reign Of the Lamb for sinners slain.

Oh, the wisdom of th' eternal! Oh, its depth and height divine! Oh, the sweetness of that mercy Which in Jesus Christ doth shine! Slaves we were condemned to die! Our King pays the penalty!
267

scientiae supernae

Altitudo impervia! suavitas benigni Praedicanda pectoris! Servus erat morte dignus, Rex luit pcenam optimus.

PROPER OF SAINTS
5

Quando

culpis provocamus Ultionem Judicis, Tunc loquentis protegamur

Sanguinis praesentia: Ingruentium malorum Tunc recedant agmina.

before the Judge we tremble, Conscious of His broken laws, May this Blood, in that dread hour, Cry aloud, and plead our cause;

When

Bid our guilty terrors cease, Be our pardon and our peace.
6

laudet orbis servans munera, Grata salutis sempiternas Dux et auctor inclyte, Qui tenes beata regna Cum Parente et Spiritu.

Te redemptus

Prince and Author of Salvation! Lord of majesty supreme! Jesu, praise to Thee be given

By

the world

Thou

didst redeem;

Who

with

the

Father

and

the

Spirit,

Reignest in eternal merit.

Author: Unknown, 17th

tion

cent.

Meter: Trochaic tetramTransla-

eter: the lines are here divided at the caesura.

by Father Caswall. There are four translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Matins on the Feast of the Most Precious Blood. 1. "The just wrath of the Creator did once submerge the sinful world beneath an avenging rain of waters, Noe being safe in the Ark; finally, however, the wondrous power of love purified the world with Blood." Note the two abl. absol. constructions in lines 2 and 4: "A flood of "Noe the while being water being the avenger"
. .

safe in the ark.

2.

'

salubrious rain, the happy earth which formerly abounded with thorns, now buds forth flowers; and (the bitterness of) wormwood hath been Absynthium, changed into the sweetness of nectar." absinth, bitter herbs. Inque: Constr. Et absynthia tran-

"Watered by such

sierunt in the earth

3.

saporem nectaris. When Adam fell, God cursed and henceforth it was to bring forth thorns and

thistles (cf. Gen. 3, 17-19).

"Forthwith the dire serpent laid aside his baneful poison, and the bloodthirsty ferocity of the brute creation subsided: such was the victory of the gentle wounded

Lamb." Anguis,
4.

"0

the devil. the inscrutable depth of heavenly wisdom!

268

the

THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD

slave was worthy of death, a King of infinite goodness suffered the punishment!" Scientice: altitudo divitiarum sapientiae et scientiae Dei quam incomprehensibilia sunt judicia ejus, et investigabiles vias ejus (Rom. 11, 33).
ineffable sweetness of that loving Heart!
:

our sins we provoke the vengeance of the then be protected by the presence of this eloquent Blood: then may the hosts of threatening evils depart." Loquentis, pleading. 6. "0 Thou who art the Prince and august source of
5.

"When by Judge, may we

eternal salvation, and who dost possess the blessed kingdom with the Father and the Holy Spirit, may the ransomed world praise Thee, preserving Thy acceptable
gifts.
'

120

Salvete Christi vulnera

Christi vulnera,

SALVETE

HAIL,
Whence

holy

Wounds

of Jesus,

Immensi amoris pignora, Quibus perennes rivuli Manant rubentis Sanguinis.

hail,

Sweet pledges of the saving Rood,

flow the streams that never of His dear
fail,

The purple streams

Blood.
2

Nitore Stellas vincitis,

Brighter

Rosas odore

et

balsama,

than show,
sweetest

brightest

stars

ye

Pretio lapillos indicos, Mellis favos dulcedine.

Than

rose

your

scent

more

rare,

No
No
3

Indian gem may match your glow, honey's taste with yours compare.

Per vos patet gratissimum Nostris asylum mentibus, Non hue furor minantium

Portals ye are to that dear home Wherein our wearied souls may
hide,

Unquam

penetrat hostium.

Whereto no angry foe can come, The Heart of Jesus crucified.

Quot Jesus in Pretorio Flagella nudus excipit!

What

countless stripes our Jesus

bore,

All naked left in Pilate's hall!

269

PROPER OF SAINTS
Quot
scissa pellis

undique

From His

torn flesh

how

red a
fall!

Stillat cruoris guttulas!

shower Did round His sacred person

'Frontem venustam, proh dolor! Corona pungit spinea,

Clavi retusa cuspide Pedes manusque perforant.

His beauteous brow, oh, shame

and

grief,

By

the

sharp

thorny

crown

is

riven

Through hands and

relief,

feet,

without

The
6

cruel nails are rudely driven.

Postquam sed

ille tradidit

But when for our poor sakes He

died,

Amans volensque

spiritum,

Pectus feritur lancea, Geminusque liquor exilit.

willing Priest by love subdued, The soldier's lance transfixed His

side,

Forth flowed the Water and the Blood.

7

Ut plena sit redemptio Sub torculari stringitur, Suique Jesus immemor,

Sibi nil reservat Sanguinis.

In full atonement of our guilt, Careless of self, the Saviour trod E'en till His Heart's best Blood

was spilt The wine-press of

God.
8

the

wrath of

Venite, quotquot criminum Funesta labes inficit:

In hoc Qui se
salutis
lavat,

Come, bathe you

flood,

in

the healing

balneo mundabitur.

All ye who mourn, by sin opprest; Your only hope is Jesus' Blood, His Sacred Heart your only rest.
All praise to Him, the Eternal Son,

Summi ad

Parentis dexteram

Sedenti habenda est gratia, Qui nos redemit Sanguine,

At God's right hand enthroned

above,

Sanctoque firmat Spiritu.

Whose Blood our

won,

full

redemption
the
gift

Whose

Spirit
love.

seals

of

Author: Unknown, 17th cent. Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by H. N. Oxenham. There are six translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Lauds on the Feast of the Most Precious Blood. There is an article on this hymn
in the Cath. Encycl.
270

SS.
1.
'
'

CYRIL AND METHODIUS

Wounds

of Christ, pledges of boundless love, whence unfailing streams of crimson Blood flow forth." 2. "In splendor ye surpass the stars; in fragrance, roses and balsam; in value, Indian jems; in sweetness, honey."
Hail, ye

honeycomb, honey. 3. "Through you stands open for our hearts a most inviting place of refuge, whereto the rage of threatening enemies can never penetrate." 4. "What countless stripes did the naked Jesus receive How many drops of Blood did His in the judgment hall lacerated skin let fall on every side!" 5. "0 grief! a thorny crown pierces His lovely brow; nails with blunt points pierce His feet and hands." 6. "But after He had lovingly and of His own free will given up the ghost, a lance transfixed His breast, and a twofold stream sprang forth." Geminus liquor, Blood and
Favus,
i,
!

Water (cf. John 19, 34). 7. "That the Redemption might be complete, Jesus

is

pressed beneath the wine-press, and, all unmindful of Himself, He reserves for Himself none of His Blood." The term "wine-press" is frequently used in the Scriptures in a figurative sense signifying destruction, tribulation, etc. (cf. Is. 63, 1-3; Apoc. 19, 11-15). 8. "Come, all ye whom the deadly stain of sin hath infected; whoever washes himself in this saving bath shall be made clean." Thanks are due to Him who sitteth at the right hand 9. of the sovereign Father, to Him who hath redeemed us by His Blood, and strengthened us by the Holy Spirit.
' ' '

SS.

CYRIL AND METHODIUS

July
7

121

SEDIBUS
Dicite

coeli

nitidis

Sedibus coeli QING, receptos

geminos,

ye faithful, sing two

athletas

Fideles,
Slavicae duplex

*^ athlete brothers, Welcomed above to thrones of

light supernal; Sing, of Slavonia's race, the glory

columen decusque
gentis.

Dicite

twofold

And
271

strength eternal.

PROPER OF SAINTS
2

Hos amor fratres sociavit unus, Unaque abduxit pietas eremo,

Ferre quo multis celerent beatae

One
By

love these brethren bound in sweetest union, pity same their solitude is

Pignora

vitas.

broken;
Forth
they

would
bearing

hasten,

unto

many

Life's blessed token.

3

Luce, quae templis superis renidet, Bulgaros complent, Moravos,

Soon

o'er

Bulgaria,

Moravia,

Bohemia,
Light from the heavenly temple
shineth glorious.

Bohemos;

Mox

feras

turmas

numerosa

Petro

Once savage hordes, now countducunt.

less flocks, to Peter

Agmina

Lead they
4

victorious.

Debitam
Pergite o

cincti meritis
flecti

coronam

Now

with the well-earned crown

lacrymis precan-

your brow encircled,

Hear, blessed ones, to suppliant tears bending;

turn:

Prisca vos Slavis opus est datores

Dona

tueri.

Unto the Slavs,

erst

by your

gifts

enriched, Protection lending.

5

Quaeque

vos

clamat

generosa

Oh,

may

tellus

Servet aeternae fidei nitorem; Quae dedit princeps, dabit ipsa

Keep

each gen'rous land, your aid imploring, bright the faith through
every generation;

semper

Rome
salutem.

to that land first gave,

and

Roma

ever guardeth, Life and salvation.

et

"Gentis

Qui

humanae Sator demptor bonus nobis bona

praebes,
sit

Re-

Lord,

cuncta

of our race Creator and Redeemer, By nature good, all goods on us

bestowing,

Sint tibi grates, tibi

per

omne

Gloria saeclum.

Glory to Thee through ages from grateful

Hearts overflowing. 'o'

all,

sequens compositi fuerunt a R. P. Leanetti et Rmo Salvati, revisi vero a RRmis Caprara et Tripepi" (Bishop Van der Stappen's Liturgia Sacra Vol. 1, p. 63). No other information could be obtained. The hymns have been improperly ascribed to Pope Leo XIII, who extended the Feast of SS. Cyril and Methodius
et
272

Author: "Iste

SS.
to the

CYRIL AND METHODIUS

:

whole Church in 1880, at which time the hymns were probably written. Meter Sapphic and Adonic. Translation by the Benedictines of Stanbrook. There are three Liturgical Use: Hymn for Vespers and translations.
Matins.

"Sing, ye faithful, the two athletes admitted to the resplendent abodes of heaven sing the two pillars and the glory of the Slavonic race." Cyril (827-869) and Methodius (826-885) were brothers, born of noble parents in Thessalonica. Both were consecrated bishops. Read their biography in the Cath. Encycl. Columen, a pillar; fig., a support, mainstay, strength. 2. One love united these brothers, one tender pity drew them forth from their solitude that they might hasten to bring to many the pledges of a blessed life." Eremo, from
1.
; '
'

their

solitude,

i.e.,

from

their

monastery in Constanti-

nople.

the light that beams resplendent in the temples above, they fill Bulgarians, Moravians, and Bohemians; they soon lead to Peter savage hordes, a numerous throng. Petro, i.e., to the Church. 4. "Wreathed with crowns well earned by your merits, may you continue to be moved by the tears of your suppliants; there is need that you, the givers, protect your former gifts to the Slavs." Cincti: In poetry cingo, and some other verbs may, in the passive, govern the accusative (the Greek ace; cf. Zumpt's Grammar, 458). Prisca dona, faith. The Slavic races were converted in the 9th cent. this hymn was composed at the end of the 19th. May every noble land that cries to you, preserve the 5. splendor of an undying faith Rome which first gave, will ever continue to give salvation." Constr. Roma ipsa salutem princeps dedit, semper dabit salutem. 6. "0 Creator and Redeemer of the human race, who dost lovingly bestow upon us all good things, to Thee be thanksgiving, to Thee be glory forever and ever."
3.
'
'

"With

'

'

273

PROPER OF SAINTS
122

Lux
o decora patriae,
Slavisque arnica gentibus,

o decora

LUX

LOVELY

light of fatherland!

Kind beacon

to Slavonic race,

Salvete, fratres, annuo Vos efferemus cantico:

2

Brothers, all hail! your festival With yearly canticle we grace.

Quos Roma plaudens excipit, Complexa mater filios,

Auget corona praesulum,

Whom Rome
ceive,

applauding did

re-

As mother doth her sons embrace,

miter deck your brows, Gird with new strength, new toil

Novoque

firmat robore.

With

pontiff's

to face.
8

Terras ad usque barbaras

Inferre Christum pergitis; Quot vanus error luserat,

To

far-off barb'rous lands ye hie,

Knowledge and love of Christ

to de-

Almo

repletis

lumine.

Whom

bear; error vain

ceived,

had long

Ye now
4

with light replenish

unfettered

fair.

Noxis soluta pectora Ardor supernus abripit; Mutatur horror veprium

In sanctitatis flosculos.

In

hearts

from

the

grasp

Of ill, doth heav'nly ardor glow; Where horrid thorns the land devoured,

The
5

flowers of holiness

now

grow.

Et nunc serena ccelitum Locati in aula, supplici Adeste voto; Slavicas Servate gentes Numini.

At length

in heav'nly court enthroned, Ye rest securely; as we pray, Oh, hear our cry: the Slavic race Vouchsafe from God may never
stray.

Errore mersos unicum Ovile Christi congreget; Factis avitis aemula Fides virescat pulchrior.

All wanderers plunged in errors

dark

May

Christ's

one fold to union

bring;

While emulous of ancestral deeds May faith to new-born beauty

spring.
7

Tu

nos, beata Trinitas, Coelesti amore concita;

Do Thou,

blissful Trinity,

Patrumque natos

inclyta

Da

persequi vestigia.

Inflame us with Thy heav'nly fires, And grant the sons may ever tread The noble footsteps of their sires. 274

SS.

CYRIL AND METHODIUS

Authors and Translators as in the preceding hymn. There are three translations. Meter: Iambic dimeter. Hymn for Lands on the Feast of SS. Cyril and Methodius. 1. "0 beauteous light of your fatherland, and light benignly disposed towards the Slavonic nations, brothers, all hail! we will praise you in our yearly song of praise."
Arnica, adj., friendly.

applauding receives as a mother embracing her sons, she honors them with the miter of bishops and endows them with new strength. Supply eos
2.
'

"Whom Rome
two

'

in the last
3.

lines of this stanza.

as

"Ye proceed to barbarous lands to bring them many as vain error had deceived, ye fill with the

Christ: blessed

light of faith."

heavenly zeal takes possession of hearts freed from sin; the horrid sight of thorns is now changed into flowers of holiness." The last two lines are to be understood in a figurative sense. After the fall of man, God cursed the earth, and it was to bring forth thorns and thistles (Gen. 3, 18). This was all changed by the Redemption, and the earth watered by the Blood of Christ would bring forth "flowers of sanctity" where hitherto only thorns abounded. This is beautifully expressed in the second stanza of Hymn 119. 5. "And now, ye who are established in the serene abode of the Blessed, hear our suppliant prayer: preserve
4.

"A

the Slavic nations. ' ' 6. "May the one fold of Christ unite those now sunk in error; may their faith, emulous of the deeds of their forefathers, bloom with even greater beauty." JEmula,

for

God

emulating, rivaling; constr. with the dative. 7. "Thou, Blessed Trinity quicken us with heavenly love, and grant that the sons may follow in the illustrious footsteps of their Fathers.
adj.,
'

275

ST.

PROPER OF SAINTS ELIZABETH OF PORTUGAL

July 8

123

Domare
cordis

cordis

DOMARE
Elisabeth

impetus

TOTo
And

rule thy heart, Elizabeth,

Fortis, inopsque Deo Servire, regno praetulit.

2

motions vain, Seemed better to thy godly soul Than as a queen to reign.
curb
all
lo,

En

fulgidis recepta cceli sedibus,

enthroned

among

the

Sidereaeque Ditata Sanctis gaudiis.

domus

Saints,

Above the gleaming skies, Thou hast received thy rich

ward,

re-

The joys
8

of Paradise.
is

Nunc

regnat inter coelites beatior, Et premit astra, docens Quas vera sint regni bona.

Thy

reign

with

the

Angel

choirs,

The stars beneath thy feet, The Blessed Vision is thy prize

And heaven
4

thy queenly

seat.

Patri potestas, Filioque gloria,

Perpetuumque decus Tibi sit alme Spiritus.

All power unto the Father be, All glory to the Son,

And honor

to the Holy Ghost While endless ages run.

Author: Pope Urban VIII

line,
;

iambic trimeter iambic dimeter. The meter is unusual and it is not found in any other hymn in the Breviary. Translation by D. J. Donahoe. There are four translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Vespers and Matins. St. Elizabeth was queen of Portugal she was born in 1271, and died in 1336. There is a brief sketch of her life in the Cath. Encycl. 1. "In preference to a royal throne, Elizabeth preferred to subdue the passions of her heart, and, poor, to serve
;

(1568-1644). Meter: First 2d line, half of a pentameter 3d line,

God."
"Behold, now she hath been received into the shining abodes of heaven, and enriched with the holy joys of that
2.

celestial dwelling place."

3.

"Now

with greater

joy
276

she

reigneth

among

the

ST.

ELIZABETH

Blessed, and dwelleth above the stars, teaching us what really constitute the good things of a kingdom." 4. "To the Father be power, to the Son glory, and to

Thee, Holy Spirit, eternal honor."

124
/~\PES
^-J
decusque

Opes decusque regium

regium
re-

T>ICHES
4-*>

and regal throne, for

liqueras Elisabeth, Dei dicata numini:

Christ's dear sake,

True

Saint, thou didst despise;

Recepta nunc bearis inter Angelos; Libens ab hostium tuere nos

dolis.
2

Amid

the Angels
bliss,

seated

now

in

Oh, help us from the skies!

Praei,

viamque
indica:

dux
sit

salutis

Sequemur:

O
sit

una

mens

fidelium,

Guide us; and fill our days with perfume sweet Of loving word and deed; So teaches us thy beauteous
charity,

Odor bonus

omnis

actio, tuis

Id innuit rosis operta caritas.

8

By

fragrant roses hid.

charity!

Beata caritas, in arce siderum Potens locare nos per omne saeculum: Patrique Filioque summa gloria, Tibique laus perennis alme
Spiritus.

what power

is

thine!

by thee

Above the

stars we soar; In thee be purest praise to Father,

Son

And

Spirit,

evermore.

(1568-1644). Meter: Iambic There are trimeter. Translation by Father Caswall. three translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Lauds on the Feast of St. Elizabeth. 1. " Wealth and royal splendor, Elizabeth, thou didst forsake, and thou didst devote thyself to the will of God: now received among the Angels thou art blessed graciously protect us from the deceits of the enemy. ' 2. "Go thou before, and as a guide point out the way of salvation; we will follow: may there be but one mind among the faithful, may every action be a good odor The charity concealed by thy roses betokens this." St. Elizabeth was very charitable to the poor, and like a true Saint she always endeavored to conceal her charitable deeds
; !

Author: Pope Urban VIII

277

PROPER OF SAINTS
The Breviary thus records the miracle of the roses referred to in this stanza: "In the depth of winter she changed the money she was going to distribute to the poor into roses to conceal it from the king." Almsdeeds and the prayers of the faithful are odors of sweetness, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to
from the eyes of men.

God
3.

(Philip. 4, 18; Apoc. 5, 8).

blessed charity which hath power to establish us To Father and to forever in the stronghold of the stars Holy Spirit, be endSon be infinite glory, and to Thee,
!

"0

less praise."

ST.

MARY MAGDALENE
July 22

125

Pater superni luminis

superni luminis,

PATER
Geluque

FATHER
Whose
Fills

of lights! one glance

Cum Magdalenam respicis, Flammas amoris excitas,

solvis pectoris.

of Thine, eyes the universe control,

love,

Magdalene with holy

And
2

melts the ice within her soul.

Amore

currit saucia

Her precious ointment forth she

Pedes beatos ungere, Lavare fletu, tergere Comis, et ore lambere.

Upon
She

brings those sacred feet to pour; washes them with burning

tears,

And
8

with her hair she wipes them

o'er.

Adstare non timet Cruci, Sepulchro inhaeret anxia: Truces nee horret milites,
Pellit

Impassioned,
clings,

to

the

Cross

she

timorem

caritas.

Nor fears beside Nor dreads the

mien,

the

tomb

to stay;

soldiers'

savage

For love has

4

cast all fear away.

vera, Christe, caritas,

Christ,

Tu Tu Tu

nostra purga crimina, corda reple gratia, redde coeli praemia.

Blest

Thou very Love itself! hope of man, through Thee

forgiven

So touch our spirits from above, So purify our souls for heaven.
278

ST.
5

MARY MAGDALENE
To God the Father, with the Son And Holy Paraclete, with Thee, As evermore hath been before,
Be glory through
eternity.

Patri,

simulque
sit

Filio,

Tibique, sancte Spiritus,

Sicut fuit,
jugiter

Saeclum per omne gloria.

Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Father Caswall. There Liturgical Use: Vespers hymn. are nine translations. Read the article on Mary Magdalen in the Cath. Encycl. Note the two spellings Magdalene, Magdalen. 1. "Source of heavenly Light, when Thou lookest upon Magdalene, Thou dost excite in her the flames of love, and

Author: Cardinal Bellarmine,

S.J. (1542-1621).

dispellest the icy coldness of her heart."

Christus. luminis the source of all grace {luminis). 2. "Wounded with love, she runs to anoint those sacred feet, to wash them with her tears, to wipe them with her Saucia, wounded, hair, and to kiss them with her mouth. smitten. Et stans retro secus pedes ejus, lacrymis ccepit rigare pedes ejus, et capillis capitis sui tergebat, et osculabatur pedes ejus, et unguento ungebat (Luke 7, 38). 3. "She does not fear to stand beside the Cross; in distress she remains near the sepulcher; she does not dread the savage soldiery; love banishes fear." Adstare cruci, Cf. John 19, 25. Sepulchro inhceret, Cf. Matt. 27, 61. Nee
' '

Pater superni Christ by His suffering and death is

horret, Cf. John 20, 1. 4. "0 Christ, true Love, wash Thou away our sins, fill our hearts with grace, and bestow upon us the rewards of heaven." Christe, vera caritas: Deus caritas est: et qui manet in caritate, in Deo manet, et Deus in eo (I John 4,
16).

the Father, and at the same time to the Son and to Thee, Holy Spirit, as has been, so be it forever, eternal
5.

"To

glory."

126

Maria
castis osculis

castis osculis

MARIA

Lambit Dei

vestigia:

1~F **

IS sacred *eet wit^ tears of

agony She bathes; and prostrate on the ground adores;

279

PROPER OF SAINTS
Fletu rigat, tergit comis, Detersa nardo perlinit.

Steeps them in kisses chaste, and

wipes them dry With her own hair; then forth her
precious ointment pours.

Deo

Patri

sit

gloria,

Ejusque

soli Filio,

Spiritu Paraclito, Nunc, et per omne sseculum.

Cum

Praise in the highest to the Father be; Praise to the mighty co-eternal

Son;

And

praise,

Spirit Paraclete, to

Thee, While ages evermore of endless ages run.

Author: Ascribed to Pope St. Gregory the Great (540Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Father 604).
There are four translations. Liturgical Use: Caswall. Hymn for Matins on the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene. This hymn is a cento from a hymn of twelve stanzas beOriginal Text: Nardo ginning Magno salutis gaudio.

Maria
1.

pistico.

''With chaste kisses, Mary kisses the feet of God, she washes them with her tears, dries them with her hair, and, when dried, anoints them with spikenard." Vestigia, lit., footprints, the soles of the feet; here it is used for pedes. Nardus or nardwn, an ointment, unguent.

127

Summi
Parentis Unice,

Parentis Unice

SUMMI

SON
On

of the
cast

Highest,

deign to

Vultu pio nos respice, Vocans ad arcem gloria? Cor Magdalena? poenitens.

us a pitying eye; Thou, who repentant Magdalene Didst call to endless joy.

Amissa drachma regio

Recondita est aerario, Et gemma, deterso luto, Nitore vincit sidera.

Again the royal treasury

Receives
its

long-lost coin;

The gem is found, and, cleansed from mire, Doth all the stars outshine.

medela vulnerum, Spes una pcenitentium,

Jesu,

O
280

Jesus,

balm of every wound!

The

sinner's only stay!

ST.

MARY MAGDALENE
Wash Thou
tears
in

Per Magdalenae lacrymas Peccata nostra diluas.

Magdalene's pure

Our
4

guilty spots away.

Dei Parens piissima, Hevae nepotes flebiles

De

mille

vitae fluctibus

Mother of God! the sons of Eve Weeping thine aid implore: Oh, land us from the storms of
life

Salutis in

portum vehas.

Safe on
5

th' eternal shore.

Uni Deo sit gloria, Pro multiformi gratia, Peccantium qui crimina
Remittit, et dat praemia.

Glory, for graces manifold,

To the one only Lord; Whose mercy doth our

give,

souls for-

Whose bounty doth reward.

Meter: Iambic of Cluny (879-942). There are dimeter. Translation by Father Caswall. seven translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Lauds on the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene. First line of Original Text JEterni Patris Unice. 1. "0 Thou Only-Begotten of the sovereign Father, look
St.
:

Author:

Odo

upon us with a benign countenance, Thou who callest pinnacle of glory the penitent heart of Magdalene."
2.
;

to the

''The lost groat is again restored to the royal treasury and the gem wiped clean from mire surpasses the For the Parable of the Lost Coin see stars in brilliance. Luke 15, 8-9. The drachma was a small coin bearing the image of the reigning king. It here represents the human soul on which is impressed the image and likeness of God. The "gem" referred to is the human soul purified by penance and so adorned with sanctifying grace that it out'
'

shines the stars in splendor. 3. "0 Jesus, balm of our wounds, and sole hope of the penitent, mayest Thou, through the tears of Magdalene, wash away our sins." 4. "0 most gracious Mother of God, convey us weeping descendants of Eve, from a thousand waves of life to a haven of safety." Fluctibus, storms, afflictions. 5. "To God alone be glory for His manifold graces, to God who forgiveth the sins of sinners and bestoweth

rewards.

