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.]

Quod Esaias dixerat

Here is my translation of the Reformation-period Latin hymn “Quod Esaias dixerat” (G. Fabricius) set by Lucas Lossius to the same melody as the other Annunciation hymn there, “Fit porta Christi,” by St. Rhabanus Maurus. Unlike Rhabanus’ text, which, appointed for Compline on the Annunciation, focuses on the mystery of the virgin birth, Fabricius’s new hymn is explicitly of the Annunciation. Lossius (fol. 204b) includes in Latin a preface to the hymn as follows:

“There are four parts: first, a proposition or assertion of the conceiving of the Son of God according to the prophecy of Isaiah 7, in the womb of the virgin Mary, through the working of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1); second, an exposition of the manner of the conception, by the envoy or message of the Angel Gabriel; third, a description of the person of the Messiah, which is that He is not only true Man but also true God, and that His reign is spiritual and eternal; fourth, a prayer that Christ would conjoin and preserve the Church which He has redeemed by His Passion and death, that He together with the Father and Holy Spirit may be rightly acknowledged, adored, and invoked by us.”

The melody follows as provideds by Lossius.

FULFILLED is St. Esaias’ word,
The virgin pure conceives her Lord,
The Seed is sown that, being bred,
Shall crush at last the dragon’s head.

2. Glad tidings doth God’s Angel tell:
Salvation gained, Emmanuel,
The Hope of all by human birth;
So sing ye praises, all the earth!

3. He shall be great, His name shall be
Son of the Most High Majesty;
His Father’s kingdom He shall tend,
And of it there shall be no end.

4. O Christ, that kingdom Thou hast built
By many_a wound and blood outspilt
Let not the foe this latter day
Confound and leave in disarray;

5. So be Thou honored, God the Son,
With Father and with Spirit one,
To whom alone belongs the praise
And laud of all, for endless days. Amen.

Translation © 2014 Matthew Carver.

LATIN

1. Quod Esaïas dixerat,
Intacta virgo concipit,
Ut Semen illud conterens
Caput Draconis prodeat.

2. Laetum salutis Angelus
Profert adeptae nuncium, [nuntium]
Promissa Spes, Emanuel,
Nascetur orbi, psallite.

3. Hic magnus est, et Filius
Altissimi vocabitur,
Patrisque regnum termino
Carens in aevum, proferet.

4. Hoc Christe regnum plurimo
Quod astruisti vulnere,
Ne dissipari hoc ultimo
Sinas ab hoste, tempore.

5. Ut tu colaris cum tuo
Patre_atque sancto Spiritu,
Cui cultus et laus, omnibus
Debetur uni seculis. Amen.

Fit porta Christi pervia

Here is my translation of the hymn “Fit porta Christi pervia” (Ambrose, 4th c.) according to the short cento found in Lossius (1579). It had been inserted in Sedulius poem beginning “A solis ortus cardine” but is affirmed as Ambrose’s work by ancient and medieval testimony. The melody is that provided by Lossius.

THE GATE of Christ, all full of grace,
In ways unseen hath yielded place;
The King passed through what shut shall be
As it hath been, eternally.

2. The Offspring of the Light divine
Emerged from out the Virgin’s shrine:—
The Church’s Spouse and Savior He,
Who made all things by His decree.

3. He of his mother Crown and Joy,
Of all believers Hope most high,
Who by death’s bitter cup hath paid
And for our sins atonement made.

4. To God the Father ever one
With God the sole-begotten Son
And God the Spirit, glory be
Both now and for eternity.

Translation © 2014 Matthew Carver.

LATIN

1. 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, [corr. from "Immensa spes et…"]
Per atra mortis pocula,
Resolvit nostra crimina.

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

Agni paschalis esu

Here is my translation of Notker’s Sequence for Easter Tuesday, “Agni paschalis esu potuque dignas,” literally “[worthy] Of the Paschal Lamb to eat and drink.” Syntactically the opening phrase extends into the first double verse, delaying the subject and predicate, and so complicates understanding for modern English ears. I have restructured it slightly so that the Lamb still comes first and makes a clear title. The text and melody appear in early and late editions of Lossius. The theme is clearly the reception of the Lord’s Supper by the newly baptized with spiritual allusions to the Passover and the Exodus.

According to Daniel, the melody (“Graeca”) is not the original to “Agni paschalis,” but has been adapted. MSS with other melodies are not immediately available. Proof of this  is a definite irregularity in verses 2c. and 3a, which may have formed a double verse together in the original form. In the present version, 2c. melodically forms a transition between 2a-b. and 3a-c. Interestingly, the couplet 4a-b presents a melodic progression in the first half-lines, from sol-fa to sol-la.

NOW THAT the Lamb hath readied

The Paschal banquet,

2a. Let all Christian souls by ways sincere

Prove themselves worthy thereof to partake;

2b. For their great High Priest, as Victim dear

Hath offered Himself to God for all their sake.

