Ach, wir armen Sünder (Buffalo Synod form)

Here is my translation of the Passion hymn, “Ach [=O], wir armen Sünder” (Hermann Bonnus, d. 1548), in ELGB #91, where it appears with the 7th stanza appended from Bonnus’s “Ehre sei dir Christe.” The text first appears in Low German, Ein Schön Geystlick Sangbök (1542). Both of Bonnus’s hymns were translated by me in 2010, so I present them here in this form. The melody is the traditional 15th c. one used for “O du armer Judas," as found in Bonnus’s hymnal.
 

OH, what wretched sinners
Are we here on earth!
Sinners from conception,
Sinners from our birth!
Brought by our transgression
Into such distress
We deserve damnation
For our sinfulness.
Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison, Kyrie eleison!

2. Our escape could never
Out of death be gained
By our own endeavor—
Sin too strongly reigned;
For to gain redemption
Nothing else could be
But God’s Son must suffer
Death and agony.
Kyrie, etc.

3. Had our Lord not met us
Here upon the earth,
And upon Him taken
Our own fleshly birth,
And for our transgression
Died most willingly—
We would face damnation
For eternity.

4. Such was the great favor
And the tender care
Which in Christ our Savior
God for us laid bare,
When His Son obedient
Died upon the cross
Earning our salvation,
Freely giv’n to us.

5. With such consolation
In both sin and death,
Fires of condemnation
Cannot shake our faith;
Rescue from all danger
Is our sure bequest
From Our Lord and Savior,
Christ, forever blest.
Kyrie, etc.

6. Let us altogether
Sing our joyful boast,
Thanking God the Father,
Son, and Holy Ghost,
Praying for protection,
From offenses here,
And the preservation
Of His Word so dear.
Kyrie, etc.

*7 Christ, to Thee be glory,
For Thy bitter pain,
On the cross of suff’ring,
Dying for our gain.
Now with God the Father
Reigning without end:
Help us wretched sinners,
And salvation send!

Translation © 2010 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

Ach wir armen Sünder!
unser Missethat,
darin wir empfangen
und geboren sind,
hat gebracht uns alle
in solch große Noth,
daß wir unterworfen
sind dem ewgen Tod.
Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison, Kyrie eleison!

2. Aus dem Tod wir konnten
durch unsr eigen Werk
nimmer werdn gerettet:
die Sünd war zu stark;
daß wir würdn erlöset,
konnts nicht anders sein,
Gottes Sohn mußt leiden
des Tods bitter Pein.
Kyrie etc.

3. So nicht wäre kommen
Christus in die Welt,
und an sich genommen
unser arm Gestalt,
und für unser Sünde
gestorben williglich:
hätten wir mußt werden
verdammt ewiglich.
Kyrie etc.

4. Solche große Gnade
und väterlich Gunst
hat uns Gott erzeiget
lauterlich umsonst
in Christo, seim Sohn[e],
der sich geben hat
in den Tod des Kreuzes
uns zur Seligkeit.
Kyrie etc.

5. Deß solln wir uns trösten
gegen Sünd und Tod,
und ja nicht verzagen
vor der Hölle Glut;
denn wir sind gerettet
aus all Fährlichkeit
durch Christ unsern Herren,
globt in Ewigkeit,
Kyrie etc.

6. Darum wolln wir loben,
danken allezeit
dem Vater und Sohne
und dem Heilgen Geist!
bitten, daß sie wollen
hüten uns vor Arg,
und daß wir stets bleiben
bei seim heilgen Wort.
Kyrie etc.

7. Ehre sei Dir Christe,
der du littest Noth,
an dem Stamm des Kreuzes
für uns den bittern Tod
und herrschest mit dem Vater
dort in der Ewigkeit;
hilf uns armen Sündern
zu der Seligkeit.
Kyrie, etc.

O Christe, salus unica

Here is my translation of “O Christe, salus unica,” a hymn for the Visitation of Mary, to be sung at the Hours (Prime, Terce, Sext, None). The text, from Bonnus, is a reworking by Hieronymus Weller of an earlier anonymous hymn, “O Christi mater caelica” [O heavenly mother of Christ]. The mode-I melody is shared in early Lutheran hymnals with “cenam Agni providi” [The Lamb’s High Banquet We Await] and “Lauda mater ecclesia” (for Mary Magdalene).

O CHRIST, Salvation’s sole repose,
Thou living fount with grace that flows,
Who in Thy swelling mother’s womb
Through winding ways dost fare from home.

2. By stirring of the one true Light,
The Virgin scales the rolling height
In haste her elder kin to aid
In whom the Precursor is laid.

3. From Naz’reth draws the mother near
To greet Elisabeth with cheer;
Whom, with the Spirit’s gifts replete,
Both son and mother fondly greet.

4. Elisabeth o’erjoyed, o’erawed,
Hails there the Mother of her God;
And John rejoices in the womb
That Christ the Lord is thither come.

5. The sacred Spirit Mary fills,
Who, as with rushing torrent, spills
A flood of gladsome praise and laud
To glorify her gracious God.

6. The mercy of the Trinity
From all transgression set us free,
Through Jesus Christ, the Crucified;
May He our steps to heaven guide. Amen.

Translation © 2015 Matthew Carver.