'

281

PROPER OF SAINTS ST. PETER'S CHAINS

August
128
1

Miris modis
modis
jubente,
ille

MIRIS
Christo
Ovilis
Vitse

repente
vincla
et

liber,

IN

wondrous mode
at the Lord's

set free,

lo,

ferrea,

command
fall

Petrus

exuit:

The galling iron chain doth from Peter's hand,

Pastor,

Rector

From

Peter,

Shepherd

blest,

who

gregis
recludit
sacros,

pascua, et fontes
creditas;

Ovesque

servat

arcet

lupos.
2

doth with gentle sway, His faithful children lead in virtue's fragrant way, And e'er with watchful love the tempter drive away.

Patri

perenne
gloria,

sit

per

aevum
in-

Now

to the Father be eternal glory

Tibique

laudes
Nate,
tibi,

concinamus
sit,

clytas,

Sterne

superne
sancta

done; Our songs we raise to Thee, everlasting Son; Spirit from on high, Thy throne

Spiritus,

Honor

decusque:
Trinitas

we bow before; To Thee be honor, praise, and

glory evermore: The Holy Trinity we worship and adore.

jugiter

Laudetur

omne

per

saeculum.

of the hymn described under Translation by trimeter. Father Potter. Liturgical Use Hymn for Vespers. First line of Original Text: Petrus beatus catenarum laqueos. For an account of the miraculous deliverance of St. Peter

Author This is one stanza hymn 89. Meter: Iambic

:

from prison read Acts 12, 3-10. Suddenly and in a wondrous manner 1.
' '

set free, Peter

puts off the iron chains: he the shepherd and the ruler of the flock of sheep makes known the pastures of life and the sacred springs he guards the sheep entrusted to him, and keeps the wolves away."
at

Christ's

command

Ovilis, adj., of sheep.

282

THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD

August 6
129

Quicumque Christum
Christum
tollite:

quceritis
ye

QUICUMQUE
tis,

quaeri-

ALL
Lift

who would
to

the Christ

descry,

Ucnlos

in

ahum

Illic licebit visere

high: There mortal gaze hath strength

up your eyes

Him on

Signum perennis

gloriae.

The
2

to see token of His majesty.

Illustre

quiddam cernimus,

nesciat finem pati, Sublime, celsum, interminum, Antiquius coelo et chao.

Quod

wondrous sign we there behold, That knows not death nor groweth
old,

Sublime, most high, that cannot

fade,

That was ere earth and heaven were made.

8

Hie ille Rex est Gentium, Populique Rex Judaici, Promissus Abrahae patri, Ej usque in aevum semini.

Here is the King the Gentiles fear, The Jews' most mighty King is
here

Promised

to

Abraham

of yore,

And
*Hunc
Prophetis testibus, Iisdemque signatoribus Testator et Pater jubet
et
et credere.

to his seed forevermore.

'Tis

He

the Prophets'
their

words

fore-

told,

And by
The

signs

shown forth
hath
or-

Audire nos,

of old; Father's

witness

dained

That we should hear with

unfeigned.
5

faith

Jesu, tibi sit gloria, Qui te revelas parvulis,

Jesu, to

Thee our praise we pay,

To

Patre et almo Spiritu In sempiterna saecula.

Cum

ones revealed to-day, With Father and Blest Spirit One Until the ages' course is done.
little

(348-413). Meter: Iambic dimeter. There are twentyG. McDougall. four translations, nine of which are in Mr. Shipley's Annus Sanctus. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Vespers and

Author: Prudentius Translation by Allan

283

PROPER OF SAINTS
a cento from the twelfth and last poem in the Cathemerinon of Prudentius. The complete poem consists of 208 lines, and has furnished four centos sola magnarum urbium (Ephifor Breviary use: viz., phany), Audit tyrannus anxius, and Salvete flores martyrum. Read the article on Quicumque Christum
Matins.

This

hymn

is

quaritis,
1.

and the two

articles

on Transfiguration, in the

Cath. Encycl.

"All ye who seek Christ, lift up your eyes on high; there it will be permitted you to behold a token of His
eternal glory." The Transfiguration of Our Lord is described in Matt. 17, 1-9; Mark 9, 1-8; Luke 9, 28-36. On Mount Thabor Our Lord granted Peter, James, and John a sign, or foretaste, of eternal glory. The Apostles were overwhelmed and rendered beside themselves by only a partial manifestation of the majesty of Christ's glorified Body.

Something we perceive that can know no end, sublime, exalted, interminable, older than heaven and chaos." By chaos is meant the confused, disordered, primitive mass out of which the universe was made. 3. "This is the King of the Gentiles, and the King of the Jewish people, who was promised to our father Abraham, and to his seed forever." Christ was styled King of the Jews by the Magi (Cf. Matt. 2, 2). Abraham was the first Patriarch and the founder of the Hebrew race
2.

"A brilliant

(Cf. Gen. 17, 1-9;

4.

Luke

1,

55).

"In the presence of the prophets who had also announced Him, the Testator and Father commands us to hear and believe Him." The Prophets Moses and Elias appeared at the Transfiguration and conversed with Our Lord. The testimony of the Father is found in Matt. 17, 5. Testator: The Father is styled "testator" in reference to
Ps.

Postula a me, et dabo tibi gentes hsereditatem tuam, et possessionem tuam terminos terrae. 5. "Together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, Jesus, eternal glory be to Thee, who dost reveal Thyself to
2,

8:

the

little

ones"

(Cf. Matt. 11, 25;

Luke

10, 21).

284

THE TRANSFIGURATION
130

Lux

alma, Jesu

LUX

alma, Jesu, mentium, Dum corda nostra recreas, Culpa? fugas caliginem, Et nos reples dulcedine.
laetus est,

LIGHT
To

of the anxious heart,

Jesus, Thou dost appear, bid the gloom of guilt depart, And shed Thy sweetness here.

Quam
Tu

quern visitas!

Consors paternae dexterae,

dulce lumen patriae, Carnis negatum sensibus.
3

Joyous is he, with whom, God's Word, Thou dost abide; Sweet Light of our eternal home,

To

fleshly sense denied.

Splendor paternae gloriae, Incomprehensa caritas, Nobis amoris copiam Largire per praesentiam.

Brightness of

God above!
a fount of love

Unfathomable grace

Thy presence be

Within Thy chosen place.

Thee, whom children see, The Father ever blest, The Holy Spirit, One and Three, Be endless praise addrest.

*Jesu, tibi sit gloria, Qui te revelas parvulis,

To

Cum

Patre et almo Spiritu, In sempiterna saecula.

Bernard (1091-1153). Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Cardinal Newman. There are eight translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Lauds on
St.

Author:

the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord. This hymn is a cento from St. Bernard's Jesu dulcis memoria. First line of Original Text: Amor Jesu dulcissime. 1. "0 Jesus, Thou loving light of souls, when Thou dost refresh our hearts, dispel the darkness of sin, and fill us with sweetness." Lux: Ego sum lux mundi (John 8,
12).

happy is he whom Thou visitest! Thou compeer at the right hand of the Father, Thou sweet light of heaven, imperceptible to the senses of the flesh." The things denied to fleshly sense are hinted at by St. Paul, who was taken up to the third heaven: Quod oculus non
2.

"How

nee auris audivit, nee in cor hominis ascendit, quae praeparavit Deus iis, qui diligunt ilium (I Cor. 2, 9). 3. "0 brightness of the Father's glory, incomprehensible love, by Thy presence, bestow upon us the fullness of Thy love." Splendor: Christ is the brightness of the
vidit,

285

PROPER OF SAINTS
F'ather's glory (Cf. Heb. 1, 3). This line was borrowed by the compilers of the cento in 1568, and was retained by the revisers under Urban VIII, 1632. It is the first line of

Hymn

12.

THE SEVEN DOLORS OF OUR LADY

Sept. 15

131

Jam
toto

toto subitus
eat

JAM

subitus

vesper

TYTOW
-1

let

the darkling eve

high,

polo,

'

Mount suddenly on

Et sol attonitum prsecipitet diem, Dum saevae recolo ludibrium

necis,

The sun affrighted reave His splendors from the sky,

While
I

in silence grieve

Divinamque catastrophen.

O'er the mocked agony

And
a

the divine catastrophe.

supplicio Spectatrix aderas Parens, Malis uda, gerens cor adaman-

Grief-drenched, thou dost appear

tinum: Natus funerea pendulus in cruce Altos dum gemitus dabat.

With heart of adamant, Mother; and dost hear The Great Hierophant, Upon His wooden bier Locked in the arms of Death,
Utter in groans His parting breath.

Pendens

oculos ante Natus, atrocibus Sectus verberibus, Natus hianti-

What

lookest thou upon,

bus Fossus vulneribus,

trantibus

Mangled and bruised and torn? Ah, 'tis the very Son Thy yearning breast hath borne!
Surely, each breaking

quot

pene-

moan

And
Its

Te

confixit aculeis!

each deep-mouthed wound fellow in thy heart hath found

*Heu!

sputa, vulnera,
spina,

alapae,

verbera,

Clavi, fel, aloe, spongia, lancea,

Sitis,

cruor,

quam

varia

Surely, the taunts and woes, The scourge, the dripping thorn, The spitting and the blows, The gall, the lance, the scorn

pium
Cor pressere tyrannide!

A
286

Surely, each torment throws poison-dart at thee,

Crushed

by

their

manifold

tyranny.

THE SEVEN DOLORS OF OUR LADY

5

Cunctis interea stat generosior Virgo Martyribus prodigio novo, In tantis moriens non moreris Parens, Diris fixa doloribus.
:

Yet thou with patient mien Beneath His Cross dost stand, Nobler in this, I ween, Than all the martyr-band: A thousand deaths, Queen,

Upon

Yet thou,
8

thy spirit lie, marvel! dost not die.

Trinity,

Sit

summae Triadi
honor,

gloria,

laus,

Holy

qua suppliciter, sollicita prece, Posco virginei roboris aemulas

Let earth and heaven raise Their song of laud to Thee The while my spirit prays:

Vires rebus in asperis.

When

evil

comes

to

me,

The strength do Thou impart That erst upheld Thy Mother's

heart!

Author: Ascribed

to

Callisto

Palumbella, 18th

cent.

Meter: Asclepiadic and Glyconic. Translation by Monsignor Henry. There are six translations. Liturgical Use Vespers hymn. This hymn was formerly assigned to
:

Matins.

There are two Feasts in honor of the Seven Dolors of the Blessed Virgin. See Hymn 54. The Seven Sorrows which these Feasts commemorate are: 1. The prophecy of holy Simeon at the presentation in the Temple "And thy own soul a sword shall pierce." 2. The flight into Egypt. 3. The loss of the Child Jesus in Jerusalem. 4. The meeting of Mary and Jesus on the way to Calvary. 5. The Crucifixion. 6. The taking down from the Cross. 7. The burial of Jesus. See the article in the Cath. Encycl. on Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 1. "Now let the evening come suddenly upon the whole heavens, and let the astonished sun dispatch the day, while I recount the spectacle of the cruel death and the divine

tragedy."

Mother, wast present at Crucifixion, bearing in thy bosom a heart of adamant, while thy Son hanging on the fatal Cross uttered deep groans." Vdus, wet, moist, tearful. 3. "Before thy very eyes hung thy Son lacerated with cruel scourgings, thy Son wounded with gaping wounds;
2.

"Drenched with

grief, thou,

the

287

PROPER OF SAINTS
with how thee!"
4.

many

sharp, penetrating points did this transfix

blows, stripes, wounds, nails, gall, aloes, sponge, lance, thirst, thorns, blood, with what manifold tyranny do they oppress thy loving heart 5. "The Virgin the while stands there more noble than the martyrs by a new wonder, Mother, dying, thou dost not die, though transfixed by such great and dreadful sorrows, > sovereign Trinity be glory, praise, and 6. "To the honor, from whom I suppliantly and with fervent prayer beg strength like the Virgin's in time of trouble/>>
spittle,

"Alas!

! '

132

O
Quo

quot undis

OQUOT

undis lacrimarum,

dolore volvitur, Luctuosa de cruento

Dum, revulsum

stipite,

Cernit ulnis incubantem Virgo Mater filium!

sorrow Did the soul of Mary toss To and fro upon its billows, While she wept her bitter loss; In her arms her Jesus holding, Torn so newly from the Cross. Oh, that mournful Virgin-Mother! See her tears how fast they flow Down upon His mangled body, Wounded side, and thorny brow; While His hands and feet she
kisses

HAT

sea

of

tears

and

Os suave, mite

pectus,

Et latus dulcissimum, Dexteramque vulneratam, Et sinistram sauciam, Et rubras cruore plantas

i^Egra tingit lacrimis.

Picture of immortal woe.

a

Centiesque milliesque Stringit arctis nexibus Pectus illud, et lacertos, Ilia figit vulnera: Sicque tota colliquescit In doloris osculis.

Oft and oft His arms and bosom Fondly straining to her own; Oft her pallid lips imprinting On each wound of her dear Son;
Till at last, in

swoons of anguish,

Sense and consciousness are gone.

Gentle Mother, we beseech thee By thy tears and troubles sore; By the death of thy dear
Offspring,

Eja Mater, obsecramus Per tuas has lacrimas,

Filiique triste funus,

288

THE SEVEN DOLORS OF OUR LADY

Vulnerumque purpuram,

Hunc
Conde

tui cordis

dolorem

By the bloody wounds He bore; Touch our hearts with that true
sorrow

nostris cordibus.

Which
5

afflicted thee of yore.

Esto Patri, Filioque, Et coaevo Flamini, Esto summae Trinitati

To the Father everlasting, And the Son who reigns on

With the
co-eternal Spirit,

high,

Sempiterna gloria, Et perennis laus, honorque Hoc, et omni sasculo.

Trinity in Unity,

Be

salvation, honor, blessing

Now

and through

eternity.

Author: Ascribed to the Servite Callisto Palumbella, who composed the Office for the Feast inserted in the Breviary in 1720. Meter Trochaic tetrameter. Transla:

tion by Father Caswall. There are six translations. Liturgical Use In the latest editions of the Breviary this hymn is assigned to Matins it was formerly the Vespers hymn of the Feast of the Seven Dolors. 1. "0, with what floods of tears, with what grief is the Virgin-Mother overwhelmed, when mourning she beholds her Son taken down from the blood-stained Tree and laid in her arms!" Constr. quot undis lacrimarum, quo dolore volvitur luctuosa Virgo Mater, dum cernit Filium incumbantem ulnis revulsum de (crucis) stipite. 2. ''The desolate Mother bathes with tears that sweet
: ; :

mouth, that gentle breast, that side most sweet, that right hand transfixed, the left wounded, those feet red with
blood."

hundred times, yea, a thousand times she enfolds in tight embraces that breast and those arms, she imprints on herself those wounds and thus in kisses of sorrow she wholly melts away." 4. Mother, we beseech thee by these thy tears, by the cruel death of thy Son, and by the purple of His wounds, plant deep in our hearts the grief of thine own heart." 5. "To the Father, and to the Son, and to the co-eternal Spirit, to the most high Trinity, be everlasting glory, eternal praise and honor, now and forever.
3.
:

"A

'

'

'

289

PROPER OF SAINTS
133

Summce Deus dementia

Deus dementia:,

SUMM^

GOD
Jesu's

of mercy, let us run

Septem dolores Virginis

Plagasque Jesu Filii Fac rite nos revolvere.

Where yon fount

flows;

of sorrows

Pondering sweetly, one by one, Wounds and Mary's woes.

Nobis salutem conferant

Deipara; tot lacrimae, Quibus lavare sufficis Totius orbis crimina.

Ah, those tears Our Lady shed, Enough to drown a world of sin; Tears that Jesu's sorrows fed, Peace and pardon well may win! His five Wounds, a very home, For our prayers and praises prove; And Our Lady's woes become
Endless joys in heaven above.

Sit

quinque Jesu vulnerum

Amara

contemplatio, Sint et dolores Virginis TEterna cunctis gaudia.

4

Jesu, tibi

sit

gloria,

Qui passus

es

pro servulis,

Patre et almo Spiritu, In sempiterna saecula.

Cum

who for us did die, All on Thee our love we pour; And in the Holy Trinity Worship Thee forevermore.
Jesus,

18th oent. Translation by Father Faber. There are six translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Lauds on the Feast of the Seven Dolors. 1. God of infinite mercy, grant that we may meditate well on the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin and on the Wounds of Jesus her Son." 2. "May the numerous tears of the Mother of God be God, conducive to our salvation with which tears Thou, art able to wash away the sins of the whole world." Sufficis, viz., Deus from the preceding stanza. 3. "May the bitter contemplation of the Five Wounds of Jesus, and may the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin be a source of eternal joys to all." 4. "Jesus, to Thee, who didst suffer for Thy servants, be glory, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, through everlasting ages."
Callisto
' * ;

Author: Ascribed to Meter: Iambic dimeter.

Palumbella,

290

ST.

MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

Sept. 29

134

Te splendor
splendor
et virtus

et virtus Patris

HPE
-*-

Patris,

OJESU!
The
soul! Father's bright

Life-spring

of

the

Te

vita, Jesu,

cordium,

Ab

ore qui pendent tuo, Laudamus inter Angelos.

power

and

glory

From Thee
2

Thee with the Angels we extol; they draw their life and light.
hosts are

Tibi mille densa millium

Thy thousand thousand

Ducum

corona militat:

Sed explicat victor crucem Michael salutis signifer.

spread Embattled o'er the azure sky; But Michael bears Thy standard

And
3

lifts

dread, the high.

mighty Cross

on

Draconis hie dirum caput In ima pellit tartara, Ducemque cum rebellious Coelesti ab arce fulminat.

He
And

in that Sign the rebel

powers
ex-

Did with

their

Dragon Prince

pel;

hurled them from the heavens' high towers, Down like a thunderbolt to hell.

Contra ducem superbiae Sequamur hunc nos principem, Ut detur ex Agni throno

us, with Michael, still, Lord, Against the prince of pride to

Grant

Nobis corona

gloria;.

fight;

So may a crown be our reward, Before the Lamb's pure throne of

light.
5

Patri, simulque Filio, Tibique sancte Spiritus,

To God the Father, And Holy Paraclete,

with the Son with Thee,

Sicut fuit,

sit

jugiter

Sseclum per omne gloria.

As evermore hath been before, Be glory through eternity.

Ascribed to Rabanus Maurus (776-856). Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Father Caswall. There are eighteen translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Vespers and Matins. First line of Original Text:
291

Author:

PROPER OF SAINTS
Tibi Christe splendor Patris. In this and in the following hymn the Church sings the praises not only of St. Michael but of all the holy Angels. Read the article on Michael the Archangel, in the Cath. Encycl. At the end of the article there is an account given of Michaelmas Day. There are separate articles on each of the Angels mentioned in the following hymn (No. 135). In the revision of 1632, this hymn, according to the Diet, of Hymnology was " recast greatly for the worse." The Original Text with J. M. Neale 's translation is given below. splendor and power of the Father, Thee, 1. "Thee, Jesus, the life of our hearts, we praise in the presence of the Angels who hang upon the words of Thy mouth."

Pendent, to regard with close attention. 2. "It is for Thee this dense host of countless thousands of princes engage in battle but it is the victorious Michael, the standard-bearer of salvation, who unfurls the standard of the Cross." Corona, a crown, also an assembly. Mille is sometimes used in the sense of countless, innumerable, infinite. As to the number of Angels, Cf. Matt. 26, 53; Apoc. 5, 11. For the "great battle in heaven," Cf. Apoc.
:

12, 7-9.

head of the dragon into the depths of hell, and hurls headlong from the heavenly citadel the prince together with his rebels." Hie, Michael. Of Satan's fall Our Lord said: Videbam satanam sicut fulgur de ccelo cadentem (Luke 10, 18). 4. "Let us follow this leader against the prince of pride, that a crown of glory may be given to us from the throne
3.

"He

casts the direful

of the

Lamb."

134B

Tihi Christe splendor Patris

Christe splendor Patris,

TIBI

HPHEE,
*-

Christ,

the

Father's

Vita, virtus cordium,

In conspectu Angelorum Votis, voce psallimus: Alternantes concrepando Melos daraus vocibus.

splendor, Life and virtue of the heart, In the presence of the Angels

Sing we now with tuneful art, Meetly in alternate chorus Bearing our responsive part.
292

ST.
2

MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

Thus we praise with veneration All the armies of the sky; Chiefly him, the warrior Primate,

Collaudamus venerantes

Omnes

coeli principes,

Sed prascipue fidelem

Medicum, et comitem Raphaelem, in virtute Alligantem daemonem.

3

Of

celestial chivalry,

Michael, who in princely virtue Cast Abaddon from on high.

Quo

custode procul pelle,

piissime,

By

whose

watchful

care

re-

Rex Christe

pelling

Omne nefas inimici: Mundo corde et corpore

Paradiso redde tuo Nos sola dementia.

King of

everlasting grace

Every ghostly adversary,

All things evil, all things base, Grant us of Thine only goodness In Thy Paradise a place.

Gloriam Patri melodis Personemus vocibus: Gloriam Christo canamus, Gloriam Paraclito: Qui trinus, et unus Deus
Exstat ante saecula.

Laud and honor to the Father, Laud and honor to the Son, Laud and honor to the Spirit,
Ever Three, and ever One,
Consubstantial,
co-eternal,

While unending ages run.

This is the Original Text of the preceding hymn. Translation by J. M. Neale. Meter Trochaic tetrameter catalectic. The lines are here divided at the caesura.
:

135

Christe, sanctorum

CHRISTE,
tor,

decus sanctorum Angelorum, Gentis humanae sator et redempCcelitum nobis tribuas beatas

CHRIST,

of the Angels praise

and adoration, Father and Saviour Thou, of every

nation,

Graciously grant us
station,

all to

gain a

Scandere sedes.

Where Thou
2

art reigning.

Angelus pacis Michael

Auctor
ut

in aides

Angel
in

all peaceful, to

our dwell-

Coelitus nostras veniat, serenae

pacis

lacrimosa

orcum
Bella releget.

ings send us, Michael, from heaven coming to befriend us, Breathing serenest peace may he

attend us,

Grim war
293

dispelling.

PROPER OF SAINTS
3

Angelus

fortis Gabriel, ut hostes

statuit

Angel of strength, who triumphed,

tumults quelling, Gabriel send us, ancient foes expelling,

Pellat antiquos, et arnica ccelo,

Quae triumphator orbem,

per

Templa

revisat.

Oft in these temples may he his dwelling, Dear unto heaven.

make

Angelus nostras medicus salutis, Adsit e coelo Raphael, ut omnes Sanet aegrotos, dubiosque vitas
Dirigat actus.

Angel Physician, health on

bestowing,

man
skies

Raphael send us from the

all glowing, All sickness curing, wisest counsel

showing In doubt and danger.

'Virgo
Et sacer

dux
lucis,

pacis,

Genitrixque

May

the fair

Mother of the Light

nobis chorus Angelorum

assistat,

Semper

simul

et

micantis

Regia

coeli.

be o'er us, Virgin of peace, with all the Angel chorus, And may the heavenly army go before us, Guiding and guarding.

Prsestet

hoc nobis Deitas beata

cujus
resonat

May
Father,

the Godhead, endless bliss

Patris, ac Nati, pariterque sancti

possessing,

Spiritus,

per

Son, Spirit, grant to us

this blessing;

omnem
Gloria

mundum.

All His creation joins His praise confessing,

Now

and forever.
(776-856). T. I. Ball.

Author: Ascribed to Rabanus Maurus Meter: Sapphic and Adonic. Translation by

There are thirteen translations. for Lauds.
1.

Liturgical Use:

Hymn

Thou glory of the holy Angels, the Creator and Redeemer of mankind, grant that we may ascend to the happy abodes of the Blessed." Scandere =
Christ,

"0

ascendere; constr., scandere ad or in; it may also take the accusative, being used as an active verb. 2. "May Michael, the Angel of peace, descend from heaven into our homes, that he, the author of sweet peace, may banish dismal war to hell." St. Michael is the Angel of peace because he was the leader of the heavenly hosts
294

THE HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELS

that fought with the rebel angels, and by his victory established peace in heaven (Cf. Apoc. 12, 7-9). Orcus, the infernal regions. 3. "May Gabriel, Angel of strength, put to flight our ancient enemies, may he revisit the temples dear to heaven, which the conqueror has placed throughout the world." Triumphator, Christ. Templa revisat: An allusion prob-

ably to the Archangel's visit to Zachary (Cf. Luke

19).
4.

1,

11-

the Angel Raphael, the physician of our health, descending from heaven, be at our side, that he may heal all that are infirm, and guide us in the uncertain underThe Archangel Raphael was the guide and takings of life. protector of the younger Tobias, and the physician who restored the sight of the elder Tobias (Cf. Tobias 5-11). 5. "May the Virgin Queen of Peace, the Mother of Light, the sacred choir of Angels, and the court of radiant heaven always assist us." Lucis, Christ. Ego sum lux mundi (John 8, 12). The Blessed Virgin is invoked as she The following is Father is the Queen of Angels (Litany). Caswall's translation of this stanza:
' '

"May

Thou too, fair virgin, Daughter of the skies! Mother of Light, and Queen of Peace, descend;
Bringing with thee the radiant court of heaven,

To
6.

aid us and defend.

of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, whose glory resounds throughout the world, grant us this our prayer. the Blessed
'

"May

Godhead

THE HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELS

Oct. 2

136

Custodes hominum
hominum
psalli-

pUSTODES

A NGEL-GUARDIANS

of

men,
sing,

mus

Angelos,

**
Whom
295

spirits

and powers we

Naturae fragili quos Pater addidit

to our

our Father hath sent, aids weakly frame,

PROPER OF SAINTS
Ccelestis comites, insidiantibus

Ne succumberet

hostibus.

Heavenly friends and guides, help from on high to bring, Lest we fail through the foeman's
wile.

Nam

quod

corruerit

proditor

He, the spoiler of souls, Angeltraitor of old,

angelus, Concessis merito pulsus honoribus,

Cast in merited wrath out of his

Ardens invidia pellere nititur Quos coelo Deus advocat.

honored place, Burns with envy and hate, seeking their souls to gain

Whom
s

God's
heaven.

mercy

invites

to

Hue

custos igitur pervigil advola,

Avertens patria de tibi credita Tarn morbos animi, quam requiescere

Therefore come to our help, watchful ward of our lives: Turn aside from the land God to thy care confides
Sickness and

Quidquid non

sinit incolas.

woe of
else of

soul, yea,
ill

and

what

Peace of heart to
*Sancta?
sit

its

folk denies.