2c. Now on the posts of their brows appear

Seals of royal red

By the sacred blood He shed,

A shade from the wrath that o’er Egypt brake;

3a. Now all the rival’s forces

Are swallowed up by the Red Sea tide.

3b. So let their loins all be girded well to stride,

3c. And for the serpents their feet be fortified.

4a. While wayfaring,

Let their hand be bearing

Spirit-staves alway,

Dogs to keep at bay;

4b. That they in fashion

Foll’wing Jesus’ Passion,

Share His Easter too,

Who the grave o’erthrew.

5a. Lo, earth awoken,

Florid with Christ doth rise,

5b. A gracious token

Showing to faithful eyes,

6a. O’er death, what vict’ry prize

Is with Christ bespoken!

Translation © 2014 Matthew Carver.

LATIN

1. Agni paschalis esu

potuque dignas,

2a. Moribus synceris praebeant

omnes se Christianae animae,

2b. Pro quibus se Deo hostias

obtulit ipse summus Pontifex.

2c. Quarum frons in postis est modum,

eius illita

sacrosancto cruore

et tuta a clade canopica,

3a. Qua[rum] crudeles hostes

in mari Rubro sunt obruti.

3b. Renes constringant ad pudicitiam.

3c. Pedes tutentur adversus viperas.

4a. Baculosque

spiritales contra

canes jugiter

manu bajulent.

4b. Ut pascha Jesu

mereantur sequi,

quo de barathro,

victor rediit.

5a. En redivivus

mundus ornatibus

5b. Christo consurgens

fideles admonet,

6. Post mortem melius

cum eo victuros.

Magno salutis gaudio

Here is my translation of the ancient Palm Sunday processional hymn, “Magno salutis gaudio,” also known as “Magnum salutis gaudium” after one of the variants. The hymn comes to us from Gregory the Great, and so predates the current Palmarum processional, “Gloria laus et honor” of Theodulph, by about two centuries. Lossius (1579, fol. 65 verso) appoints this hymn for 1st Vespers of Palm Sunday in a cento of seven stanzas. A variety of centos appear in ancient uses, usually with a refrain or special antiphons. Rubrics in Lossius refer to the tune for “Deus Creator omnium” or “Christe qui lux es et dies.” I include another melody found in a Cistercian hymnal from the late 16th century.

LET age to age with great delight
Acclaim salvation’s cheering sight,
Since Jesus our Redeemer hath
Raised up the fainting world from death.

2. Six days before the Paschal feast
Nigh Bethany His journey ceased,
Where He with love, now three days o’er
Did Lazarus to life restore.

3. There Mary took of spikenard dear
The pound untainted, without peer,
Embalmed her Master’s blessèd feet
Bedewing them with teardrops sweet.

4. Then Jesus, highest Judge of all
Upon a colt, an ass’s foal,
Was pleased to sit, and thusly passed
To proud Jerusalem at last.

5. O marvelous that tender love,
O meekness rare of God above,
That He who made creation wide
On ass’s colt should deign to ride!

6. From tender palm the gath’ring throng
The new-cut branches bore along,
And crowding came into the way
To meet the King of endless day.

7. Praise, honor, and dominion be
To God the only Trinity:
To Father, Son and Spirit, One 

While everlasting ages run.

Translation © 2014 Matthew Carver; sts. 2–6, based on W.J. Copeland.

W.J. COPELAND (complete hymn):

Let age to age Hosannas sing, 

Glad shout of health and praise,
Now Jesus comes, Salvation's King,

Th' expiring world to raise.

Six days the Paschal night before
At Bethany He arriv'd,
Where, in His love, now three days o'er
He Lazarus reviv'd.

There Mary took of spikenard sweet
The precious pound and good,
Etnbalm'd her Master's Blessed Feet,
And with her tears bedew'd.

Then Jesus, Judge of Heaven Supreme,
On ass's colt He sate,
And on to proud Jerusalem
Advanc'd in solemn state.

O tender love how marvellous,
More wondrous meekness yet!
That earth's Creator deigneth thus
On ass's colt to sit.

'Twas He the Seer's clear spirit eyed,
And thrilling voice foretold,
When "Daughter, rise and shout" he cried,
"Shout, Sion, and behold!"

"Thy King doth come, yon lowly One,
"Fear not, Behold the sign,
 "On foal of ass He rideth on,
"Meek, patient, and benign."

From tender palm the gathering throng
The new-cut branches bring,
With olives green they haste along
To meet th' Immortal King;

Before, behind, in concourse run,
And in the Spirit's might,
"Hosanna" cry, "to David's Son
Hosanna in the height."

Some strip them of their garments gay
To deck the royal road,
Some with bright flowers bestrew the way
As less unmeet for God.

At His approach with thrill intense
The trembling city rang;
But Judah's golden innocence
His worthiest praises sang.

O let us thus run forth to greet
Th’ Almighty Judge and King,
And bearing palms of glory meet
With childlike spirit sing.

All honour, might, and sovranty 

To God Triune in Heaven,
To Father, Son and Spirit be 

Eternal glory given.