LATIN

1. O Christe salus unica,
Fons vivus fluens gratia
Qui matre tua gravida
Iter facis per devia.

2. Ex motu veri luminis
Transivit in monticulis
Virgo juvare vetulam
De Praecursore gravidam.

3. Mater venit de Nazareth
Ut salutet Elisabeth,
Replentur donis Spiritus
Anus et ejus filius.

4. Elisabeth complacuit
Quod mater Dei adfuit,
Infans gaudet in utero
Praesente Christo Domino.

5. Maria sacro Numine
Repleta ceu de flumine
Fundit concentu jubilo
Laudes Deo mitissimo.

6. Trinitatis clementia
Nostra laxet facinora
Per Jesu Christi vulnera,
Nos ducat ad caelestia. Amen.

Quam laeta perfert nuntia

Here is my translation of the hymn “Quam laeta perfert nuntia” by Paulus Eber (†1569). The original title is “Hymnus de Maria dei genitrice visitante Elisabet, ex historia Lucae 1” [Hymn of Mary, Mother of God, visiting Elisabeth, from the account of Luke 1]. It is generally provided as an office hymn ad placitum on the feast of the Visitation of Mary (July 2). The mode-iv melody appointed in Lutheran books is given here according to Hermann Bonnus; its cousin is visited in Frere (#5) and Stäblein (#13).

WHAT gladsome tidings Mary bears
As from familiar shores she fares
Of Galilee, to lands less near,
Her cousin to attend and cheer!

2. With what great joy Elisabeth
Embraces Mary, as by faith
She tells the Spirit’s inward sighs:
The promised Prince in Mary lies!

3. To God the Father He will bind
And reconcile His lost mankind,
Who, by the grievous fall of old
Forsook their Maker’s gracious fold.

4. He whom the sires of Christendom
Long ages past implored to come,
Is here to John by faith revealed
While in his mother’s womb concealed.

5. Him whom the elder man, now mute,
May not with pious tongue salute,
He lauds with heart, and doth declare
By gesture that his God is there.

6. Behold in humble cottage bowed
The infant Church’s faithful crowd,
That first proclaims as true indeed
God’s Word and promise of the Seed.

7. Whilst Herod seeks by murd’rous train
To gird and fortify his reign,
And Caiaphas commits to death
The godly teachers of the faith—

8. So now the Church is sore beset
By tribulation’s strangling net,
And by the wretched dragon torn
With slaughters, heresies, and scorn.

9. Be with Thy Church, O Christ, we pray;
To her in want Thy strength convey,
Steadfast defenders grant her e’er,
That she Thy praises may declare.

Translation © 2015 Matthew Carver.

LATIN

1. Quam laeta perfert nuntia
Dum Galilaeis finibus
Relictis cognatam suam
Procul Maria visitat. [?]

2. Quanto Mariam gaudio
Elisabeth complectitur
Quam scit movente Spiritu
Gestare promissum Ducem. [?]

3. Qui conciliaturus Deo
Patri sit humanum genus
Lapsu quod olim se gravi
A Conditore averterat.

4. Quem flagitaverant Patres
Multis venire saeculis
Hunc matris inclusus suae
Alvo Johannes excipit

5. Ex praedicare quem pia
Lingua nequit mutus senex
Hunc mente adorat indicans
Gestu Dei praesentiam.

6. Hanc parva continet casa
Ecclesiae turbam novae
Quae prima declarat ratum
Verbum Dei de Semine.

7. Dum tentat Herodes suum
Firmare regnum caedibus
Et helluatur Pontifex [some MSS: …Caiphas]
Piosque doctores necat.

8. Perinde nunc Ecclesiam
Arctae tenent angustiae
Quam turbat aut erroribus
Aut caedibus dirus draco.

9. Hanc tu carentem robore
Firmisque defensoribus
Tuere Christe quaesumus
Laudes tuas ut praedicet. Amen.

Pauli diem, Pauli fidem

Here is my translation of Georg Fabricius' hymn for the Conversion of St. Paul. The text is that found in Ludecus' Vesperale (1589), but the form of the mode-8 melody (which has distinct variants), probably to be identified with Stäblein 505, is reproduced as it appears in Bonnus' Hymni et sequentiae (1559).

NOW BOTH the feast and faith of Paul
Let us with grateful hearts extol:
Christ of a rival did embrace
A friend and vessel of His grace.

2. Saul to Damascus flies in wrath
To bind the saints of Christ for death,
And wondrously God’s saint is made
Who to destroy the saints assayed.

3. A glorious light puts forth his ray,
Prostrate the haughty Saul to lay;
He hears the voice of God, is spared,
And finds his former crimes repaired.

4. Of Him whom he with threats and chains
Had persecuted, sight he gains,
And knowing Him, enlightens men
By sermon, pray’r, and faithful pen.

5. None bore of pains a heavier load
All for the glory of His God:
Nor in the world hath any name
Of mortal men a greater fame.

6. O Christ, so make Thy foes this day
Again to see Thy wholesome ray,
That they may love with heart sincere
The holy names Thou holdest dear.

7. Lest ever men, impert’nent, seek
Their wars upon Thy will to wreak,
Call down from heav’n and win for Thee
True friends from ev’ry enemy.

8. All laud to God the Father be;
All laud, eternal Son, to Thee;
All glory, as is ever meet,
To God the Holy Paraclete. Amen.

Translation sts. 1–7 © 2015 Matthew Carver.

