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.

Ave stilla maris / Ave stella maris

Here is my translation, or rather extreme reworking, of a translation of the hymn Ave stella maris, which Caswall did—“Hail Bright Star of Ocean,” to fit the Lutheran version. In the 16th century, a Lutheran scholar, Camerarius, amended it to harmonize with the Lutheran understanding of Mary in the Book of Concord. Note that the term “ever virgin” was left intact. While the curious change from “star” to “drop” appears here (other Lutherans left star alone) to be an attempt to put Mary in a more humble frame, it is actually a return to the original term used by Jerome, who, translating the name Miriam in the Old Testament, rendered it (in his experienced judgment) “stilla maris.” By distortion of dialect or mind, this eventually became “stella maris,” which to be sure inspires many more flights of poetic devotion than does “stilla maris.” I read that, generally speaking, a “stilla” is more substantial than a “guttula,” though what caused Jerome to choose one over the other I don’t know. The text and melody are those of Ludecus (no one outside of Mark Brandenburg appears to have preserved or attempted to preserve this hymn), where it is appointed for the Annunciation at Vespers, but might reasonably extended to other feasts of the holy Virgin.


HAIL, O drop of ocean!
Jesus’ blessed portal!
Ever Virgin Mother
Of the Lord immortal.

2 Hail, who meekly hearing
Gabriel’s word supernal,
Didst conceive the Giver
Of the Life eternal.

3. God’s beloved Virgin,
Full of faith and favor:
In thy womb as promised
Is the Seed and Savior.

4. Christ, Thou Offspring blessed
Of thy Mother lowly,
Cleanse us of our errors,
Make us chaste and holy.

5. Chains of sin, and blindness
By Thy light be riven
Ills in mercy banished,
Blessings freely given!

6. Show us life unstainèd,
Keep us safely faring
Till we see the Father
In His praises sharing.

7. Father, Son, and Spirit,
Three in One confessing,
Give we equal glory,
Equal praise, and blessing.  Amen.

Reworking 2016 Matthew Carver, 

LATIN

Ave maris stilla,
Dei mater alma
Atque semper virgo,
Felix Christi porta.

2. Sumens illud Ave
Gabrielis ore,
Concipis aeternae
Largitorem vitae.

3. O Deo dilecta
Virgo fide plena,
Ventris tui germen
Est promissum semen.

4. O beata Proles*  (id est, Jesu Christe)
Inter omnes mitis
Nos culpis solutos,
Mites fac et castos.

5. Vincla solve reis,
Profer lumen caecis,
Mala nostra pellens,
Bona cuncta reddens.

6. Vitam praesta puram,
Iter para tutum,
Ut videntes Patrem
Semper collaetemur.

7. Sit laus Deo Patri,
Summo Christo decus,
Spiritui sancto
Honor trinus unus. Amen.

Fit porta Christi pervia.

Here is an adapted translation of a hymn (“Fit porta Christi pervia”) much used for Annunciation in former days among Lutheran churches in Germany. It is composed, as may be plain, of certain stanzas from the Christmas hymn “A solis ortu(s) cardine” [From East to West, from Shore to Shore, or, From Lands That See the Sun Arise]. Apparently the latter hymn had been reconstructed based on the supposition that it had been an alphabetical poem, and stanzas were taken from the present hymn (attributed to Ambrose, 4th c.) to that end. Here I have restored the hymn, and taken the existing translation of W. J. Copeland (from yet another translation of “A solis,” “From Where the Rising Sun Goes Forth”) and adapted it slightly according to the Latin of Lossius (1579), for use as an independent hymn. The melody, very sweet, is from the same source, and used for a number of other hymns in the sanctoral section.

 

CHRIST’S beauteous portal, full of grace,
Is hallowed for the King to pass;
The King doth pass: the folded door
Abideth folded as before.

2. Son of the Father’s might divine,
Proceeding form His Virgin shrine,
Maker, Redeemer, Bridegroom, He
The Giant of His Church shall be.

3. Of Mother-maid the light and joy,
Of all believers hope most high,
He the dark cup of death shall drain
Ere He unloose our guilty chain.

4. All Laud to God the Father be
All praise, eternal Son, to Thee,
All glory, as is ever meet,
To God the Holy Paraclete. Amen.

4.* O Lord, the Virgin-born, to Thee
Eternal praise and glory be,
Whom with the Father we adore
And Holy Ghost for evermore. Amen.

* Alternate stanza for use on other feasts of the Holy Virgin Mary.

LATIN

Fit porta Christi pervia,
referta plena gratia,
Transitque Rex et permanet
Clausa, ut fuit per secula.

2. Genus superni luminis [numinis],
Processit aula virginis,
Sponsus, redemptor, conditor,
Suae gigas Ecclesiae.

3. Honor matris et gaudium
Immensa_et spes credentium,
Per atra mortis pocula,
Resolvit nostra crimina.

4. Deo Patri sit gloria,
Eiusque soli Filio,
Cum Spiritu Paraclito,
Et nunc et in perpetuum.

Signum crucis mirabile

Here is my translation of "Signum crucis mirabile" (sometimes called "Lignum crucis…"), the ancient office hymn for the Invention of the Holy Cross (May 3). Exaltation of the Cross (Sept. 14) is given in some of the early Lutheran books, but is not nearly so usual. The text is that of M. Ludecus’ Vesperale (f. 217a), but the melody in the form found in Lossius.