LATIN (Cento from Lossius):

Magno salutis gaudio
Laetetur omne seculum,
JESUS redemptor omnium
Sanavit orbem languidum.

2. Sex ante Paschae ferias,
Advenit in Bethaniam,
Ubi pie post triduum
Resuscitavit Lazarum.

3. Nardi Maria pistici
Sumpsit libram mox optimi.
Unxit beatos Domini
Pedes, rigando lacrymis.

4. Post haec jugalis asinae,
JESUS supernus arbiter,
Pullo sedebat , inclytam
Pergebat Hierosolymam.

5. O quam stupenda pietas,
Mira Dei clementia,
Sessor aselli fieri,
Dignatus autor seculi.

6. Ramos virentes sumpserat,
Palma recisos tenera,
Turba processit obviam,
Regi perenni plurima.

7. Honor, decus, imperium,
Sit Trinitati unicae,
Patri, Nato, Paracleto,
Per infinita secula, 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.

Laß die Welt dies Leben lieben

When hymn-writer Chad L. Bird posted his latest hymn, "From the Mount of Our Lord's Glory," Rev. Armin Wenz noted in a comment a hymn by Sigismund von Birken. Here is my translation of the hymn "Laß die Welt dies Leben lieben" (S. von Birken). It was written for the Sixth Sunday after Epiphany (Transfiguration). The melody is "Steh doch, Seele, steh doch stille," of which I reproduce from Kümmerle the first version from Nürnberg.

LEAVE THIS world its life so treasured!

Here it is not good to stay;

Here abide but griefs unmeasured:

Sin, injustice, pain, decay;

Long to live on earth is merely

Long to suffer, sore and dearly.

2. God, it is not so in heaven!

There on high ’tis good to be!

There the shades of sin are riven,

Routed there all misery;

There Thy glory shines unfailing,

Where the Sun of joy is dwelling!

3. Let me see that life delighftul!

Let me set my dwelling soon

Far from cities faint and frightful

In Thy country star-bestrewn

Let me be from sorrow lifted,

With that higher station gifted!

4. Here in Moses’ tent of meeting

Mid the worldly wilderness,

Men in sweat their bread are eating,

All Thy holy Law transgress;

Here the cursèd ground convicts him

And with choking thorn afflicts him.

5. In this life of sin and sadness,

In this soldier’s camp I stay,

Bound by foes who in their madness

Ever call us to the fray,

What is here but wars repeating,

Triumphs tenuous and fleeting?

6. Such a triumph to be claiming,

To Elijah’s tent I flee,

Which by horse and chariot flaming

God preserves within His lee;

As I fight no foes confound me

With the angel escort round me.

7. Yet, O Jesus, heaven’s dwelling

Shall my highest pleasure be—

Home of peace, all peace excelling—

Triumph there to share with Thee!

There Thy hand a crown will give me:

Jesus, from the earth receive me!

Translation © 2014 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

1. Laß die Welt diß Leben lieben! / hier auf Erd ist nit gut seyn. / hier wohnt nichtes, als Betrüben, / Unrecht, Sünde, Noht und Pein. / Langes leben hier auf Erden, / heist nur, lang gequälet werden.
2. Nicht so, Gott in deinem Himmel! / in dem Himmel ist gut seyn: / da hört auf das Leidgewimmel; / da gibt ewig-hellen Schein / deine schöne FreudenSonne, / da wohnt wahre Lebenswonne.
3. Dieses Wohlseyn laß mich schauen. / laß mich in dem Sternenland / mir bald eine Hütte bauen, / tretten an den guten Stand: / daß ich in dem Freudenwesen / ewig möge Leids genesen.
4. Hier ich wohn in Mose Hütten, / in der Wüste dieser Welt. / Hier ach! muß es seyn gelitten, / weil man dein Gesetz nicht hält. / und es muß die Erde tragen / die Fluchdörnern, uns zuplagen.
5. Dieses Sünd- und Jammer-Leben, / dieses Kriegszelt, ieder Zeit / von den Feinden wird ümgeben, / die uns fordern in den Streit. / Was ist hier? Gefährlichs Kriegen, / und doch ungewißes Siegen.
6. Diesen Sieg davon zutragen, / flieh ich in Elias Zelt, / das durch Feuer-Roß und Wagen / Gott in seinem Schutze hält. / Sicher ich den feind bestreite, / in dem Englischen Geleite.
7. Doch so laß ich mir vor allen, / Jesu, dort dein HimmelZelt, / da der Friede wohnt, gefallen, / wo man mit dir Siegpracht hält. / da werd ich gekrönet werden. / Jesu, hol mich von der Erden!
Dreyen Jüngern auf dem Berg Jesus herrlich wird verkläret, / und: diß ist mein lieber Sohn! himmel-ab die Stimm gehöret.

Wir Menschen sind zu dem, o Gott!