LATIN
1. Pauli diem, Pauli fidem
Grato colamus pectore:
Ex hoste Christus factus est
Amicus et vas gratiae.

2. Ferus Damascon advolat,
Christum fatentes ut liget:
Res mira, sanctus fit Dei,
Sanctos minatus perdere.

3. Lux clara, ritu fulguris
Sternit superbum: sed Dei
Vocem_audienti parcitur,
Vetusque culpa_ignoscitur.

4. Quem persecutus antea
Plagis, minis et carcere,
Hunc novit et palam docet
Oratione_et litteris.

5. Nec plura quisquam pro Dei
Tormenta passus gloria:
Nec nomen ullum notius
Cunctis per orbem gentibus.

6. O Christe nunc hostes quoque
Lucem tuos fac cernere,
Ut sancta, quae tu diligis
Ament et ipsi nomina.

7. Nemo tuis unquam_audeat
Pugnare jussis pertinax:
Tibi vocanti caelitus
Hostes, amici pareant.

8. Deo Patri sit gloria
Ejusque soli Filio
Cum Spiritu Paracleto
Et nunc et in perpetuum. Amen.

Exultandi et laetandi tempus est

Here is my translation of the Easter Benedicamus trope “Exultandi et laetandi” (or more often “Exultemus et laetemur”), as given in H. Bonnus, Hymni et Sequentiae (1559), where it is appointed actually to be sung during Communion, perhaps because of the similarity to the paschal Communion which alludes to the same text. Briefest examination of the text shows that it is originally a Benedicamus hymn sung in place of or adjacent to the Benedicamus of the Mass (“Benedicamus Domino.” R. “Deo gratias.”), since it contains or refers to these words in the final verses. The melody here presented by Bonnus differs somewhat from the comparatively reduced Vatican edition (Liber Usualis pp. 1931 ff., where it begins with our verse 2: "Exsultemus et laetemur hodie"). It follows the Benedicamus tone (which is to say, deriving from Kyrie fons bonitatis for festivals) in mode III, but also the alternate tone in mode V, which in the Liber Usu. is termed "according to more common usage." Thus it combines both melodies, unifying them by transposing the ending back up to mode III.

’Tis the time for joy and gladness, for now Christ,
Our passover Lamb, for us is sacrificed.
  Alleluia, Christ the Lord is ris’n again!

2. Let us all rejoice this day, this day be glad,
For this day a day of gladness shall be had,
  Alleluia, Christ the Lord is ris’n again!

3. To the sepulchre the women early came,
Where they heard the angel answer and exclaim:
  Alleluia, Christ the Lord is ris’n again!

4. “Why seek ye the living here among the dead?”
He is risen as unto the Twelve He said.”
  Alleluia, Christ the Lord is ris’n again!

5. Therefore at the end of this festivity,
LET US BLESS THE LORD, His servants now set free.
  Alleluia, Christ the Lord is ris’n again!

6. Since He hath our liberty to us restored,
LET US all GIVE THANKS UNTO our GOD and Lord.
  Alleluia, Christ the Lord is ris’n again!

Translation © 2014 Matthew Carver.

LATIN
1. Exultandi et laetandi tempus est,
Pascha nostrum immolatus agnus est.
  Alleluia, Resurrexit Dominus.

2. Exultemus et laetemur hodie
Dies iste, dies est laeticiae. | Alleluia. Res.

3. Ad sepulchrum mulieres veniunt,
Responsum ab Angelo recipiunt. | Alleluia. Res.

4. In sepulchro quem dolentes queritis,
Surrexit sicut praedixit discipulis. | Alleluia. Res.

5. In hoc ergo jubilaei termino,
Servus liber benedicat Domino. | Alleluia. Res.

6. Cum sit ergo restituta libertas,
Omnes Deo referamus gratias. | Alleluia. Res.

Summe Rex Christe (Summi regis archangele)

Here is my translation of the Sequence for Michaelmas according to Keuchenthal, et al (1573), as corrected by Bonnus from the original Latin (probably of Alcuin or Notker). The corrections in the middle and end represent quite a departure, and distort the meter of the original. I have restored that meter in the translation, but followed Bonn’s sense. I include the Latin in corrected form and original below.
 
 CHRIST, HIGH King of all the angel company!
1b. We beseech Thee, hear our voices raised to Thee.

2a. Thee we confess o’er every other,
The Head of all the heav’nly progeny;
2b. Oh, intercede before Thy Father
To send us help in need and misery.

3a. By the Father Thou art given
As a Prince all pow’r from heaven
Sinful souls to save, and to deliver us.
3b. We beseech Thee, who hast made us:
Send Thy holy hosts to aid us
Let them hedge us round about and cover us,

4a. Lest the world and Satan
Have the pow’r to do us harm,
And from the one true faith our spirit charm;
4b. But Thy Word let prosper,
And be taught in truth aright,
As it is taught before God’s holy sight.

5a. Guard us by Thine angels’ keeping,
In waking and in sleeping,
Keep our hearts humble all,
Lest in presumption we should slip and fall,
5b. As of old the wicked devil
With all his spirits evil
Fell from their heav’nly claim,
And angels good foul demons thus became.

6a. Hear us, O Christ, true God,
Mighty Redeemer:
From every wicked plot
And the deceiver
Keep and preserve us ’neath Thy shelt’ring wing
Through the true angels who forever sing,
6b. “Salvation to the King,
Our Lord forever!”
Our highest thanks we bring
To God the Father,
Who gave us wretches Christ, and in life’s ill
By all His holy angels keeps us still,——and forever.

