lilmtngton, .Ilclafoaw. w FROM THE LIBRARY OF REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON. D. D. BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO THE LIBRARY OF PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY J^. Ts. Tsoaamio^/vv 3 — ^ ^ <7J <2-c. 2 f, )?-]^ TRANSLATIONS OF LiLTXN HTICIT! OF THE MIDDLE AGES. A/. 8. £-• PART SECOND. MDCCCLXXVII : JAMES KIRK & SONS, PRINTERS, DOVER, DELAWARE. REFACE. The reception accorded to the Translations of Mediaeval Hymns heretofore offered, has induced me to present the accompanying versions. I trust that they will be found equally acceptable. It will be observed that the paging is in continuation of the prior series. An Index has been added. To my friends, who have acknowledged the former Part in terms so encouraging, and on whose judgment, in other matters, I confidently rely, I return thanks. N. B. SMITH ERS. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from Princeton Theological Seminary Library http://archive.org/details/transoflaOOsmit De Epiphania. PRUDENTIUS. DE EPIPHANIA. O sola magnarum urbium, Major Bethlem, cui contigit Ducem salutis coelitus Incorporatum gignere. Haec stella, quae solis rotam Vincit decore ac lumine, Venisse terris nuntiat Cum carne terrestri Deum. Videre postquam ilium magi, Eoa promunt munera, Stratique votis offerunt Thus, myrrham et aurum regium. Regem Deumque annuntiant Thesaurus et fragrans odor Thuris Sabaei, ac myrrheus Pulvis sepulcrum praedocet. "5 The Epiphany. PRUDENTIUS. The author of this Hymn was born in Spain about the year 348. He was distinguished as a Jurist. Late in life he devoted himself earnestly to the service of God. Another stanza is generally printed as part of the original, but being a mere doxology, and not by Prudentius, I have chosen to omit it. THE EPIPHANY. O, chief of cities, Bethlehem. Of David's crown the fairest gem. But more to us than David's name, In thee, as man, the Savior came. Beyond the sun in splendor bright, Above thee stands a wondrous light Proclaiming from the conscious skies That here, in flesh, the Godhead lies. See, coming from the East, afar Chaldean sages hail his star, And low in adoration bent Their three-fold gifts to him present. The golden tribute owns him, King, But frankincense to God they bring, And last, prophetic sign, with myrrh They shadow forth his sepulchre. De Nativitate Domini. JOANNES MAUBURNUS. DE NATIVITATE DOMINI. Heu, quid jaces stabulo, Omnium creator, Vagiens cunabulo, Mundi reparator? Si rex, ubi purpura? Vel clientum murmura? Ubi aula regis? Hie omnis penuria, Paupertatis curia, Forma novae legis. " Istuc amor generis Me traxit humani, Quod se noxa sceleris Occidit profani. His meis inopiis Gratiarum copiis Te pergo ditare, Hocce natalitio Vero sacrificio Te volens beare." 124 O, te laudum millibus Laudo, laudo, laudo, Tantis mirabilibus Plaudo, plaudo, plaudo! Gloria, sit gloria, Amanti memoria Domino in altis ! Cui testimonia Dantur et praeconia Coelicis a psaltis ! The Nativity. JEAN MAUBURNE. The author lived in the 15th century. Born in 1 460, he was made Abbot of St. Livry in 1502, and the next year died at Paris, whither he was carried in consequence of sickness caused by excessive labor in the administration of his religious office. THE NATIVITY. Why dost Thou so lowly lie Who all things didst create ? Comest Thou with wailing cry To rear our fallen state ? Where thy train if King thou be, Purple robe of majesty, Thy presence chamber, where ? All unlike the courts of earth, Naught denotes thy royal birth, But only want is here. " Hither, from my Father's throne, Through love for man I came, Him to save, his guilt atone, I bear this load of shame ; In my need I give to thee Wealth from Heaven's treasury, The pearl of costly price ; Lowly born and held as naught, Life and blessing I have brought, Myself the sacrifice." 