Here is my first translation completed in the New Year: a hymn on the Scriptures: Wir Menschen sind zu dem, o Gott! by David Denicke (†1680). The originally assigned melody is "Sei Lob und Ehr' dem höchsten Gut." Translations of single stanzas occur in the Moravian Hymn-Book, and a cento of 5 stanzas in American Lutheran Hymnal (#97).


1. We men, O God, have many a flaw,
The Spirit's things confound us:
Thy will, Thy ways, Thy holy law,
Dismay and sore astound us
We could not know nor grasp aright,
Did not Thy holy Word and Light
Show us the way to find Thee.

2. So didst Thou send us long ago
the Prophets, Thine attendants,
Thy holy will and laws to show
To Israel's descendants;
But in these latter days Thy Son,
O Father! is Himself come down
From heaven's throne to teach us.

3. Be praised for this salvation, Lord,
There let us be abiding,
Thy goodly Spirit us afford,
To keep us there confiding,
With meekness, rev'rence, love, and joy,
To hold, believe in, and employ
As God's, not man's, creation.

[3 alt. For this Thy saving work, O Lord,
Be praised; and grant Thy Spirit,
That we may trust Thy Holy Word
And ever, as we hear it,
With rev'rence, faithfulness, and joy
Regard it and in life employ
As God's, not of man’s, creation.]

4. Let not the vile and scornful crowd
From Holy Scripture turn us,
For they and all their mocking proud
Will end in hell's hot furnace,
Give Thou Thy Word a thunder-blast
To lodge in us Thy doctrines fast
And dwell within us richly.

5. Unstop our ears and stubborn heart
To grasp the scriptures rightly,
In love or loss, in joy or smart
Let it not seem unsightly,
Nor let us only hearers prove,
But doers of the Word, that love
A hundredfold may flourish.

6. The scattered seed upon the way
Is by the devil taken:
In rocky soil the Word scarce may
A little root awaken.
The seed that falls among the thorn
By worldly cares away is borne,
Mid earthly joys to perish.

7. Oh, help us, Lord, resemble here
That fertile, good foundation,
In virtues rich, with godly fear
Fulfilling our vocation,
With patience plenteous fruit to bear,
And to preserve in hearts made fair
Thy teachings and Thy favors.

8. Let us abstain, while here we live,
From pathways of transgression,
And grant that we to Thee may cleave
In pain and tribulation:
Root out all thorns and choking tares,
Help us to curb our worldly cares
And snuff all wicked pleasures.

9. Thy Word, O Lord, let ever be
A lamp to light our going!
Sustain it pure and bright, that we
May profit in its glowing
With wisdom, strength, and help in need,
And neither life nor death may heed,
Unmoved therein confiding.

10. God, Father, for Thy glory spread
Abroad Thy Word and preaching;
O Jesus, grant us to be led
And lightened by Thy teaching:
O Holy Ghost, in Thine elect
Make this Thy Word Divine effect
Faith, hope, love, and forbearance.

Translation © 2009 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

1. Wir Menschen sind zu dem, o Gott!
was geistlich ist, untüchtig:
dein Wesen, Wille und Gebot,
ist viel zu hoch und wichtig;
Wir wissen'sund verstehen's nicht,
wo uns dein göttlich Wort und Licht
den Weg zu dir nicht weiset.

2. Drum sind vor Zeiten ausgesandt
Propheten, deine Knechte,
daß durch dieselben würd' bekannt
dein heil'ger Will' und Rechte;
zum letzten ist dein lieber Sohn,
o Vater! von des Himmels Thron
selbst kommen, uns zu lehren.

3. Für solches Heil sei, Herr! gepreis't,
laß uns dabei verbleiben,
und gib uns deinen guten Geist,
daß wir dem Worte gläuben,
dasselb' annehmen jederzeit
mit Sanftmuth, Ehre, Lieb' und Freud',
als Gottes, nicht der Menschen.

4. Hilf! das der losen Spötter Hauf'
uns nicht vom Wort abwende;
denn ihr Gespött, sammt ihnen drauf,
mit Schrecken nimmt ein Ende.
Gib du selbst deinem Donner[-]Kraft,
daß deine Lehre in uns haft',
auch reichlich in uns wohne.

5. Öffn' uns die Ohren und das Herz,
daß wir das Wort recht fassen,
in Lieb und Leid, in Freud und Schmerz
es aus der Acht nicht lassen,
daß wir nicht Hörer nur allein
des Wortes, sondern Thäter sein,
Frucht hundertfältig bringen.

6. Am Wege wird der Same fort
vom Teufel hingenommen:
in Fels und Steinen kann das Wort
die Wurzel nicht bekommen.
Der Sam', so in die Dornen fällt,
von Sorg' und Wollust dieser Welt
verdirbet und ersticket.

7. Ach hilf, Herr! daß wir werden gleich
allhier dem guten Lande,
und sein an guten werken Reich,
ins unserm Amt und Stande,
viel Früchte bringen in Geduld,
bewahren deine Lehr' und Huld
in feinem guten Herzen.