Translation © 2013 Matthew Carver.

LATIN (BONNUS)

1a. Summe Rex Christe Angelorum omnium.
1b. Intende quaesumus nostris precibus.

2a. Te namque profitemur esse
supernorum civium Principem.
2b. Tu Patrem obsecrà pro nobis
ut mittat auxilium miseris.

3a. Principalis est potestas
a Patre tibi donata,
peccantes salvificare animas.
3b. Ut jubeas, petimus,
Angelos sanctos pro nobis
agere excubias omni tempore,

4. Ne quid Satan et mundus
nocere nobis possint,
in his quae sunt verae fidei.
4b. Et ut tuum verbum
feliciter recteque doceatur,
tanquam in conspectu Dei.

5a. Fac ut Angelorum praesidio
servemur in humilitate spiritus,
ne in praesumptionem prolabamur.
5b. Sic enim pravi spiritus
e coelis olim ceciderunt, 
ex Angelis bonis mali facti Daemones.

6a. Audi nos, Christe redemptor,
et defende nos
contra fallaces
horum insidias,
per Angelos pios, qui semper canunt,
6b. Laus sit Regi Domino.
Agimus summas coelesti
gratias Patri, qui Christum
pro nobis dedit,
et per sanctos Angelos
tuetur nos miseros in tantis malis hujus vitae.

LATIN (ORIGINAL)

1a. Summi Regis archangele Michahel
1b. Intende quaesumus nostris precibus.

2a. Te namque profitemur esse
 supernorum principem civium.
2b. Tu Deum obsecra pro nobis
 ut mittat auxilium miseris.

3a. Principalis est potestas
 a Domino tibi data
peccantes salvificare animas.
3b. Idem tenes perpetuo
 principatum paradisi
omnes civis te honorant superi.

4a. Tu in templo Dei
turibulum aureum
visus es habuisse manibus.
4b. Inde scandens vapor
aromatum plurimus
pervenit ante conspectum Dei.

5a. Quando cum dracone magnum
perfecisti proelium
faucibus illius
animas abstraxisti plurimas.
5b. Hinc maximum agebatur
in caelo selentium
milia milium
dicebant salus regi Domino.

6a. Audi nos, Michahel,
angele summe
huc parum descende
de poli sede
nobis ferendo opem Domini
atque levamen indulgentiae
6b. Tu nostros Gabrihel
hostes prosterne;
tu Raphahel, aegris
affer medelam,
morbos absterge, noxas minue,
nosque fac interesse gaudiis (7.)  beatorum.

Congaudent angelorum

Here is my translation of “Congaudent angelorum,” sung by the church as the Sequence for the Assumption (et al.), as corrected by Hermann Bonnus and found in Ludecus’ cantionale (1589). Included with Bonnus’ Latin are the variants from the original text before the evangelical corrections. These consist mainly of amending Marian adoration to reverence (in accord, e.g., with early councils), and, toward the end of the Sequence, redirecting invocatory language from Mary to Christ. Interestingly, this Sequence was general for the Assumption throughout German lands, whereas the Sarum use employed three special Sequences along with the other Marian ones throughout the Octave.

IN COMMON celebration
Angels joy in Mary glorified,

2a. Who without relation
Of mortal man, her Son supplied,
2b. Who restores creation
By His body’s healing tide.

3a. For now this Virgin’s heart rejoices
To see the Man as heaven’s Prince
3b. That once amid the manger noises
Received from her His sustenance.

4a. How angels sing the splendor
 Of Jesus’ mother, Mary honoring!
4b. Who, owning fealty, render
Their faithful service to Her Son, the King.

5a. How brightly in heaven
They the virgin maid revere,
  Whose body was given
To their Lord a lodging dear,
And as a chamber free from stain!
5b. How fair is the shining
Of the sea-star in the heights, Who, humbly inclining,
Bore the Light above all lights,—
Light of all spirits, stars, and men!

6a. The King of all heaven,
Jesus Christ our Lord,
  By all His humble church adored,
6b. Who ever is given
Songs of sweet accord,
  With all the hosts on high outpoured.

7a. Whom sacred scriptures sweetly frame,
Prophets as in chorus joyful name,
Clerics and apostles jointly
And the holy martyrs all proclaim,
7b.  Whom man and maiden own the Way,
With their crosses foll’wing day to day,
Both in faith and true affection
Emulating saints above the fray.

8a. All Thy church, in spirit soaring,
Thee with hymns adoring,
Calling Thee most highly prized,
8b. Faith before Thee thus revealing,
Humbly to Thy heart appealing,
  Beseeches Thee to hear, O Jesus Christ,

9. That Thou wouldst forever deign
From Thy Father to obtain
Help by Thy pray’rs all-availing.

Translation © 2013 Matthew Carver.

LATIN (LUDECUS 1589: CORR. BY H. BONNUS)

1. Congaudent angelorum
chori gloriosae Virgini,

2a. Quae sine virili
commixtione genuit
2b. Filium qui suo
mundum cruore medicat.

3a. Nam ipsa laetatur,
quod caeli iam conspicatur Principem.
3b. In terris cui quondam
sugendas Virgo mammillas praebuit.