THE WONDROUS token of the Cross
That once o’ershone all worldly dross—
On which the sinless Christ in thrall
Was hung, the Ransom of us all:

2. Here is the Tree more highly grown
Than cedars of far Lebanon.
No bitter fruit it knows to bear,
But the rewards of life most fair.

3. We ask, kind Monarch, Christ, of Thee
That by the token of this Tree
Thou wouldst deny us not one hour
The shelter of Thy godly pow’r.

4. That we, with lips’ har-mo-nious joined,
And hearts most rev’-rent-ly inclined,
May render ev’ry hour to Thee
The praises owed Thy majesty.

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

Translation © 2015 Matthew Carver.

LATIN

Signum crucis mirabile
Olim per orbem renitens [=praenitens]
In qua pependit innocens
Christus redemptor omnium.

2. Haec arbor est sublimior
Cedris quas habet Libanus,
Quae poma nescit noxia
Sed ferre vitae praemia.

3. Tu Christe rex piissime,
Hujus crucis signaculo
Horarum momentis omnibus
Munire nos non abnuas.

4. Ut ore tibi consono
Et corde devotissimo
Possimus omni tempore
Laudes referre debitas.

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

Ich armer Mensch gar nichtes bin

Here is my translation of the poem or hymn “Ich armer Mensch gar nichtes bin” (J. Gigas, 1564), or “…doch gar nichts bin,” a versified supplication of one who is near death. It is based on a Latin elegaic Precatio by Philip Melanchthon dating to 1555  (See Wackernagel 1:457). The six couplets which comprise the original form of the lyric are first seen at the end of an exposition by Gigas of the hymn, “Ein Kindelein so löbelich” which was published in 1564. The tune normally appointed for it in hymnals is “O Jesu Christ, meins Lebens Licht” or “Herr Jesu Christ, wahr Mensch und Gott.”

I, WRETCHED man, am naught, I own.  
    God’s Son remains my gain alone,
My hope—that He true Man was made,
    My ransom—’twas His blood that paid. 


2. O God the Father, govern me  
    With Thy good Spirit constantly; 
Allow Thy Son, my Life and Stay,
    To dwell within my heart alway. 


3. Oh, when the final hour I see,  
    Take me, Lord Jesus Christ, to Thee! 
For Thine I am, and mine Thou art—
    To meet Thee soon how longs my heart!
Amen.


Translation © 2015 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

Ich armer Mensch gar nichtes bin, 

Gotts Sohn allein ist mein Gewinn.

Daß er Mensch wordn, das ist mein Trost;

Er hat mich durch sein Blut erlöst.

O Gott Vater, regier du mich

Mit deinem Geiste stetiglich.

Laß deinen Sohn, mein Trost und Lebn,

Allzeit in meinem Herzen schwebn;

Und wenn die Stund verhanden ist,

Nimm mich zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ:

Denn ich bin dein, und du bist mein,

Wie gern wollt ich bald bei dir sein.

Amen.

MELANCHTHON'S LATIN

Nil sum, nulla miser novi solatia, massam

Humanam nisi quod tu quoque, Christe, geris.

Tu me sustenta fragilem, tu Christe guberna.

Fac ut sim massae surculus ipse tuae.

Hoc mirum foedus semper mens cogitet, uno

Hoc est, ne dubita, foedere parta salus. 

O Lux beata Trinitas (tres unum trium unio)

Here is my translation of the traditional office hymn at Lauds and the Hours on the feast of Holy Trinity in German (and some French) territories, "O Lux beata Trinitas (Tres unum trium unio),"—not to be confused with the shorter hymn for Saturdays in Trinitytide, "O Lux beata Trinitas," which Luther himself translated into German. I take the Latin text and melodic form from Lossius.

Image © 2015 Matthew Carver.

O BLESSED Light and Trinity,
Thou Three in One and Union trine,
Blest company of Persons Three,
All pow’r in earth and heav’n is Thine.

2. O Father unbegotten ay,
Who mak’st the world to teem and flow’r,
And o’er creation holdest sway
Through Christ, the Word of godly pow’r.

3. O Word before the world was made,
The Father’s glory Thou dost trace,
Creator by whom earth was laid,
Thou Light of hearts, Thou Fount of grace.

4. O Holy Spirit, Charity,
Thou breath and very bond of peace,
The sweetest savor flows from Thee,
True Peace and Promise, Fruit, and Kiss.

5. The Father doth His Image bear
Of equal glory, from His heart;
And from Them both, proceeding e’er,
The Holy Spirit doth depart.

6. One God and Three we worship Thee,
One Essence of Three Persons true,
One rev’rence of esteem to Three
With like acclaim we give as due.

7. To th’ unbegotten Father, God,
With Christ, the sole begotten Son,
And Holy Ghost, be praise and laud,
Eternal, triune God alone.
Amen.

Translation © 2015 Matthew Carver.