128 Wonders of thy grace to sing My grateful tongue essays, Thousand thanks to Thee I bring In hymns of endless praise ; Glory, now, let all below, Mindful of thy saving woe, Shout " Glory, Lord, to Thee," While angelic choirs above Celebrate thy matchless love With harp and psaltery. Paulus. PETRUS DAMIANI. PAULUS. Paule, doctor egregie, Tuba clangens ecclesiae, Nubes volans ac tonitrum Per amplum mundi circulum. Nobis potenter intona, Ruraque cordis irriga, Ccelestis imbre gratiae Mentes virescant aridae. O magnum Pauli meritum, Ccelum conscendit tertium, Audit verba mysterii, Quae nullis audet eloqui. Dum verbi spargit semina, Seges surgit uberrima, Sic coeli replent horreum Bonorum fruges operum. Paul. PETER DAMIANI. Peter Damiani was the zealous co-adjutor of the celebrated Hildebrand. He was made Cardinal-bishop of Ostia. Born at Ravenna, in Italy, he was mentally and morally one of the foremost men of his age. He died in 1072. PAUL. Faithful teacher, mighty Paul, Ringing like a trumpet call, Flying cloud, whose couriers glance Red-winged round the world's expanse, Let thy deep-voiced thunders roll, Saturate each thirsty soul, Showers of heavenly grace impart, Fertilize each barren heart. Guerdon high was thine, when thrice Pearly gates of Paradise Turning gave thy raptured ear Words that none but Angels hear. Sower of the Gospel seed, Hundred-fold shall be thy meed, Garnered where no thief can spoil, Fruit of thine abundant toil. FlANT LUMINARIA. AB^ELARDUS. FIANT LUMINARIA. Dixit auiem Deus : Fiant luminaria in firmamento Cueli. — Gen. i, 14. Ornarunt terram germina. Nunc coelum luminaria ; Sole, luna, stellis depingitur, Quorum multus usus cognoscitur. Haec quaque parte condita Sursum, homo, considera ; Esse tuam et coeli regio Se fatetur horum servitio. Sole calet in hieme, Qui caret ignis munere ; Pro nocturnae lucernae gratia Pauper habet lunam et sidera. Stratis dives eburneis, Pauper jacet gramineis ; Hinc avium oblectant cantica, Inde florum spirat fragantia. '39 140 Impensis dives, nimiis Domum casuram construis ; Falso sole pingis testudinem, Falsis stellis in coeli speciem. In vera coeli camera Pauper jacet pulcherrima ; Vero sole, veris sideribus Istam ill i depinxit Dominus. Opus magis eximium Est naturae quam hominum ; Quod nee labor nee sumptus praeparat, Nee vetustas solvendo dissipat. Ministrat homo diviti, Angelus autem pauperi, Ut hinc quoque constet coelestia Quam sint nobis a Deo subdita. Let There Be Lights. PETER ABELARD. The Author of this Hymn, Peter Abelard, was born near Nantes. He was one of the most distinguished men of his age. His intercourse with the celebrated Heloise is well known. He was the' representative of the use of reason in matters of theology, as Bernard of Clairvaux was the ex- ponent of Church authority, and between them there arose bitter controversy. He died in 1 142 at the Monastery of St. Marcel. LET THERE BE LIGHTS. And God said: Let there be lights in the firmament of the Heaven. — Gen. i, 14. With many a flower the earth is bright, The sky is* set with many a light, For man ordained, the golden sun, The moon and stars their courses run. Observant still to mark the years, Consider, man, these shining spheres, Look up, and in their service see That Heaven itself was made for thee. To him who lacks the fire-side blaze The sun sends down his genial rays, And stars hang out their friendly lamps By night to guide His houseless tramps. On stately beds the rich are laid, But stretched in cool, sequestered shade, The beggar whiles away the hours Mid warbling birds and fragrant flowers. 