Triadi laus pia jugiter,

Now

Cujus perpetuo numine machina Triplex haec regitur, cujus in

omnia
Regnat gloria
saecula.

the Holy Three praise evermore resound: Under whose hand divine resteth the triple world Governed in wondrous wise: glory be theirs and might While the ages unending run.
to

Author: Ascribed to Cardinal Bellarmine (1542-1621). Meter: Asclepiadic and Glyconic. Translation by Alan
There are five translations. Liturgical G. McDougall. Use: Hymn for Vespers. Read the articles on Guardian Angel and on Guardian Angels, Feast of, in the Cath.
Encycl.
sing of the Angels, the guardians of men, whom the heavenly Father has given as companions to our frail nature, lest it succumb to its insidious foes." 2. "For since the traitor-angel fell, he was justly deprived of the honors bestowed upon him, and, burning with envy, he now endeavors to banish those whom God calls to
1.

"We

heaven."
3.

off

ever-watchful guardian, and ward "Fly hither then, from the land entrusted to thee both diseases of the
296

THE HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELS

soul and whatsoever does not permit the inhabitants to rest." Not only may each individual have a Guardian

Angel, but each nation may have a special protector among the heavenly spirits. Cf. the footnote on Daniel 10, 13, in the Douay Bible, and the article on Guardian Angel, in the Cath. Encycl. 4. "May there be loving praise forever to the Holy Trinity, by whose eternal will is ruled this triple frame, and whose glory reigns supreme throughout the ages,"

137

JEterne Rector siderum

AETERNE

Rector siderum, Qui, quidquid est, potentia Magna creasti, nee regis

RULER
Guides
it,

of the dread immense

Maker of this mighty frame! Whose eternal providence

as

Minore providentia:
2

from Thee

it

came:

Adesto supplicantium
Tibi reorum coetui,

Low

Lucisque sub crepusculum Lucem novam da mentibus.

3

before Thy throne we bend; Hear our supplicating cries; And Thy light celestial send

With the freshly dawning

skies.

Tuusque nobis Angelus Electus ad custodiam, Hie adsit; a contagio Ut criminum nos protegat.

King of
This of

kings,

and Lord most

High!

Thy dear love we pray: May Thy Guardian Angel nigh, Keep us from all sin this day.

Nobis draconis semuli

Versutias exte^minet Ne rete fraudulentiae Incauta nectat pectora.

May
Of

he crush the deadly wiles the envious serpent's art,

Ever spreading cunning toils Round about the thoughtless heart.

Metum

repellat hostium Nostris procul de finibus: Pacem procuret civium, Fugetque pestilentiam.

May

he scatter ruthless war Ere to this our land it come; Plague and famine drive away, Fix securely peace at home.
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, One eternal Trinity!

Deo Patri sit gloria, Qui, quos redemit Filius, Et sanctus unxit Spiritus,
Per Angelos custodiat.

Guard by Thy Angelic host Us who put our trust in Thee.

Meter: Cardinal Bellarmine (1542-1621). Iambic dimeter. Translation by Father Caswall. There

Author:

297

PROPER OF SAINTS
are seven translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Lauds on the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels. 1-2. " Eternal Ruler of the stars, who, with great power didst create whatever exists, and with no less providence dost govern the same; give heed to the assembly of the guilty who supplicate Thee, and, at the break of day, grant Crepusculum, twilight generally new light to our souls. the evening twilight. Here it is used for "dawn" as Lauds was said at daybreak. 3. "And Thy Angel, who was chosen as our guardian, may he be present here to protect us from the contagion of
'

'

sin.
4.

'

he bring to naught for us the wiles of the envious dragon, lest he ensnare unwary hearts in the net
of deceitfulness. ' 5. "May he drive far from our borders the fear of enemies; may he procure peace among the citizens and

"May

banish pestilence.' Glory be to the Father, 6.

' '

who guardeth by His Angels

and the

those whom the Son redeemed anointed," Unxit, strengthened.

Holy

Spirit

FEAST OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY

Oct. 7

138

Cwlestis aula Nuntius

aula; Nuntius,

CCELESTIS

HpHE

Messenger from God's high

Arcana pandens Numinis, Plenam salutat gratia Dei Parentem Virginem.

throne His secret counsel making known

Hails Mary, child of David's race, God's Virgin -Mother, full of grace.

Virgo propinquam sanguine Matrem Joannis visitat,

The Mother-Maid with joyous feet Her friend, John's mother, goes to
greet;

Qui clausus alvo gestiens Adesse Christum nuntiat.

He, stirring in the enclosing womb, Declares that Christ his Lord has come.
298

THE HOLY ROSARY

3

Verbum, quod ante saecula E mente Patris prodiit,

The Word, who

began,

ere

the

worlds
thought

E Matris alvo Virginis Mortalis Infans nascitur.

From God

the Father's forth ran,

is

Of Mary, Virgin
For us
4

undefiled,

born a mortal child.

Templo puellus

sistitur,

Legique paret Legifer, Hie se Redemptor paupere Pretio rederaptus immolat.

Christ to the bring;

Temple courts they

subjects the
for a price
sacrifice.

The King's own law

King;

The world's Redeemer

Is there
6

redeemed, our

Quern jam dolebat per litum, Mox laeta Mater invenit Ignota doctis mentibus Edisserentem Filiura.

The joyful Mother finds once more The Son she mourned as lost before;

While doctors by His speech were shown The mysteries they had never known.

Gloria tibi Domine Qui natus es de Virgine, Cum Patre et Sancto Spiritu In sempiterna ssecula.

To God

the Three in

One be

praise,

Who

through these holy mysteries Grants grace to those who seek in prayer The glory of His bliss to share.

Atjthoe: Father Augustine Ricchini, O.P., 18th cent. Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Alan G. McThere are five translations. Liturgical Use: Dougall. Vespers hymn. Thence: The Five Joyful Mysteries one stanza being devoted to each Mystery. The Breviary Office in honor of the Most Holy Rosary, with its four proper hymns, was approved by Pope Leo XIII, in 1888. In studying the hymns it will be observed that the first three

hymns

celebrate

in

their

fifteen

stanzas,

the

fifteen

Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. The fourth hymn is a recapitulation of the subject matter of the first three hymns. The hymns were written in 1757. 1. The Annunciation: "The messenger of the heavenly court, revealing the mysteries of the Divinity, salutes, as Nuntius, the full of grace, the Virgin-Mother of God." Archangel Gabriel (Cf. Luke 1, 26-28).
299

PROPER OF SAINTS
Visitation: "The Virgin visits one related to her by blood, the mother of John, who, though still enclosed in the womb, exultingly proclaims that Christ is present." Exnltavit infans in utero ejus (Luke 1, 41). Propinquam sanguine, Elizabeth, Mary's cousin (Luke 1, 36) ; read the
2.

The

Luke. It gives an account of the Visitation, and in it are found the two sublime Evangelical Canticles, the Magnificat (verses 46-55), and the Benedictus (verses 68-79).

remainder of

this chapter of St.

The Nativity: "The Word that from all eternity had proceeded from the intellect of the Father is born a mortal infant from the womb of a Virgin-Mother." Verbum, the Eternal Son (Cf. John 1, 1-14). 4. The Presentation: "The Child is presented in the temple, the Lawgiver obeys the Law, here the Redeemer offers Himself, and is redeemed by the offering of the poor." The Law (Leviticus 12, 6-8) specified the offerings that must be made by the rich and by the poor on the puriThe latter were refication of a woman after childbirth.
3.

of turtle doves, or two young pigeons" (Cf. Luke 2, 22-24). Mary made the offering of the poor, and did for Him "according to the custom of the Law" (Luke 2, 27). The purification of the mother, and the redemption of the Child (Num. 18, 15) were quite different legal prescriptions, but it is reasonable to suppose that both ceremonies took place at the same time. Read the beautiful Canticle of Simeon (Luke 2, 29-

quired to offer a sacrifice of

"a pair

32).

The Finding in the Temple: "Now the joyful Mother finds her Son whom she had already mourned as lost finds
5.
;

Him

expounding to learned minds things they did not

know."
139

In monte
monte olivis consito Redemptor orans, procidit,

olivis

IN

T^HE
-*-

Mount
nesseth

of
of

Olives

wit-

Moeret, pavescit, deficit,

The awful agony

God:

Sudore manans sanguinis.

His soul is sorrowful to death, His sweat of blood bedews the

sod.

300

THE HOLY ROSARY

3

proditore traditus Raptatur in poenas Deus, Durisque vinctus nexibus Flagris cruentis cseditur.

And now

the

traitor's

work

is

done:

The clamorous crowds around Him

surge;

Bound

to pillar,

God
the

the

Son

Quivers

beneath

blood-red

scourge.
3

Intexta acutis sentibus, Corona contumeliae,

Lo!

clad

in

purple

soiled

and

worn,

Squallenti amictum purpura,

Regem coronat

gloriae.

Meekly the Saviour waiteth now While wretches plait the cruel

To crown
4

thorn with shame His royal brow.

Molis crucem ter arduae, Sudans, anhelans concidens, Ad montis usque verticem
Gestare vi compellitur.

Sweating and sighing, faint with

loss

Of what hath flowed from

life's

He

Up
6

red fount, bears the exceeding heavy Cross to the verge of Calvary's

mount.
Confixus atro stipite
Inter scelestos innocens,

Nailed to the wood

curse,

of

ancient

Orando pro
Exsanguis

tortoribus,

Between two thieves the Sinless

efflat

spiritum.
Still

One
praying for His murderers, Breathes forth His soul, and all is done!

Gloria tibi, Domine, Qui natus es de Virgine, Cum Patre et Sancto Spiritu In sempiterna saecula.

Glory to Thee, and honor meet, Jesu, of Maiden-Mother born, And Father and the Paraclete,

Through endless ages of

the

morn!

Author: Father Augustine Ricchini, O.P., 18th cent. Meter Iambic dimeter. Translation by Monsignor Henry.
:

There are four translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Matins on the Feast of the Holy Rosary. Theme The Five Sorrowful Mysteries. "On the mountain planted 1. The Agony in the Garden: with olives, the Redeemer praying falls prostrate; He
:

301

PROPER OF SAINTS
grows
26-27;
sad,
' '

He

of blood.

dripping with a sweat The Passion of Our Lord is described in Matt.

fears,
faint,

He grows

Luke 22-23; John 18-19. 2. The Scourging at the Pillar: "God, delivered up by a traitor, is dragged away to punishment; He is bound with rough cords and beaten with bloody scourges. 3. The Crowning with Thorns: "A crown of ignominy, woven of sharp thorns, crowns the King of glory clothed
14-15;
'

Mark

with a filthy purple garment. 4. The Carrying of the Cross: "Perspiring, gasping, and falling, He is compelled by force to carry the Cross of thrice heavy weight to the summit of the mountain. The Cross was "thrice heavy" on account of Our Lord's weakness following the agony and the scourging.
' ' '

"Fastened to the infamous gibbet, guiltless He hangs between the guilty, till, bloodless, He breathes forth His Spirit while praying for His torturers.
5.

The

Crucifixion:

'

140

Jam morte
morte victor obruta
inferis Christus reditu

victor
Christ, the

JAM

Ab

NOW
Breaks

Conqueror of

death,
sin's

Fractisque culpae vinculis,

Cceli recludit limina.

enslaving chain,
returns,

And And

rising

from the tomb

opens heaven again.

Visus satis mortalibus Ascendit ad coelestia, Dexteraeque Patris assidet Consors paternae glorias.

Awhile beheld by mortal men, He rises from their sight; Ascending to the Father's throne,

He

reigns in equal light.

gift

Quern jam suis promiserat, Sanctum daturus Spiritum, Linguis amoris igneis Moestis alumnis impluit.
Soluta carnis pondere

His promised

unto His

own

He sends And rains

from above, the Holy Spirit down

forth

In fiery tongues of love.

The
Is

Ad

astra

Virgo

tollitur,

Virgin, weight,

freed

of

mortal

Excepta cceli jubilo, Et Angelorum canticis.

borne than

stars yet higher,

is

And
By
302

with glad melody each Angelic choir.

hailed

THE HOLY ROSARY

5

Bis sena cingunt sidera Alma; parentis verticem:

Our Mother's
shines

gentle

brow now

Throno propinqua

Filii

With crown

in starry sheen,

Cunctis creatis imperat.

As nigh her Son,

throned,

in

light

en-

She reigns creation's Queen.

6

Gloria tibi, Domine, Qui natus es de Virgine, Cum Patre et Sancto Spiritu In sempiterna saecula.

Jesu, born of Virgin bright, All glory be to Thee, With Father and with Paraclete,

Through

all

eternity.

18th cent. the Benedictines Liturgical Use: Hymn for Lauds on the of Stanbrook. Feast of the Holy Rosary. Theme: The Five Glorious Mysteries. " Death having been vanquished, 1. The Resurrection: Christ, the conqueror, returns from Limbo, and having broken the bonds of sin, He reopens the portals of heaven." "Having appeared sufficiently long 2. The Ascension: to men, He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father, a co-sharer of His glory."
O.P.,
:

Author: Father Augustine Ricchini, Meter Iambic dimeter. Translation by

The Coming of the Holy Ghost: "The Holy Spirit whom He had already promised to His own, He showers down upon His sorrowing Apostles in fiery tongues of
3.

love."
4.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin:

flesh,

"Liberated

the Virgin is taken up to heaven; she is received with the jubilation of heaven, and with the songs of Angels." Coronation of the Blessed Virgin: "Twelve 5. The stars now crown the brow of the glorious Mother near the throne of her Son, she reigns over all created things." There is an allusion in this stanza to the "great sign" that woman clothed with the sun, and appeared in heaven: the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars" (Apoc. 12, 1). See footnote on this verse of the Apoc, in the Douay Bible. Imperat: "reigns over" in the sense that she is styled Queen of Angels, Patriarchs,

from the weight of the

"A

Prophets,

etc.,

in the Litany.
303

PROPER OF SAINTS
141
gestientem TETe sauciam
jugi

Te gestientem
gaudiis,

gaudiis
gladness
of

THE

thy

Mother-

doloribus,

hood,

amictam gloria, Te Virgo Mater pangimus.

The anguish of thy suffering, The glory now that crowns thy
brow, Virgin-Mother, we would sing.

Ave, redundans gaudio

Dura concipis,

dum

visitas,

Et edis, offers, invenis, Mater beata Filium,

8

Hail, blessed Mother, full of joy In thy consent, thy visit too; Joy in the birth of Christ on earth,

Joy

in

Him

lost

and found anew.

Ave, dolens et intimo, In corde agonem, verbera,

Spinas, crucemque Filii Perpessa, princeps martyrum.

Hail, sorrowing in His agony The blows, the thorns that pierced

His brow;

The heavy wood,

the

shameful

RoodYea! Queen and chief of Martyrs

thou.
4

Ave, in triumphis

Filii,

In ignibus Paraclyti, In regni honore et lumine, Regina fulgens gloria.

Hail, in the triumph of thy Son, The quickening flames of Pentecost;

Shining a Queen in light serene, When all the world is tempesttost.

Venite gentes, carpite

Ex

his rosas mysteriis,

come, ye nations, roses bring, mysteries from these Culled

Divine, And for the Mother of your King With loving hands your chaplets twine.

Et pulchri amoris inclitee Matri coronas nectite.

Gloria tibi Domine, Qui natus es de Virgine Cum Patre et Sancto Spiritu In sempiterna saecula.

We

lay our

Lord Jesus, With Father and with Paraclete,

homage at Thy feet, Thou the Virgin's Son,

Reigning while endless ages run.

Author: Father Augustine Ricchini, O.P., 18th cent. Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Abbot HunterThere are five translations. Liturgical O.S.B. Use: Hymn for Second Vespers on the Feast of the Holy Rosary. Theme: 1st stanza, a summary of the three sets
Blair,
304

ST.
of Mysteries
;

TERESA

2nd stanza, a summary of the Joyful Mysteries; 3d stanza, the Sorrowful Mysteries; 4th stanza, the Glorious Mysteries; 5th stanza, an invitation to gather from these Mysteries roses and weave therefrom a crown for the glorious Mother of fair love.
sing thee, Virgin Mother, as exulting with joy, wounded with sorrows, and robed with eternal glory." 2. "Hail, Mother overflowing with joy, when thou didst conceive, when thou didst visit thy cousin Elizabeth, when thou didst give birth to thy Son, when thou didst offer Him, and find Him in the temple. 3. "Hail, suffering Queen of Martyrs, thou who didst endure in thy inmost heart the agony, the scourging, the thorns, and the Cross of thy Son." Agon, onis, lit., a contest or combat. The reference is to the agony in the Garden of Gethsemani. 4. "Hail, Queen refulgent with glory in the triumphs of thy Son, in the fires of the Paraclete, in the honor and splendor of the heavenly kingdom." 5. "Come, ye nations, cull roses from these Mysteries, and weave therefrom garlands for the glorious Mother of fair love."
1.
'

"We

ST.

TERESA
Oct. 15

142

Regis superni nuntia

superni nuntia,

REGIS

f^OD'S

messenger, Theresa,

Domum

paternam

deseris,

Terris Teresa barbaris

Christum datura, aut sanguinem.

Thou leav'st thy father's home To bring mankind to Jesus Or gain sweet martyrdom.
But milder death awaits thee,

^^

Sed te manet suavior Mors, poena poscit dulcior: Divini amoris cuspide
In vulnus icta concides.

And

fonder pains are thine, God's blessed Angel wounds thee

fire

With

of love divine.

caritatis victima

Tu corda

nostra concrema,

Sweet virgin, love's pure victim, So fire our souls with love,
305

PROPER OF SAINTS
Tibique gentes creditas Averni ab igne libera.
4

And

lead thy trusting people Safe to the realms above.

Sit laus Patri

cum

Filio

Et Spiritu Paraclito, Tibique sancta Trinitas, Nunc, et per omne saeculum.

Give glory to the Father, The Spirit and the Son, One Trinity, one Godhead,

While endless ages run.

Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by D. J. Donahoe. There are four translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Vespers and Matins. St. Teresa (1515-1582) was an illustrious member of the Carmelite Order. A brief account of her wonderful life is given in the Cath. Encycl., and a more extended biography in Butler's Lives of the Saints. Note the

Author: Pope Urban VIII

(1568-1644).

spelling: Teresa, Teresia, Theresa.

herald of the heavenly King, thou dost leave, Teresa, thy father's house to give to barbarous lands either Christ or thy blood." As a mere child, Teresa and her little brother actually set out for the country of the Moors, with the hope of dying for their faith. Much to their disappointment they were intercepted by an uncle and restored to their distracted mother. 2. "But a sweeter death awaits thee, a more delightful pain claims thee: pierced even unto being wounded by a shaft of divine love, thou dost fall." This stanza refers to the Transverberation of the Saint's heart. In her autobiography she tells us that an Angel appeared to her, and He had in his hand a long golden dart, and at the end of the point methought there was a little fire; and I conceived that he thrust it several times through my heart and after such a manner that it passed through my very bowels; and when he drew it out, methought it pulled them out with it, and left me wholly inflamed with a great love of God" (Butler's Lives). Her body is still preserved incorrupt at Alba in Spain, and "her heart, too, showing the marks of the Transverberation is exposed there for the veneration of the faithful" (Cath. Encycl.). There is an Office and Mass in honor of the Transverberatio Cordis S. Teresice (Aug. 27).
1.
'
'

"As a

306

ST.
3.

TERESA

victim of love, inflame our hearts, and deliver from the fires of hell the nations entrusted to thee."

"0

143

Hcec
est dies,

est dies

HJEC
Ad
2

qua candidae

BEHOLD
When,

the blessed morning,

like a

Instar columbae, coelitum

snow-white dove,

sacra templa spiritus Se transtulit Teresiae.

Thy soul arose, Theresa, To join the choirs above.

The
Come,
Bridegroom Carmel
calls:

Sponsique voces audiit: Veni soror de vertice Carmeli ad Agni nuptias: Veni ad coronam gloria;.

"From

sister, unto me, Partake the Lamb's high nuptials; Thy crown awaiteth thee."

Te sponse Jesu Virginum

Beati adorent ordines, Et nuptiali cantico Laudent per omne saeculum.

Jesus, tender

Bridegroom

By holy

virgin throngs

Be evermore surrounded, Be praised in endless songs.

Authoe: Pope Urban VIII dimeter. Translation by D.

translations.

Meter: Iambic There are five J. Donahoe. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Lauds on the
(1568-1644).

Teresa. 1. "This is the day on which the soul of Teresa like a shining white dove betook itself to the sacred temples of the Blessed." Instar, with genitive, like to, after the fashion of. Columbce, the dove is a symbol of innocence and purity. 2. "And she heard the voice of the Bridegroom: 'Come, Sister, from the heights of Carmel to the nuptials of the Lamb; come to receive a crown of glory.' " Veni (ad suscipiendam) coronam gloriae. The Carmelite order was founded on Mount Carmel in Palestine in 1156. For an explanation of the term "nuptials of the Lamb," read St. Teresa's own interpretation of mystical marriage quoted in the article on Marriage, Mystical, in the Cath. Encycl. 3. "0 Jesus, Spouse of Virgins, may the heavenly choirs adore Thee, and with nuptial song praise Thee forever."
St. 307

Feast of

PROPER OF SAINTS ST. JOHN CANTIUS

Oct. 20

144

Gentis Polonce
Polonse gloria,

GENTIS
Decus

GLORY
Whose

of the Polish race,

Clerique splendor nobilis,

Lycaei, et patriae

Pater, Joannes inclyte.

splendor of the priestly band, lore did thy Lyceum grace,

John, father of the fatherland.

2

Legem superni Numinis

Doces magister, et facis. Nil scire prodest: sedulo

The Law of the supernal Will Thou teachest both in word and
deed;

Legem

nitamur exsequi.

Knowledge
fulfill

is

naught

we

must

In works, not barren words, our creed

3

Apostolorum limina Pedes viator visitas; Ad patriam, ad quam tendimus, Gressus viamque dirige.

On

Thy pilgrim

foot to Apostolic Rome spirit joyful hied;

Oh, to our everlasting home The path declare, the footstep guide
Again, in Sion's holy street, Anew thou wet'st with tearful
flood

Urbem

petis Jerusalem:

Signata sacro sanguine

Christi colis vestigia,

Rigasque fusis

fletibus.

The pathway of
Erst

the Saviour's feet

wet with Blood.

His

redeeming

Acerba Christi vulnera,

Haerete nostris cordibus,

sweet

and

bitter

Wounds

of

Christ,

Ut cogitemus consequi
Redemptionis pretium.

Deep in our hearts imprinted stay, That the blest fruit the sacrificed Redeemer gained, be ours for aye! Then
let

Te prona mundi machina, Clemens adoret Trinitas,

Et nos novi per gratiam Novum canamus canticum.

the world obeisance due

God, to Thy high Perform, Will; And let our souls, by grace made new, Sing to Thee a new canticle!
cent.
308

Authoe: Unknown, 18th

Meter: Iambic dimeter,

ST.

JOHN CANTIUS
:

Translation by Monsignor Henry. There are five translations. Liturgical Use Vespers hymn. There is a short biography of John Cantius, St. (1412-1473), in the Cath.
Encycl. 1. "Illustrious John, the glory of the Polish race, and the noble ornament of the priesthood, the glory of thy University and the father of thy country!" Lyccei: the University of Cracow in which St. John was a professor of theology. brief history of the University is given at the end of the article on Cracow, in the Cath. Encycl. 2. "As teacher thou dost both teach and observe the Law of the Heavenly Divinity: to know availeth not; we must diligently strive to fulfil the Law." 3. "A traveler on foot thou dost visit the tombs of the Apostles: to our true country which we seek, direct thou our steps and our way." Limen, a threshold; Limina Apostolorum, an ecclesiastical term meaning a pilgrimage to the sepulchers of SS. Peter and Paul in Rome. St. Peter rests in the great church bearing his name, and St. Paul in the Basilica of St. Paul "outside the walls." Pedes, itis, adj., on foot. Pedes viator, a pilgrim. St. John made four pilgrimages to Rome on foot. He also made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. 4. "Thou dost visit the city of Jerusalem, and dost venerate the footprints marked with the Sacred Blood of Christ, and thou dost bedew them with abundant tears." 5. "0 bitter Wounds of Christ, be ye deeply implanted in our hearts, that we may be ever mindful to seek earnestly the reward of our redemption. 6. "0 loving Trinity, may the whole fabric of the universe prostrate adore Thee, and we, renewed by Thy grace, would sing Thee a new song of praise.

'

'

145

Corpus domas
domas
jejuniis,

jejuniis
fasting

CORPUS
Ut

T ONG
'*-'

hath
stripes

thy
it

body
bleeds,

Caedis cruento verbere,

castra pcenitentium

tamed,
innocence claimed

With many cruel

Miles sequaris innocens.

Though

exemption

For thee from penitential deeds.

309

PROPER OF SAINTS
2

Sequamur
Sequamur,

et

nos sedulo

Gressus parentis optimi,

ut licentiam

Then let us follow in the path Of John, our father and our guide;

Who

Carnis refraenet spiritus.

3

The power

follows him, his spirit hath to curb all carnal pride.

Rigente bruma, providum Praebes amictum pauperi, Sitim famemque egentium Esca potuque sublevas.

In winter's frost thy loving care Provides a garment for the poor; For those who want thou dost

prepare Of meat and drink a copious

store.

qui negasti nemini

Opem

roganti, patrium
tuere, postulant
et exteri.

thou who never didst deny Thine aid unto the suppliant's
prayer,

Regnum

Cives Poloni,

Hear Christendom's and Poland's

cry,

And

save thy despair.

let

country

from

Sit laus Patri, sit Filio,

Now

Tibique, sancte Spiritus; Preces Joannis impetrent Beata nobis gaudia.

us chant in glad refrain Unto the Triune God our praise: O may the prayers of John obtain Blest joys for us in endless days.

Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Father Wallace, O.S.B. There are four Liturgical Use: Hymn for Matins on the translations. Feast of St. John Cantius. 1. "Thou didst subdue thy body with fasts, and with bloody blows didst lacerate it, that as an innocent soldier

Author: Unknown, 18th

cent.

thou mightest follow the army of penitents." 2. "Let us also follow diligently in the footsteps of the good father: let us follow, that the spirit may restrain
the licentiousness of the flesh." 3. "During the cold winter thou offerest to the poor the kindly provided garment, and with food and drink thou St. dost alleviate the thirst and hunger of the needy." John not only gave away his food and clothing, but on one occasion at least he even gave away his shoes and walked home barefooted (Matins, Lectio V). 4. " thou who didst refuse assistance to no one asking for it, the Polish nation and strangers beseech thee that

thou protect thy native kingdom."

310

ST.
5.
'
'

JOHN CANTIUS

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to Thee, Holy Spirit may the prayers of John obtain for us blessed
:

joys.

'

146
deprecante, TELues

Te deprecante, corporum
corporum
improbi
pristina

WHEN
And
Regain

recedit,

Morbi fugantur,
Redeunt
salutis

thou dost pray thy mighty prayer, Disorders flee, and plagues abate,
bodies, wasting in disease, at once their healthful
state.

munera.

Phthisi, febrique, et ulcere

When When
Thou

phthisis, fevers, ulcers dire,

to their latest

Diram redactos ad necem,

Sacratis morti victimas, Ejus rapis e faucibus.

Have brought men

breath,

they are
tak'st

mourned

as victims

doomed, them from the jaws of

death.

Te deprecante, tumido Merces abactae flumine, Tractae Dei potentia

Thou

pray'st;

down

and goods, the stream

which

Sursum

fluunt retrogradee.

Are hurried on at headlong pace, Drawn by the mighty hand of

God, Float upwards, and their source
retrace.

Cum

tanta possis, sedibus

Do

thou,

who

canst such wonders

Coeli locatus,

poscimus:

Responde

votis supplicum,

Now from

Et invocatus subveni.

work, thy throne in heaven deign To listen to our suppliant prayers, That we may answering help
obtain.

una semper Trinitas, trina semper Unitas:

Da, supplicante Cantio, Sterna nobis praemia.

Trinity forever One, Unity forever Trine, That we may gain eternal joys, To Cantius' prayer Thine ear
incline.

Author: Unknown, 18th cent. Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Archbishop Bagshawe; this is a good specimen of Bagshawe 's style. There are five translations.
311

PROPER OF SAINTS
Liturgical Use
Cantius.
1.
:

Hymn

for

Lauds on the Feast

of St.

John

thy prayer bodily sickness departs, dreadful plagues are put to flight, former blessings of health return.
2.
'

"At

dost snatch from his very jaws the victims devoted to death those brought nigh to a cUre death by consumption, fever, and ulcer." 3. "At thy prayer, goods carried away by a swollen stream, are, by the mighty hand of God, drawn backwards, floating up the stream." Since thou, now dwelling in the mansions of heaven, 4. art able to do such wonders, we ask that thou give heed to the prayers of thy suppliants, and aid them when invoked." Trinity forever One, Unity forever Three grant 5. " us through the intercession of Cantius an eternal reward.

"Thou

'

'

'

FEAST OF ALL SAINTS

Nov. 1

147

Placare, Christe, servulis

Christe, servulis,

PLACARE,

CHRIST, Thy
Lo,

guilty people

Quibus Patris clementiam

Tuae ad tribunal gratiae

spare kneeling
throne,

at

Thy

gracious

Patrona Virgo postulat.

Thy

Virgin-Mother
prayer,

pours

her

Imploring pardon for her own.

2

Et vos beata, per novem Distincta gyros agmina,

Antiqua cum praesentibus, Futura damna pellite.

Angels, happy evermore! Who in your circles nine ascend, As ye have guarded us before, So still from harm our steps defend.

Ye

Apostoli cum Vatibus, Apud severum Judicem,

Veris reorum fletibus Exposcite indulgentiam.

Ye Prophets and

Apostles high!
tears;
is

Behold our penitential

And
And
312

plead for us when death

nigh,

our

all-searching

Judge

appears.

ALL SAINTS
*Vos purpurati Martyres, Vos candidati praemio
Confessionis, exsules Vocate nos in patriam.

Ye Martyrs

all! a

And
Oh,

Confessors,
train
call us to this

purple band, a white-robed

From
5

our native land, our exile, back again.

Chorea casta Virginum, Et quos eremus incolas

Transmisit astris, coelitum Locate nos in sedibus.

And

choirs of Virgins chaste Receive us to your seats on high; With Hermits whom the desert
ye,

waste Sent up of old into the sky.

6

Auferte gentem perfidam Credentium de finibus,

Drive

from the
blest!

flock,

Spirit

Ut unus omnes unicum Ovile nos pastor regat.

The

false

and

faithless race

away;

That all within one fold may rest, Secure beneath one Shepherd's sway.

Deo Patri sit gloria, Natoque Patris unico,

Sancto simul Paraclito, In sempiterna saecula.

To God the Father glory be, And to His sole-begotten Son; And glory, Holy Ghost, to Thee,
While everlasting ages run.

Author: Ascribed to Rabanus Maurus (776-856). Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Father Caswall.
Liturgical Use: Hymn for Vespers. First line of Original Text: Christe Redemptor

There are seven translations.

omnium.
Christ, to Thy servants, for whom the Virgin-Patroness implores the mercy of the Father at the throne of Thy grace.' blessed hosts, divided into nine circles 2. "And ye, (choirs), drive away past, present, and future evils.' 3. "Ye Apostles, together with the Prophets, earnestly entreat forgiveness of the severe Judge, on account of the sincere tears of the guilty." 4. "Ye purple-robed Martyrs, and ye who are whiterobed on account of your confession, call us exiles to our native land." Confessionis: Confessors "confess their faith" by the practice of heroic virtue. Read the article on Confessor, in the Cath. Encycl. Candidatus, the Saints in general are styled "white-robed" (Cf. Apoc. 7, 9-14).
1.

"Be

merciful,

313

PROPER OF SAINTS
chaste choir of Virgins, and ye whom the desert waste hath sent as dwellers to heaven, establish us in the mansions of the Blessed." 6. ''Drive away the faithless race from the land of the faithful, that one Shepherd may rule over us all as over one fold." "When the celebration of All Saints was extended to the Frankish empire in 825, after having been observed in Rome for two centuries, and its celebration fixed on the 1st of November, the verse Gentem auferte perfidam Credentium de finibus was added to the hymn with reference to the Normans and Saracens who were laying waste both the northwest of Gaul and the south of Italy" {The Roman Breviary its Sources and History, by Dom Jules
5.

"Ye

Baudot, O.S.B.,

p. 68).

148

Salutis ceternce dator

aeternae dator,

SALUTIS

GIVER
Mother

of

life,

eternal Lord!

Jesu, redemptis

subveni:

Thy own redeemed defend;

of
save,

Virgo parens clementiae Dona salutem servulis.

grace!

thy

children

And
2

help them to the end.

Vos Angelorum millia, Patrumque ccetus, agmina Canora Vatum: vos reis
Precamini indulgentiam.

Ye

thousand
hosts

thousand

Angel

Ye

Assist us in our need; Patriarchs! with the Prophet

ch oir! For our forgiveness plead.

3

Baptista Christi praevius, Summique coeli Claviger, Cum ceteris Apostolis

Forerunner blest! and Thou who

still

Dost heaven's dread keys retain!

Nexus resolvant criminum.

Ye

glorious Apostles all!

Unloose our guilty chain.

4

Cohors triumphans Martyrum, Almus Sacerdotum chorus,

Et virginalis castitas Nostros reatus abluant.
k

of Martyrs! holy Priests In beautiful array! Ye happy troops of Virgins chaste Wash all our stains away.

Army

314

ALL SAINTS
5

Quicumque

in alta

siderum

Regnatis aula principes, Favete votis supplicum,

Qui dona

coeli

fiagitant.

All ye who high above the stars In heavenly glory reign! May we through your prevailing prayers Unto your joys attain.
Praise, honor, to the Father be, Praise to His only Son;

Virtus, honor, laus, gloria Deo Patri cum Filio,

Sancto simul Paraclito, In saeculorum saecula.

Holy Paraclete, to Thee, While endless ages run.

Praise,

Author: Ascribed to Rabanus Maurus (776-856). Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Father Caswall.
There are eight translations. First two lines of Original Text Jesu Salvator sceculi Redemptis ope subveni. There
:

is

another form of this text beginning: F estiva sceclis colitur. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Lauds on the Feast of

All Saints. 1. "0 Jesus, giver of eternal life, aid those whom Thou hast redeemed Virgin, Mother of mercy, grant salvation to thy servants." Dona: obtain through thy intercession. 2. "0 ye thousands of Angels, ye assembly of Patriarchs, and melodious host of Prophets, ask forgiveness for sinners." The Prophets are called canorous or melodious on account of the poetical nature of the language they fre:

quently use.
the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, may the key-bearer of heaven, together with the other Apostles loosen the chains of our sins." The key-bearer is St. Peter: Et tibi dabo claves regni ccelorum (Matt. 16, 19). 4. "May the triumphant host of Martyrs, the august choir of priests and virginal chastity wash away our guilt." Virginalis castitas virgines castas 5. "All ye who reign as princes in the high court of heaven, give ear to the prayers of the suppliants who ask earnestly for the gifts of heaven."
3.

"May

815

Part IV
Gtfje

Common

of

tfje

>atntg

COMMON OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

149

Ave Maris
Stella,

Stella

AVE maris
Felix
2

Dei Mater alma, Atque semper Virgo,

coeli porta.

A VE, Star of Ocean, *"* Child Divine who

Mother, Ever- Virgin, Heaven's Portal fairest.

barest,

Sumens

illud

Ave

Gabrielis ore,

Funda nos in pace, Mutans Hevae nomen.

3

Taking that sweet Ave Erst by Gabriel spoken, Eva's name reversing,

Be of peace the token.

Break the sinners'
fetters,

Solve vincla reis, Profer lumen csecis, Mala nostra pelle, Bona cuncta posce.

Light to blind restoring, All our ills dispelling, Every boon imploring.

Monstra

te esse

matrem,

Sumat per te preces, Qui pro nobis natus,

Tulit esse tuus.
5

Show thyself a Mother In thy supplication;

He

will hear

who chose

thee

At His Incarnation.

Virgo singularis,
Inter

Maid

all

maids excelling,

omnes

mitis,

culpis solutos Mites fac et castos.

Nos

Passing meek and lowly, Win for sinners pardon, Make us chaste and holy,

"Vitam
Iter

praesta puram, para tutum, Ut videntes Jesum,

As we onward journey Aid our weak endeavor, Till we gaze on Jesus

Semper

collastemur.

And
317

rejoice forever.

COMMON OF SAINTS
7

Sit laus

Deo

Patri,

Summo

Christo decus,

Spiritui sancto,

Tribus honor unus.

Father, Son, and Spirit, Three in One confessing, Give we equal glory Equal praise and blessing.

Author Unknown.
:

It is at least as old as the 9th cent.

Meter: Trochaic dimeter, each verse being composed of There are nineteen translations, two of three trochees. which are given here. Liturgical Use: Vespers hymn on
Feasts of Our Lady.

The

fine translation

given above was

stan Riley, M.A., for his translation

made by Mr. of the Hours

Athelof the

Blessed Virgin Mary, " Little Office," 1891. The beautiful translation given below is from the pen of the Rev. G. R. Woodward, M.A. It is a new translation, and by the kindess of its author it is here published
for the first time.

an article on this hymn in the Cath. Encycl. 1. "Hail, Star of the Sea, loving Mother of God, and Ever-Virgin, happy Gate of Heaven The name Mary is derived from the Hebrew "Miriam," which signifies "Star of the Sea"; in Chaldaic it means "Lady." Coeli porta: By her powerful intercession with her Divine Son she opens for sinners the gates of heaven. Ave: Ave gratia plena: Dominus tecum; benedicta tu in mulieribus (Luke Read the first of the two articles on Annunciation, 1, 28).

There

is

! '

'

Luke 1, 26-38. 2. "Receiving that Ave from the mouth of Gabriel, establish us in peace, reversing the name of Eva." Heva = Eva, which "reversed" gives Ave. 3. "Break the chains of sinners, give light to the blind, Vincla for drive away evils, ask for all that's good." vincula. Ccecis, to those who are spiritually blind, who have eyes and see not (cf. Ps. 134, 16). 4. Show thyself to be a Mother through thee may He
in the Cath. Encycl.
Cf. also
'
'

receive our prayers

He who,

born for

us,

deigned to be

thy Son."

Tuus (Filius). 5. "Virgin all-excelling, meek above all others, make us, freed from sin, meek and chaste." 6. "Preserve our life unspotted, make safe our way,
that, seeing Jesus,

we may

rejoice together forever."

318

THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

the Father be praise, to Christ most high be glory, and to the Holy Spirit, to the Three be one Unus, equal, the same. honor."
7.

"To God

149B

Ave Maris
HAIL,
To
Sea-Star

Stella
thee,

we name

Ever-Maid acclaim God His Mother, Portal

the life immortal.

thee,

Ave was the token By the Angel spoken:

Peace on earth
Eva's
it

telleth,

name

re-spelleth.

Free the worldly-minded

Luminate the blinded. Every ill repressing,

Win

us every blessing.

Plead, and play the Mother!

He

will, and none other, Born for our salvation, Hear thy supplication.

Maiden meek and lowly,

Singularly holy,

Loose the sins that chain us;

Sanctify, sustain us.

Help us live in pureness, Smooth our way with sureness,

Till

we

also eye Thee,

Jesu, ever nigh Thee.

Father, Son,

we

bless Thee,

Likewise do confess Thee,

Holy

Spirit, Trinal,
first

Onely,

and

final.

150

Quern

terra, pontus, sidera

UEM

terra, pontus, sidera

^HE
319

God whom

earth,

and

sea,

Colunt, adorant, praedicant

and sky Adore, and laud, and magnify,

COMMON OF SAINTS
Trinam regentem machinam,
Claustrum Mariae bajulat.

Who

o'er

their

threefold

fabric

reigns,

The Virgin's
tains.
2

spotless

womb

con-

Cui luna,

sol, et

omnia

The God, whose

sun

will

by moon and

Deserviunt per tempora, Perfusa cceli gratia, Gestant puellse viscera.

And

things in due course is done, Is borne upon a Maiden's breast, By fullest heavenly grace possest,
all

Beata Mater munere, Cujus supernus artifex Mundum pugillo continens, Ventris sub area clausus est.

How

blest that Mother, in

whose

shrine

The great Artificer Divine, Whose hand contains the earth and sky,
Vouchsafed, as in His ark, to
lie.

Beata coeli nuntio, Foecunda sancto Spiritu, Desideratus gentibus, Cujus per alvum fusus est.

Blest,
Blest,

in

the
the

message

Gabriel
Spirit

brought

by

work

the

wrought;

From whom
earth

the Great Desire of

flesh

Took

human
birth.

and

human

Jesu tibi sit gloria, Qui natus es de Virgine,

Cum

Patre, et almo Spiritu In sempiterna saecula.

All honor, laud, and glory be, Jesu, Virgin-born to Thee; All glory, as is ever meet, To Father and to Paraclete.

Fortunatus (530-609). Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by J. M. Neale. There are eighteen translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Matins on Feasts of the Blessed Virgin which have no proper hymn for Matins. The Original Text has cethera for sidera in the first line. This is the only point of difference between the Original and the Revised Texts. The hymn for Lauds is a

Author: Ascribed

to

continuation of this hymn.

stances.
1.

The

texts differ in several in-

carried the Ruler of the triple kingdom, Him, whom earth, and sea, and sky honor, adore and praise." Trina machina may refer either to "terra,
of
320

"The womb

Mary

THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

pontus, aethera," or to the threefold rule of Christ over 11 those that are in heaven, on earth, or under the earth" (Philip. 2, 10). Claustrum, lit., a bolt, bar; by meton., an enclosure. 2. "The womb of a Virgin, filled with the grace of Heaven, bears Him to whom the moon and sun and all things are, at all times, subject.' Spiritus Sanctus superveniet in te, et virtus Altissimi obumbrabit tibi (Luke 1,
'

35).

Mother, blessed by a (singular) gift, in the ark of whose womb was enclosed the heavenly Creator, who holds the universe in the hollow of His hand." Munus, the singular privilege of being the Mother of God. Mundum pugillo continens: Quis mensus est pugillo aquas, et ccelos palmo ponderavit? quis appendit tribus digitis molem terrae, et libravit in pondere montes, et colles in statera? (Is. 40, Constr. Sub cujus area ventris clausus est. 12). 4. "Blessed by the message of Heaven, overshadowed by the Holy Spirit, out of whose womb came forth the Desired of Nations." Nuntium, i, a message; here, the Annunciation (Luke 1, 26-38). Desideratus gentibus: Et veniet Desideratus cunctis gentibus (Aggeus 2, 8).
3.
:

"0

151

O
te

gloriosa virginum

OGLORIOSA
Qui
creavit,

virginum,

r\ GLORIOUS
^-^

Lady!

throned

Sublimis inter sidera,

on high
the star-illumined sky;

parvulum

Above

Lactente nutris ubere.

Thereto ordained, thy bosom lent To thy Creator nourishment.

Quod Heva tristis abstulit, Tu reddis almo germine:

Intrent ut astra flebiles, Ceeli recludis cardines.

Through thy sweet Offspring we

receive

The

And

Now
3

once lost through hapless Eve; heaven to mortals open lies thou art Portal of the skies.
bliss

Tu

regis alti janua,

Thou
Light's

art

the

Door
fair

of

heaven's
glister-

Et aula lucis fulgida:

high King,

Gateway
ing;

and

321

COMMON OF SAINTS
Vitam datam per Virginem
Gentes redemptae plaudite.
Life through a Virgin is restored; Ye ransomed nations, praise the

Lord!
*Jesu, tibi
sit

gloria,

Qui natus

es

de Virgine,

Cum

Patre, et

almo Spiritu

In sempiterna saecula.

All honor, laud, and glory be, Jesu, Virgin-born, to Thee; All glory, as is ever meet, To Father and to Paraclete.

a continuation of the preceding hymn. Translation by J. W. Doran and M. J. Blacker. There are fourteen translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Lauds on Feasts of Our Lady. First line of Original Text: gloriosa Femina (or Domina). 1. "0 most glorious of Virgins, the most exalted among the Blessed, Him who created thee thou didst nourish as a Child at thy maternal breast." Sidera, all created heavenly beings. 2. "What hapless Eve deprived us of, thou, by thy beloved Offspring, didst restore: that those who weep may enter heaven, open thou the door thereof." Car do, a hinge, by synec, a door, gate. 3. "Thou art the Door of the great King, the refulgent redeemed nations, the Life given us Hall of light: sing, Christum. Plaudite, apthrough a Virgin." Vitam plaud, here used transitively.

This

hymn

is

152

Memento, rerum Conditor

MEMENTO,

rerum Conditor, Nostri quod olim corporis, Sacrata ab alvo Virginis Nascendo formam sumpseris.

REMEMBER,
That
in

Creator Lord,
Virgin's

the

sacred

womb
Thou wast
flesh

conceived, and of her

Didst our mortality assume.

3

Maria Mater

gratia?,

Mother of

grace,

Mary

blest,

Dulcis Parens clementiae, Tu nos ab hoste protege, Et mortis hora suscipe.

To

thee, sweet fount of love,

fly;

we

Shield us through life, and take us hence To thy dear bosom when we die.

322

APOSTLES AND EVANGELISTS

3

Jesu, tibi

sit

gloria,

Qui natus

es de Virgine,

Jesu, born of Virgin bright, Immortal glory be to Thee;

Cum

Patre, et almo Spiritu, In sempiterna saecula.

Praise to the Father infinite,

And Holy Ghost

eternally.

from the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin. The first stanza is from Hymn 38 the second is a continuation of the two preceding hymns. Meter Iambic dimeter. Translation by Father Caswall.
This
is
;
:

hymn

Creator of the world, that Thou didst once assume the form of our body, by being born of the sacred womb of a Virgin." 2. "Mary, Mother of grace, sweet Mother of mercy, protect us from the enemy, and receive us in the hour of death,"
1.

"Remember,

COMMON OF APOSTLES AND EVANGELISTS

OUT OF EASTERTIDE
153

Exultet orbis gaudiis

EXULTET orbis gaudiis:

Ccelum resultet laudibus: Apostolorum gloriam
Tellus et astra concinunt.

NOWresound,
let

the
the

earth

with

joy

And heaven
round;

chant

re-echo

Nor heaven nor

raise

earth too high can

The

great
praise.

Apostles'

glorious

Vos sseculorum judices, Et vera mundi lumina: Votis precamur cordium,

Audite voces supplicum.

O ye who, throned in glory dread, Shall judge the living and the dead, Lights of the world forevermore! To you the suppliant prayer we pour.
Ye
close the sacred gates on high; At your command apart they fly: Oh! loose for us the guilty chain We strive to break, and strive in

Qui templa

cceli clauditis,

Serasque verbo solvitis, Nos a reatu noxios Solvi jubete, quaesumus.

vain.

323

COMMON OF SAINTS
*

quorum protinus salusque sentiunt: Languor Sanate mentes languidas;

Prascepta

Sickness and obey;

health

your voice

At your command they go or stay

Augete nos virtutibus.

From
In

sin's

disease

our

souls

restore;

good

confirm more.

us

more and

cum redibit arbiter In fine Christus saeculi, Nos sempiterni gaudii

Ut,

And

So when the world is at its end, Christ to judgment shall

descend, be called those joys to
see
all

Concedat esse compotes.

May we

Prepared from
6

eternity.

simulque Filio, Tibique sancte Spiritus,

Patri,

Praise to the Father, with the Son,

And Holy
And
cent.

Spirit,

Three

in

One;
last.

Sicut fuit,

sit

jugiter

As ever was

Saeclum per omne gloria.

in ages past, so shall be while ages

Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Father Caswall. There are ten translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Vespers and Lauds. First line of Original Text Exultet caelum laudibus. For the hymns of the Apostles and Evangelists in Eastertide, see Hymns 63 and 64. 1. "Let the earth exult with joy, let the heavens reecho with praise earth and heaven together sing the glory
:

Author: Unknown, 10th

of the Apostles."

judges of mankind and true lights of the world, we beseech you with the yearnings of our hearts give ear to the prayers of your suppliants." Judices: The Apostles are to judge the world (cf. Matt. 19, 28). Lumina: Vos
2.
:

"Ye

estis lux

to enlighten by their doctrine a world sunk in the darkness of sin and er5, 14).

mundi (Matt.

They were

ror.
3.

"Ye who

close the heavenly mansions,

and with a

word can unfasten their bolts, command, we beseech you, that we sinners be freed from our guilt." Sera, a bar or
Quaecumque alligaveritis super terram, erunt ligata et in ccelo: et quaecumque solveritis super terram, erunt soluta et in ccelo (Matt. 18, 18), Nos:
bolt for fastening

a door.

constr.

Jubete, nos noxios

solvi a reatu.
324

APOSTLES AND EVANGELISTS

sickness and health forthwith obey, heal our languishing souls, enrich us with virtues." 5. "That when Christ shall come again, as Judge, at the end of the world, He may grant that we become possessed of eternal happiness."
4.

"Ye whose commands

154

AZterna Christi munera

Christi munera,

AETERNA

Apostolorum gloriam, Palmas et hymnos debitos Laetis canamus mentibus.

TH'
And

eternal gifts of Christ the

King,

The Apostles' glory,

raise

us sing; all with hearts of gladness

let

Due hymns

of thankful love and

praise.
2

Ecclesiarum Principes, Belli triumphales duces

Coelestis aula? milites,

For they the Church's Princes are, Triumphant leaders in the war,

The heavenly King's own warrior

band,

Et vera mundi lurnina.

True
3

lights to lighten every land.

Devota sanctorum

fides,

Theirs was the steadfast faith of

Saints,

Invicta spes credentium,

Perfecta Christi caritas

The hope

that

never yields nor

in perfect glow,
this

Mundi tyrannum

conterit.

faints,

The love of Christ

low.
4

That lay the prince of

world

In his Paterna gloria, In his triumphat Filius, In his voluntas Spiritus,

In them the Father's glory shone, In them the Spirit's will was done,

The Son Himself

Joy
fills

exults in them;

Coelum repletur gaudio.

5

the

new Jerusalem.

simulque Filio, Tibique sancte Spiritus,

Patri,

Praise to the Father, with the Son,

And Holy And

Spirit,

Three

in

One;
last.

Sicut fuit,

sit

jugiter
gloria.

As ever was

Sasclura per

omne
St.

in ages past, so shall be while ages

(340-397). Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation based on Neale. There are thirteen translations. Liturgical Use Hymn for Matins on feasts of the Apostles and Evangelists. This hymn was origi:

Author:

Ambrose

325

COMMON OF SAINTS
nally written for feasts of Martyrs. In its complete form The hymn Christum profusum it contained eight stanzas. sanguinem, for Martyrs in Paschaltide, is a part of the JEterna Christi munera. The above hymn consists of

stanzas
1.

1, 2, 6, 7,

of the original.

of triumph and becoming hymns, let us sing the glory of the Apostles, and the eternal gifts of Christ." The construction in this stanza is unusual. Canamus is the predicate of the whole stanza. Palmas: fig., victories; here, hymns of victory.

"Let us sing with joyful hearts songs

are the princes of the Church, the triumphant leaders of the war, the soldiers of the heavenly court, and the true lights of the wo rid.' 3. "The steadfast faith of the Saints, the unyielding hope of believers, the perfect charity of Christ trample Tyrannum, the devil. under foot the tyrant of the world. 4. "In them triumphs the glory of the Father; in them triumphs the Son; in them the will of the Holy Spirit is accomplished, and heaven is filled with joy."
2.
' '

"They

COMMON OF ONE MARTYR

OUT OF EASTERTIDE
155

Deus tuorum militum

tuorum militum
f~\
^-^

DEUS

GOD,

of those that fought

Thy

Sors, et corona, praemium,

fight,

Laudes canentes Martyris Absolve nexu criminis.