8. Laß uns, so lang wir leben hier,
den Weg der Sünder meiden;
gib, daß wir halten fest an dir
in Anfechtung und Leiden:
Rott' aus die Dornen allzumal,
hilf uns die Weltsorg' überall
und böse Lüste dämpfen.

9. Dein Wort, o Herr! laß allweg' sein
die Leuchte unsern Füßen,
erhalt es bei uns klar und rein:
hilf! daß wir draus genießen
Kraft, Rath und Trost in aller Noth,
daß wir im Leben und im Tod
beständig darauf trauen.

10. Gott Vater! laß zu deiner Ehr'
dein Wort sich weit ausbreiten;
hilf, Jesu! daß uns deine Lehr'
erleuchten mög' und leiten:
o heil'ger Geist! dein göttlich Wort
laß in uns wirken fort und fort:
Geduld, Lieb', Hoffnung, Glauben.

Dixit Dominus ex Basan

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Here is my translation for the Sequence "Dominus dixit ex Basan" (Godescalcus) for the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul (January 25), as it appears in Bonnus, Lossius (1579), Keuchenthal, Ludecus' Missale, and Magdeburg (1613). Each cantional had a slightly different version of the melody (though there are two main strains). I include the slightly simpler version found in Bonnus. I have normalized the syllabic lines of the text in certain places, usually according to the longer version, but the melody does not reflect this yet. Use the longer of the repeated melodic lines.

OUT of Bashan, saith the Lord, I will turn him,

And in the deepest sea convert him.

2a. And God kept His saying:

Saul prostrate laying,

Paul then to life He brought,

2b. By His Word incarnate

Did He perform it

Through Whom the world He wrought.

3a. For, Him defying,

Saul heard Him crying,

“Saul, why persecutest thou Me?”

3b. I am that Jesus

Thou persecutest:

To kick the goads is hard for thee!”

4a. At the presence of the Lord

Did the earth tremble

As if to crumble,

Soon yet it rested:

4b. Paul, to faith in God restored,

In true contrition

His fellow Christian

No more molested.

5a. This is the tongue of Thy faithful hounds

Out of hostile grounds

Back to Thee, God, returning,

5b. Since Paul makes all mouths of preachers bold

(Where Thy Word be told),

With Thy commands and learning,

6a. For Paul says: No other

Is Christ the Crucified

Than true God, who reigneth,

6b. One with God the Father

And the Holy Ghost,

As Paul’s word maintaineth.

7a. Houndlike, the tongues of preachers

Drinking deep of Paul their teacher,

Much in those millstones twain have ground—

Law that demandeth,

Gospel that granteth,—

7b. Making by use most heedful

All kinds of medicines needful

By which the wounded are bound

And those that hunger

Fed and made stronger.

8a. When the sea his doctrine saw,

It fled; at his rehearsing

The Jordan

Was driven back, reversing:

8b. For the Gentiles turned in awe

From depths of their transgression;

Confounding

Great Og, the King of Bashan.

9. Now Christ, they adore Thee

Over all creation,

Giving the God-Man all glory

Who came and brought salvation.

Translation © 2014 Matthew Carver.

LATIN

1. Dixit Dominus,

Ex Basan convertam,

convertam in profundum maris.

2. Quod dixit et fecit:

Saulum et stravit,

Paulum et statuit

Per Verbum suum
Incarnatum, per quod

fecit et saecula:

3. Quod dum impugnat,

audivit Saule, {Saulus}

Saule quid me persequeris? {perspexeris}

Ego sum Jesus;

durum est tibi,

ut recalcitres stimulo.

4. A facie, Domini,

mota est terra,

contremuitque,

moxque {mox et} quievit.

Dum cognito credidit

Domino Paulus,

persequi cessat

conchristianos.

5. Haec {Hi[n]c} lingua tuorum est canum,

ex inimicis

rediens ad te Deus.

Cum Paulus in ore omnium

secretorum {sacerdotum}

jura dat praeceptorum,

6. Docens crucifixum

non esse alium

praeter Christum Deum.

Cum Patre qui regnat

et Sancto Spiritu,

cujus testis Paulus,

7. Hi[n]c lingua sacerdotum

more canis dum perlinxit

legis et evangelii

duos molares

in his contrivit. {contritos}

Corrasit universas

species medicinarum,

quibus curantur saucii,

reficiuntur

enutriendi.

8. Quod docente Deum

mare vidit et fugit,

Jordanis

conversus est retrorsum.


Quia turba gentium

relicto {rediens} vitiorum

profundo,

Og rege Basan confuso,




9. Te solum adorat

Christe creatorem

Teque {Quem et } cognoscit in carne

venisse 
redemptorem.

Ach, Herr, mein Gott und höchster Hort

Here is my translation of the hymn "Ach, Herr, mein Gott und höchster Hort" (B. Waldis, 1553), a paraphrase of Psalm 5, Verba mea auribus. It is titled "A Prayer Against the False Teachers, and a Consolation upon God’s Word." The melody was composed specially by Waldis.

O LORD my God and Rock most high,

Receive my word and mark my cry;

  My pray’r I lay before Thee.