4a. Quam celebris angelis
Maria Jesu mater creditur.
4b. Qui Filii illius
debitos se cognoscunt famulos. [debito…] V

5a. Quam fulgida in caelis [Qua gloria…]
ista Virgo cernitur, […colitur]
quae Domino caeli
praebuit hospitium
sui sanctissimi corporis.
5b. Quam splendida polo
stilla maris rutilat,  [stella…]* (I have used the original reading here)
quae omnium lumen
astrorum et hominum
atque spirit[u]um genuit.

6a. Jesum Christum caeli Regem, [Te caeli regina]
quem plebecula [haec plebicula]
piis concelebrant mentibus.
6b. Quem cantu melodo [Te … melodos]
super aethera
una cum angelis elevat.

7a. Quem libri sacri concinunt, [Te libri virgo…]
Prophetarum chorus jubilat,
sacerdotum Apostoli,
sanctique martyres praedicant. [Christique …]
7b. Quem plebis sexus sequitur, [Te plebes…]
utriusque vitam diligens
Christianam caelicolas [virginalem…]
in dilectione aemulans. [in castimonia…]

8a. Ecclesia ergo cuncta
Te cordibus Teque
carminibus venerans. […celebrat]
8b. Tibi suam manifestat
devotionem precatu
Te supplici implorans, Jesu Christe. [… implorans Maria]

9. Ut sibi auxilio
circa patrem Dominum  […Christum…]
esse digneris per aevum.

Gaude visceribus

Here is my translation of the hymn "Gaude visceribus" for 1st Vespers of the Assumption (or Dormition) of the Blessed Virgin Mary, made according to the corrections to the Latin by Hermann Bonnus, as found in Ludecus' Vesperale (1589).

NOW make thee jubilant deep in thy inmost breast
O Mother Christendom, so oft who hallowest
Sacred days of Saint Mary;
Earth, sea, heaven, now celebrate!

2. Her lowly origin lacked no magnificence,
Her life shone brilliantly with deeds of holiness,
Her departure possesseth
Highest honor for evermore.

3. Virgin delivering, virgin continuing,
She gave God nourishment from her own reservoir,
Bent to bear with arms trembling 
Him who holds her and ev’rything.

4. Blessed that God-bearer, bounteous in accolades,
Gate of the Potentate fastened perennially,
Bright Polaris, the Sea-star,
Branch with Royalty blossoming.

5. Now with sincerity we humbly ask of Thee,
Son of the Virgin pure, God’s very Progeny,
Of Thine infinite mercy
Keep us always and ev’rywhere.

6. Christ, with Thy hallowèd orisons gain for us
Peace’s true palisade, sweet and perpetual,
And Thy blessed dominion,
With endowments more permanent.

7. Grant it, Omnipotent Father, Begotten One,
And Thou in Deity, Spirit, identical,
One God ever reigning,
For all ages and evermore.

Translation © 2013 Matthew Carver.

LATIN (AS REWORKED BY BONNUS)

1. Gaude visceribus mater in intimis
felix ecclesia, quae sacra replicas
sanctae festa Mariae,
plaudant astra, solum, mare.

2. Cuius magnifica est generatio,
cuius vita sacris claruit actibus.
cuius finis honorem
summum fine tenet sine.

3. Quae virgo peperit, virgoque permanet
lactavit propriis uberibus Deum.
Portantemque gerebat
Ulnis prona trementibus.

4. Felix multiplici laude puerpera,
Regis porta sui clausa perenniter.
Mundi stella fluentis
Floris virgula regia.

5. Te nunc suppliciter poscimus unice
O Fili Mariae virginis et Dei,
Ut nos semper ubique
Miti munere protegas.

6. Sanctis obtineas Christe precatibus
Pacis praesidium dulce diutinae,
Nobis atque beati
Regni dona perennia.

7. Praesta summe Pater, Patris et Unice
Amborumque simul Spiritus annue,
Qui regnas Deus unus
Omni tempore saeculi.

Christe sanctorum decus (corr. H. Bonnus)

Here is my translation of Hermann Bonnus’ correction to Rabanus Maurus’ hymn for the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels. I have attempted to translate it twice, on the basis of each commonly used versions, one unrhymed and the other rhymed, since the first and last stanzas are largely the same as the original. The sixth stanza is a generic doxology for this meter, apparently from St. Gregory the Great. Since that of Riley is less literal (Dearmer does no better), I have provided an alternate translation, and also direct the reader to the superior doxology provided in the other (Roman use) translation. The following tune is that appointed in Lossius Psalmodia (1579).

Adaptation of English Hymnal #242 (based on A. Riley, 1906):
CHRIST, THE FAIR glory of the holy angels,
Thou who hast made us, Thou who o'er us rulest,
Grant of Thy mercy for our supplications
Steps up to heaven.


2. Give holy angels charge o’er every dwelling,
That they may keep us, standing as our watchmen,
From Satan’s murd’rous plots our souls defending,
His snares dispelling.


3. So let Thy Scripture sound without perversion,
Nor any faction or false doctrine flourish,
Lest our poor senses be seduced to error
By faith’s appearance.


4. As once Thine Angel Michael was triumphant,
Seizing the vict’ry o’er the prince of Persia,
So make among us peace once more to prosper
E’en at the present.


5. Grant that Thine angel govern all the living,
Ably supporting all our earthly labors
That Thou may’st find them well and wholly pleasing:
O Christ, we pray Thee.