Portion, and prize, and crown of

light,

Break every bond of

sin

and shame

As now we
name.
1

praise

Thy Martyr's

Hie nempe mundi gaudia, Et blanda fraudum pabula Imbuta felle deputans, Pervenit ad coelestia.

He

recked

not

of

the

world's

allure,

But sin and

pomp

of sin forswore:

Knew
And
326

all

their gall,

and passed

them by,
reached the throne prepared

on high.

ONE MARTYR
3

Poenas cucurrit fortiter, Et sustulit viriliter, Fundensque pro te sanguinem, /Eterna dona possidet.

And

Bravely the course of pain he ran, bare his torments as a man: For love of Thee his blood outpoured, And thus obtained the great reward.

precatu supplici Te poscimus, piissime; In hoc triumpho Martyris Dimitte noxam servulis.

Ob hoc

With humble voice and suppliant word We pray Thee therefore, holy
Lord,

While we Thy Martyr's feast-day

keep,

Forgive

Thy

loved

and

erring

sheep.
5

Laus

perennis gloria Patri sit, atque Filio, Sancto simul Paraclito, In sempiterna saecula.
et

Glory and praise for aye be done To God the Father, and the Son, And Holy Ghost, who reign on
high,

One God,

to all eternity.

Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Alan G. McDougall. There are sixteen translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Vespers. There The is a longer form of this hymn in thirty-two lines. translations are practically all from the Roman Breviary
cent.

Author: Ambrosian, 6th

Text.
1.

"0

God, Thou who art the portion, the crown, and

the reward of Thy soldiers, absolve from the chains of sin those singing the praises of Thy Martyr." 2. "He, indeed, regarding as imbued with bitterness the joys of the world and the seductive pleasures of sin, hath attained heavenly joys." Pabulum, food; anything pleasing to the taste or senses. 3. "He bravely ran the way of torture, and suffered manfully; and shedding his blood for Thee, he now possesses Thy eternal gifts." Pcenas cucurrit, a poetical constr., the accusative in answer to the question ivhither. 4. "Wherefore we beseech Thee, most loving God, with suppliant prayer, in consequence of the triumph of Thy quam ob Martyr, forgive Thy servants' sins." Ob hoc rem. In hoc triumpho: This refers to the feast day of the

327

COMMON OF SAINTS
Martyr; the hymn Martyr's triumph.
156
is

sung on each anniversary of the

Invicte Martyr,
Martyr, unicum

unicum
of

INVICTE

MARTYR
To follow
field,

God,

whose

Patris secutus Filium, Victis triumphas hostibus,

strength was steeled

close God's only Son,
battle-

Victor fruens coelestibus.

Well didst thou brave thy

And

well thy heavenly bliss was

won!
2

Tui precatus munere Nostrum reatum dilue, Arcens mali contagium,

Vitae repellens taedium.

Now
That

join thy prayers with ours,

who pray God may pardon

bless

us

and

For prayer

And

keeps away, draws from

ness.

evil's

plague
weari-

life

its

Soluta sunt jam vincula Tui sacrati corporis:

Long, long ago, were loosed the

chains

Nos Dono superni Numinis.

solve vinclis sseculi,

That held thy body once in thrall; For us how many a bond remains!
love of

God

release us all.

Deo

Patri

sit

gloria,

Ejusque

soli Filio,

Cum

Nunc,

Spiritu Paraclito, et per omne saeculum.

All praise to God the Father be, All praise to Thee, Eternal Son; All praise, Holy Ghost, to Thee, While never-ending ages run.

Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Percy Dearmer. There are twelve translations. Liturgical Use Hymn for Lauds in the Common of one Martyr. First line of Original Text: Martyr Dei,

Author: Unknown, 10th

:

cent.

qui unicum.

unconquered Martyr, thou who didst follow the only-begotten Son of the Father, thy enemies having been overcome, thou dost triumph, and, as victor enjoy heavenly Triumphas: The Martyr's triumph consists in delights.' the possession and enjoyment of eternal glory. 2. "By virtue of thy intercession wash thou our guilt
1.
'

"0

328

MANY MARTYRS
away; keep
at a distance the contagion of sin,

away
3.

life's

weariness."

Precatus

(w.),

and drive prayer. Munere,

merit, favor.

" Loosened now are the chains of thy sacred body; deliver us also, by the grace of the Heavenly Godhead, from the chains of the world." Vinclis = vinculis.

COMMON OF MANY MARTYRS

IN EASTERTIDE

157

Rex
gloriose

gloriose

Martyrum
GLORIOUS King
hosts,

REX

Martyrum,

of Martyr

Corona confitentium, Qui respuentes terrea Perducis ad coelestia:

Thou Crown
boasts,

that each Confessor

Who

Those who have cast away:

2

leadest to celestial day earth's joys

Aurem benignam

protinus Intende nostris vocibus: Trophaea sacra pangimus: Ignosce quod deliquimus.

Thine ear in mercy, Saviour, lend, While unto Thee our prayers

And

as

ascend; we count their triumphs

won,
Forgive the sins that we have done.
8

vincis inter Martyres, Parcisque Confessoribus: Tu vince nostra crimina, Largitor indulgentise.

Tu

Martyrs in Thee their triumphs

gain,

From Thee
tain;

Confessors grace ob-

O'ercome in us the lust of sin, That we Thy pardoning love may

win.
i

Deo

Patri

sit

gloria,

To Thee who,
live,

dead,

again

dost

Et Filio, qui a mortuis Surrexit, ac Paraclito, In sempiterna saecula.

All glory, Lord, Thy people give; All glory, as is ever meet, To Father and to Paraclete.

Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by R. P. Littledale and G. H. Palmer. There

cent.
329

Authok: Ambrosian, 6th

COMMON OF SAINTS
are fifteen translations.

Liturgical Use

There

is

an

article

on

this

hymn

for Lauds. in the Cath. Encycl. From

:

Hymn

the references to Confessors, in this hymn, it would seem that it was originally intended for the feasts of Martyrs and Confessors. See the article on Martyr in the Cath.

Encycl.
glorious King of Martyrs and Crown of Confessors, who leadest to heavenly things those who despise the things of earth. Turn quickly a gracious ear to our prayers we sing 2.
1.
' ' ' ;

"0

of sacred victories; pardon what we have done amiss." Trophceum, lit., a trophy, a monument of victory; by

meton., the victory itself. 3. "In the Martyrs Thou dost conquer, and Thou dost dispenser of mercy, conquer Thou spare the Confessors The Martyrs are the faithful per. our sins." Inter soldiers of Christ, who conquers in their victories, as a general conquers in the achievements of his army. The Confessors are "spared," i.e., they are not called to shed
:

their blood for Christ.

158

Christo profusum sanguinem

profusum
sangui-

CHRISTO
nem,

rpHE Martyrs' * sing,

Their

triumphs

let

us
for

Et Martyrum victorias,
Laetis

blood

poured

forth

Dignamque ccelo lauream sequamur vocibus.

And
Our

Christ the King, while due hymns of praise we pay, thankful hearts cast grief away.
its

Terrore victo saeculi, Pcenisque spretis corporis, Mortis sacrae compendio

The world
vain;

terrors

urged in

They recked not of the body's

pain;

Vitam beatam possident.

One
The
3

step,

and holy death made

ever shall endure.

sure
life that

Traduntur igni Martyres,

Et bestiarum dentibus:

To By
330

flames the Martyr Saints are hailed; teeth of savage beasts assailed

MANY MARTYRS
Armata
saevit

ungulis

Against them, armed with ruthless

Tortoris insani manus.

brand

And hooks
4

of steel, their torturers stand.

is

Nudata pendent viscera:

Sanguis sacratus funditur: Sed permanent immobiles Vitae perennis gratia.

The mangled frame

sore,

tortured

The holy life-drops freshly pour; They stand unmoved amidst the
strife,

By grace
5

of everlasting

life.

Te nunc Redemptor quajsumus, Ut Martyrum consortio

Jungas precantes servulos In sempiterna sascula.

Redeemer, hear us of Thy love, That, with the Martyr host above, Hereafter, of Thine endless grace, Thy servants also may have place.

Author:

St.

Ambrose
J.

(340-397).

Meter: Iambic dimeter.

M. Neale and others. This hymn is a cento from the hymn JEterna Christi munera; the first stanza was added by the revisers of the hymns under Pope Urban VIII, 1632. There are eight translations of the Roman Brev. Text, and five, in part or entire, of the original hymn. Liturgical Use: Matins hymn for Many MarTranslation by
tyrs in Eastertide.
of the blood shed for Christ, of the victories of the Martyrs, and the laurels worthy of heaven." Sequi, lit., to follow, accompany. Lcetis sequamur vocibus, Let us follow with joyous songs,
1.

"Let us with gladsome voices sing

etc.

the terrors of the world and despised the pains of the body, by the brief torments accompanying a holy death, they now possess a happy life." Compendio: The Martyrs acquire in a brief space what others obtain in a lifetime. 3. "The Martyrs are delivered over to the flames and to the teeth of wild beasts armed with hooks, the hand of the mad torturer rages." Ungula, a torturer's claw-shaped hook. 4. "Their entrails laid bare protrude, their holy blood is poured forth; but by the grace of eternal life they remain steadfast."
2.
;

"Having overcome

331

COMMON OF SAINTS
"Now, forever Thy
5.

Redeemer, we beseech Thee, that Thou unite suppliant servants with the company of the

Martyrs."

COMMON OF MANY MARTYRS

OUT OF EASTERTIDE
159

Sanctorum meritis
meritis
inclyta

SANCTORUM
gaudia

SING,

Sons of the Church sounding the Martyrs'

Pangamus

socii,

gestaque fortia:

Gliscens fert cantibus

animus

promere

praise God's true soldiers applaud, who, in their weary days,

Victorum genus optimum.

bright trophies of good, glad be the voice ye raise, While these heroes of Christ ye
sing!

Won

Hi

sunt,

quos

fatue

mundus
floribus
asseclae

Hunc

abhorruit; fructu vacuum,

aridum Contempsere tui nominis Jesu Rex bone coelitum.

They, while yet in the world were by the world abhorred; Felt how fading the joys, fleeting the wealth it stored Spurned all pleasure for Thee, and at Thy call, Lord,

Came

forth strong in as King.

Thy Name,

Hi pro

te

furias,

atque minas

truces

Calcarunt hominum, saevaque verbera:

His

cessit

lacerans

fortiter

un-

gula,

Nee

carpsit penetralia.

bravely they bore fury and pain for Thee! Scourge, rod, sword, and the rack strongly endured; but free Sang out, bold in Thy love, longing on high to be; Earth's might never their souls could bend.

Lord,

how

Cseduntur gladiis tium:

more
non

bidenqueri-

While

they, shedding their blood,

Non murmur

resonat,

monia; Sed corde impavido mens bene

conscia

Conservat patientiam.

victims for Jesus fell, out of their lips came of their throes to tell; Bowed low, patient and meek, loving the Lord so well, Turned they still to the Christ, their Friend.

No sound

332

MANY MARTYRS
5

Quae

vox,

qua?

poterit

lingua

What

joys, bright with the

blood
they

retexere,

shed
share,

for

thy

love

Quro tu Martyribus munera praeparas? Rubri nam fluido sanguine fulgidis

Those

brave Martyrs of Thine crowned with Thy laurels

rare;
tell,

Cingunt tempora laureis.

Man's tongue never can

never

can half declare,

How pure now

6

is

their bliss above!

Te Ut
Des

summa
culpas
trahas,

Deitas,

unaque
subtibi

Yet we, Father on high, God of

Lift

poscimus;
abigas,

noxia
ut

weak voices

eternal might, in prayer asking

pacem

famulis,

gloriam Annorum in seriem canant.

for peace and light; Cleanse Thou out of our hearts every stain and blight, So our songs may be songs of love.

Authoe: Unknown, 8th cent. Meter: Asclepiadic and Glyconic. Translation by D. J. Donahoe. There are thirteen translations. Liturgical Use Vespers Hymn. There is an exceptionally interesting article on the Sanctorum meritis, in the Cath. Encycl. J. M. Neale's translation, which is found in most hymn books, is in the Baltimore Manual of Prayers, p. 651. companions, the heroic deeds of the 1. "Let us sing, Saints and the glorious delights merited by them: the soul
:

glowing with zeal strives to celebrate in song the noblest kind of conquerors." 2. "These are they whom the world foolishly abhorred; Jesus, good King of the Blessed, the followers of but, Thy Name despised the world as void of fruit and parched of flowers." Rune, sc, mundum. 3. "For Thy sake they despised the rage, the savage threats, and the brutal blows of men: the fiercely lacerating hook yields to them, nor does it rob them of their inner lives." Penetralia, the life of the soul. 4. "Like sheep, they are slaughtered by the sword: no murmur is heard, no complaint; but with dauntless courage, the soul self-possessed preserves its patience." 5. "What voice, what tongue can recount the gifts which Thou dost prepare for Thy Martyrs'? For, red with flow333

COMMON OF SAINTS
ing blood they bind their temples with resplendent laurels." supreme and only Godhead, that 6. "We beseech Thee, Thou banish our sins from Thy sight, drive away all evils, and grant peace to Thy servants, that they may sing glory
to

Thee forever.

'

COMMON OF CONFESSORS
160
lste Confessor
Confessor Domini colentes Quem pie laudant populi per

ISTE
Hac

THIS
Now

the Confessor of the Lord,

the
faithful

whose triumph
all

orbem
die laetus meruit beatas

celebrate,

with gladness
Erst on this feast-day merited to enter Into his glory.
Saintly

Scandere sedes.

Qui

humilis, prudens, pudicus, Sobriam duxit sine labe vitam, Donee humanos animavit aurae
phis,

and prudent, modest

in

behavior, Peaceful and sober, chaste was he,

and lowly,
While
that life's vigor, coursing through his members, Quickened his being.

Spiritus artus.

Cujus

ob

praestans

meritum

Sick ones of old time, to his tomb

resorting,

frequenter,
i^Egra quae passim jacuere mem-

Sorely
Oft-times

by

ailments

manifold

bra,

afflicted,

Viribus morbi domitis, saluti

Restituuntur.

have welcomed health and strength returning, At his petition.

Noster hinc
tern

illi

chorus obsequencelebresque

Whence we in chorus gladly do him honor,

Chanting his praises with devout
affection,

Concinit

laudem, palmas;

Ut

piis ejus precibus

juvemur

That

in his merits

we may have

Omne

per

aevurn.

portion,

Now
334

and forever.

CONFESSORS
8

Sit salus

decus, atque virtus, Qui super coeli solio coruscans, Totius mundi seriem gubernat
illi,

His

be

the

glory,

power

and

salvation,

Who

over all things reigneth in

Trinus

et unus.

the highest, Earth's mighty fabric ruling and

directing,

Onely and Trinal.

Author: Unknown, 8th

Adonic. are twelve translations. First line of Original Text: Iste Confessor Domini sacratus. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Vespers and Matins on Feasts of Confessors Bishops, and Confessors not Bishops. Read the article on Confessor, in the Cath. Encycl. 1. "This Confessor of the Lord, whom reverent nations throughout the world lovingly venerate, merited on this day to ascend with joy to the blest abodes." Hac die, i.e., the Feast Day of the Saint, the day of his death. If it is not the day of the Saint's death, the last two lines are changed thus:

Meter: Sapphic and Translation, a cento from The Hymner. There

cent.

Hac

die laetus meruit

supremos

Laudis honores.

day merited with joy the highest honors of praise." Scandere ascendere. 2. "Pious, prudent, humble, and chaste, he led a sober life, without stain, as long as the breath of life animated his human members." Humanos artus, his body, frame. Spirithis

"On

tus aurce,

lit.,

a Bishop
3.

"On

Read St. Paul's conception of Tim. esp. 3, 2). (1 account of his eminent merits it often happens
a breath of
air.

that members (the faithful) lying sick in various places, are restored to health, the violence of their disease being overcome." Membra saluti restituuntur membris salus

restituitur.

"Wherefore to him does our choir sing gracious praises, and celebrate his victories may we be aided by his
4.
:

pious prayers throughout the ages." 5. "To Him who is resplendent on the throne of heaven, be salvation, glory, and power; to Him who, Three and One, ruleth the course of the w hole world.
T

335

COMMON OF SAINTS
161

Jesu Redemptor
Redemptor omnium,
Perpes corona Praesulum,

omnium
the

JESU

JESU,

world's

Redeemer,

In hac die clementius Indulgeas precantibus.

hear; Thy Bishops' fadeless crown, draw near: Accept with gentlest love today The prayers and praises that we pay.

Tui sacri qua nominis Confessor almus claruit

The meek Confessor of Thy Name

To-day attained a glorious fame; Whose yearly feast, in solemn
state,

Hujus celebrat annua

Devota plebs solemnia,

Thy
8

faithful people celebrate.

all
its

Qui rite mundi gaudia Hujus caduca respuens,

j^Eternitatis

The world and

good,

boasted

prasmio Potitur inter Angelos.

As vain and

And

passing, he eschewed; therefore with Angelic bands, In endless joy forever stands.

Hujus benignus annue Nobis sequi vestigia: Hujus precatu servulis

Dimitte

noxam

criminis.

Grant then that we, most gracious God, May follow in the steps he trod: And, at his prayer, Thy servants
free

From
5

stain of all iniquity.

Sit Christe

Rex

piissime

To Thee,
King,

Christ,

our

loving

Tibi, Patrique gloria,

Cum
Nunc

Spiritu Paraclito, et per omne sagculum.

All glory, praise, and thanks bring: All glory, as is ever meet, To Father and to Paraclete.

we

Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by J. D. Chambers. There are eight translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Lauds on the Feast of a Confessor and Bishop. 1. "0 Jesus, the Redeemer of all, the eternal crown of Bishops, mayest Thou on this day be graciously indulgent

Author: Ambrosian, 8th

cent.

to

suppliants." Perpes, itis patron, protector (post classical)

different

Thy

=
;

perpetuus. Prcesul, a the word had a quite

meaning

in classical Latin.
336

CONFESSORS
day shone resplendent the glorious Confessor of Thy Name, whose yearly solemnity a devout people cele2.

"On this
Qua

brate."

"shone
gels.
3.

refers to die in the preceding stanza. Claruit, resplendent" in glory among the Saints and An-

"Rightly despising the fleeting joys of this world, he obtains an eternal reward among the Angels." Rite = merito. Premium ceternitatis = prasmium asternum. 4. "Graciously allow us to follow his footsteps; through his intercession, forgive Thy servants the punishment due to their sins." Annuere, grant, permit.

162

Jesu corona celsior

corona
celsior,

JESU

Et Veritas sublimior,

ESU, eternal Truth sublime, J Through endless years the

same!

Qui confitenti servulo Reddis perenne praemium:

Thou crown
all

of those

who through

time Confess Thy holy

2

Name:

Da

supplicanti coetui, Hujus rogatu, noxii Remissionem criminis,

Thy suppliant
prayer

people, through the

Of Thy
For
his

blest Saint, forgive;

Rumpendo nexum

vinculi.

dear

sake,

Thy wrath

And
*Anni reverso tempore,
Dies refulsit lumine, Quo Sanctus hie de corpore Migravit inter sidera.

forbear, bid our spirits live.

Again returns the sacred day, With heavenly glory bright, Which saw him go upon his way
Into the realms of light.

*Hic vana

terrae gaudia, Et luculenta praedia, Polluta sorde deputans,

Ovans
5

tenet coelestia.

All objects of our vain desire, All earthly joys and gains, To him were but as filthy mire; And now with Thee he reigns. Thee, Jesu, his all-gracious Lord, Confessing to the last, He trod beneath him Satan'9 fraud, And stood forever fast. 337

Te Christe Rex piissime,

Hie confitendo jugiter, Calcavit artes daemonum, Saevumque averni principem.

COMMON OF SAINTS
fl

Virtute clarus, et fide, Confessione sedulus, Jejuna membra deferens,

In holy deeds of faith In fastings

and

love,

and

in prayers,

Dapes supernas

obtinet.

His days were spent; and now above Thy heavenly Feast he shares.

Proinde

te

piissime

Then, for his sake Thy wrath lay

by,

Precamur omnes supplices: Nobis ut hujus gratia

Poenas remittas debitas.

And hear us And pardon

High,

while
us,

we pray; Thou most

On
8

this his festal

Day.

Patri perennis gloria,

Natoque Patris unico, Sanctoque sit Paraclito, Per omne semper saeculum.

And

All Glory to the Father be; sole Incarnate Son;

Praise, holy Paraclete, to Thee;

While endless ages run.

Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Father Caswall. There are eight translations. Liturgical Use Hymn for Lauds of a Confessor

Author: Ambrosian, 6th

:

cent.

not a Bishop.
exalted crown, and truth most sublime, who bestowest an eternal reward on Thy ConConfessori. fessor." Confitenti servulo 2. "Through his intercession grant to Thy suppliant assembly the remission of their sins, whilst Thou dost rend asunder the bond of the chain (of sin)." 3. "The space of a year having elapsed, the day again shines forth in its splendor, on which this Saint, leaving his earthly body, ascended into heaven." 4. "Considering the vain joys and showy goods of the world as defiled with filth, he now in triumph possesses those that are heavenly." Codestia (sc. gaudia et prsedia). Christ, most lov5. "By unceasingly confessing Thee, ing King, he trampled under foot the wiles of the evil spirits, and the savage prince of hell." 6. "Eenowned for faith and virtue, zealous in the confession of his faith, bearing his members mortified he now participates in the heavenly banquet." 7. "We suppliants, therefore, all beseech Thee, most gracious God, that on his account Thou remit the punish1.

"0

Jesus,

Thou most

338

VIRGINS
ment due
8.

to us."

Gratia, prep., hujus gratia, on his ac-

count, for his sake.

"Eternal glory to the Father, and to the only-begotten Son of the Father, and to the Holy Spirit, through all eternity."

COMMON OF VIRGINS
163
Jesu, corona Virginum

JESU, corona Virginum, Quem mater ilia concipit,

Quae sola Virgo parturit: Hcec vota clemens accipe.

JESU,

the

Virgins'

crown,

do

Thou
Accept us as in prayer we bow;

Born of that Virgin, whom alone The Mother and the Maid we own.

Qui pergis

inter lilia,

Septus choreis Virginum, Sponsus decorus gloria, Sponsisque reddens praemia.

Amongst the lilies Thou dost feed, By Virgin choirs accompanied With glory decked, the spotless

Whose

brides bridal gifts provides.

Thy

love

Quocumque

tendis, Virgines

Sequuntur, atque laudibus Post te canentes cursitant, Hymnosque dulces personant.

They, wheresoe'er bend,

Thy

footsteps
still

With
In

hymns

and

praises

attend blessed troops

they
song,

follow

With

Thee, dance,

and

and

melody.
4

Te deprecamur supplices; Nostris ut addas sensibus, Nescire prorsus omnia Corruptions vulnera.

We

pray Thee therefore to bestow

Upon our senses here below Thy grace, that so we may endure From taint of all corruption pure.
All laud to God the Father be, All praise, Eternal Son, to Thee; All glory as is ever meet, To God, the holy Paraclete.

'Virtus, honor, laus, gloria Deo Patri cum Filio, Sancto simul Paraclito,
In saeculorum sascula.

Meter. Iambic dimeter. Translation by J. M. Neale. There are thirteen translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Vespers
to St.

Author: Ascribed

Ambrose

(340-397).

339

COMMON OF SAINTS
and Lands. This beautiful hymn
;

is

founded on

Is. 28, 5;

Canticle of Canticles 2, 16 Apoc. 14, 4. 1. "0 Jesus, crown of Virgins, whom that Mother conceived who alone as Virgin did give birth to a Child, graciously accept these our prayers." 2. "Thou walkest among the lilies surrounded by choirs
of Virgins, as a bridegroom adorned with glory dispensing gifts to brides." Pergis: The Original Text has pascis which text Neale translates. The texts differ but slightly. Qui pascitur inter lilia (Cant. 2, 16). The lily is a symbol of virginal purity; it is here used for Virgins themselves.
3.

"Whithersoever Thou goest, Virgins follow, and with

songs of praise they hasten after Thee, causing sweet hymns to resound." 4. "We suppliantly beseech Thee that Thou grant to our senses that they may know nothing whatever of all the wounds of corruption." Addas = des, tribuas. Sensibus, to our souls. Nescire, to have nothing to do with.

164

Virginis Proles
Proles,
gessit,

VIRGINIS
Matris,

Opifexque
peperitque
beatae,

CON

of a Virgin,

Maker

of

Thy

Virgo

quem

Mother, Thou, Rod and Blossom from a

Virgo; Virginis festum canimus Accipe votum.

Stem unstained,

Now

while a Virgin fair of fame we honor, Hear our devotion!

Usee enim palmse duplicis beata dum gestit fragilem Sorte,

Lo, on

Thy handmaid
fold blessing,

fell

a twothe

domare
Corporis sexum,
turn

Who,
domuit cruen-

in her

body vanquishing
grace

In that

weakness, same body,

from

Caede tyrannum.

heaven obtaining, Bore the world witness.

arnica

Unde nee mortem, nee

mortis

Mille

poenarum genera expavescens,

Death, nor the rending pains of death appalled her; Bondage and torment found her undefeated:

340

VIRGINS
Sanguine effuso meruit serenum Scandere coelum.

So by the shedding
attained she

erf

her blood

Heavenly guerdon.
4

Hujus oratu Deus alme nobis

Debitas pcenas scelerum remitte;

Ut

tibi

puro resonemus almum

Pectore carmen.

Fountain of mercy, hfear prayers she offers; Purge our offences, pardon
transgressions,

the

our

So

that hereafter

we

to

Thee may

render Praise with thanksgiving.