LATIN

1. O lux beata trinitas,
Tres unum, trium unio,
Imperialis unitas
In trium contubernio.

2. O pater innascibilis,
Natura semper pullulans,
Pondus rei vertibilis
Verbo virtutis baiulans.

3. O verbum in principio,
Paternae splendor gloriae,
Tu conditor et ratio,
Lux cordium, fons veniae.

4. O amor, sancte spiritus,
Concordiae spiraculum,
Summi dulcoris halitus,
Pax, foedus, fructus, osculum.

5. Pater gignit imaginem
Aequalem sibi penitus,
Solamque per originem
Ab ipsis differt spiritus.

6. Tres unum Deum credimus,
Unam trium essentiam,
Tribus unam impendimus
Honoris reverentiam.

7. Laus Patri sit ingenito,
Laus eius unigenito,
Laus sit sancto spiritui,
Trino Deo et simplici.

Meim Herzen ists ein große Freud

Here is my translation of the hymn “Meim Herzen ists ein große Freud” (Cornelius Becker, d. 1604), a paraphrase on Psalm CXVI, Dilexi quoniam. Originally published with title “The salutary cup” and set to the borrowed tune “Mag es denn nicht anders gesein” [or Mag es denn je nicht anders sein], it was eventually given this melody by Schütz:

Update 21 June, 2024: The proper tune:

 

MY HEART doth mightily rejoice
For God hath always heard my voice,
In trouble, when to Him I call,
On gracious ears my prayèrs fall
He doth incline
To hear whereof I pine;
Therefore will I
Upon Him call until I die.

2. The cords of death surrounded me,
The pains of hell wrought misery;
I sank in sorrow and distress,
E’en unto death my grief did press;
But, thus appalled,
Upon the Lord I called,
And He my soul
From grief delivered, safe and whole.

3. My God is gracious, righteous e’er,
Yea, great His mercy is and fair,
His help doth godly hearts betide,
The simple may in Him confide.
I was brought low,
My God did help bestow.
Therefore ’tis best,
My soul, in God to find thy rest.

4. Great good the Lord hath done for me,
He wiped my tears of agony;
He saved my soul when death did call,
Nor suffers now my feet to fall.
Therefore, restored,
I’ll walk before Thee, Lord,
My service give,
So long as Thou wilt have me live.

5. My heart’s belief I freely own,
Before all men I make it known;
Though enemies afflict me sore,
I tremble not, but speak the more;
None need lament
The grief by which I’m pent,
For well I know
All men are liars, it is so.

6. Lord, what shall I to Thee repay
For all Thy benefits each day?
Henceforth I will receive of Thee
The cup of Thy salvation free,
Thy fame pursue
By doctrine right and true
And pay my vows
Before Thy people, in Thy house.

7. How precious in Thy sight, and fine
The death of each dear saint of Thine!
O Lord, I am Thy handmaid’s son,
Thy servant well Thy grace hath known;
For I am free,
The bond was loosed by Thee;
My thanks therefore
And praise I’ll give Thee evermore.

8. I’ll pay my ev’ry vow, as due,
Unto the Lord, a servant true,
And fain before His flock will I
Both praise His name and glorify;
With song devout
I will go in and out,
And in God’s house
Sing, Praise the Lord, God dwells with us!

Translation © 2015 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

1. Meim Herzen ists ein große Freud,
daß Gott mich höret allezeit,
wenn in der Not ich ruf zu ihm,
erhört er meines Flehens Stimm,
er neigt sein Ohr,
gibt mir in Gnad Gehör,
darum mit Dank
ruf ich ihn an mein Leben lang.

2. Des Todes Strick umfingen mich,
Höllenpein quält mich ängstiglich,
ich kam in Jammer, Angst und Not
und war betrübt bis in den Tod,
des Herren Nam
in Trübsal rief ich an,
aus Not und Pein
half er der armen Seelen mein.

3. Gnädig ist Gott, gerecht allzeit,
groß ist seine Barmherzigkeit,
den frommen Herzen hilft er wohl,
der Elend auf ihn trauen soll.
Ich war in Not,
mir half der treue Gott.
Drum, meine Seel,
in Gott dich nur zufrieden stell.

4. Guts hat der Herr an mir beweist,
hat abgewischt mein Tränen heiß,
mein Seel gerissen aus dem Tod,
hält mich, da mein Fuß glitten hat.
Drum will ich gern
für dir wandeln, mein Herr,
in deinem Dienst
solang du mir das Leben gönnst

5. Was mein Herz glaubt, bekenn ich frei
Für jederman ohn alle Scheu,
ob ich gleich drüber leid Beschwer
von Feindenwerd geplaget sehr.
Darf niemand klagn
mein Not in großem Zagn
denn ich befind
daß alle Menschen Lügner sind.

6. Wie soll ich, Herr, vergelten dir,
das Gute, so du tust an mir?
Ich will von deiner Hand fortan
den heilsamen Kelch nehmen an,
durch reine Lehr
ausbreiten deine Ehr,
mein Glübde all
vor deinem Volk ich willig zahl.

7. Für Dir sehr köstlich Ding muß sein
der Tod der lieben Heilgen dein,
Ich bin ein Sohn, Herr, deiner Magd,
Gnad deinem Knecht nicht ward versagt.
Du hast die Band
zerrissen durch dein Hand,
deß dank ich dir,
und rühm dein Namen für und für.

8. Was ich gelobt, bezahl ich recht
dem Herren als ein treuer Knecht,
will für seim Volk willig und gern
rühmen und preisen meinen Herrn.
In Gottes Haus
will ich gehn ein und aus
und singen frei:
Halleluja, Gott wohnt uns bei.

Jesu, nun sei gepreiset

Here is my translation of the New Year hymn “Jesu, nun sei gepreiset” (Johannes Herman, †1593). Written by a Thomaskantor of the late 16th century, it was notably used by J.S. Bach for the New Year Cantata. The appointed melody is by Melchior Vulpius (1609).