6. This may the blessed Godhead vouchsafe to us:
Father coequal with the Son and Spirit,
Whose glory echoes through the world resounding
Now and forever. (Amen.)


Riley’s original doxology:
6. Father Almighty, Son, and Holy Spirit,
God ever blessèd, be Thou our preserver;
Thine is the glory which the angels worship,
Veiling their faces.

Roman translation:
This be our portion [older: This He vouchsafe us…], God forever blessed,
Father eternal, Son, and Holy Spirit,
Whose is the glory, which through all creation
ever resoundeth. (Amen.)


Translation sts. 1, 6 alt., Composite;
sts. 2-6. © Matthew Carver, 2011.


Correction of alternate translation (based on T.I. Ball, 1921):
CHRIST, OF THE Angels praise and adoration,
Maker of all men, Lord of every nation,
Graciously let our earnest pray’r be given
Steps up to heaven.


2. Thy holy angels to our dwellings send us,
Charge them as guardians ever to attend us,
From us averting Satan’s wicked cunning,
His ruses stunning.


3. That in all truth Thy Word may be presented,
And any sects of doctrine false prevented,
Lest they by outward piety’s pretenses
Ensnare our senses.


4. Michael the Angel, once the rival quelling,
Victory wrested, Persia’s prince repelling,—
So let peace prosper now amid the foment,
E’en in this moment.


5. May Thy good angel rule and govern o’er us,
And in our labors help and go before us,
That they may please Thee, nor by sin dismay Thee;
This, Christ, we pray Thee.


6. O May the Godhead, endless bliss possessing, 

Father and Son and Spirit, grant this blessing; 

Whose glory, all the universe pervading

Knoweth no fading.

Translation st. 1 Composite, st. 6, 
sts. 2–5 © Matthew Carver, 2011.


BONNUS’ CORRECTION

1. Christe, sanctorum decus Angelorum
Auctor humani generis et rector,
Supplices nobis, tribuas rogamus
scandere caelum.


2. Angelos sanctos jubeas ubique
Esse custodes, vigilesque nostros,
Impetus contra Satanae malignos,
Insidiasque.


3. Ut tuum verbum doceatur apte,
Nulla perversi valeatque secta
Dogmatis nostros, pietate ficta,
Fallere sensus.


4. Angelus quondam Michael triumphum
Regibus Persis reparavit, idem
Publicam pacem, tueatur omni
Tempore nobis.


5. Angelus vitam regat universam,
Adjuvet nostros simul et labores,
Cuncta quòd possint tibi comprobari,
Christe precamur.


6. Praestet hoc nobis Deitas beata
Patris ac Nati, pariterque Sancti
Spiritus, cuius reboat per omnem
gloria mundum. (Amen.)

ORIGINAL LATIN

1. CHRISTE, sanctorum decus Angelorum
Rector humani generis et auctor,
nobis aeternum tribue benigne
scandere caelum.


2. ANGELUM pacis, Michael ad istam
caelitus mitte, rogitamus aulam:
nobis ut crebro veniente crescant
prospera cuncta.


3. ANGELUS fortis Gabriel, ut hostem
pellat antiquum, volitet ab alto,
saepius templum veniat ad istud
visere nostrum.


4. ANGELUM nobis medicum salutis
mitte de caelis Raphael, ut omnes
sanet aegrotos, pariterque nostros
dirigat actus.


5. HINC Dei nostri Genetrix Maria,
totus et nobis chorus Angelorum
semper assistat, simul et beata
concio tota.


6. PRAESTET hoc nobis Deitas beata
Patris ac Nati pariterque Sancti
Spiritus, cuius resonat per omnem
gloria mundum. Amen.

LATIN, REVISED USE:

1. Christe, sanctorum decus Angelorum,
Gentis humanae sator et redemptor,
Coelitum nobis tribuas beatas
Scandere sedes.


2. Angelus pacis Michael in aedes
Coelitus nostras veniat, serenae
Auctor ut pacis lacrimosa in orcum
Bella releget.


3. Angelus fortis Gabriel, ut hostes
Pellat antiquos, et arnica coelo,
Quae triumphator statuit per orbem,
Templa revisat.


4. Angelus nostrae medicus salutis,
Adsit e coelo Raphael, ut omnes
Sanet aegrotos, dubiosque vitae
Dirigat actus.


5. Virgo dux pacis, Genitrixquae lucis,
Et sacer nobis chorus Angelorum
Semper assistat, simul et micantis
Regia coeli.


6. Praestet hoc nobis Deitas beata
Patris, ac Nati, pariterque sancti
Spiritus, cujus resonat per omnem
Gloria mundum.

Exultet vera Ecclesia

Here is my translation of the Latin hymn for Apostles, “Exultet vera Ecclesia,” an evangelical correction by H. Bonnus of the anonymous “Exultet coelum laudibus” [Let the Round World with Songs Rejoice] -- here as given in Lossius’ Psalmodia (1579). The melody is found in the same source; in transcribing it I have raised it a step, giving it the key signature for D maj. [Dr. Herl notes that it is Mode IV Hypophrygian, transposed], and added a ligature between the 6th and 7th note, where one might expect a vocalic elision in the first line of the original.

LET THE true Church on earth rejoice,
In faith lift up her joyful voice,
The solemn feast in song to frame
Of the Apostles, full of fame.