144 The lordling decks his Vaulted hall With gilded planets, soon to fall, And mourns the treasure, vainly spent, To rival God's own firmament. Within the chamber of the skies, In sweet repose, the pauper lies Where stars keep watch, till morning bids The sunbeams wake his sleeping lids. Compared with Nature's perfect plan How mean the proudest works of man, Her skill expends nor gold nor toil And what she builds no time can spoil. On wealth, the poor obsequious wait, Good angels serve our low estate And verify the kind decree That Heaven itself was made for thee. Oratio ad Dominum. MARBOD. ORATIO AD DOMINUM. Deus-homo, Rex coelorum, Miserere miserorurn ; Ad peccandum proni sumus, Et ad humum redit humus ; Tu ruinam nostram fulci Pietate tua dulci. Quid est homo, proles Adae ? Germen necis dignum clade. Quid est homo nisi vermis, Res infirma, res inermis? Ne digneris huic irasci, Qui non potest mundus nasci Noli, Deus, hunc damnare, Qui non potest non peccare ; Judicare non est aequum Creaturam, non est tecum : Non est miser homo tanti, Ut respondeat Tonanti. Sicut umbra, sicut fumus, Sicut fcenum facti sumus : Miserere, Rex ccelorum, Miserere miserorurn. Supplication to the Lord. MARBOD. The author of this prayer was of a noble family in Anjou. He was born in 1035, was chosen bishop of Rennes in 1095, and died in 1 125. SUPPLICATION TO THE LORD. God Incarnate, Heavenly King, Wretched man to mercy bring ; Prone to err, our footsteps stray, And to dust returns the clay; Lord, accept our earnest prayer, Wreck of sin let grace repair. Seed of Adam, what is man ? Sprout of death, deserving ban : What is man unless a worm All defenceless and infirm ? Be not wroth with one so mean, Who must needs be born unclean Him to slay, O God, disdain, Who from sin cannot abstain ; Mete-wand nice on him to lay, Righteous Judge, is not thy way, Nor is man of such degree, Voice of God, to answer Thee. Like a flower, like a shade, Like a vapor man is made, Mercy grant, O Heavenly King, Pity such a wretched thing. Syon Ccelestis. HILDEBERTUS TURONENSIS. SYON CCELESTIS. Me receptet Syon ilia, Syon, David urbs tranquilla, Cuius faber auctor lucis, Cuius portae lignum cruris, Cuius muri lapis vivus, Cuius custos rex festivus. In hac urbe lux solennis, Ver sternum, pax perennis: In hac odor implens coelos, In hac semper festum melos ; Non est ibi corruptela, Non defectus, non querela ; Non minuti, non deformes, Omnes Christo sunt conformes. The Heavenly Zion. HILDEBERT, OF TOURS. This hymn is an extract from a poem of Hildebert, Archbishop of Tours. He was born in 1057. Eminent for his learning, his works were highly esteemed. Independent in his character, he incurred the displeasure of the French King, I.ouis le Gros, to whose wishes, in the dispensation of church patronage, he refused to yield. THE HEAVENLY ZION. To Zion beckoning friends invite, In David's city wait, Whose builder is the Source of light, The precious Cross her gate. With living stones her walls are gay, Her guard the joyous King, Within her courts is endless day And smiles eternal spring. There Love unbroken peace maintains, And bloom unfading Mowers, While ceaseless glide seraphic strains Along the gladsome hours. There naught corrupts, nor aught is vile, Nor ever ills befall, Naught enters there that can defile, But Christ is all in all. '59 De Cruce. AUCTOR INCERTUS. DE CRUCE. Crux ave benedicta, Per te mors est devicta, In te dependit Deus, Rex et Salvator meus. Tu arborum regina, Salutis medicina, Pressorum es levamen, Et tristium solamen. O sacrosanctum lignum, Tu vitae nostrae signum, Tulisti fructum Jesum, Humani cordis esum. Dum crucis inimicos Vocabis et amicos, O Jesu, fili Dei, Sis, oro, memor mei ! 