5

decus Patri, genitaeque Proli, Et tibi compar utriusque virtus Spiritus semper, Deus unus omni
Sit

Thou, the All-Father, Thou, the

One-Begotten,

Thou, Holy

Spirit,

Three

in

One

Temporis

arvo.

co-equal,

Glory be henceforth Thine through

all the ages,

World without ending.

Author:
Adonic.

Unknown, 8th cent. Meter: Sapphic and Translation by Laurence Housman. There are

eight translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Matins in the Common of Virgins. To be more explicit, the five stanzas of this hymn are used as follows:
a)
c)
1.

The complete hymn for Virgin-Martyrs.

1, 4, 5,

b) Stanzas

Stanzas

4, 5,

for Virgins. for Holy Women.

Offspring of a Virgin and Creator of Thy Mother, whom a Virgin carried in her womb, and to whom a Virgin gave birth; we celebrate in song the Feast of a Virgin; hear Thou our prayer." The Virgin mentioned in the first two lines is our Blessed Lady; the Virgin mentioned in the third line is the Saint whose Feast is being celebrated. For a Virgin-Martyr the last two lines read
Virginis partos canimus decora

"0

Morte triumphos.

"We

sing of the triumphs obtained by the glorious death

of a Virgin." 2. "For she

was blessed with the portion

341

of a twofold

COMMON OF SAINTS
of victory; while she strove to overcome the frailty of her sex, she overcame also the tyrant red with slaughCcedes, slaughter, carnage, the blood shed in slaughter. ter. The "twofold palm" is that of virginity and martyr-

palm
'

'

dom. The word "martyr" means a witness, i.e., one who by his death bears witness to the truth of the Christian
religion.

She feared neither death nor the accompaniments of death, the countless methods of torture; having shed her blood she merited to ascend to an untroubled heaven." Arnica mortis, things pertaining to, or accompanying
3.
'
'

death.

gracious God, remit the punishment of our sins due to us, that with a pure heart we may raise aloft a sweet song to Thee. Glory be to the Father and to the incarnate Son, and 5. to Thee, Holy Spirit, ever the co-equal power of both, One God. forever and ever."
4.

"At her

intercession,

'

'

'

COMMON OF HOLY WOMEN

165

Fortem
virili

virili

pectore
let

FORTEM

pectore

TTIGH

us all our voices raise

saintly

Laudemus omnes feminam,

Quae sanctitatis gloria

"* In that heroic woman's praise

Whose name, with
bright,

glory

Ubique fulget

inclyta.

Shines

in

the

starry

realms

of

light.

Hffic

sancto amore saucia,

Dum

mundi amorem noxium

arduum.

Filled with a pure celestial glow, She spurned all love of things

Horrescit, ad coelestia
Iter peregit

below;

And

Climbed

heedless here on earth to stay, to the skies her toilsome

way.

*Carnem domans jejuniis, Dulcique mentem pabulo

Orationis nutriens, Cceii potitur gaudiis.

With

her body she subdued, But rilled her soul with prayer's sweet food: In other worlds she tastes the bliss For which she left the joys of this.
fasts

342

DEDICATION OF A CHURCH
4

Rex

Christe virtus fortium,

Christ, the strength of all the

Qui magna solus efficis, Hujus precatu, qusesumus, Audi benignus supplices.

strong;

To

deeds holiest our belong! Through her prevailing prayers

whom

on high,
In mercy hear
8

Thy

people's cry!

Deo

Patri

sit

gloria,

Ejusque

soli Filio,

To God the Father, with the Son, And Holy Spirit, Three in One,
Be glory while the ages flow, From all above, and all below.

Spiritu Paraclito, Nunc, et per omne sseculum.

Cum

Antoniano (1540-1603). Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Father Caswall. There are nine translations. Liturgical Use Hymn for Vespers and Lauds.
Silvio
:

Author: Cardinal

"Let us all praise that valiant woman with a manly heart, who, by the glory of her sanctity, everywhere shines gloriously." Mulierem fortem quis inveniet (Prov. 31, 10).
1.

Virili,
2.

way
3.

manly, strong, brave. "Smitten with holy love, she traverses the arduous to heaven, while she shudders at the baneful love of

the world.'

"She subdued her body with

fasting,

ished her soul with the sweet food of tained the joys of heaven." 4. "King Christ, the strength of the strong, who alone dost accomplish great things, we pray Thee, through her intercession, graciously hear Thy suppliants."

and she nourprayer, and thus ob-

COMMON OF THE DEDICATION OF A CHURCH

166
Ccelestis urbs
urbs Jerusalem,

Jerusalem
heavenly,

CGELESTIS

HPHOU
.--

new Jerusalem,

Beata pacis visio, Quae celsa de viventibus

Vision of peace in prophet's

dream!

With
343

living

stones

built

up on

high,

COMMON OF SAINTS
Saxis ad astra tolleris,

And
In

rising to

Sponsaeque ritu cingeris Mille Angelorum millibus.

bridal

yon starry sky; pomp thy form

is

crowned, With thousand thousand round!

Angels

sorte nupta prospera, Dotata Patris gloria,

Respersa sponsi gratia, Regina formosissima,

Christo jugata Principi,
Cceli corusca civitas.

Bride, betrothed in happy hour, The Father's glory is thy dower; The Bridegroom's grace is shed on
thee

Thou Queen To Christ

all fair eternally;

allied,

thy

Prince

adored, Bright shining city of the Lord!

8

Hie margaritis emicant,

Patentque
cunctis ostia:

Behold with pearls they

glittering

Virtute namque praevia Mortalis illuc ducitur, Amore Christi percitus

Thy By

stand peaceful gates to all expand; grace and strength divinely shed
thither

Tormenta quisquis

sustinet.

Each mortal
dare

may be
now

led;

Who, kindled by

Christ's love, will

All earthly sufferings

to bear.

*Scalpri salubris ictibus, Et tunsione plurima, Fabri polita malleo Hanc saxa molem construunt, Aptisque juncta nexibus

By many a salutary stroke, By many a weary blow that broke, Or polished with a workman's
skill,

The

stones that
pile,

form that glorious

Locantur in

fastigio.

They

all are fitly framed to lie In their appointed place on high.

Decus Parenti debitum Sit usquequaque Altissimo, Natoque Patris unico,

Et inclyto Paraclito,

Fair

and

well-pleasing

in

Thy

sight,

Parent most high,

light,

enthroned in

Cui

laus, potestas, gloria

sit

And

for

Thine

only

Son most

^Eterna

per saecula.

meet, And Thee, all-glorious Paraclete, To whom praise, power, and glory
rise

Forever through the eternal

skies.

Author: Unknown, 6th or 7th

meter.

Translation by

J.

Meter: Iambic diW. Irons. There are about

cent.

344

DEDICATION OF A CHURCH
Liturgical Use: Hymn for Vespers and Matins. First line of Original Text: Urbs Jerusalem beata, or Urbs beata Jerusalem. The hymn was greatly altered by the revisers under Pope Urban VIII, in 1632. The Original Text, as found in the Benedictine and Dominican Breviaries, with J. M. Neale's much admired translation of the same is given below. It is interesting to compare the two texts. It will be noticed that the rugged beauty of the Original Text, in trochaic tetrameter, is replaced in the Roman Breviary Text by smooth polished iambics. With reference to the revision, Neale thinks that the grand old hymn "lost half its beauty in the process" {Medieval B.ymns, p. 18). This hymn is based on the following passages of the New Testament I Peter 2, 5 Apoc. 21; Eph. 2, 19-22; Heb. 12, 22. 1. "Jerusalem, heavenly city, blessed vision of peace, who, built of living stones, art raised aloft to the stars, and like a bride art encircled by countless thousands of Angels." "The heavenly city, Jerusalem" is the Church Triumphant, the Blessed. In Hebrew, the word Jerusalem means "vision of peace." The "living stones" are the
thirty translations.
: ;

souls of men.

bride dowered with a fortunate dowry, with the glory of the Father, and with the grace of the bridegroom shed over thee queen all-beauteous united to Christ the King, resplendent city of heaven!" Sorte, lot, marriage portion, dowry. The bride is the Church Triumphant, and the bridegroom is Christ, who is the glory of the Father (Heb. 1, 3). 3. "Thy gates here glitter with pearls and stand open to all each mortal who follows virtue is drawn thither each one who, impelled by the love of Christ, endures torments. Tormenta is not reOstia patent, cf. Apoc. 21, 21-25. stricted to Martyrs only, but refers to anyone who endures trials and tribulations (Acts 14, 21). 4. "Polished by vigorous blows of the chisel and by countless strokes of the Master's mallet, these stones raise up this mighty structure, and, bound together with appropriate joints, they are placed aloft in the highest summit." Fastigium, gable, pediment, summit; here, by synec. the
2.
;

"0

'

345

COMMON OF SAINTS
splendid edifice
stanza.
5.

itself.

Saxa

is

the subject of the whole

"Let due glory be given everywhere to the most high Father, and to the only-begotten Son of the Father, and to the glorious Paraclete; to whom be praise, power, and
glory, through everlasting ages.

167

Alto ex Olympi vertice

ex Olympi vertice
Parentis Filius,
lapis

ALTO
Domus

FROM

highest

heaven,

the

Summi

Father's Son,

Ceu monte desectus

Terras in imas decidens,

supernae, et infimae,

Descending like that mystic stone Cut from a mountain without

Utrumque

junxit angulum.

Came down

hands, below, and filled lands; Uniting, midway in the sky,

high.

all

His house on earth, and house on

Sed

ilia

Semper

sedes coelitum resultat laudibus,

et

Deumque Trinum

Unicum

Jugi canore preedicat: Illi canentes jungimur Almae Sionis eemuli.

That house on high, it ever rings With praises of the King of kings; Forever there, on harps divine, They hymn th' eternal One and

We,

Trine; here below, prolong,

faintly

the

strain

And
Haec templa,

echo Sion's song.

Rex

coelestium,

Imple benigno lumine:

o rogatus adveni, Plebisque vota suscipe, Et nostra corda jugiter

Lord of lords invisible! With Thy pure light this temple

fill:

Hue

Hither, oft as invoked, descend; Here to Thy people's prayer

attend;

Perfunde

coeli gratia.

Here, through more,

all hearts, forever-

Thy

Spirit's

quick'ning

graces

pour.
*

Hie impetrent fidelium Voces precesque supplicum Domus beatae munera,

Here may the

faithful,

day by day,

Their hearts' adoring homage pay; And here receive from Thy dear
love

346

DEDICATION OF A CHURCH
Partisque donis gaudeant: Donee soluti corpore Sedes beatas impleant.

The
Till

blessings of that

home above;
this

loosened
chain,

from

mortal

Its

everlasting joys they gain.

the Father, glory due

Decus Parenti debitum Sit usquequaque Altissimo, Natoque Patris unico,

Et inclyto Paraclito, Cui laus, potestas, gloria Sterna sit per saecula.

To God

Be paid by all the heavenly host; to His only Son most true; With Thee, mighty Holy Ghost! To whom, praise, power, and

And

blessing be,

Through

th'

ages of eternity.

This is a continuation of the preceding hymn. Translation by Father Caswall. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Lauds on the Feast of the Dedication of a Church. 1. "From the highest heights of heaven came the sovereign Father's Son, like the stone riven from the mountain descending to the lowest plains, and He joined together the two corners of the earthly and heavenly dwelling places." Venit is understood in the first two lines. Christ is the
stone that came down from on high. He is also the cornerstone that makes both one, Jews and Gentiles, or the heavenly and the earthly kingdom (Cf. I Pet. 2, 6; Eph. The figure of the stone riven from the mountain 2, 20). is probably an allusion to the dream of Nabuchodonosor
(Cf.
2.

Dan.

2, esp.

34-45).

that abode of the Blessed ever resounds with praises, and extols with ceaseless song the Triune God; to it we rivals of holy Sion are joined in song." Illi, sc. sedes Coelitum. Jugi, adj., perpetual. Sion ordinarily stands for the Church Militant; it is here used for the Church

"But

Triumphant.

"These temples, king of the Blessed, fill with Thy kindly light hither, come Thou when invoked, and receive the prayers of Thy people, and fill our hearts forever with the grace of Heaven." 4. "Here may the voices of the faithful and the prayers
3.
;

suppliants obtain the rewards of the heavenly home; and may they enjoy the gifts acquired, till, freed from the body, they take possession of the blessed abodes."
of
347

Thy

COMMON OF SAINTS
168

Urbs Jerusalem beata

Jerusalem beata,

URBS

BLESSED
Who,

City, heavenly Salem,

Dicta pacis visio,

Quae construitur in coelis Vivis ex lapidibus, Et Angelis coronata, Ut sponsata comite.

2

Vision dear of peace and love, of living stones upbuilded, Art the joy of heaven above, And, with Angel cohorts circled, As a Bride to earth dost move!

Nova veniens

e ccelo,

From
Ready

celestial

realms descending,

Nuptiali thalamo, Praeparata, ut sponsata Copuletur Domino:

Plateae et

for the nuptial bed,

To

His

presence,

decked

with

jewels,

muri

ejus,

By her Lord
All

shall she be led:

Ex auro

purissimo.

and all streets bulwarks Of pure gold are fashioned.

her
Bright
It is

her

Porta? nitent margaritis Adytis patentibus;

with
glitters

pearls

her

portal

Et virtute meritorum
Illuc introducitur

open evermore; And, by virtue of His merits,

Omnis qui ob
Hie
in

Christi noraen

mundo

premitur.

Who

Thither faithful souls may soar, for Christ's dear Name in this

world Pain and tribulation bore.

4

Tunsionibus, pressuris
Expoliti lapides, Suis coaptantur locis

Many

Per manus artificis, Disponuntur permansuri

Sacris
eedificiis.

a blow and biting sculpture Polished well those stones elect, In their places now compacted By the heavenly Architect, Who therewith hath willed forever That His palace should be decked.

169
5

Angularis fundamentum

A NGULARIS fundamentum
^~*-

CHRIST
And

is

made

the sure Foun-

Lapis Christus missus

est,

Qui parietum compage

In utroque nectitur, Quern Sion sancta suscepit,

dation, the precious Corner-stone, Who, the two walls underlying, Bound in each, binds both in one,

In quo credens permanet.

Holy Sion's help

forever,

And
6

her confidence alone.

Omnis

ilia

Deo

sacra,

Et dilecta civitas,

All that dedicated City, Dearly loved by God on high,

348

DEDICATION OF A CHURCH
Plena modulis in laude, Et canore jubilo,

Trinum Deum unicumque

In exultant jubilation Pours perpetual melody; God the One, and God the Trinal,

Cum
7

fervore praedicat.
in templo, surarae Dcus,

Singing everlastingly.

Hoc

To

this

Exoratus adveni; Et dementi bonitate

temple, Thee,

where

vfe

call

Precum vota suscipe; Largam benedictionem

Hie infunde
jugiter.

Come, Lord of Hosts, to-day; With Thy wonted loving-kindness Hear Thy people as they pray;

And Thy

fullest benediction
its

Shed within
8

walls for aye.

to all

Hie promereantur omnes

Petita acquirere,

Here vouchsafe

Et adepta possidere, Cum Sanctis perenniter

servants What they supplicate to gain; Here to have and hold forever
their prayers obtain And hereafter in Thy glory With Thy blessed ones to reign.

Thy

Those good things

Paradisum

introire,

Translati in requiem.

honor Deo Usquequaque Altissimo,

Gloria
et

Una

Patri Filioque,
Paraclito,

Laud and honor Laud and honor Laud and honor

to the Father;

to the Son;
to the Spirit;

Inclyto

Ever Three, and ever One:

Consubstantial, co-eternal,

Cui laus est et potestas, Per aeterna sascula.

While unending ages run.

The above hymn is the Original Text of Hymns 166 and Meter: Trochaic tetrameter. Translation by J. M. 167.
Neale.

"Jerusalem, blessed city, called the vision of peace; up in heaven of living stones, and surrounded by Angels, as a bride by her attendants." 'Tis the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven, 2. adorned for the nuptial chamber, that as a bride she may be united to her Lord: her streets and her walls are of
1.

city built
'

'

purest gold." 3. "Her gates glitter with pearls, her inmost shrines are wide open: and every one that suffers in this world for the Name of Christ, finds entrance there, in virtue of His merits." 4. "These stones, polished by blows and by afflictions, are fitted to their places by the hands of the Builder they
:

349

COMMON OF SAINTS
are arranged to remain forever in the sacred edifice." Pressura, ce, oppression, affliction. 5. "Christ the corner-stone was sent to be the foundation bound in both joints of the walls whom holy Sion received, and believing in Him, she endures forever." 6. "All this beloved city, sacred to God, is full of melodies: in praise and joyful song she extols with zeal the
;

Triune God."

most high God, be present when "In this temple, Thou art invoked; and in Thy merciful goodness receive our prayers; here pour out forever Thy abundant bless7.

ings.
8.

'

to

Here may all merit to obtain what they ask for, and keep what they have obtained: so that when taken to
'
'

their rest they

may

merit to enter Paradise forever with

to

the Saints."
9.

"Everywhere be there glory and honor

God most

high; equal glory to the Father, Son, and glorious Paraclete, to whom belong praise and power through everlasting ages."

DE CONTEMPTU MUNDI
The four following hymns are centos taken from a long poem of about 3,000 lines written by Bernard of Morlaix The translations are by Dr. J. M. Neale. about 1140. The hymns have never been in use in the Breviary. The
meter
is,

in Neale 's words, "Dactylic hexameter, divided

into three parts,

between which a caesura is inadmissible. The hexameter has a tailed rhyme, and feminine leonine rhyme between the two first clauses." Neale speaks of the "majestic sweetness" of the meter, and Trench, whose taste was equally good, comments on its "awkwardness and repulsiveness. " Whatever opinion one may adopt concerning the Latin hymn, there can be only one opinion Neale first transabout Neale 's beautiful translations. lated the 96 lines which Trench printed in his Sacred Latin Poetry; he later translated a larger cento of 218 lines.

The

translation contains twice as

350

many lines

as the original.

DE CONTEMPTU MUNDI
The complete translation will be found in Neale's Mediccval Hymns, and in a volume more easily obtained Henry T.

Coates' Fireside Encyclopedia of Poetry, p. 624 (John C. Winston Co., Philadelphia). prose translation of the complete poem, by Henry Preble, appeared in the American Journal of Theology, in 1906.

170

Hora novissima
novissima, tempora pes-

TTORA *
Ecce

T^HE
*

world

is

very evil;
late;

minaciter

sima sunt; vigilemus. imminet arbiter Ille supremus,

ut

The times are waxing Be sober and keep vigil, The Judge is at the gate;

Imminet,
Recta

imminet,

mala

ter-

minet, sequa coronet, remuneret, anxia liberet,

sethera donet.

The Judge that comes in mercy, The Judge that comes with might, To terminate the evil, To diadem the right.
good Christian, Let right to wrong succeed; Let penitential sorrow
Arise, arise,

Curre,
Fletibus

vir

optime; lubrica reprime, prasfer honesta,

flendo

angere,

merebere

crelica festa.

To heavenly gladness
To

lead,

Luce replebere jam sine vespere, jam sine luna; Lux nova lux ea, lux erit aurea,
lux erit una.
Patria splendida, terraque florida,
libera
spinis,

the light that hath no evening, That knows nor moon nor sun, The light so new and golden,

The

light that is but one.

Danda

fidelibus

est

ibi

civibus,

hie peregrinis.

of fadeless splendor, Of flowers that bear no thorn, Where they shall dwell as children Who here as exiles mourn;

home

Tunc

erit

omnibus inspicientibus
ora Tonantis plena scientia,

Summa

potentia,

pax
Hie homo
Pax,
rata
nititur,

rata Sanctis.

Midst power that knows no limit, Where knowledge has no bound, The Beatific Vision Shall glad the Saints around.

ambulat, utitur; ergo fruetur. pax ea, spe modo, postea re capietur.

man, to win that glory; man, to gain that light; Send hope before to grasp it, Till hope be lost in sight.
Strive,

Toil,

351

COMMON OF SAINTS
Plaude, cinis meus, est tua pars
Exult,

Deus;

ejus es et sis;
portia, tu sua;

The Lord

Rex tuus

est tua

dust and ashes, shall be thy part, His only, His forever

ne

sibi desis.

Thou

shalt be

and thou

art.

171

Hie breve
breve
breve
vivitur,
Viir

vivitur
life is here our portion; Rripf anrmvu cVi nr vpr1 care; Brief sorrow, short-lived rarP! life that knows no ending,
t.
i

HIC
N on

hie

breve
flpturr fletur;

"DRJEF
-1 **

-l>irritiir plangitur;

breve hie Krpvp

vivere,

non

breve

plaudere,
retributio! retributio!
stat

retribuetur.

The The

tearless life, is there.

brevis actio, vita perennis;

happy

retribution!

coelica

mansio

stat

lue plenis.

Short toil, eternal rest; For mortals and for sinners A mansion with the blest!

Sunt

modo

proelia,

postmodo
passio,

And now we
Of
full

fight the battle,

praemia,

Plena

refectio,

nullaque

qualia? plena:

But then shall wear the crown

nullaque poena.

And

and everlasting passionless renown;

Spe modo

vivitur, et

Nunc

tribulatio,

Sion angitur a Babylone; tunc recreatio,

And now we watch and struggle, And now we live in hope, And Sion in her anguish
With Babylon must cope;
But

sceptra, corona;.

Qui modo creditur, ipse videbitur

Ipse

He whom now we

trust

in

videntibus

atque scietur, atque scientibus

attribuetur.

Shall then be seen and known; And they that know and see Him Shall have Him for their own.

Mane
Mane

videbitur,

umbra

fugabitur,
gerit,

ordo patebit;
nitens erit, et

The morning The shadows

shall awaken, shall decay,

bona qui
ille

And

nitebit.

each true-hearted servant Shall shine as doth the day.

Nunc

tibi

tristia,

Vox

gaudia, nequit edere, lumina cernere, tangeje planta.

tunc tibi gaudia, quanta

There grief is turned to pleasure, Such pleasure as below No human voice can utter, No human heart can know.

Pars mea, rex meus, in proprio Deus ipse decore Visus amabitur, atque videbitur
auctor in ore.

There God, our King and Portion, In fulness of His grace, Shall we behold forever, And worship face to face.
352

DE CONTEMPTU MUNDI
172

O
patria,

OBONA
Ad
tua

lumina
te

bona p atria sobria TTOR thee,

*

dear, dear country,

nomina

speculantur; sobria lumina collacrimantur.

pectoris
unctio,

their vigils keep; beholding love, Thy happy name, they weep.

Mine eyes

For very

Est

tua

mentio

The mention of thy glory

Is

cura doloris, Concipientibus

eethera

unction to the breast,

mentibus

ignis amoris.

And And

medicine in sickness, love, and life, and rest.

Tu

locus

unicus illeque

coelicus

es paradisus.

Non

tibi lacrima, sed placidissima

gaudia, risus.

only mansion! Paradise of joy! Where tears are ever banished, And smiles have no alloy;
one,

Lux

tua

mors

crucis

atque caro

ducis est crucifixi; Laus, benedictio, conjubilatio personat Ipsi. Est ibi
consita
laurus,
et

The Cross is all thy splendor; The Crucified thy praise; His laud and benediction Thy ransomed people raise. With jaspers glow thy bulwarks, Thy streets with emeralds blaze; The sardius and the topaz
Unite in thee their rays;

insita

Sunt

radiantia

cedrus hysopo; jaspide moenia, clara pyropo.

Hinc
Est

tibi

tua

inde topazius, hinc amethystus. fabrica contio coelica,

sardius,

Thine ageless walls are bonded With amethyst unpriced;

gemmaque

Christus.

Thy Saints build up its fabric, The corner-stone is Christ.

hast no shore, fair ocean! hast no time, bright day! Dear fountain of refreshment To pilgrims far away!

Tu

sine

litore,

tu

sine

tempore
rivus;

fons,

modo

Thou Thou

Dulce bonis sapis, estque tibi lapis undique vivus.

Est tibi laurea, dos datur aurea, sponsa decora, Primaque principis oscula suscipis, inspicis ora.

Upon
They
Thine

the

Rock of Ages

raise thy holy tower;

is the victor's laurel, thine the golden dower.

And

173

TRBS
*-'

Sion aurea,
obruis,

Urbs Sion aurea patria lactea, JERUSALEM the golden, J With milk and honey blest, cive decora,
omnibus obBeneath thy contemplation Sink heart and voice opprest,
353

Omne

cor

struis et cor et ora.

COMMON OF SAINTS
Nescio, nescio, quae jubilatio, lux
tibi qualis,

Quam
Sunt
Cive

socialia gaudia, gloria

quam

specialis.

know not, I know not What joys await us there, What radiancy of glory, What light beyond compare.
I

Sion

atria

conjubilantia, martyre plena,

They stand, those halls of Con jubilant with song,

Sion,

micantia,

principe stantia, luce serena.

afflua

And And
The The The Are

bright with many an Angel, all the Martyr throng;

Sunt
Regis

ibi

pascua mentibus
agminis
et

prasstita Sanctis;
ibi thronus,

sonus

est epulantis.

Prince is ever in them, daylight is serene, pastures of the blessed. decked in glorious sheen.
is

Gens duce splendida, contio Candida vestibus albis,

There

And

there,

the throne of David; from care released,

Sunt sine

fletibus in

Sion aedibus,
aedibus almis.

The song of them that triumph, The shout of them that feast;

And

they

who

with their Leader

Have conquered in the fight, Forever and forever Are clad in robes of white.

354

AUTHORS OF THE LATIN HYMNS

ST. (340-397), Bishop of Milan, is justly styled "the Father of Church-song in the West." He became, like St. Hilary, a great champion of orthodoxy against the Arians in the West. And it was while he and his faithful flock were besieged in his Cathedral by the imperial troops that, as St. Augustine tells us, he first composed hymns for them to sing "lest they faint through fatigue of sorrow." The simple, austere hymns of St. Ambrose have always been considered the ideal in Churchsong. Many hymns have been ascribed to him, and there is some difference of opinion as to what hymns he actually wrote. The latest authority on this subject is the eminent hymnologist Father Dreves, who made a careful study of the early hymnaries in the Vatican and at Milan. He thus
classifies the
I.