2. For by no merit of their own
Christ did by purest grace alone
Call to Himself those simple men,
To learn His Word and lead His train.

3. That through them He might put to shame
Man’s wisdom and its false acclaim,
And draw men to His righteousness,
Which we alone by faith possess.

4. As fathers He did them appoint,
And princes on the earth anoint,
To subjugate the faithless horde
By working of the Spirit’s Word.

5. Of Jesus Christ therefore they taught,
From Whom salvation must be sought,
And rescue from hell’s endless woe,
That we to endless life might go.

6. For this they suffered many_an ill,
Of pain and mock’ry had their fill,
With faithless men did warfare wage,
E’en in this present evil age.

7. Now e’er in heav’n they live and reign
Till Christ in glory comes again
Upon this age’s final hour,
And they shall judge the earth with pow’r.

8. Therefore we humbly Thee implore,
O Christ, to keep us evermore
In Thy good doctrine firmly staid,
As by th’ Apostles once relayed,

9. Lest some false doctrine fool our mind
To trust in works by man designed,
Or shameful vice lead us astray
From Thy true Gospel’s saving way,

10. That when our Judge shall come at last,
And this the day of grace is past,
We may with them partakers be
Of joy that lasts eternally. Amen.

Translation © Matthew Carver, 2011.

LATIN

1. Exultet vera Ecclesia
magnis in fide gaudiis,
Apostolorum quoties
sacra canit sollennia.

2. Nam sine ipsorum meritis
Christus ex mera gratia,
Vocavit illos simplices,
Ad sui Verbi studium.

3. Ut per ipsos confunderet,
Humanam sapientiam,
Et homines pertraheret
Ad fidei justiciam.

4. Hos statuit pro Patribus,
Per totum orbem Principes,
Ad subjugandum impios,
Virtute Verbi Spiritus.

5. Docebant Christum igitur
Esse per quem oporteat
Servari nos ab Inferis,
Vitamque aeternam consequi.

6. Quapropter multa passi sunt,
Tormenta et opprobria,
Ab impiis hominibus,
In hoc praesenti seculo.

7. Sed nunc vivunt perpetuo
In coelis, et cum venerit
Christus in fine temporum,
Tunc erunt Mundi Judices.

8. Precamur ergo supplices,
Te Christe, ut nos integros,
In simplici retineas,
Apostolorum dogmate.

9. Ne nostras mentes operum,
Falsa doctrina capiat,
Vel scandala absterreant,
A vero Evangelio.

10. Ut cum Judex adveneris,
In fine huius seculi,
Nos sempiterni gaudii
Facias esse compotes. Amen.

Quando Christus ascenderat

Here is my translation of the Benedicamus hymn for Ascension: "Quando Christus ascenderat," as corrected by M. Herman Bonnus and included in Lossius "Psalmodia." While still a hymn of the Ascension, it links the Ascension and Session to Pentecost more explicitly than other hymns that focus on the Ascension itself. The text is based on the late medieval pia cantio of the same name, and uses the same melody. Here is the Pia Cantiones version of the melody.

The last line in the original is sung thus (note the length of 4th note):

WHEN Christ ascended into heav’n,
To sit upon the Father’s right,
Then, as He promised, man was giv’n
The Holy Ghost from realms of light,
A sound was heard like rushing wind,
And tongues of fire were burning bright.

2. His sudden coming there discerned,
Then none from blessed fear was spared,
A Comforter upon them burned,
And pow’r to all th’ Apostles shared,
Who then in myriad tongues unlearned
The mighty acts of God declared.

3. The sterile Church He fertile made
With fruitful gifts of many a kind,
Their conscience He with grace allayed,
Consoled their heart, illumed their mind,
From Satan’s wiles their life he stayed,
From evil saved, from world so blind.

4. Now to the Spirit’s Father high
In heaven let our pray’r ascend
That in the faith of Christ His Son
He keep us ever without end.
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Bless we the Lord, bless we the Lord.

Translation © Matthew Carver, 2011.

LATIN

1. Quando Christus ascenderat,
sedens ad Patris dexteram,
quem antea promiserat,
e coelo mittit Spiritum,
auditur tanquam sonitus,
linguae videntur igneae. [< linguis loquuntur omnium]

2. Hic subito adveniens,
Metum incussit omnibus,
Et consolator pavidos
Apostolorum animos,
Qui statim linguis variis
Docent Dei magnalia.

3. Foecundat hic Ecclesiam
Diversis donis sterilem,
consolatur, illuminat,
et servat conscientias,
Adversus mundum, Satanam,
Et dirae moris impetum.

4. Patrem oramus igitur
Coelestem, sanctus Spiritus,
Ut nos in fide Filii
Pura semper retineat,
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Benedicamus Domino.

Ehre sei dir, Christe

Here is my translation of “Ehre sei dir, Christe” (H. Bonnus, 1540). The first stanza is a traditional hymn, Laus tibi Christe qui pateris. It was originally sung in Latin between stanzas of Rex Christe factor omnium, on Good Friday. The stand-alone version here has two added stanzas identical to stanzas 3 and 6 of "Ach, wir armen Sünder," q.v. The hymn is called "Lob sei dir Christe" in Ludecus (1589) and appointed under the section Judica, Palmarum, and Good Friday. A variety of German translations exist. Our seemingly anomalous title perhaps arose from the influence of the Gospel acclamation Laus tibi Christe, “Lob sei dir [O] Christe,” from the ordinary of the Mass. The melody is the traditional one associated with this series of texts, probably from 15th c., though the title starting with the word Lob suggests that perhaps the Latin melody was used with a form of the German title.