JESUS! to Thee be praises
Upon this new year’s dawn,
For all Thy loving graces
That through the year were shown
In danger, need, and sadness;
Still dost Thou deign to bless
With this new day gladness
And heav’nly blessedness.
In peace the year is ending;
We leave to Thy good tending
Ourselves both now and ever,
And pray Thee, Savior dear,
To shield us with Thy favor
Throughout the coming year! (x2)

2. May we, this year concluding,
Give glory to Thy name,
With all Thy church exuding
Fair songs to Thine acclaim.
Grant life and preservation
By Thine almighty hand,
Preserve Thy Christian nation
And save our native land!
Bestow on us Thy blessing,
Shed peace on all unceasing,
And let Thy Word salvific
In purity go forth;
Beat down the foe horrific
Both here and o’er the earth. (x2)

3. Thine only is the glory
Thine only is the praise;
Teach us to walk before Thee
Meek through the evil days;
Guide all our deeds, till, splendid
To heaven’s realm we fly
In peace and joy unblended,
To shine as saints on high;
For now make us in measure
According to Thy pleasure:
This pray’r we bring before Thee
With mouth and heart sincere
And on this day implore Thee,
Send us a blest New Year. (x2)

Translation © 2015 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

1. Jesu, nun sei gepreiset
zu diesem neuen Jahr
für dein Güt, uns beweiset
in aller Not und Gfahr.
daß wir haben erlebet
die neu fröhliche Zeit,
die voller Gnaden schwebet
und ewger Seligkeit;
dß wir in guter Stille
das alte Jahr habn erfüllet.
Wir wolln uns dir ergeben
itzund und immerdar
behüt Leib, Seel und Leben
hinfort durchs ganze Jahr. (x2)

2. Laß uns das Jahr vollbringen
zu Lob dem Namen dein,
daß wir demselben singen
in der Christen Gemein.
Wollst uns das Leben fristen
durch dein allmächtig Hand,
erhalt dein liebe Christen
und unser Vaterland!
Dein Segen zu uns wende,
Gib Fried an allem Ende,
Gib unverfälscht im Lande
Dein seligmachend Wort,
Die Teufel mach zuschanden
Hier und an allem Ort! (x2)

3. Dein ist allein die Ehre ,
dein ist allein der Ruhm;
Geduld im Kreuz uns lehre,
regier all unser Tun,
bis wir fröhlich abscheiden
ins ewig Himmelreich,
zu wahrem Fried und Freude,
den Heilgen Gottes gleich.
Indes machs uns allen
nach deinem Wohlgefallen:
solchs singet heut ohn Scherzen
die christgläubige Schar
und wünscht mit Mund und Herzen
ein seligs neues Jahr. (x2)

Vox ecce clara personat / Vox clara ecce intonat

Now that the busy summer-fall season is over, I am working on a new project; in the course of which, the following composite has been required for the Advent hymn at Lauds, Vox ecce clara personat, AKA Vox clara ecce intonat. The only version found in Lutheran chant books before the Thirty Years War has the modified text, correcting some of the metrical weaknesses that would later be addressed more drastically in 17th c. revisions in the church of Rome (En clara vox redarguit). The text is from Bezelius' Magdeburg cathedral book (1613) and the tune according to its form in Lossius' Psalmodia. Since most translations are based on later or other versions of the text, alteration was necessary in order to produce a faithful rendering of the Latin. I began with Chamber's earliest translation "Lo! what a thrilling voice sounds forth," and utilized some solutions also from Copeland's better-sounding "Hark to the voice, whose thrilling tone," as well as Chambers' revised "Hark! what a thrilling voice invades." Needless to say, nothing was borrowed from the popular "Hark a thrilling voice is sounding" (or "Hark, a herald voice is calling"), despite its wide acceptance, because of its disagreement with the meter.

Our Father (setting: Grüser)

Here is my adaptation of an Our Father setting (probably for catechetical use) by Valentin Grüser, who may perhaps be the printer Valentin Curio. The source is Pfeilschmidt, Libellus (1605). I give it in the original key (F) and transposed down to D. If you have a solution how to improve the "our trespasses" phrase without accenting "-pass-" please describe in the comments.

 Musical adaptation © 2014 Matthew Carver.

In fremd Herberg ich bin gewest

Here is my translation of the Purification hymn “In fremd Herberg ich bin gewest” (N. Selneccer), an interpolation of the Canticle of Simeon the Patriarch from Luke 2 (Nunc dimittis). Based on the meter and tune of “Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin,” it is not meant to replace Luther’s indispensible hymn so much as to offer another application of both text and tune.

FROM home estranged, in lodgings rude

My flesh abideth,

In prison bound—yet for my good

God provideth;

Ever in this cart I’ve roamed

Throughout my life so lowly.

2. Now, Lord my God, in grace and love

From bondage bring me

Unto my home, and so remove

Sins that sting me;

Loose me from the cart’s dull yoke,

To dwell in freedom ever.

3. I am Thy servant, this I know;

Free, Lord, now send me;

So by Thy gracious pledge and vow

Thou wilt tend me:

Thou hast given me Thy Son;

In Him I am delivered.

4. With seeing heart I have beheld

Him, my Salvation,

In whom Thou givest to the world

Demonstration

Of Thy gracious will toward all

By faith in Him confiding.