163 The Cross. AUTHOR UNKNOWN. This Hymn is by an unknown author and is supposed to be somewhere from the fourteenth to the sixteenth century. It has been much praised by critics. According to the tradition prevalent in the Middle Ages, the Cross on which Jesus suffered was of palm wood. THE CROSS. Blessed Cross, hail, holy Rood ! Death, by thee, was first subdued When my God was crucified, When my King and Savior died. Queen of trees art thou, O Palm, For our wounds the sovereign balm, Strong support when burdens press, Solace in our sore distress. Tree of Life, O sacred Tree, Glorious sign of victory, Christ thy fruit, O Tree divine, Never fruit so sweet as thine. When before thy judgment-seat Friend and foe at last shall meet, Jesus, then propitious be, Son of God, remember me. De Nativitate Domini. ADAM DE SC. VICTORE. DE NATIVITATE DOMINI. Potestate, non natura Fit Creator creatura, Reportetur ut factura Factoris in gloria. Praedicatus per prophetas, Quern non capit locus, aetas, Nostrae sortis intrat metas, Non reliquens propria. Ccelum terris inclinatur, Homo-Deus adunatur, Adunato famulatur Ccelestis familia. Rex, sacerdos consecratur Generalis, quod monstratur Cum pax terris nuntiatur Et in altis gloria. Causam quaeris, modum rei ? Causa prius omnes rei, Modus justum velle Dei, Sed conditum gratia. >7» 172 O quam dulce condimentum, Nobis mutans in pigmentum Cum aceto fel cruentum, Degustante Messia ! O salubre sacramentum, Quod nos ponit in jumentum, Plagis nostris dans unguentum, Ille de Samaria. Ille alter Elisaeus, Reputatus homo reus, Suscitavit homo-Deus Sunamitis puerum. Hie est gigas currens fortis, Qui, destructa lege mortis, Ad amcena primae sortis, Ovem fert in humerum. Vivit, regnat Deus-homo, Trahens Oreo lapsum porno ; Coelo tractus gaudet homo, Denum complens numerum. The Incarnation. ADAM OF ST. VICTOR. A brief notice of Adam of St. Victor, the author of this Hymn and of the two immediately following, has been given in the preceding pages. Trench con- siders this as "the richest and fullest of the Nativity Hymns." It may be well to say, in relation to the allusion in the last line, that the parable of the ten pieces of silver was understood to relate to nine ranks of angels and the one race of man. The former stood, the latter fell and was lost. THE INCARNATION. Work of power, passing nature, God appears in human feature. Lifting up his fallen creature Unto the Maker's throne. He, whom prophets came foretelling, Whom nor time nor space compelling, Comes in finite nature dwelling, Retaining still his own. Now to earth the heavens are bending, God and man in union blending, Angel ministers descending Escort him from the sky, Who, o'er all is King created, Priest forever consecrated, Peace on earth is promulgated And glory rings on high. Wouldst thou know the mode, the reason ? Seeming cause, our guilty treason, Will of God the way, the season, But yet by grace forecast: 176 Blissful relish, precious favor, When the myrrh-cup's bitter savor Changed to pigment's spicy flavor Upon Messiah's taste. Healing grace, all comprehending, Good Samaritan befriending, Setting on his beast and tending The wounded Judaite ; True Elisha, see, appearing, Sinful man, our likeness wearing, God-Man, in his power, rearing The lifeless Shunamite. Lo, the matchless Giant hying, Who, the strength of Death defying, Bears his sheep, long-lost and dying, To pastures green and sweet; Fallen through the first temptation, Saved, through Christ, from condemnation, Man rejoices in salvation And makes the ten complete. De S. Laurentio. ADAM DE SC. VICTORE. DE S. LAURENTIO. Sicut chorda musicorum Tandem sonum dat sonorum Plectri ministerio, Sic in chely tormentorum Melos Christi confessorum Martyris dat tensio. Parum sapis vim sinapis, Si non tangis, si non frangis ; Et plus fragrat, quando rlagrat, Tus injectum ignibus : Sic arctatus et assatus, Sub ardore, sub labore, Dat odorem pleniorem Martyr de virtutibus. Hunc ardorem factum foris Putat rorem vis amoris, Et zelus justitiae ; Ignis urens, non comburens, Vincit prunas, quas adunas, O minister impie. '79 