1. Christ, to Thee be glory,
For Thy bitter pain,
On the cross of suff’ring,
Dying for our gain.
Now with God the Father
Reigning without end:
Help us wretched sinners!
Thy salvation send!
Kyrie eleison,
Christe Eleison,
Kyrie eleison.

2. Had Christ not descended
To this world of shame
And upon Him taken
Our own humble frame,
And for our transgressions
Died most willingly,
We in hell would suffer
For eternity.
Kyrie, etc.

3. Let us altogether
Sing our joyful boast,
Thanking God the Father,
Son, and Holy Ghost,
Praying for protection,
From offenses here,
And our preservation
In His Word so dear.
Kyrie, etc.

Translation © Matthew Carver, 2010.

GERMAN

1. Ehre [Lob] sei dir, Christe,
der du littest Not,

an dem Stamm des Kreuzes
für uns bittern Tod,

herrschest mit dem Vater
in der Ewigkeit:

hilf uns armen Sündern
zu der Seligkeit.

Kyrie eleison,

Christe eleison,

Kyrie eleison.

2. Wäre nicht gekommen
Christus in die Welt

und hätt angenommen
unser arm Gestalt

und für unsre Sünde
gestorben williglich,

so hätten wir müssen
verdammt sein ewiglich.

Kyrie, usw.

3. Darum wolln wir loben,
danken allezeit

dem Vater und Sohne
und dem Heilgen Geist;

bitten, daß sie wollen
behüten uns hinfort,

und daß wir stets bleiben
bei seinem heilgen Wort.

Kyrie, usw.

O wir armen Sünder (st. 6/6)

Here is my translation of “O [Ach] wir armen Sünder!” (H. Bonnus, ca. 1543). It comes from the 15th c. Latin hymn on Christ's passion, and the melody is a variation thereof. Ludecus appoints it for Quinquagesima and for Trinity III. It seems to be corrected from a popular vernacular hymn, "O you wretched Judas." The melodies shown below are Lossius' version with the first stanza of the Latin, and the German form of 1527, which has two options for the Kyrie. According to Lossius, the stanzas of the hymn Rex Christe Factor omnium [“O Christ, Our King, Creator, Lord”] were interposed between those of this hymn.


1. Oh, what wretched sinners
Are we on this earth!
Sinners from conception,
Sinners from our birth!
Brought by our transgression
Into such distress
We deserve damnation
For our sinfulness.
Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison, Kyrie eleison!

2. Our escape could never
Out of death be gained
By our own endeavor—
Sin too strongly reigned;
For to gain redemption
Nothing else could be
But God’s Son must suffer
Death and agony.
Kyrie, etc.

3. Had our Lord not met us
Here upon the earth,
And upon Him taken
Our own fleshly birth,
And for our transgression
Died most willingly—
We would face damnation
For eternity.
Kyrie, etc.

4. Such was the great favor
And the tender care
Which in Christ our Savior
God for us laid bare,
When, in bitter passion
Christ upon the cross
Earned us the salvation
Freely giv’n to us.
Kyrie, etc.

5. With such consolation
In both sin and death,
Fires of condemnation
Cannot shake our faith;
Rescue from all danger
Is our sure bequest
From Our Lord and Savior,
Christ, forever blest.
Kyrie, etc.

6. Let us altogether
Sing our joyful boast,
Thanking God the Father,
Son, and Holy Ghost,
Praying for protection,
From offenses here,
And the preservation
Of His Word so dear.
Kyrie, etc.

Translation © Matthew Carver, 2010.

GERMAN

1. Ach wir armen Sünder!
unser Missethat,
darin wir empfangen
und geboren sind,
hat gebracht uns alle
in solch große Noth,
daß wir unterworfen
sind dem ewgen Tod.
Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison, Kyrie eleison!

2. Aus dem Tod wir konnten
durch unsr eigen Werk
nimmer werdn gerettet:
die Sünd war zu stark;
daß wir würdn erlöset,
konnts nicht anders sein,
Gottes Sohn mußt leiden
des Tods bitter Pein.
Kyrie etc.

3. So nicht wäre kommen
Christus in die Welt,
und an sich genommen
unser arm Gestalt,
und für unser Sünde
gestorben williglich:
hätten wir mußt werden
verdammt ewiglich.
Kyrie etc.

4. Solche große Gnade
und väterlich Gunst
hat uns Gott erzeiget
lauterlich umsonst
in Christo, seim Sohn[e],
der sich geben hat
in den Tod des Kreuzes
uns zur Seligkeit.
Kyrie etc.

5. Deß solln wir uns trösten
gegen Sünd und Tod,
und ja nicht verzagen
vor der Hölle Glut;
denn wir sind gerettet
aus all Fährlichkeit
durch Christ unsern Herren,
globt in Ewigkeit,
Kyrie etc.

6. Darum wolln wir loben,
danken allezeit
dem Vater und Sohne
und dem Heilgen Geist!
bitten, daß sie wollen
hüten uns vor Arg,
und daß wir stets bleiben
bei seim heilgen Wort.
Kyrie etc.