5. Him Thou hast set forth as a Light

All men to lighten—

The world entire in heathen night

All to brighten;

And as Israel’s joy and bliss!—

Through Him we have salvation.

Translation © 2014 Matthew Carver

GERMAN

1. In fremd Herberg [Herbrig] ich bin gewestvom Vaterlande,im Gfängnis steckt, doch mir zum Best,wies Gott wandte,Im Karrn ich gezogen habdurch mein ganz elend Leben.
2. Nu Herr mein Gott, ins Vaterlandaus kalter Herberg,und aus des Kerkers Sünd und Schandgnädig führe mich;spann mich aus des Karrens Jochund laß mich nu frei bleiben.
3. Dein Diener bin ich, das weiß ich,frei laß mich fahren,wie du durch dein Zusagung michtust bewahren.Dein Sohn du mir geben hast,in ihm bin ich frei worden.
4. Meins Herzens Augen haben ihnmein Heil gesehenden du für alle Welt gabst hin,draus zu sehen,daß du wollest gnädig seinallen die auf ihn trauen.
5. Du hast ihn allen fürgestelltein Licht zu leuchtenden Heiden, und der ganzen Welt,auch zu Freudenund Preis deins Volks Israel;durch ihn wir selig werden.

Mundi secuta lubrica

Here is my translation of the hymn “Mundi secuta lubrica” (G. Fabricius), for the feast of St. Mary Magdalene. By the example of St. Mary Magdalene, we are consoled in the forgiveness offered and and by Jesus, who freely forgave Mary despite her many sins, when she repented the same, and showed by her actions her faith toward Him who alone has the power to offer such forgiveness and to save from eternal death. The melody is a variant of one of the most common (in many regional forms) assigned for the hymns of later authorship in Reformation cantionals.

SHE who the world’s brief joys pursued,

And flesh’s passions, vile and crude,

In grief a sighing suppliant bowed

To praise the very Son of God.

2. Not daring there to lift her face,

But in the dust with silent grace

She bent, with tears to bathe His feet,

And wipe them with her tresses sweet.

3. To God her heart within her cried,

And faith was deeply stirred inside

Tow’rd Him who tenderly doth own

And not deplore the mourner’s groan.

4. In Christ as God, confiding yet,

Her every hope she firmly set;

Th’ unrighteous to the Righteous prayed,

From sin was loosed, and righteous made.

5. Thee, Christ, we ask with humble plea

To pardon our iniquity;

The Father sent Thee, us to save

And not to lose us to the grave. Amen.

Translation © 2014 Matthew Carver.

1. Mundi secuta lubrica Blandaeque carnis noxia, Dolendo suspirans Dei Supplex adorat Filium.  

2. Non ausa vultum tollere, Humi recumbit cernua, Pedes rigavit fletibus,Tersitque muta crinibus.  

3. Cor clamat intus ad Deum, Fidesque pulsat intimum, Non abjicit suspiria, Deus pie gementium. 

4. Quae plurimam,_in Jesu Deo, Confisa, spem locaverat, Injusta Justum deprecans, Fit justa, crimen tollitur.  

5. Te, Christe, nostra vox rogat, Remitte, quod peccavimus, Servare nos, non perdere, Tuo_a Parente missus es. Amen.

Herr, was sind das für Wunden

Here is my translation of the hymn “Herr, was sind das für Wunden” (Gregor Ritzsch, 1622). It is titled “A Spiritual Song on the tokens of Christ’s love, from the Prophet Zechariah 13:6.” The appointed melody is that of “O Christe Morgensterne,” which I give here in two specimens: the earlier tune in Gesius’ cantional of 1605; the newer tune in Witt’s choralbuch, 1731 (which though unknown to Ritzsch, has a very suitable character). (See Fischer I, 440.; Kümmerle II, 456–8.)

“O LORD, of wounds what manner
Are these Thy hands that mar?”
—“Your sins and your dishonor
Have made Me many a scar;
And these the tokens are.”

2. —“But Lord, I thought we ever
Have been Thy people dear,
And did Thee ev’ry favor,
And never once while here
Made Thee to shed a tear.”

3. —”What answer may I offer?
My friends whom I loved true
Required Me thus to suffer:
The wounds upon Me view
Were not they wrought by you?”

4. —”Alas, what cause for mourning
Sweet Jesus Christ, my Lord,
Are all Thy wounds and scorning
Which we did Thee afford
Whom Thou hast e’er adored!”

5. —“Yea, ye have Me afflicted
And caused me toil and hell;
Ye sinned; I was convicted,
Your sinning to dispel.
Then mark these tokens well.”

6. —”All praise, O Lord be giv’n Thee,
For all Thy grief and pain;
Thy love it was hath driv’n Thee
For us such stripes to gain;
All glory Thine remain. Amen.”

Translation © 2014 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

1. Herr, was sind das für Wunden
in deinen Händen zart?
“Das haben eure Sünden
Gemacht, daß ich so hart
und sehr geschlagen ward.”

2. Dacht ich doch, Herr, wir wären
als deine lieben Leut,
die dich stets täten Ehren
und dir zu keiner Zeit
zufügten einig Leid.

3. “Ich kann nicht anders sagen:
Im Haus der Lieben mein
bin ich also geschlagen.
Seht an die Striemen mein,
ob sie nicht von euch sein?”

