Deum precemur supplices

Here is my translation of the hymn “Deum precemur supplices” (H. Weller, bef. 1561) for feasts of Holy Angels; which amounts, in general Lutheranism, to the feast of St. Michael & All Angels. Note the first line borrowed directly from the second line of “Jam lucis orto sidere.” The melody is that appointed for that hymn, though commonly used otherwise as well. However, if sung in the context of the Office, in comparison with the other hymns for feasts of angels, the prayerful aspect and content recommends the use of this hymn, I think, for Compline on the feast.




TO GOD now let us humbly pray
That He would stir our heart this day
With gratitude that grace to own
Which from His hand we have been shown.

2 He sent the Word of Christ His Son,
Into the world by sin undone,
In darkness wav’ring and astray,
Wherein we wretched sinners lay.

3 Nor did that bounty so renowned
Remain within its measured bound,
But issued forth with brilliant light
And put foul heresies to flight.

4 And that believers e’er might be
Kept safe from harm, from peril free,
God by His trusty angel band
Defends the saints on ev’ry hand.

5 These spirits pure God made, that they
Might ever be our help and stay,
Companions of God’s true elect,
Our ev’ry footstep to direct.

6 Wherefore let us with mind o’erawed,
Behold the boundless grace of God
And live as children good and dear
Of this our Father without peer.

7 With all our pow’rs let us contend
To worship Him with mind unstained
Lest we our due reward receive
With spirits damned, in hell to grieve.

8 We ask that Jesus would be nigh,
Who is our Advocate most high,
And by His favor bring us hence
To heaven’s full inheritance.

Translation © 2015 Matthew Carver.

LATIN

1 Deum precemur supplices
Ut corda nostra excitet
Ad agnoscendam gratiam
Nobis ab ipso praebitam.

2 Quod Verbum sui Filii
Mundo remisit perdito
Et fluctuanti tenebris
Quis jactabamur miseri.

3 Nec intra modum bonitas
Ista tam ingens constitit
Sed luce clara micuit
Foedosque errores dispulit.

4 Et ut credentes firmiter
Tuti vivant periculis
Angelico praesidio
Munit pios tutissimo.

5 Hos puros finxit spiritus
Deus, ut essent comites
Suis semper fidelibus
Quorum gressus dirigerent.

6 Quapropter ejus maximam
In nos miremur gratiam
Bonique simus filii
Patris nostri tam optimi.

7 Quem mente pura colere
Nitamur summis viribus
Ne consequamur praemia
Cum perditis spiritibus.

8 Jesum patronum optimum,
Nobis adesse petimus
Quo nos pro suo gratia
Perducat ad caelestia. Amen.

Martine confessor Dei

Here is my translation of the hymn “Martine confessor Dei (Anon., 13th c.), for the feast of St. Martin of Tours, Bishop (Nov. 11). Aside from being one of the greater and earlier saints, the saint enjoyed among German Lutherans the special connection to Martin Luther as his namesake, and the feast of St. Martin was de facto a Reformation festival in some places before the celebration on the eve of All Saints was well established. The form of the text comes from Ludecus’ Vesperale (1589) and is noteworthy for its relatively rare (among Lutherans) address of a departed saint; this may be partly explained by the conservative approach which Mark Brandenburg took toward the Reformation; or else represents a reconstrual as poetic address. Omitted by Ludecus, naturally, are the stanzas of invocation. In contrast to other Lutherans, except perhaps Luther himself, who eschewed new Latin composition, he preferred simply to omit stanzas rather than to compose new ones, though he here and there includes hymns or stanzas composed by contemporaries. The latter approach is found more frequently in Lossius.

SAINT Martin, God’s confessor proud,
Who, with the Spirit’s strength endowed,
Whilst weak’ning in thy carnal pow’r,
Wast giv’n to see death’s nearing hour.
 
2. The peace of Christ o’erflowing thee
In God the Spirit’s unity
His riven members hath restored,
The Church returned to one accord.

3. For thee, whom life did worthy show,
Bloodthirsty death could cause no woe;
Thou scornèdst at thy mortal end
The cunning of the guileful fiend.

4. Now dost thou joy with angels high,
And with archangels gladly cry,
Dost with th’ apostle band adore
The Triune God for evermore. Amen.

Translation © 2015 Matthew Carver.