The Martyrdom of St. Laurentius. ADAM OF ST. VICTOR. Laurentius, the Martyr, was Arch-Deacon at Rome, and suffered during the persecution of the Christians by Valerian. He is said to have been broiled to death on a gridiron, or roasted in an iron chain. This hymn is in commemora- tion of his martyrdom. THE MARTYRDOM OF ST. LAURENTIUS. As minstrel touch evokes the strain That softly glides, then swells amain Along the trembling chord, The martyr, stretched on torture's rack, From quivering nerves gives sweetly back The praises of his Lord. As nothing tells what pungent power In mustard dwells, till brayed to flour, And, parched with heat, to incense sweet The fragrant gum resolves. Thus, rectified by bloody scourge. Refined and tried by fiery purge, The martyVs faith, sublimed in death, Its rich perfume evolves. To love and zeal, that inward glow, Like dew-drops feel the fires below, No pain but Love can quell; It burns, illumes, yet naught consumes, And coals outvies thy rage applies O minister of hell. ■8 3 De SS. Evangelistis. ADAM DE SC. VICTORE. DE SS. EVANGELISTIS. Circa thronum majestatis, Cum spiritibus beatis, Quatuor diversitatis Astant animalia. Formam primum aquilinam, Et secundum leoninam, Sed humanam et bovinam Duo gerunt alia. Formae formant figurarum Formas Evangelistarum, Quorum imber doctrinarum Stillat in Ecclesia ; Hi sunt Marcus et Matthaeus, Lucas, et quern Zebedseus Pater tibi misit, Deus, Dum laxaret retia. Formam viri dant Matthaeo, Quia scripsit sic de Deo, Sicut descendit ab eo, Quern plasmavit, homine. 1 88 Lucas bos est in figura, Ut prsemonstrat in Scriptura, Hostiarum tangens jura Legis sub velamine. Marcus, leo per desertum Clamans, rugit in apertum, Iter fiat Deo certum, Mundum cor a crimine. Sed Johannes, ala bina Caritatis. aquilina Forma fertur in divina Puriori lumine. Quatuor describunt isti Quadriformes actus Christi, Et figurant, u t audisti, Quisque sua formula. Natus homo declaratur, Vitulus sacrificatur, Leo mortem depraedatur, Et ascendit aquila. Ecce forma bestialis Quam scriptura prophetalis Notat ; sed materialis Haec est impositio. 1 89 Currunt rotis, volant alis ; Inest sensus spiritalis ; Rota gressus est sequalis, Ala contemplatio. Paradisus his rigatur, Viret, floret, foecundatur, His abundat, his laetatur Quatuor fluminibus : Fons est Christus, hi sunt rivi, Fons est altus, hi proclivi, Ut saporem fontis vivi Ministrent fidelibus. Horum rivo debriatis Sitis crescat caritatis, Ut de fonte pietatis Satiemur plenius. Horum trahat nos doctrina Vitiorum de sentina, Sicque ducat ad divina Ab imo superius. The Holy Evangelists. ADAM OF ST. VICTOR. The purpose of this Hymn is to represent the character of Christ as distinctively exhibited by each of the Evangelists. THE HOLY EVANGELISTS. Round about the throne of heaven, Serving with the holy Seven, Four attend, in honor'even, Framed in strange diversity ; Flying eagle one appearing, One the form of lion bearing, One a calf, the other wearing Visage of humanity. Fashioned thus, these blessed creatures, Shew the four Evangel teachers, Living streams for- Gospel preachers Flowing out from Galilee ; Matthew, here, and Mark portraying, Luke, and him who, naught delaying, Left his nets, the call obeying, Gentle son of Zebedee. Matthew has our shape and stature, Writing in his nomenclature Christ's descent, as if by nature Springing from the man He made ; 194 Form of calf to Luke pertaining, Who, in Scripture, speaks explaining Sacrificial rites remaining Until then in legal shade. Desert lion, loudly roaring, Mark, our wilderness exploring, Cries, " The path of God restoring, Let your hearts be clean and right;" While, on wings of love ascending, Like the eagle sunward bending, John his heavenly way is wending Upward to the Source of Light. Drama of His life and passion