Ex legis observantia

Here is my translation of the Candlemas hymn (or pia cantio), “Ex legis observantia” (Anon., 16th c.), in ELGB #76 explicitly for the Purification of Mary. A translation of the early hymn of Bohemian origin existed in German in the mid-16th c. as “Da Jesus Christ, Mariä Kind und wahrer Gottes Sohn vom Himmelreiche,” for which Zahn gives a melody by Triller (1555). Selnecker includes our Latin text with a different melody, indicating another German translation, “Nach dem Gesetz wird Gottes Sohn.” Again, a melody by Schein in a more accessible form is given by Zahn, this from the Cantional 1627, which then appears with various further German translations: “Nachdem sich nun Marien Kind,” “Heut hat Marien Kindelein,” “Maria stellte Christum dar.” I give the melodies from Zahn.

 

 

 

 

 

KEEPING in faith the ancient laws,
The Virgin Mary hath the Christ presented,
Who to the Law subjected was,
That He might free us from its yoke lamented.
Simeon, elated,
Held the Long-Awaited,
The host of angels celebrated!

2 Then it behooved the Lad, that He
Fulfill what God by Moses had commanded,
Till in time’s fullness He should be
Revealed as Christ with words and glory candid.
Simeon, elated,
Held the Long-Awaited,
The host of angels celebrated!

3 Many an age upon our eyes
A blinding mist remained without redressing;
So did the Law us terrorize
With thunder blast, our mind and heart distressing.
Simeon, elated,
Held the Long-Awaited,
The host of angels celebrated!

4 Prophet and patriarch of old
For such a glimpse of Christ were ever yearning
Simeon now did Him behold,
The Monarch with His Mother here discerning.
Simeon, elated,
Held the Long-Awaited,
The host of angels celebrated!

Translation © 2023 Matthew Carver.

LATIN

Ex legis observantia
Virgo Maria Christum praesentavit,
esset ut legi subditus,
qui nos a jugo legis liberaret;
Simeon hunc vetus
amplexatur laetus,
congaudet Angelorum coetus.

2 Decebat id tum puerum,
ut patris jussa sub Mose compleret;
dum plenitudo temporis,
quo nobis sit conspicuus, veniret:
Simeon hunc vetus
amplexatur laetus,
congaudet Angelorum coetus.

3 Diu sub oculis manet
caligo, quae semel satis adhaesit,
quam praebuit illis tum lex
cum tonitru, in animoque sedit:
Simeon hunc vetus
amplexatur laetus,
congaudet Angelorum coetus.

4 Vates olim sancti patres
visionem Christi desiderabunt,
solus at ipse Simeon
Puerperam cum Christo prasentabat. [praesentavit]
Simeon hunc vetus
amplexatur laetus,
congaudet Angelorum coetus.