LATIN

1. Martine confessor Dei
Valens vigore Spiritus
Carnis fatiscens artubus,
Mortis futurae praescius.

2. Qui pace Christi affluens
In unitate Spiritus
Divisa membra_Ecclesiae
Paci reformas unicae.

3. Quem vita fert probabilem,
Quem mors cruenta non laedit,
Qui callidi versutiis
In mortis hora derogas.

4. Qui laetaris cum angelis,
Exultas cum archangelis,
Triumphas cum apostolis
In saeculorum saeculis. Amen.

En martyris Laurentii

Here is my translation of “En Martyris Laurentii” as given by Ludecus with the penultimate stanza omitted (an invocation of the saint’s merits). Note that the hymn was composed from Prudentius’s larger Peristephanon. It was eventually criticized because it makes pope Sixtus II die from crucifixion rather than the sword. Arguments supporting the crucifixion language tend to see it as a metaphor for any sort of martyrdom, though the text here seems somewhat too descriptive for that sense. The melody is also that given by Ludecus and may be compared with Frere (#76) and Stäblein (#411).

BEHOLD, of Lawrence, martyr famed,
What faith, well-armed, hath led the host!
By death o’er death the crown he claimed
And gave himself to th’ uttermost.

2. ’Twas as his bishop Sixtus said
As fastened to the cross he hung,
When seeing Lawrence weep with dread
Beneath his cross whereat he clung:

3. “Forbear at my departure now
To shed thy tears so grievously;
Though, brother, I go first, yet thou
Shalt three days hence my foll’wer be.”

4. What lastly did the bishop say—
Prophetic voice of glorious heav’n—
In naught deceived, for on the day
That he foretold, the palm was giv’n.

5. To th’ unbegotten Father praise,
And to the sole begotten Son
And Holy Ghost for endless days,
One God, for evermore be done.

Translation © 2015 Matthew Carver.

LATIN

1. En Martyris Laurentii
Armata pugnavit fides,
Nam morte mortem diruit,
Ac semet impendit sibi.

2. Fore hoc sacerdos dixerat
Jam Sixtus* affixus cruci, [*Xystus]
Laurentium flentem videns
Crucis sub ipso stipite.

3. Desiste discessu meo
Fletum dolenter fundere,
Praecedo frater, tu quoque
Post hoc sequeris triduum.

4. Extrema vox Episcopi
Praenuntiatrix gloriae,
Nihil fefellit: nam dies
Praedicta palmam praestitit.

5. Gloria Patri ingenito,
Gloria unigenito
Una cum sancto Spiritu
In sempiterna saecula. Amen.

Jesu Christe, auctor vitae

Here is my translation of “Jesu Christe, auctor vitae,” a very minimally altered version of the hymn for Vespers on the feast of St. Mary Magdalene dating to the 10th c., probably from Germany (see Daniels/Blume, Die Hymnen, 1:197). The appointed mode-IV melody in early Lutheran books is shared with “Urbs beata Jerusalem” [Blessed City, Heav’nly Salem].

JESUS Christ, of life Creator,
Who hast cleansèd in Thy blood
Adam’s sin, our fallen nature,
And hast Thy salvation good—
Fruit of grief—upon Thy creature
Mary Magdalene bestowed.

2. She, Thy pearl most dearly rated,
Star most graced with clarity,
Now by Thee hath been translated
To Thy palace heavenly,
And a pattern clear created
Of Thy boundless clemency.

3. Therefore, of Thy grace unfeigning
Let Thy favor now be known,
Grant release from sins remaining,
And Thy joys of life, O Son,
With the Father living, reigning,
And the Spirit, ever one.  Amen.

Translation © 2015 Matthew Carver.

LATIN [brackets from Blume 1:196]

Jesu Christe, auctor vitae
Qui in tuo sanguine
Peccatum lavisti Adae,
Mariae Magdalenae
tribuisti salutarem
fructum penitentiae.

2. Praetiosam Margaritam
Stellamque clarissimam
Eam locasti in arce
Tu caelestis curiae [Uranice…]
Ut esset evidens tuae
Exemplum clementiae.

3. Tu placatus ergo nobis [Interventu…]
Semper sis propitius [Sis nobis…]
Et nostra dele peccata [Ac…]
Et da vitae gaudia;
Qui regnas cum Deo Patre
Et Spiritu compare. Amen.

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.

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.