Thou art my God and Thou my King,

Thou only canst deliv’rance bring,

  For which I now implore Thee.

Thou lovest not the wicked way,

With Thee the sinner shall not stay,

  Ungodliness delights Thee not,

  Nor those who boast in what they wrought;

False teachers Thou shalt put to death,

And trample underfoot in wrath 

  All bloody men who scorn Thee.
 

2. I pray Thee, Lord, my soul defend
From their false doctrines that offend.
  Teach me Thine to be knowing,
That I Thy Word may closely hear
And come to Thee in fitting fear,
  With saints Thy praises showing.
Preserve me in the righteous way,
From what the enemy may say,

  From all their false, deceitful arts,
  Their lips that lie, their haughty hearts,
Their throats like open graves of death,
Their tongues that flatter without faith—
  Corrupt is all their doing.

3. Rebuke them, God, and let them fall
By these their wicked counsels all,
  And let them be confounded
Which, e’er rebellious, strive with Thee.
But let the godly joyful be,
  By Thy defense surrounded.
Let those Thou keepest joy in Thee,
And celebrate eternally.
  The perfect way Thou leadest them
  That love the glory of Thy name,
Thou wilt preserve them righteous e’er,
And as with shield and armor fair
  By grace bid them be crownèd.

4. For this, O Lord, we worship Thee,
And give Thee thanks eternally,
  Who madest earth and heaven,
And all their hosts, from on Thy throne,
Through Jesus Christ, Thine only Son;

  May we, who morn and even

Implore in faith obtain the same
At His command and in His name;
  In us Thy Spirit make it strong,
  That we may trust Him all life long
With heart and mind, by heavn’ly grace;
And in our need and death’s distress
  Thine ev’ry good be given.

Translation © 2013–2014 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

Ach Herr, mein Gott und höchster Hort,

Merk auf mein Red, vernimm mein Wort,

dann ich will für dir beten.

Du bist mein König und mein Gott,

Ich ruf zu dir beid früh und spat,

du kannst mich wohl erretten.

Du bist kein Gott dem Böses liebt,

bist gram dem der in Sünd sich übt,

kein gottlos Wesen dir gefällt,

alls was sich rühmt und prächtig stellt,

die falsche Lehre bringst du um,

die blutdürstigen in deim Grimm

wirst du all untertreten.

2. Darum bitt ich, Behüt mich, Herr,

vor ihr schädlichen falschen Lehr,

und wöllst mich unterweisen,

daß deinem Wort mein Seel gehorcht,

und dich anbett in rechter Forcht,

mit den Frummen zu preisen,

auf rechtem Weg mich, Herr, beschutz,

vor falscher Lehr, der Feinde Trutz,

nicht gwisses ist in ihrem Mund,

sie sind von Herzen ungesund,

ihr Rachen ist ein offnes Grab,

ihr Zung hinket am Heuchelstab,

ist falsch in all ihrn Reisen.

3. Straf sie, O Gott, und laß sie falln

von ihrm bösen Vornehmen alln,

daß sie werden verhöhnet,

die dir allzeit entgegen sein,

daß sich freuen die Frummen dein,

daß ihr stets werd verschonet,

die du beschirmest, rühmen sich,

sind in dir fröhlich ewiglich,

all die deins namens Ehr lieb han,

führst du allzeit auf rechter Bahn,

die grechten du erhalten willt,

werden gleich wie mit Helm und Schild,

durch Gnad von dir gekrönet.

¶ Dafür wir, Herr, auch preisen dich,

danken deim Namen ewiglich,

der du all himmlisch Heere

geschaffen hast in deinem Tron,

durch Jesum Christum deinen Sohn,

in ihm uns auch gewähre,

was wir bitten im Glauben rein,

auf sein Befehl im Namen sein,

solchs stärk in uns deins Geistes Güt,

daß wir mit Herzensinn und Gmüt

uns im Vertrauen ganz und gar,

in aller Not und Todesfahr

alls Gut mit Gnad beschere.

Erhör mich wann ich schrei

Here is my translation of "Erhör mich wann ich schrei" (B. Waldis, 1553), a paraphrase of Psalm IV, Cum Invocarem. Waldis titles his paraphrase, "A Prayer against False Teachers, and Consolation in God's Word." The beautiful, haunting tune, as typical of Waldis' psalter, was composed by hymnwriter.

LORD hear me when I call,
                Let me not fall;
  In my distress support me!
Thou rightous art, I know;
              Thy help bestow,
  Allow no foe to thwart me.
Thou wilt my sigh receive,
                  Nor ever leave
  My soul in mis’ ry lying.
And when I cry to Thee,
              Thy grace I see,
  And all the foe a-flying!

2. Ye princes, say, what gain
                         Do ye obtain,
  To treat as shame my glory,
Confiding in your might,
           Your vain delight,
  Your false, deceitful story?
Confess the strength of God,
                His works applaud,
  Which He hath freely shown you
Who with His wonders led
            Thro’ dangers dread,
  And in His love hath known you.