4. Ach das ist zu beweinen,
Süsser Herr Jesu Christ,
daß du so von den Deinen,
die du liebst jeder Frist,
verwundt und gschlagen bist.

5. “Ja, mir habt ihr Arbeite
und große Müh gemacht:
für ewre Sünd ich leide,
daß der nicht werd gedacht.
Solchs nehmt in gute Acht.”

6. Lob sei dir, Herr, gesungen
für alle Schmerzen dein,
daß dich dein Lieb gezwungen
für uns in solche Pein:
Ehr sei dem Namen dein, Amen.

Sancti Spiritus adsit nobis gratia (new translation)

Here is my revised, rhymed translation of the Whitsunday Sequence "Sancti Spiritus adsit nobis gratia" (Notker, 10th c.).

MAY the Holy Ghost
 On us shed His heav’nly grace!

2a. And for His pure indwelling
Make in our hearts a holy place,
2b. By purging and expelling
From thence all vices and disgrace.

3a. Spirit of kindness,
True Enlightener of men!
3b. Banish our blindness,
Clear the gloomy shades of sin.

4a. Chaste Friend of wisdom, e’er appointing
Prudent thoughts to fill the mind,
4b. In mercy by Thy blest anointing
Make our thoughts to Thine aligned.

5a. Thou Spirit of cleansing, for whose pow’r
No shame or wickedness can stay,
5b. The eye of our inward Adam scour,
Whatever impairs it cleanse away.

6a. Spirit Holy,
So grant us to espy
God the Father high,
6b. Who may solely
By such a heart be seen
As is pure and clean.

7a. The prophets by Thee were driven
As the heralds of heaven
To sing the glorious Savior’s birth;
7b. Th’ Apostles, by Thine inspiring
As Christ’s army untiring
His banner brought o’er all the earth.

8a. When in creation
God all did fashion—
Earth and heaven
And the oceans by His Word—
8b. Then Thou extending
Thy grace impending,
Pow’r was given,
And upon the deep outpoured.

9a. Thy breath of living
To waters giving,
Thou dost life endue;
9b. By breezes tender,
Men Thou dost render
Spirits live and new.

10a. Thou, O Lord, hast united
Men once divided
In their rites and languages,
10b. Called them from evil pastures
O Best of Masters,
Back to proper, godly praise.

11a. Wherefore, Spirit all-gracious,
Be Thou propitious,
Hear Thy servants who implore Thee here,
11b. For without Thee, our praying
Empty and straying,
Is unworthy of God’s holy ear.

12a. Thou who didst embrace
Saints of ev’ry nation,
With the heav’nly grace
Of Thy pure exhalation,—
Throughout time a host to raise—
12b. Thou didst on this day
To th’ Apostles’ station
Wondrous gifts convey,
Known to no generation,
Without like in means and ways,

13. Conferring
  On this day such glorious praise.

(14. May the Holy Ghost
On us shed His heav’nly grace.)

Translation © 2011, 2014 Matthew Carver.

LATIN

1. Sancti Spiritus
adsit nobis gratia:

2a. Qui corda nostra sibi
faciat habitaculum.
2b. Expulsis inde cunctis
vitiis spiritabilis,

3a. Spiritus alme
Illustrator hominum,
3b. Horridas nostrae
mentis purga tenebras,

4a. Amator sancte sensatorum,
semper cogitatuum.
4b. Infunde unctionem tuam
clemens nostris sensibus.

5a. Tu purificator omnium
flagitiorum Spiritus.
5b. Purifica nostri oculum
interioris hominis.

6a. Ut videri
supremus Genitor
possit a nobis.
6b. Mundi cordis
quem soli cernere
possunt oculi.

7a. Prophetas tu inspirasti,
ut praeconia Christi
praecinuissent inclyta.
7b. Apostolos confortasti,
uti trophaeum Christi
per totum mundum veherent.

8a. Quando machinam
per verbum suum
fecit Deus
coeli, terrae, marium.
8b. Tu super aquas
foturus eas,
numen tuum
expandisti Spiritus.

9a. Tu animabus
vivificandis
aquas foecundas.
9b. Tu aspirando
das spiritales
esse homines.

10a. Tu divisum per linguas
mundum et ritus
adunasti, Domine.
10b. Idolatras ad cultum
Dei revocas
Magistrorum optime.

11a. Ergo nos supplicantes
tibi exaudi
propitius sancte Spiritus.
11b. Sine quo preces omnes
cassae creduntur
et indignae Dei auribus.

12a. Tu qui omnium
saeculorum sanctos,
Tui numinis,
docuisti instinctu
amplectendo, Spiritus.
12b. Ipse hodie
Apostolos Christi
donans munere
insolito et cunctis
inaudito seculis.

13. Hunc diem
gloriosum fecisti.

14. Sancti Spiritus adsit
nobis gratia.

Fest und hoch auf dem Thron

Here is my translation of V. Triller's hymn for the Ascension, "Fest und hoch auf dem Thron," a translation of the traditional hymn for Vespers in Ascensiontide, "Festum nunc celebre" (Theodulf, early 9th c. - I translated that last year). Many old translations existed for this hymn of unusual meter (Asclepiads and Gliconics, which I have adapted to a final stressed syllable). Another translation, by the Bohemians, is "Christi Auffahrt und Erhöhung." The first melody is the original Latin one from Bezelius (Magdeburg 1613), the second is a simplified version of the Soprano line (melody line) as found in the 18th c. Pforta school hymnal, Hymnorum precumque formulae ad Portensium Alumnorum usum (Leipzig, 1777).