AMBROSE,

of St. Ambrose Certified as his by early writers.

2.

hymns

Sterne rerum Con-

Deus Creator omnium. 3. Illuminans altissimus. 4. Veni Redemptor gentium. 5. Jam surgit hora tertia. II. Others also genuine. 6. ^Eterna Christi munera, Et martyrum. 7. Agnes beatae virginis. 8. Amore Christi nobilis. 9. Apostolorum passio. 10. Apostolorum supparem. 11. Grates tibi, Jesu, novas. 12. Hie est dies verus Dei. 13.
ditor.
r

'W

a Splendor paternse gloria?. 14. Victor, Nabor, Felix, pii. III. Possibly his. 15. Jesu corona virginum. 16. Nunc, Sancte nobis Spiritus. 17. Rector potens, verax Deus. 18. Rerum Deus tenax vigor. H The Benedictine editors of the works of St. Ambrose assign twelve to him. Among them, and not mentioned above, are the two Breviary hymns: Somno refectis artubus, and Consors paternaB luminis. ** 3 There are three excellent articles in the Cath. Encycl.
-

rf *-

on Ambrosian Hymnography, Ambrosian Chant, and

brose, St.

Am-

Hymns

2, 3, 4, 9, 11, 12, 13,

154, 158, 163.

AMBROSIAN.

great

many hymns, mostly

355

of the

AUTHORS OF THE HYMNS

or sixth century, are styled Ambrosiani Ambrosian They are so styled either because they were hymns. formerly supposed to have been written by St. Ambrose, or because they imitate the stanzaic form, the style, meter, and austere objectiveness of the genuine hymns of the It is now known for certain that many hymns Saint. formerly thought to be his are the compositions of unknown writers. These hymns are uniformly written in Iambic The term Ambrosian implies no ascription of dimeter. authorship, but merely a poetical form. Hymns 1, 5, 20,
fifth
:

21, 22, 29, 35, 36, 37, 38, 50, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 69, 71, 155, 157, 161, 162.

ANTONIANO, CARDINAL SILVIO

(1540-1603)

was

educated at the University of Ferrara, in which institution he later became professor of classical literature. He is best known as a student of educational problems. Hymn
165.

BELLARMINE, CARDINAL
tinguished
Jesuit
at

(1542-1621)

was a

dis-

theologian

and

controversialist.

He
Arch-

was born

Montepulciano in

Italy.

He became

bishop of Capua but resigned that see to accept the office of librarian of the Vatican. He was proclaimed Venerable by Pope Urban VIII, in 1627. Hymns: 125, 136, 137.
(1091-1153) was born near Dijon in France. Abbot and Doctor of the Church surnamed the " Mellifluous Doctor." There is much doubt as to the authorship of the hymns usually ascribed to St. Bernard. Even his claim to the celebrated hymn, Jesu dulcis memoria has been called in question. Dom Pothier found it in a MS. of the 11th century, in which it is ascribed
to

BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX, ST.

a Benedictine Abbess. During his lifetime, St. Bernard exercised an extraordinary influence both by his eloquence and by his writings. Hymns 43, 44, 45, 130. BERNARD OF CLUNY (or of Morlaix) was born at Morlaix in Brittany early in the 12th century. He entered the celebrated Benedictine Abbey of Cluny where he remained until his death, the date of which is unknown. He is the author of one of the most famous poems of the Middle Ages, the De contemptu mundi, which contains about 3,000 lines in dactylic hexameters. It is dedicated
:

356

AUTHORS OF THE HYMNS

Peter the Venerable, Abbot of Cluny (1122-1156). There is a fine analysis of this great poem in the article on Bernard of Cluny, in the Cath. Encycl. Hvmns 170, 171,
to
:

172, 173.

about 493) was the wife of the philosopher Boethius (480-524). Elpis was the aunt of St. Placidus, the well-known disciple of St. Benedict. Recent researches, however, have led to the conclusion that there is no reason, or at least insufficient reason, to ascribe the authorship of Aurea luce {Decora lux) to Elpis. None of the ancient MSS. attribute it to her (James Mearns in the Diet, of
(d.

ELPIS

Hymnology,

p. 1632).

Hymns

90, 91, 116, 117.

FORTUNATUS, VENANTIUS
of the district of Treviso in
at

Upper

(530-609) Italy and

was a native was educated

Ravenna, where he devoted himself to the study of He was miraculously cured of a oratory and poetry. disease of the eyes through the intercession of St. Martin of Tours. It was while on a visit to the tomb of this Saint
that he

made the acquaintance of Queen Radegunde at Poitiers. It was here that he was ordained priest, and
Bishop of Poitiers, where he remained death. Fortunatus represents "the last expiring the Latin muse in Gaul" to retain something of classical culture amid the advancing tide of barHymns: 51, 52, 53, {Diet, of Hymnol., p. 383).

later consecrated until his

effort of

the "old

barism"
150, 151.

ST. (540-604). This illustrious Pope and Doctor of the Church was born at Rome, where he founded the Benedictine monastery of St. Andrew, of which he himself became Abbot. Much against his own will he was elected Pope to succeed Pelagius II, in 590. The Benedictine editors of St. Gregory's works Daniel assigns him three ascribe to him eight hymns. others. In the light of the latest researches it must be admitted that Pope Gregory's place in hymnody cannot as yet be definitely fixed. Hymns 6, 7, 10, 15, 17, 19, 23, 24,
:

GREGORY THE GREAT,

25 26 27 28 48 49 126
(1013-1058) was born at Altshausen in Suabia. He was a cripple from birth and could not move without assistance hence the surname

HERMANN CONTRACTUS
357

AUTHORS OF THE HYMNS

Contractus, the crippled. Despite his physical defects, he entered the school of St. Gall in his seventh year, and quickly mastered Greek, Latin, Arabic, history, music, mathematics, philosophy, and theology. He was one of the most learned men of his time. At the age of thirty he entered the Benedictine monastery of Reichenau, where he became Abbot and spent the remainder of his days.

Hymns 30, 33. HILARY, ST.

: ;

Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor He was born at Poitiers of heathen of the Church. parents and it was in his native city that he was elected Bishop. As Bishop, his strenuous opposition to the Arian heresy earned him the title of Malleus Arianorum "The
(d. 368).

His hostility to the Arians of the Arians." caused him to be exiled to the distant coasts of Phrygia. Many hymns have been ascribed to St. Hilary, most of which are of doubtful authenticity. In 1887, a fragment of This conSt. Hilary's Liber Hymnorum was discovered. tains three hymns or parts of hymns which can with reasonable certainty be ascribed to him. Hymn 70 has often
been ascribed to him, but on
insufficient evidence.

Hammer

(1161-1216) was born at Anagni in Italy. He was one of the most learned theologians and jurists of his time. During his active reign, which lasted eighteen years, the Papacy reached the zenith of its power
III,

INNOCENT

POPE

and

1362) was born at Mont in France. He attained eminence as a professor of civil law at Toulouse. As Pope he was actuated by lofty ideals and did much to reform abuses. Hymn 80. TODI (or Jacobus de Benedictis) was JACOPONE born at Todi in Italy early in the thirteenth century, and died at an advanced age in 1306. He studied law, probably at Bologna, and for some years he followed the profession of advocate. About 1278 he entered the Franciscan Order, in which, out of humility, he chose to remain a simple lay
(d.
:

Hymn 67. INNOCENT VI, POPE

influence.
:

DA

brother

the end of his life. Hymns 54, 55, 56, 57. LEO XIII, POPE (1810-1903) was born at Carpineto in Italy. He was Nuncio to Brussels, and for thirty-two years Bishop of Perugia. He was elected Pope in 1878. His long
till
:

358

AUTHORS OF THE HYMNS

reign during troublous times afforded him ample opportunities for the exercise of consummate statesmanship. The whole world recognized his great intellectual endowments. His Latin Poems, Charades, Inscriptions, and Hymns are translated by the Rt. Rev. Monsignor H. T. Henry, Litt. D. (Dolphin Press, Philadelphia). Hymns: 95, 96, 97. LORENZINI, FRANCESCO M. (1680-1743) was an Italian poet born in Rome. He acquired a high reputation as a poet, and was remarkable for the energy of his style. He became president of the Academy of Arcades in 1728.

Hymn: 112. NICETAS, ST. (335-415) was Bishop of Remesiana, in what is now modern Serbia. He was a friend and contemporary of St. Paulinus of Nola. SS. Paulinus and Jerome praise Nicetas as a hymn-writer. Hymn: 8. ODO, ST. (879-942), Abbot of the celebrated Abbey of Cluny, was born near Le Mans in France. He was widely known as a promoter and reformer of religious life in France and Italy. He is the author of an epic poem on the Redemption. Hymn 127. PALUMBELLA, CALLISTO was a Bishop of the
:

Servite

Order.
:

He

lived

in

the

eighteenth

century.

Hymns

131, 132, 133.

ST. (726-802), Patriarch of Aquileia, was born near Cividale in Italy. He possessed a profound knowledge of the sciences of jurisprudence and theology, and was equally well versed in the Scriptures and in the writings of the Fathers. He was a friend of Charlemagne, whom he greatly assisted in restoring civilization in the West. Hymns 89, 128.
:

PAULINUS,

PAUL THE DEACON

(b.

circa

720 d.

circa 799).

Paul was born at Friuli in Italy. He was celebrated both as a poet and as an historian. He was a Benedictine monk of Monte Cassino. Among his works is a valuable "History of the Lombards, and a Commentary on the Rule of St.
'
' ' '

Benedict."

Hymns:

113, 114, 115.

(348-413) was born in northern Spain. He was successively an advocate, a judge, and the holder of some important military position at court. At the age of fifty-seven he retired from
359

PRUDENTIUS, AURELIUS

CLEMENS

AUTHORS OF THE HYMNS

active life and devoted the remainder of his days to the service of God, and to the writing of sacred poetry. His poem, the Cathemerinon, is frequently referred to in this new and excellent translation of it by Messrs. volume.

Pope and Davis, with Latin and English

pages,
is

texts on opposite

published by

J.

M. Dent &

Co.,

Aldine House,

London,

W. C, England;

208 pages, with notes.

(776-856)

Hymns:

14, 16, 18, 41, 42, 47, 129.

Mainz in Germany. He studied under Alcuin at Tours, and became successively Abbot of the Benedictine monastery of Fulda, and Archbishop of Mainz. He is commonly reputed to have been the most learned man of his age. His fame as a teacher spread throughout Europe, and Fulda became the most celebrated seat of learning in the Frankish Empire.

RABANUS MAURUS

was born

at

Hymns

68, 134, 135, 147, 148.

18th cent. Father Ricchini was a Dominican, a friend of Pope Benedict XIV, and successively Secretary of the Congregation of the Index, and Master of the Sacred Palace. Hymns: 138, 139, 140,
141.

RICCHINI, AUGUSTINE,

born probably at Rome in Late in life he became a convert to the 5th century. Christianity and remained a layman. His principal work The first book conis his Carmen Paschale, in five books. tains a summary of the Old Testament the remaining four contain a summary of the New Testament. Hymns 39, 46. TAROZZI, VINCENTIUS, was Secretary of Latin

SEDULIUS, CAELIUS, was

Letters to Pope Leo XIII, who was Pope from 1878-1903. No other information obtainable. Hymns: 101, 102, 103. THEODULPH, ST. (760-821) was Bishop of Orleans in

France. He was probably an Italian by birth. He became a member of the court of Charlemagne, through whose influence he became Bishop of Orleans. ''After the death of Charles he continued for some time on friendly terms with the Emperor Louis, but, falling under suspicion of being concerned in the plot in favor of Bernard of Italy, he was imprisoned in 818, at Angers, where he seems to have died
in

821" (Julian's

Diet, of

Hymnol). Hymn:
ST.
360

58.

THOMAS AQUINAS,

(1227-1274)

was born

at

AUTHORS OF THE HYMNS

Aquino, a town near Naples. He entered the Dominican Order and became one of the greatest doctors of the Church. He is by common consent, The Poet of the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar." He composed the Mass and Office of the Feast of Corpus Christi and five sublime hymns in honor of the Blessed Sacrament. Hymns: 75,
' '

76, 77, 78, 79.

Celano in Italy about 1200, and died about 1255. He was one of the first disciples of St. Francis Assisi. On the death of St. Francis, Thomas, at the request of Pope Gregory IX, wrote his life. He also wrote two beautiful sequences in honor of His immortality as a poet is based on his St. Francis. very probable authorship of the greatest of all hymns, the Dies Irce. Hymn: 87. URBAN VIII, POPE (1568-1644) was born at Florence, and was educated at the Collegio Romano. He graduated from the University of Padua as Doctor of Laws. He is commonly recognized as a generous patron of learning, and was himself a man of letters, and an elegant writer and It is not unnatural that a man of his taste and poet. culture should have become imbued with the Humanistic spirit of the age in which he lived. It was under his directions that the hymns of the Roman Breviary were revised by a committee of four distinguished Jesuit scholars. The revised hymns were published in 1632, and are still found in the Roman Breviary. Hymns 92, 93, 94, 107, 108, 123,
at
:

THOMAS OF CELANO

was born

124, 142, 143.

WIPO

was a native

of

Burgundy, and flourished during

the first half of the eleventh century. He was a secular priest, and was for some time chaplain to the Emperors Conrad II, and Henry III, to each of whom he presented a collection of poems. Hymn: 59. XAVIER, ST. FRANCIS (1506-1552), the Apostle of India and Japan, was born near Sanguesa in Spain. He studied at the University of Paris, and was one of the first associates of St. Ignatius of Loyola when the latter founded the Society of Jesus. Shortly after his ordination he began his wonderful missionary career which ended only

with his death.

Hymn

74.
361

TRANSLATORS OF THE HYMNS

AYLWARD, VERY REV. JAMES AMBROSE,
(1813-1872)

O.P.

was the Dominican Prior

His
translations

were Shipley, in whose Annus Sanctus many of them appear. "Father Aylward," says Mr. Shipley, "was a cultured and talented priest of varied powers and gifts, whose memory is held dear by all who knew and were influenced by him.
England.
'

Woodchester, edited by Mr. Orby

at

Hymns

67, 68, 87.

BAGSHAWE, MOST REV. EDWARD GILPIN

1915). Educated at St. Mary's College Oscott, and don University. Bishop of Nottingham (1874),

(1829at Lontitular

Archbishop of Seleucia (1904). Translated all the hymns of the Breviary and Missal in his Breviary Hymns and Missal Sequences (Burns, Oates and Washbourne, London, 1900). His translations are the latest as well as the most literal of all the translations of our Latin hymns. His sole aim was to keep to the sense of the original, neither adding to this nor taking from it" (Preface). His translations are too labored and prosy, but it is unfair to judge them without considering the purpose of their pious author.
'
'

Hymns 98, 146. BALL, REV.

:

THOMAS

ISAAC, LL.D.

(1838-1916).

Dr. Ball contributed numerous translations of Latin hymns to many hymnals, notable among which are the Appendix to the Hymnal Noted, 1863, and The New Office Hymn Book, 1905. His translations are faithful, musical, and sustained.

Hymns

81, 90, 135.

Worcester, EngThe translations ascribed to The Benedictines of land. Stanbrook are taken from their classic little volume The Bay Hours of the Church, which contains the Breviary Office in Latin and English for all the Hours except Matins. (Burns, Oates and Washbourne, London, 1916.)

BENEDICTINES OF STANBROOK,

Hymns

99, 100, 121, 122, 140.

362

(18221888). Mr. Blacker was educated at Merton College, OxHis numerous translations from the Latin are in ford. The Hymner. Hymns 10, 114, 115, 151. Author of (d. 1717). BLOUNT,
:

TRANSLATORS OF THE HYMNS BLACKER, REV. MAXWELL JULIUS, MA.

WALTER KIRKHAM
1670.

the Office of

Holy Week, Paris,

Hymn

51.

BLEW, REV. WM. JOHN, M.A. (1808-1894) was educated at Wadham College, Oxford. "His translations are
and of great merit. They have been strangely overlooked by the compilers of recent hymnbooks" (Diet, of Hymnol.). His translations appeared in The Church Hymn and Tune Book, 1852. Hymns 70, 113. BUTE, THE MARQUESS OF, M.A. (1847-1900) was
terse, vigorous, musical,
:

Convert, 1869. educated at Christ Church, Oxford. The Translator of the Roman Breviary into English. translations of Latin hymns in his Roman Breviary in English are the work of many scholars, both Catholic and non- Catholic. It is not known which hymns are from the pen of the Marquess. The following are from his Roman Breviary: 84, 95, 141. CAMPBELL, ROBERT (1814-1868) was an advocate of Convert, 1852. Educated at the Skerrington, Scotland. In 1850 many Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
of his translations appeared in the St. Andrew's Hymnal. Many others were left by him in MSS. and were edited by Mr. Orby Shipley. From these Mr. Shipley published a His considerable number in his Annus Sanctus, 1884.

translations are "smooth, musical,

of Hymnol.).
:

and sustained"

(Diet,

(1814-1878) was Convert, 1847. educated at Brasenose College, Oxford. After his conversion he joined Cardinal Newman at the Oratory, Edgbaston. Father Caswall, despite the great

Hymns 59B, 60, 62. CASWALL, REV. EDWARD, M.A.

names of Newman, Faber, and others, is pre-eminently "The Poet of the Oratory" (Father Matthew Russell, S.J.). With Dr. Neale, Father Caswall shares the honor of being the most felicitous of the translators of our Latin Hymns. His translations appeared in his Lyra Catholica,
in 1848, the year following his reception into the Church. 11 Caswall 's translations of Latin hymns from the Roman
363

TRANSLATORS OF THE HYMNS

Breviary and other sources have a wider circulation in modern hymnals than those of any other translator, Dr. Neale alone excepted. This is owing to his general faithfulness to the originals,

and

to the purity of his

rhythm"

Father Caswall's translations and are characterized by Mr. Shipley as ''vigorous, dogmatic hymns." Father Caswall translated the Roman Breviary Text. Despite his undoubted ability as a translator, one can not but regret that so many of his translations are in Common Meter instead
of

(Diet, of Hymnol.). Many of appear in the Annus Sanctus

Long Meter.

Hymns

22, 31, 32, 37,

42B, 43, 47, 54, 73,

74, 76, 78, 83, 85, 86, 88, 89, 93, 106, 107, 108, 110, 111, 112,

117, 119, 124, 125, 126, 127, 132, 134, 137, 147, 148, 152, 153, 162, 165, 167.

M.A. (1841-1882). Educated at Queen's College, Oxford. Vicar of Westgate Common, Wakefield. His translations in this volume are

CHAD WICK, JOSEPH WILLIAM,

:

from The Hymner.

Hymns 13, 17, 19. CHAMBERS, JOHN DAVID, M.A.

(1805-1893)

was

educated at Oriel College, Oxford, and was admitted to the bar in 1831. His translations are found principally in his Lauda Syon, which appeared in two parts in 1857 and 1866. "His translations of Latin hymns are close, clear, and poetical; they have much strength and earnestness, and the rhythm is easy and musical ... Greater use, however, might be made of these translations than has been done. Their earnestness and dignity would raise the tone of many collections" (Diet, of Hymnol.). Hymns: 13, 21,
28, 161.

Mr. (1804-1885). Copeland was educated at Trinity College, Oxford. His translations, mostly from the Roman Breviary Text, appeared in his Hymns for the Week and Seasons (1848). He was also the editor of Cardinal Newman's Sermons.

COPELAND, WM. JOHN, MA.

Hymn:

9.

COURTHOPE, WILLIAM JOHN,

was educated at Harrow, and New Courthope was professor of poetry at Oxford, Author of History of English Poetry, 4 vols.,

LL.D. (1842-1917), College, Oxford. Mr.

1895-1901. 1895-1903.

He

contributed five beautiful translations of Latin

364

hymns

TRANSLATORS OF THE HYMNS

to

Church Hymns, 1903 through the kindness of The Macmillan Company all of these spirited translations appear
;

in this volume.

M.A., D.D. (b. 1867), was educated at Christ Church, Oxford. He was one of the compilers of the English Hymnal, 1906, to which he contributed ten translations. He was appointed to the Chair of Ecclesiastical Art, King's College, London, 1919. Hymn
156.

Hymns 14, 16, DEABMEE, REV. PERCY,

:

18, 27, 36.

DONAHOE, JUDGE DANIEL JOSEPH,

Brimfield, Mass., 1853, University. He is the author of several volumes of poetry, original and translated. His translations from the Latin comprise two volumes under the title Early Christian

was born at and was educated at Wesleyan

Hymns, published by

the Donahoe Publishing Co., MiddleThese translations, 288 in all, include 115 town, Conn. hymns from the Breviary and Missal. They are uniformly musical but quite free. Early Christian Hymns is the most extensive work of its kind thus far undertaken in America, or even in England since the days of Neale and Caswall. Judge Donahoe is a frequent contributor to several magazines.

Hymns
J.

86, 123, 142, 143, 159.

DORAN,
lations are

W. No

information obtainable.

His trans1670.

from The Hymner.

Hymns

69, 151.

DRYDEN, JOHN
Convert, 1685.

(1631-1701).

Poet-Laureate,

T. Brooke ascribe to John Dryden the bulk of the 120 translations of Latin hymns in The Primer, or Office of the B. V. Mary in English, 1706. Many of these translations are in the Annus Sanctus, the Preface of which contains a discussion of the

Mr. Orby Shipley and Mr.

W.

question of Dryden 's authorship.

Hymns:

50, 72.

(1826-1893). Mr. Ellerton was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge. He is widely known as an hymnologist, editor, hymn-writer, and translator. He was one of the editors of Church Hymns, 1871, published by the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge ( S. P. C.K.). Hymn: 4. WILLIAM, D.D. (1814-1863). FABER, Father Faber was educated at Balliol College, Oxford. Convert, 1845. In 1849 he established in London the

ELLERTON, REV. JOHN, MA.

FREDERIC

365

TRANSLATORS OF THE HYMNS

"Oratorians," or Priests of the Congregation of St. Philip Neri, where he remained as superior until his death. Father Faber is the author of many well known prose works full of sweetness and unction, and a Booh of Hymns, 150 in number, many of which have become very popular. He is best known as a writer of original hymns, not as a
translator.
(b.

Hymn: 133. GARESCHE, REV. EDWARD FRANCIS,

S.J.,

M.A.

Father Garesche was educated at St. Louis 1876). University, and at Washington University. Practiced law 1898-1900. Entered the Society of Jesus, 1900. Lawyer,
author,

professor,

poet,

and formerly editor of

The

Queen's Work,

Hymn: 80. HALL, RT. REV. MSGR. CANON LOUIS

St. Louis.

(1844-1911)

was educated

at St.

Edmund's, Old Hall, and was ordained

In the division of
of the diocese of

in 1868 for the Diocese of Southwark.

the diocese in 1882 he

was made Canon

Portsmouth, and was several times Administrator of the diocese. Msgr. Hall was a devout and cultured priest, and a musician and composer of ability. Many of his hymns, the editor has been informed, are still unpublished. Hymn
116.

HENRY, RT. REV. MSGR. HUGH THOMAS,

LL.D.
(b.

LITT.D.,

1862), poet, lecturer, and hymnologist. Professor of Homiletics in the Catholic University of America. Msgr. Henry was educated at La Salle College, the University of Pennsylvania, and at St. Charles Seminary,

Overbrook, Pa. For many years he was professor of English and of Gregorian Chant at St. Charles, and rector of the Roman Catholic High School in Philadelphia. He contributed to the Catholic Encyclopedia some fifty scholarly articles on our Latin hymns. He is widely and favorably known as a hymn-writer and translator. His translations appeared principally in his Eucharistica (Dolphin Press Philadelphia), and in the pages of the American Ecclesiastical Review, and in other periodicals. He has also rendered into English verse the Poems, Charades, and Inscriptions of Pope Leo XIII (Dolphin Press). Hymns: 8, 41, 75, 96,
97, 131, 139, 144.

HORT, FENTON JOHN ANTHONY, BA.

n /
.

(1828-1892),

TRANSLATORS OF THE HYMNS

Cambridge. He held distinguished appointments at Cambridge University. He translated a few Latin hymns. Hymn 4. HOUSMAN, (b. Author and 1867). artist. He contributed several translations to the English Hymnal, 1906. His devotional poetry is found chiefly in

was educated
several

at Trinity

College,

LAURENCE
and

his Spikenard, 1898,

164.

in his

Bethlehem, 1902.

Hymn:

(Sir David Hunter-Blair, Baronet), O.S.B., MA. (b. 1853). Born at Dunskey, Scotland. Educated at Eton and Magdalen Colleges, Oxford. Convert, 1875. Entered the Benedictine Order in 1878. Master of Hunter-Blair 's Hall, Oxford, 1899-1909. Elected Abbot of St. Benedict's Abbey, Fort Augustus, Scotland, 1913. Author, historian, and extensive contributor to Catholic periodicals and to the Catholic

HUNTER-BLAIR, RT. REV. OSWALD

Encyclopedia.

Hymns:

30, 141.

HUSENBETH, VERY REV.

CHARLES,

FREDERICK

D.D. (1796-1872). Educated at Oscott College. Provost and Vicar-General of Northampton Diocese. Author and editor of many volumes pertaining to doctrinal, historical, and liturgical matters. Notable among these is his Missal for the Laity. number of his translations are in Mr. Shipley's Annus Sanctus. Hymn 82.

(1812-1883). Educated at Queen's College, Oxford. He is best known for his translation of the Dies Irce, which is more extensively used than any other translation of that great hymn. Hymns:

IRONS,

WILLIAM JOSIAH, BA.

87D, 166.
D.D. (1839-1913) was editor of the Dictionary of Hymnology, a monumental work which
sets forth the origin

JULIAN, REV. JOHN,

and history of Christian hymns of

all

ages and nations. on Latin hymns.

It contains

much

valuable information

LACEY,
(b.

Hymn: 20. REV. THOMAS

ALEXANDER,

MA.

1853). Educated at Balliol College, Oxford. He was one of the committee that compiled The English Hymnal, to which he contributed eleven translations from the Latin and one from the Greek. His translations are of a high order.