3. Though He in wrath reproved,             
                  And ye were moved,
  He will not still pursue it
If ye repent you clean
           Of hate and sin,
  And with true love subdue it;
All wisdom do ye own
        as God’s alone,—
  All judgment as His solely,
Who crushes the unjust,—
               In Him then trust,
  And ye shall prosper wholly.

4. Full many scorn to view
               The message true
  When I impart its teaching.
They say, “By whose command
                         Are we to stand
  And praise as good thy preaching?”
Yet this we have by grace:
           God makes His face
  To shine on us with blessing,
And with His Word’s fair ray
                  Doth light convey‚—
  For which we long unceasing.

5. Although the masses brook
                          Alone to look
  For life of ease and leisure,
Thy Word my comfort is,
           My rock, my bliss,
  My spring of deepest pleasure.
When I Thy bidding keep,
           E’en though I sleep,
  Thou kindly wilt sustain me
In safety close to Thee,
          Thou helpest me,
  And plenty dost ordain me.

6. Thus he who knows it best
                       In Thee to rest,
  Of all Thy bounties shareth,
E’en as Thy Holy Word,
           O gracious Lord,
  Abundantly declareth.
For this in Christ, Thy Son,
           Our thanks we own,
  Acclaiming Him our Savior,
Who from the Spirit won
            For us Thy crown
  And everlasting favor.

Translation © 2013–2014 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN
Erhör mich wann ich schrei,
und steh mir bei;
Herr tröste in den Nöten!
Ich weiß, du bist gerecht,
hilf deinem Knecht,
daß mich die Feind nicht töten!
Fürwahr du läßt mich nit
wenn ich dich bitt
in diesem Elend stecken,
und wann ich schrei zu dir,
bist gnädig mir,
so muß der Feind erschrecken.

2. Ihr Herrn, was hilfts euch nun,
daß ihr mein Tun
verhöhnt und so vernichtet
dagegn eur grosse Macht
auch losen Pracht
und Lügentand aufrichtet?
Erkennt doch Gottes Stärk,
daß er sein Werk
so wunderlich ausführet,
durch Angst und Todesfahr
gar wunderbar
wird seine Hilf gespüret.

3. Ob sich gleich Zorn erregt,
und euch bewegt,
so wollt nicht drinn beharren,
sondern bedenkt euch baß,
daß ihr den Haß
unter die Lieb verscharren,
Gebt Gott allein den Preis,
daß er sei weis,
und grecht in allen Dingen,
der alles Übel straft,
drum auf ihn hofft,
so wird euch alls gelingen.

4. Viel Leut wolln hören nicht
den rechten Bricht
wann ichs will unterweisen,
sprechen, Wer hats befohln,
daß wir uns solln
an deine Lehre preisen?
So fehlts uns dennoch nicht,
sein Angesicht
läßt Got übr uns erklären,
und mit seins Wortes Glanz
erleuchtet ganz
solch Freud wir stets begehren.

5. Obschon der große Hauf
sieht nur darauf,
daß er hie wohl mög leben,
so tröst mich doch dein Wort,
und ist mein Hort,
das mir kann Freuden geben.
Wann ich dein Willen schaff,
ob ich schon schlaf,
wirst du mich doch ernähren,
in Sicherheit bei dir,
hilfest du mir
und wirst mir gnug bescheren.

6. Weil du das hast gesagt,
wers auf dich wagt,
den willt du solchs gewähren,
wie uns dein heilges Wort
an allem Ort
alls reichlich tut erklären,
deß danken wir dir all
mit großem Schall,
in Christo deinem Sohne,
der uns deins Geistes Gnad
erworben hat,
und deiner Ehrenkrone.

Der Feind ist viel, ein große Rott

Here is my translation of "Der Feind ist viel, ein große Rott" (B. Waldis, 1553), a hymn based on Psalm 3, Domine quid multiplicati. As usual, Waldis provides the original melody along with the text. Note that the meter suggests that he first based the text on the tune "Mag ich Unglück nit widerstahn."

HOW num’rous is the foe, O Lord!
                       How great the horde,
  Intent to harm and halt me.
They say no help will come from Thee
                                       To rescue me
  And for such faith they fault me.
But Thou wilt be continually
My shield and crown, my glorious gown—
  And Thou wilt high exalt me!

2. I lift my voice, and call and cry
                         To God on high.
  Who leaves me not forsaken.
In Him I, slumbering, confide,
                                And safe abide
  Till He my soul awaken.
Although a host around me boast
Arrayed with rage their war to wage,
  He leaves their forces shaken.

3. Arise, O Lord my God, this hour,
                       Stir up Thy pow’r,
  Come help me now, my Savior,
And crush the counsels of the proud,
                              Ungodly crowd
  Lay low their vain endeavor!
For all the meek who faithful seek
Shall find with Thee their remedy
And blessing of Thy favor.