Image from Bezelius 659

Transcription from Hymnorum Precumque formulae . . . pp. 52f.

SEATED high on the Throne,
Glorious is Christ the Son,
  Clothed in bright majesty
  Brilliant in Deity,
Now His realm He hath set
Firm against ev'ry threat,
  And Satan, who had bound us fast.

2. Leading by His decree
Captive captivity,
  He doth the Spirit send,
  Men in their need to mend,
And His gifts to bestow,
That in all truth we go,
  And to console in every ill.

3. Satan's works to defy,
And poor man to supply
  With His protection sure,
  Preachers He doth secure,
O'er the earth for us men
Christendom to sustain
  By Holy Word and Sacrament.

4. As with dauntless ascent
He into glory went;
  So He cometh again
  With His angelic train,
Hailed the Champion of might,
Judgment to pass as right,
  And give to all their just reward.

5. Jesus Christ, Lord and God,
King o'er the heavens broad
  And the earth Thou hast made:
  Graciously lend Thine aid,
That we may ever be
Lifting our hearts to Thee
  Awaiting here Thy glad return.

6. Praise to God be assigned,
Who hath so loved mankind
  That He gave us His Son,
  To be our Mercy-Throne,
That by Him who doth reign
We might His Spirit gain,
  And go His blessedness to know.

Translation © 2014 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

1. Fest und hoch auf dem Thron
pranget des Menschen Sohn
in seiner Herrlichkeit
mit Göttlicher Klarheit,
hat sein Reich aufgericht
wider den Bösewicht,
der uns so hart gebunden hielt.

2. Nahm gefangen herrlich
das Gefängnis mit sich,
und schickt uns seinen Geist,
daß er uns Beistand leist,
und seine Gaben schenkt,
in alle Wahrheit lenkt
und tröstet uns in aller Not.

3. Der dem Satan zu Trotz
und uns armen zum Schutz
richt auf das Predigamt
und gibt uns allesamt
sein Wort und Sakrament
in aller Welte End,
damit er uns erhalten will.

4. Wie er mit Freidigkeit
aufsteig zur Herrlichkeit,
so wird er kommen dar
mit aller Engel Schaar
als ein mächtiger Held,
wird richten alle Welt
und geben jederem seinen Lohn.

5. O Herr Gott, Jesu Christ,
der du ein König bist
über Himmel und Erd:
Hilf gnädig deiner Heerd,
daß sie stets inniglich
ihr Herz haben auf dich
und deiner Zukunft nehmen wahr.

6. Lob sei dem wahren Gott
der uns also lieb hat
und gibt uns seinen Sohn
zu einem Gnadenthron,
daß wir durch ihn am meist
erlangen seinen Geist
und kommen so zur Seligkeit.

Wir wollen alle fröhlich sein

Here is my translation of “Wir wollen alle fröhlich sein,” an Eastertide carol based on a pre-Reformation Latin song, Resurrexit Dominus. I take my version from Keuchenthal’s cantional of 1573 (the melody appears in Spangenberg’s Christlich Gesangbuchlein… 1568). The easy, familiar tune differs slightly from the later settings by Praetorius, etc.

REJOICE we all this Easter-tide!
For He is living who had died,
And all our wrongs are rectified.
Alleluia, Alleluia,
  Alleluia, Alleluia,
To Christ, Son of Mary, all glory be!

2. For Jesus, who endured our pain
Upon the cross, is ris’n again
All praise and glory His remain!
Alleluia…

3. The gates of hell He hath laid low,
And loosed the captives from the foe,
Now from eternal death we go!
Alleluia…

4. All laud and honor now be done
 To God the Father’s only Son
Who Paradise for us hath won.
Alelluia…

5. Let all the Church then joyful be
And praise the Holy Trinity
This Easter and eternally.
Alleluia…

Translation © 2014 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

Wir wollen alle fröhlich sein,
in dieser Osterlichen Zeit,
denn unser Heil an Gotte leit,
Halleluja, Halleluja, Halleluja, Halleluja,
Gelobet sei Christus, Marien Sohn.

2. Es ist erstanden Jesus Christ,
der an dem Kreuz gestorben ist,
dem sei Lob, Ehr zu aller Frist.
Halleluja…

3. Er hat zerstört die Hölle Pfort,
und alle die seinen heruas geführt,
und uns erlöst vom ewigen Tod,
Halleluja…

4. Wir singen all Lob, Ehr, und Preis
dem einigen Gottes Sohne weis,
der uns erkauft das Paradeis,
Halleluja…

5. Es freu sich all die Christenheit,
und lob die heilige Dreifaltigkeit,
von nu an bis in Ewigkeit,
Halleluja…

Rex sanctorum angelorum, totum mundum adjuva

Here is my translation, adaptation, and correction of a metrical Litany dating from around the 10th century. It may have begun in St. Gall, but spread quickly throughout the bishoprics of Germany before being approved for church use by Pope Nicholas III. The original is a sort of abbreviated (or sevenfold) litany which also included in some places a variable stanza to a certain local patron saint (such as St. Gall). This Litany was associated with the seven penitential psalms, after which it was sung. Since this usually happened on a vigil, and the Vigils of Easter and Pentecost included the blessing of the font, stanzas 6, 7, and 8 are sung on such occasions where baptizands are present. For lack of a German processional at hand, I borrow the melody from a Sarum processional (courtesy of Dr. William Renwick).