Hymn

48.

367

TRANSLATORS OF THE HYMNS

LEESON, JANE ELIZABETH
(1807-1882).

Leeson's personal history nothing is known. lished several books of hymns, especially for children. Her widely used translation of the Victimce Paschali first appeared in Father Formby's Catholic Hymns, 1851. Miss Leeson, the editor has been informed, was a devout Catholic,

Of Miss She pub-

Hymn:

59.

B.A., LL.D. (1833-1890), was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, and was an hymnologist of note. He contributed hymns to many collections, and was one of the contributors to the Marquess of Bute's Roman Breviary in English. Hymn:
157.

LITTLEDALE, REV. RICHARD FREDERICK,

(1817-1882) was Professor of poetry in the Catholic University of Dublin. By his incomparable version of Calderon, "the Spanish Shakespeare," he has won a permanent place in English letters. He was an ardent patriot and a devout Catholic.

MacCARTHY, DENIS FLORENCE

Hymn:

57.
G.,

and was received into the Church in 1919. He resides in London. Mr. McDougall is the author of Pange Lingua a collection of Breviary hymns of old use, with English metrical transThe translations are exceptionally good and they lations. rank among the most felicitous in the language. They are "equal to Neale 's at his best" is the opinion of no less an authority than Mr. James Britten. This is high praise but The volume contains a scholarly thirtyit is not unmerited. page introduction by Dr. Adrian Fortescue. Pange Lingua is published by Burns, Oates and "Washbourne, 22 Orchard St., London, and it is a beautiful specimen of the bookmaker's art. Hymns: 1, 64, 77, 105, 129, 136, 138, 155. NEALE, REV. JOHN MASON, D.D. (1818-1866) was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge. Dr. Neale was an eminent hymnologist and a most felicitous translator His translations of Latin of Greek and Latin hymns. hymns appeared in his Medimval Hymns and Sequences, 1851, and in the Hymnal Noted, 1852 and 1854, in which 94 out of the 105 hymns therein are translated from the Latin by Dr. Neale. Most modern hymnals contain some of

McDOUGALL, ALAN

was born

in 1895,

368

TRANSLATORS OF THE HYMNS

Noale's translations; two, however, easily obtained, are especially deserving of note; viz., the Rev. G. R. Woodward's Songs of Syon, and the Rev. G. H. Palmer's The Hymner. The latter book, so we are told in the Preface, contains " translations of all, save two, of the Hymns from the Sarum Breviary ... Of the total number nearly one-half are from the pen of the late Dr. J. M. Neale, of whose vigorous and scholarly renderings the editor has gladly availed himself." Neale 's translations are from the Original Text, not from the Roman Breviary Text. Hymns 3, 5, 6, 11, 23, 24, 26, 34B, 38, 39, 46, 49, 52, 53, 58, 58B, 66, 69, 71, 78, 134B, 150, 154, 158, 163, 168, 169, 170, 171 172 173. CARDINAL (1801-1890) JOHN was educated at Ealing, and at Trinity College, Oxford. Convert, 1845. Founder and superior of the Birmingham Oratory and School. Rector of the Catholic University in Dublin, 1854-1858. Created Cardinal by Pope Leo XIII, in 1879. His translations from the Roman Breviary, thirtythree in all, are found in his Verses on Various Occasions. His most popular translation is that of the Nunc Sancte nobis Spiritus, hymn 2 of this volume. Hymns 2, 15, 130.
:

NEWMAN,

HENRY

M.A. (18021880) was educated at Christ Church, Oxford. He was a prominent Tractarian and author. Convert, 1845. Canon
of the Cathedral of Westminster. He is widely known for his fine translation of the Adeste Fideles. Hymn 40. (1822-1890) was born at Newry, O'HAGAN, Ireland, and was educated by the Jesuit Fathers in Dublin,
:

OAKELEY, VERY REV. FREDERICK,

JOHN

Justice O'Hagan was a devout Catholic, a distinguished lawyer, and man of letters. He was a member of the Supreme Court of Judicature in Ireland. His fine translation of the Adoro Te devote was a great favorite with the late Father Matthew Russell, S.J., who included it in several of his charming little books on the Blessed Sacrament. Hymn: 79. (1829-1888) was educated at Balliol College, Oxford. Convert, 1857. He is the author of several volumes. Several of his translations are in Mr. Shipley's Annus Sanctus. Hymn: 120,

and

at Trinity College.

OXENHAM, HENRY NUTCOMBE

369

TRANSLATORS OF THE HYMNS

(1828-1902), was educated at Eton College, Oxford. Convert, 1890. He was an author, and head of the well-known publishing house of Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co. Hymn: 102.

PAUL, CHARLES KEGAN, MA.

was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge. Mr. Palmer is the editor of The Antiphoner and Grail, and The Hymner, which is exceptionally valuable both for the number and quality of its translations from the Latin. All the translations by Mr. Palmer, M. J. Blacker, J. W. Doran, and J. W. Chadwick in this volume, are from The Hymner.

PALMER, REV. GEORGE HERBERT, B.A,

Hymns

19, 69, 114, 115, 157.

(1828-1873). Convert, 1847. Father Potter was for many years professor of Belles Lettres and Sacred Eloquence at All Hallows College, Dublin. He is the author of several volumes, one of which, Sacred Eloquence, has been widely used as a He translated the text-book in Catholic Seminaries. Vespers hymns of the Breviary for the Catholic Psalmist.

POTTER, REV.

THOMAS JOSEPH

Primer, or Office of the B. V. Mary in English, was a book of devotion which was very popular with our forefathers. Several editions appeared in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Appendix to Mr. Shipley's

Hymns 29, 38, 63, PRIMER. The

:

65, 91, 92, 104, 109, 118, 128.

Annus Sanctus,

contains many beautiful translations from different editions of the Primer. Hymns 33, 35, 50, 71. RILEY, ATHELSTAN, MA. (b. 1858), was educated at Eton and at Pembroke College, Oxford. Mr. Riley is one of the compilers of the English Hymnal, 1906, to which he contributed seven translations from the Latin. The English Hymnal (Oxford University Press, London) is one of the finest of modern hymnals. It contains 162 translations from the Latin, many of which are recent translations of unusual beauty. Hymns 42, 149. SCOTT, SIR (1771-1832), the eminent poet and novelist, is the author of a fine condensed rendering of the Dies Irce. Hymn 87B. SHIPLEY, ORBY, M.A. (1832-1916), was educated at
:
:

WALTER
:

Jesus College, Cambridge. man for twenty-two years.

He was an Anglican clergyHe entered the Church in 1878,

370

TRANSLATORS OF THE HYMNS

was one of the last of the illustrious band of converts whose conversion is traced directly to the Tractarian Movement. Mr. Shipley was an hymnologist of great ability and his compilation, the
at the time of his death he

and

repeatedly referred to in this volume. He is also the editor of the Carmina Mariana, and other collections now out of print. He edited the MSS. of Robert Campbell, and of the Very Rev. Prior Aylward, O.P., and included many of their finest translations in his Annus Sanctus (Burns, Oates & Washbourne, London). WALLACE, REV. WILFRID, O.S.B., D.D. (d. 1896). Father Wallace was educated at London University and in Rome. He was ordained a secular priest and was known to the world as John Wallace. In 1877 he entered the Benedictine Order and was afterwards known by his religious name Wilfrid. In his Hymns of the Church, 1874, he translated all the hymns of the Breviary and Missal. Several of his translations are in Mr. Shipley's Annus Sanctus. Strangely enough his best translations are from the Passion Offices which are not included in the latest edition of the Breviary. Hymns 94, 103, 145.
is
:

Annus Sanctus

WALWORTH,

REV.

CLARENCE

ALPHONSUS

(1820-1900) was an Episcopal clergyman who entered the Catholic Church and became one of the founders of the Paulist Congregation. His fine translation of the Te Deum is in extensive use. Hymn: 8.

WINGFIELD, WILLIAM FREDERICK,

M.A. (1813-

1874), was educated at Christ Church, Oxford. Convert, 1845. Before his conversion he was an Anglican clergyman after his conversion, a barrister. Hymn 87.
;
:

WOODWARD, REV. GEORGE RATCLIFF, MA.

1848), was educated at Harrow, and at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. He is the editor of the excellent
(b.

hymnal, Songs of Syon, to which he contributed

translations translations

many

from the Latin, Greek, and German. His from the Latin do not include any of the
:

Breviary hymns. He is also the author of the widely known Cowley Carol Booh. Hymn 149B. YATTENDON HYMNAL, 1899. The Yattendon Hymnal was edited by Mr. Robert Bridges, the Poet371

TRANSLATORS OF THE HYMNS

Laureate. It contains, in all, one hundred hymns, many of them recent translations of a high order. Hymn 12.
:

Religious Affiliations of Translators

record here the religious affiliations of the translators whose hymns find a place in this volume. It will be observed from the biographies given above that among the Catholic translators fully one-half are converts. Among those classed as Anglicans the writer believes that all are of the High Church party. CATHOLICS Aylward, Bagshawe, Bute, Campbell, Caswall, Donahoe, Dryden, Faber, Garesche, Hall, Henry, Hunter-Blair, Husenbeth, Leeson, McDougall, MacCarthy, Newman, Oakeley, O'Hagan, Oxenham, Paul, Potter, WalThe translations in the lace, Walworth, and Wingfield. Primers are all by Catholics. ANGLICANS: Ball, Blacker, Blew, Chadwick, Chambers, Copeland, Courthope, Dearmer, Ellerton, Hort, Housman, Irons, Julian, Lacey, Littledale, Neale, Palmer,
It is interesting to
:

Riley,

and Woodward.
religious affiliation of
;

not definitely known to the writer he was probably an Anglican. Scott was nominally a Presbyterian with a leaning toward the Episcopal Church.

The

Doran

is

572

GLOSSARY
In alleg. the Blessed Virgin, who was ce, the dawn. the Dawn that heralded the rising Sun of Justice. (Mai. 4, 2.) Avernus, i, hell. The Humanistic revisers of the Breviary hymns introduced many pagan poetical names for

Aurora,

heaven and hell. Bethlem, another form of Bethlehem, the birthplace of David and of Christ. It is five miles south of
Jerusalem.
Christiades, um,
It is

Christians. This word occurs twice. not found in the dictionaries, not even in Du
pi.

Cange.
circulus,
i,

See hymns
circle.

94, 104.

Used in the hymns in such expressions circulo," "dierum circulis," and in the Vulgate "post anni circulum" "after the course of a year." "Now the circling years disclose." Pope:
as

"dierum

Odyssey.
the blessed, the heavenly spirits. This word and jubar were great favorites with the revisers of the Breviary hymns. compos, potis, with genitive, partaking of, sharing in, participating in. confiteor 2, to praise. Confitebor tibi Domine in toto corde
ccelites (pi. of codes, itis),

(Ps. 9, 2). denus for the pi. deni.

meo

numerals
edo, edidi
3,

is

The singular form quite common.

of the distributive

to beget, bring forth, cause. Flamen, inis (from flare, to blow), the as "spirit" is from spirare, to blow.
in, prep., in, into; as, for.

Holy

Spirit; just

Genitor, oris, the Father; Genitus, the Son.

Et dederunt

in (as, for)

escam

meamfel (Ps. 68, 22). jubar, aris, ray, beam, splendor, glory. jugis, adj., continual, perpetual; jugiter, adv., forever. livor, oris, fig., envy, spite, malice, ill-will mostly poet, and post- Aug. for iuvidia.
;

373

GLOSSARY
lubricus, adj., slippery, dangerous; impure, unclean. See " lubricous" in any unabridged English dictionary. lumbi, ovum, the loins, reins, considered as the seat of the passions or affections. machina, ce, structure, fabric, frame, order. Numen, inis, God, the Godhead, the Divine Will. obvius, adj., in the way so as to meet, meeting.

Olympus,
Orcus,
i,

i,

heaven.

See "Avenues."
;

See "Avernus." palma, ce, a palm, palm branch victory, the palm branch as a symbol of victory. pango, to fasten; to compose, to write, hence "to sing." plaga, ce, wound, blow, stripe. See following word. plaga, ce, region, quarter, lands. See preceding word. polus, i (or pi.), heaven, the heavens. prcesepe, is, a manger. Also praesepes, is; praesepia, ae;
hell.

praesepium, i. Sion, lit., a hill in Jerusalem on which stood the royal palace; fig., the Church, esp. the Church Militant, the faithful. In general, Sion is the Church on earth; Jerusalem, the Church in heaven. The necessities of meter do not always permit this distinction to be observed. Solymce, arum, and Solyma, orum are poetical forms of Hierosolyma, orum, Jerusalem. Tartarus, i, and Tartara, orum, hell. See "Avernus." Verbum, i, The Word, the Eternal Son, the second Person of the Holy Trinity. votum, i (mostly pi.), prayer, wish, desire, "votum solvere," to fulfill one's vows or obligations, "voti compotes," having obtained their wish.

374

ENGLISH INDEX
HYMN

Abroad the Regal Banners fly Ah that day of wrath and woe All glory, laud, and honor All hail, ye little Martyr flowers All ye who seek a comfort sure
All ye

51

87C
58 42 85 129 136 34 29 14 96 54 60 77 149
5 143 47

who would

the Christ descry

Angel-guardians of men, spirits and powers we sing Antiphons of Advent As fades the glowing orb of day
the bird, whose clarion gay thousand lights their glory shed At the Cross her station keeping At the Lamb's high feast we sing

As

our solemn Feast Ave, Star of Ocean

this

At

Before the ending of the day Behold the blessed morning Bethlehem, of noblest cities Be thou the guardian of thy native land Blessed City, heavenly Salem Blest guardian of all virgin souls Brief life is here our portion Bright Builder of the heavenly poles

By Mary's By the crib

Celestial

inspiration led

94 168 88 171 35 103

57

wherein reposing
to this our earth

the sure Foundation Christ, of the Angels praise and adoration Christ the Lord is risen to-day Come, all ye faithful

Christ

is

Word, made

36 169 135 59

40
2 68

Come, Holy Ghost, who ever One

Creator-Spirit, all-Divine

Day Day

dawn is bright of wrath and doom impending Doxologies, Special following hymn
is

breaking,

16

87D
29
25

Earth's mighty Maker, whose

375

command

INDEX, ENGLISH
HYMN
Eternal Monarch, King most High Father of lights one glance of Thine Flowers of martyrdom all hail For thee, dear, dear country From highest heaven, the Father's Son From lands that see the sun arise From the truth thy soul to turn
!

66 125

42B
172 167 39 108 148

Giver of life, eternal Lord Glory and honor and laud Glory of Iberia's throne God of mercy let us run God's messenger, Theresa Great God of boundless mercy, hear
Hail day whereon the One in Three Hail, holy Wounds of Jesus, hail Hail, Queen of heaven, enthroned Hail, Sea-Star we name thee
!

58B
107 133 142 21
6

120 31

149B
65 33 80 37 119 79 165 126 8 67

Thou who man's Redeemer art Hail to the Queen who reigns above
Hail,

Hail, true Body, truly born Hark, a herald voice is calling

He who

once, in righteous vengeance

Hidden God, devoutly I adore Thee High let us all our voices raise His sacred feet with tears of agony Holy God, we praise Thy Name Holy Spirit, come and shine
In wondrous mode set
free, lo, at the

Lord's com128
173 162 50 43 163 161 84 38 105

mand
Jerusalem the golden Jesu, eternal Truth sublime
Jesu, salvation's Sun divine Jesu, the very thought of Thee Jesu, the Virgins Crown, do Thou Jesu, the world's Redeemer, hear Jesus, behind Thy Temple 's veil Jesus, the Ransomer of man Joseph, the praise and glory of the heavens
'

376

INDEX, ENGLISH
HYMN

Joy

to thee,

Queen

of heaven

32

Let Angels chant thy praise, pure spouse of purest Bride Light of the anxious heart Lo, how the savage crew

Mary is exempt from stain of sin Long fasting hath thy body tamed
Lo,

Lo, the dim shadows of the night are waning

104 130 83 100 145 10

9

Maker of all, eternal King Maker of man, who from Thy throne Martyr of God, whose strength was steeled Mother benign of our redeeming Lord

My

God, I love Thee, not because

28 156 30 74

Noble champion of the Lord Now Christ, ascending whence He came Now Christ, the Conqueror of death Now from the slumbers of the night arising Now in the sun's new dawning ray

110 69 140
7

Now let the darkling eve Now let the earth with joy

resound

131 153 23 82 147 20

O Blest Creator of the light O Christ, the world's Creator bright O Christ, Thy guilty people spare O Christ, whose glory fills the heaven O come, O come, Emmanuel O for thy spirit, holy John, to chasten O glorious King of Martyr hosts O glorious Lady throned on high O glory of the Polish race O God by whose command is swayed O God, of those that fought Thy fight O God of truth, O Lord of might O God, whose hand hath spread the sky O great Creator of the sky
!

34B
113 157 151 144
72

O highest Hope of mortals O House of Nazareth the blest

377

155 3 26 24 95 97

INDEX, ENGLISH
Jesu, King most wonderful Jesu, Life-spring of the soul Jesu, Thou the Beauty art kind Creator, bow Thine ear Light of Light, Dayspring bright lovely light of fatherland more than blessed, merit high attaining Peter, Shepherd good, our voices sing of thee rosy dawn that dost proclaim Sovereign Lord of Nature 's might Splendor of God's glory bright strength and stay upholding all creation Thou, the heavens' eternal King Thou, the Son of God most High Thou, who dost all nature sway
!

HYMN 44
134 45 48 13 122 115 90 99 27 12 4 61 86 73 19 71 11
91 98
117 89 75 152 124 70 137

Three

in One,

and One

in

Three

Trinity of blessed light Our limbs refreshed with slumber now Our souls' great Teacher, Paul, our guide in wis-

dom's ways Virgin Mother of our God

Peter, blest Shepherd hearken to our cry Peter, whatever thou shalt bind on earth Praise, Sion, praise thy Saviour
!

Remember, Creator Lord Riches and regal throne, for Christ's dear sake..
weeks our hearts to greet Ruler of the dread immense
roll the

Round

Sanctify me wholly, Soul of Christ adored See the golden sun arise Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle Sing, my tongue, the Saviour's glory Sing, O Sons of the Church, sounding the Martyrs praise Sing, O ye faithful, sing two athlete brothers Son of a Virgin, Maker of Thy Mother Son of the Highest, deign to cast
'

81
18 52 76

159 121 164 127

378

INDEX, ENGLISH
HYMN

That day of wrath, that dreadful day That day of wrath, that dreadful day The agonizing hooks, the rending scourge The beauteous light of God's eternal Majesty

87

87B
93 116 22
17

The dawn is sprinkling in The dusky veil of night hath

the east
laid

Thee, Christ, the Father's splendor Th' eternal gifts of Christ the King The fast, as taught by holy lore The fathers lived a life in shade The gladness of thy Motherhood

134B
154 49 102 141 150 Ill 78

The The The The The The The The The

God whom

earth,

and

sea,

and sky

golden star of

morn

Heav'nly Word proceeding forth holy Paschal work is wrought Martyrs' triumphs let us sing Messenger from God's high throne morn had spread her crimson rays

59B
158 138 62 139 170 53 160 166 114 112 123

Mount
world

of Olives witnesseth
is

very

evil

Thirty years among us dwelling This the Confessor of the Lord, whose triumph...

Thou heavenly, new Jerusalem Thou in thy childhood, to the desert caverns To be the Lamb 's celestial bride To rule thy heart, Elizabeth
Venantius, hail! God's Martyr bright

109
8 132 146 101 63 15

We

praise Thee, O God What a sea of tears and sorrow When thou dost pray thy mighty prayer When war was raging, and the town While Christ's disciples, grieving, sad Who madest all and dost control Why impious Herod, vainly fear With glad and joyous strains With joyous songs, great Rome, Martina's fame
extol

46 118
92 41

With terror doth the tyrant hear

379

INDEX, ENGLISH
HYMN

With the fair sun of Easter morn Worshipped throughout the Church
ends

64
to earth's far

106

LATIN INDEX
(a

accentual,

quantitative)

Adeste, fideles a Adoro Te devote a Ad regias Agni dapes q iEterna Christi munera q iEterna cceli gloria q iEterne Rector siderum q iEterne rerum Conditor q Sterne Rex altissime q Ales diei nuntius q

HYMN 40
79 60 154 20 137 9 66 14 30 167 169 81 34 114 39 110 82

Alma Redemptoris Mater

Alto ex Olympi vertice Angularis f undamentum
q

Anima

Christi

AntiphonaB Majores

Antra deserti

solis ortus

q cardine

Athleta Christi nobilis q Auctor beate saeculi q Audi benigne Conditor q Audit tyrannus anxius q Aurora ccelum purpurat q

48 41 62
q 22 99 149 31

Aurora jam spargit polum Aurora soli praevia q

Ave Maris Stella a Ave Regina coelorum a Ave verum Corpus natum a
Beata nobis gaudia q Beate Pastor Petre q Beate Pastor Petre q
Bella

80
70 90 117 101
135 158

dum

late

sanctorum q Christo profusum sanguinem

Christe,
380

INDEX, LATIN
HYMN
Ccelestis Coelestis Coelestis
Cceli

Agni nuptias
aulae

Nuntius urbs Jerusalem

q q q

Deus sanctissime Coelitum Joseph q

Consors paterni luminis q Cor, area legem continens q Corpus domas jejuniis q Creator alme siderum q Crudelis Herodes, Deum q Custodes hominum q

112 138 166 26 105 13 84 145 35 46 136

Decora lux q Deus tuorum militum

Dies
Irae

116 155
87

cordis q Doxologies, Special following Dum nocte pulsa q

Domare

hymn

123 29 Ill
10 91 37 83 49 153

Ecce jam noctis q Egregie Doctor Paule q En clara vox redarguit q. En ut superba criminum q
.

docti mystico q Exultet orbis gaudiis q

Ex more

Festivis resonent compita Fortem virili pectore q

118 165 144 58

143 171 28 170

Gentis Polonse gloria

Gloria, laus, et honor

Hec est dies, qua q Hie breve vivitur q Hominis superne Conditor

Hora novissima
Immense
coeli

q q q
381

Conditor

In monte olivis q Invicte Martyr, unicum

24 139 156

INDEX LATIN
HYMN
Ira justa Conditoris Iste Confessor q Iste, quern laeti q
q

119 160 106

q

Jam Christus astra ascenderat Jam lucis orto sidere q Jam morte victor q Jam sol recedit igneus q Jam toto subitus q
Jesu, Jesu, Jesu, Jesu, Jesu, Jesu, Jesu,

69
1

corona celsior q corona Virginum q decus angelicum a dulcis memoria a Redemptor omnium, Perpes q Redemptor omnium, Quern q Rex admirabilis a

140 29 131 162 163 45 43 161 38 44

75 23 53 130
18

Lauda Sion

a
q

Lucis Creator optime Lustra sex a Lux alma, Jesu q Lux ecce surgit aurea Lux o decora q

122
a q
q

Magnae Deus Maria castis

potential
osculis

Martinae celebri

Martyr Dei Venantius

Matris sub almas q Memento, rerum Conditor Miris modis repente q

27 126 92 109 103 152 128

7

Nocte surgentes

q Non illam crucians q Nox atra rerum contegit q Nox, et tenebrae, et nubila q Nullis te genitor q Nunc Sancte nobis Spiritus q

93 17 16 108
2

O bona patria q O Deus, ego amo Te

a
382

172 74

INDEX, LATIN
HYMN
gente f elix hospita q gloriosa virginum q Lux beata coelitum q Lux beata Trinitas a
97 151 95 71 100 115 132 47 50 124
52 76 64 125 147 88
6

Omnis expertem

q q
q.
.

nimis f elix q quot undis lacrimarum

sola

magnarum urbium
q
q

Sol salutis, intimis

Opes decusque regium

Pange lingua (Passion) q Pange Lingua (Corpus Christi) Paschale mundo gaudium q
Pater superni luminis
q
Placare, Christe, servulis q Praeclara custos virginum q Primo die, quo Trinitas q

Quern terra, pontus, sidera q Quicumque certum quaaritis q Quicumque Christum quaeritis q

Quodcumque

in orbe

150 85 129 89
3

Rector potens, verax Deus q Regali solio f ortis Iberiae q

Regina cceli, laetare a Regis supemi nuntia q

Rerum Creator optime q Rerum Deus tenax vigor q Rex gloriose Martyrum q Rex sempiterne coelitum q
Sacra jam splendent Sacris solemniis a
q

107 32 142 15

4
157 61

Salutis aeternaB clator q Salutis humanae Sator q

Salve Regina a Salvete Christi vulnera a Salvete flores Martyrum q Sancta Mater, istud agas a
383

96 77 148 65 33 120 42
55

INDEX, LATIN
HYMN

Sanctorum meritis

Sedibus cceli q Sio patres vitam q Somno refectis artubus q Splendor paternae gloriae q Stabat Mater dolorosa a Stabat Mater speciosa a

Summse Deus clementiae q Summae Parens clementiae (Saturday) Summae Parens clementiae q

Summi Summi
Te Te Te Te

Parentis Filio q Parentis Unice q

q

159 121 102 11 12 54 57 133 21 72 86 127

deprecante, corporum

146
8

Deum laudamus

dicimus praeconio q gestientem gaudiis q Te, Joseph, celebrent q Telluris alme Conditor q Te lucis ante terminum q Te splendor et virtus Patris q a Tibi, Christe, splendor Patris Tristes erant Apostoli q

98 141 104 25
5

134

134B
63 94 19 73

Tu

natale solum q Tu, Trinitatis Unitas (Friday) q Tu, Trinitatis Unitas q

Urbs Jerusalem beata Urbs Sion aurea q

168

173
113

Ut queant

laxis

q Veni, Sancte Spiritus a Veni, veni, Emmanuel a Verbum supernum prodiens Verbum supernum prodiens Vexilla Regis prodeunt q Victimae Paschali a Virginis Proles q Virgo virginum praeclara a

Veni Creator Spiritus

68 67

34B
(Advent) a
q

36 78 51 59 164 56

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