4. For this we give Thee, mighty God,
                           Our thanks and laud,
  O Father and Creator,
Who sent’st Thy Son to us on earth
                          To be by birth 
  True Man and share our nature,
Who by His blood, our highest good,
Hath raised us all from Adam’s fall,
  And saved His perished creature.

Translation © 2013 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN
Der Feind ist viel, ein grosse Rott,
O Herre Gott,
die sich gegn mich verpflichten,
Sprechen, bei dir sei gar kein Heil,
für meine Seel,
Damit mich gar vernichten.
Aber du willt stets sein mein Schild,
der mich ergetzt, zum Ehren setzt,
wirst mir mein Haupt aufrichten.

2. Zum HERRN ruf ich mit meiner Stimm,
und schrei zu ihm,
gar bald er mich erhöret.
Ob ich entschlaf in meiner Sach,
wann ich erwach,
so bleib ich unbeköhret,
Ob schon ein Heer liegt runds umher,
sich hoch aufbrüst und ist gerüst,
der Herr sie doch verstöret.

3. Auf, Herr mein Gott, itz bald zur Stund,
hilf mir jetzund,
wöllst deine Macht erregen,
und den Rat der gottlosen Schaar
zerschmettern gar,
ihrn Stolz und Hoffart legen,
dann bei dir findt ein jedes Kind,
das dich ersucht, der Hülfen Frucht,
und deiner Gnaden Segen.

4. Des dankn wir dir, O Vater groß,
ohn alle Moß,
der du Himmel und Erden
geschafen hast so breit und weit,
zur Gnadenzeit
dein Sohn hast Mensch lan werden,
sein Blut uns all von Adams Fall
hat aufgericht, und dir verpflicht,
erlöst von Todsgefährden.

Was hilfts die Heiden in der Welt

Here is my translation of the second psalm from Burkhard Waldis' Psalter (1553), titled "Psalm. II. Quare fremuerunt. Prophecy of Christ, who is to be heard if one would avoid destruction." The melody is original.

HOW DOTH IT profit heathenkind
 To rage with so much fury?
The princes of the world, aligned
 Against the Lord of glory,
Despise His wisdom, grace, and wrath
And Christ, whom He anointed hath
 For our great consolation.

2. But God in heaven mocks their horde,
 Their counsels all deriding;
His wrath will shortly be outpoured
 And rout them into hiding.
We break their bonds before their face,
For all their doctrine is disgrace
 And must be clean rejected.

3. In Zion God hath set His King,
 And bade the people listen.
From thence He doth good tidings sing
 That with salvation glisten:
“Thou art My true beloved Son,
My pleasure rests on Thee alone.
 This day I’ve Thee begotten.”

4. “But ask of Me, and Thee I’ll give
 Thy portion from the nations
That all the world in Thee may live
 Nor die in their transgressions.
So shall the head of every foe
Break as a vessel at Thy blow
 Beneath Thy rod of iron.

5. Ye mighty of the earth, then hear!
 And hearken to His preaching,
Serve ye the Lord with godly fear
 And heed His holy teaching,
Lest all His wrath upon you burn,
And He repay you as you earn.
 But blest are all that trust Him.

6. Praise to the Father evermore
 Upon the throne of heaven,
Who from the heavn’ly seat of pow’r
 His dear Son Christ hath given,
By whose fair Gospel we are saved
And hallowed, who were once depraved,
 As testifies His Spirit.

Translation © 2013 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

1. Was hilfts die Heiden in der Welt,
daß sie so feindlich toben,
all Herrschaft hat sich zsammengsellt
wider den Herrn dort oben,
gegenzustreben seinem Rat
und Christo, den er gsalbet hat,
zum Trost uns hie auf Erden.

2. Abr Gott im Himmel spottet ihr,
belacht ihr bös Vornehmen,
sein grimmig Zorn bricht bald herfür,
dann müssen sie sich schämen,
drum wir zerreißen ihre Band,
dann ihre Lehr ist uns ein Schand,
und muß verworfen werden.

3. Gott hat sein König zu Zion
gesetzt, daß man ihn höre.
Da er sein Evangelion
gibt zur seligen Lehre.
Er spricht: Du bist mein lieber Sohn,
an dem ich wohlgefallen han,
heut hab ich dich gezielet.

4. Ich gib dir, wann du bittst von mir,
die Heiden zu eim Erbe,
daß alle Welt gehorche dir,
in Sünden nicht verderbe,
den Widersachern, wie die Töpf,
solltu zerschlagen ihre Köpf,
mit einer eisern Ruten.

5. Drum rat ich daß ihr ihm gehorcht,
all gwaltigen auf Erden,
dienet dem Herrn mit grosser Forcht,
wöllt ihm gehorsam werden,
daß nit sein Zorn übr euch entbrinn,
werf euch mit eurem tun dahin,
wohl den die auf ihn trauen.

¶. Dem Vater ewig Preis und Lob
sei in seim höchsten Throne,
der uns gesandt vom Himmel rab
Christum sein lieben Sohne,
der uns sein Evangelium,
dadurch wir werden grecht und frumm,
durch seinen Geist bezeuget.