Verse:
King of all the holy angels,
 Grant Thine aid to all the world.

1. Advocate before the Father,
Seed of Virgin Mother born,
Angel-circled Mediator,
Represent us eve and morn!

2. King of th’ apostolic orders,
Set us for Thy kingdom blest!
Monarch of the holy martyrs
Save us by Thy blood exprest!

3. Lord of those who here confess Thee,
Of Thy bride, Thy virgin pure,
Grant us grace on earth to bless Thee,
Be Thou our Deliverer.

4. Here behold Thy congregation,
Who on earth Thy help beseech,
Purge us of all foul transgression,
To us Thine assistance reach!

5. Christ, Thou Shepherd good and gracious,
This Thy people’s pray’rs receive,
Maker Thou of Adam ancient
And His seed by mother Eve.

6. Work within this water-basin
Christ, Thy sacred mystery,
As when at Thy crucifixion
Blood with water flowed from Thee.

7. Send, we pray, Thy Holy Spirit,
Counselor and Helper true,
On these souls, who by Thy merit
In the Font are born anew.

8. Now this heav’nly birth beholding,
Holy mother church, rejoice!
Now her growing brood enfolding
Let her sing with gladsome voice!

9. Be with us, O Spirit holy,
With the Son and Father one,
That we may adore Thee only
While eternal ages run.

Repeat Verse.



Text & Translation Copyright © 2014 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN
V. Rex sanctorum angelorum, totum mundum adjuva.

1. Ora primum tu pro nobis 
Virgo mater germinis, 
Et ministri patris summi, 
Ordines angelici.

2. Supplicate Christo regi 
Goetus apostolici, 
Supplicetque pcrmagnorum 
Sanguis fusus martyrum.

3. Implorate confessores, 
Consonaeque virgines, 
Quod donetur magnae nobis 
Tempus indulgentiae.

4. Omnes sancti atque justi, 
Vos precamur cernui, 
Ut purgetur crimen omne 
Vestro sublevamine.  [sub juvamine]

5. Hujus, Christe, rector alme, 
Plebis vota suscipe, 
Qui plasmasti protoplastum 
Et genus gignentium.

6. Fac in terra fontis hujus 
Sacratum mysterium, 
Qui profluxit cum cruore 
Sacro Christi corpore.

7. Mitte sanctum nunc amborum 
Spiritum paraclitum 
In hanc plebem, quam recentem 
Föns baptismi parturit.

8. Ut laetetur mater sancla 
Tota nunc ecclesia: 
Ex profectu renasccntis 
Tantae multiturtinis.

9. Praesta patris atque nati 
Compar sancte spiritus, 
Ut te solum semper omni 
Diligamus tempore.

V. Rex sanctorum angelorum. totum mundum adjuva.

Rex Israel tuus tibi

Here is my translation of G. Fabricius' hymn, "Rex Israel tuus tibi" from his book of poetry, De Historia et Meditatione Christi Mortis (1553). It appears to have been taken into a few hymnals, but it is unclear which melody it was given. I provide the Gregorian melody most often associated with the Passiontide hymn "Rex Christe factor omnium."

THY KING, O Isr’el, comes to thee,
In manner meek, and willingly,
His entry now with hands applaud,
With trumpet hail, with anthems laud!

2. He comes not fierce with forces steeled
Or barb’rous troops to take the field,
But, poor-appareled, makes His track
Upon a lowly donkey’s back.

3. No joy of fleeting wealth He brings,
But bounties of eternal things;
What doubt can then thy heart convince
To dread so mild and rich a Prince?

4. For Him let us our garments strew,
For Him the greening branches hew,
For Him a hymn of glory sound,—
In strife our fairest Fav’rite crowned!

5. Here doth the gentle Pauper go
The dev’lish fiend to overthrow,—
The righteous King, for our release
To raise a vict’ry-rod* of peace.

6. By word and hand He claims for heav’n
The kingdom by His Father giv’n,
And in His temple on the rod,
Disdained by rulers, reigns as God.

7. Our glad Hosanna let us sing
To David’s Son, the gracious King,
O may His kingdom ever blest
For ages flourish without rest! Amen.

Translation © 2014 Matthew Carver.

*Trop(h)aea, i.e., tree-shaped monuments formerly used to mark a military victory; here, the cross.

LATIN (G. FABRICIUS)

1. Rex, Israel, tuus tibi
mansuetus et volens adest,
Plausus manu, cantus tuba
et ore laudes persona.

2. Non saevus armato grege,
cohortibusve barbaris,
Tergo sed insidens, venit
inops, aselli pauperis.

3. Nec fert caduca gaudia,
vitae sed aeternae bona,
Neve [=Neu] horreas mitissimum,
sic vult venire, principem.

4. Sternamus huic velamina,
ramos secemus arborum,
Promamus hymnum gloriae
pulcherrimo_in certamine.

5. Pauper superbum subjugat
clemens atrocem daemonem,
Rex justus et salvans suos
trophaea pacis erigit.

6. Regnum_a parente traditum
verbo manuque vindicat
Contemnitur potentibus,
sed regnat in templo deus.

7. Osanna laetum Davidis
canamus almo filio,
Cuius per omne saeculum
regnum beatum floreat. [Amen.]