These enactingr what each fashion Represents, the explanation Doubtless you have heard full oft Birth of Christ, the man displaying. Sacrifice, the calf conveying, Death despoiled, the lion preying, While the eagle soars aloft. Lo, the forms of brute creation Which prophetic revelation Indicates, and through sensation Teaches spiritual things : 195 Rolling wheels and pinions flying, Hidden meaning underlying, Equal walk, the wheels implying, Higher life, the mounting wings. By these waters irrigated Paradise is decorated, Where o'er boughs with fruitage weighted Amaranthine bloom is spread ; Christ the fountain, these outflowing, High the fountain, earthward going These descend, on man bestowing Sweetness of their living head. Ever drinking, still unsated, Thirst with every draught created, May our souls be saturated Quaffing from this Fount of Love ; Thus the way of wisdom learning, From the dregs of folly turning, Let our minds, the truth discerning, Meditate on things above. Ad Sanctum Spiritum. ROBERTUS, GALLI/E REX. AD SANCTUM SPIRITUM. Veni, Sancte Spiritus, Et emitte coelitus Lucis tuse radium. Veni, pater pauperum, Veni, dator munerum, Veni, lumen cordium ; Consolator optime. Dulcis hospes animae, Dulce refrigerium : In labore requies, In a?stu temperies, In fletu solatium. O lux beatissima, Reple cordis intima Tuorum fidelium ! Sine tuo numine Nihil est in homine, Nihil est innoxium. : 99 2GO Lava quod est sordidum, Riga quod est aridum, Sana quod est saucium ; Flecte quod est rigidum, Fove quod est frigidum, Rege quod est devium ! Da tuis fidelibus In te confitentibus Sacrum septenarium ; Da virtutis meritum, Da salutis exitum, Da perenne gaudium ! To The Holy Spirit. ROBERT, KING OF FRANCE. This beautiful Hymn is the production of Robert, King of France, the son of Hugo Capet. He was born in 971 and died in 1 03 1. The gentleness of his disposition was unfitted to contend with the turbulent spirit of the times. This Hymn holds a high place in the estimation of scholars, being considered as first in loveliness among the sacred compositions of the Middle Ages. TO THE HOLY SPIRIT. Holy Spirit, quickly come, Hasten from thy heavenly home, Rays of thine effulgence dart ; Father of the humble poor, Bounteous Giver of thy store, Come, Enlightener of the heart. Comforter, supremely kind, Sweet Indweller of the mind, Well-spring of the soul's relief, Bringing to the weary, rest, Calmness to the troubled breast, Solace in the time of grief. Radiance of the light divine, Let thy full resplendence shine Through the closets of our hearts, Man without thy aid is naught, Wholly vile, with evil fraught Save the good thy grace imparts. 204 What is filthy, purify, Irrigate whate'er is dry, What is hurt, to health restore, Overcome my stubborn will, Warm whate'er in me is chill, Guide me, that I stray no more. Give to all who trust in Thee, Walking in humility, Seven graces of thy love, Grant the meed of perfect faith. Victory in the hour of death, Grant unfailing bliss above. NDEX. INDEX. The Resurrection Author Unknown 5 St. Stephen's Martyrdom Adam of St. Victor 13 The Dedication of a Church Same 25 The Vanity of the World Bernard of Clairvaux 37 Contempt of Worldly Vanity Same 45 The Day of Judgment Author Unknown 53 The Mother at the Cross Jacopone da Todi 65 The Body of Christ Thomas Aquinas 77 St. John, the Evangelist Author Unknown 85 The Day of Wrath Thomas of Celano 97 Vox Gratia; 109 The Epiphany Prudentius 113 The Nativity Jean Mauburne 121 Paul Peter Damiani 129 Let there be Lights Peter Abelard 137 Supplication to the Lord Marbod 145 The Heavenly Zion. Hildebert of Tours 153 The Cross Author Unknown 161 The Incarnation Adam of St. Victor 169 Martyrdom of St. Laurentius. Same 177 The Holy Evangelists Same 185 To The Holy Spirit Robert, King of France 197 A V