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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/14959-8.txt b/14959-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6d48e27 --- /dev/null +++ b/14959-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,6278 @@ +Project Gutenberg's The Hymns of Prudentius, by Aurelius Clemens Prudentius + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Hymns of Prudentius + +Author: Aurelius Clemens Prudentius + +Release Date: February 7, 2005 [EBook #14959] + +Language: Latin and English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HYMNS OF PRUDENTIUS *** + + + + +Produced by Ted Garvin, Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team. + + + + + + THE HYMNS of PRUDENTIUS + + TRANSLATED by R. MARTIN POPE. + + MDCCCCV PUBLISHED BY J.M. DENT + AND CO: ALDINE HOUSE LONDON W C + + + + CATHEMERINON LIBER + OF + PRUDENTIUS + + HYMNS FOR THE CHRISTIAN'S DAY + + NEWLY TRANSLATED INTO + ENGLISH VERSE + + + + + PRAEFATIO + + + Per quinquennia iam decem, + ni fallor, fuimus: septimus insuper + annum cardo rotat, dum fruimur sole volubili. + Instat terminus et diem + vicinum senio iam Deus adplicat. 5 + Quid nos utile tanti spatio temporis egimus? + Aetas prima crepantibus + flevit sub ferulis: mox docuit toga + infectum vitiis falsa loqui, non sine crimine. + Tum lasciva protervitas, 10 + et luxus petulans (heu pudet ac piget) + foedavit iuvenem nequitiae sordibus ac luto. + Exin iurgia turbidos + armarunt animos et male pertinax + vincendi studium subiacuit casibus asperis. 15 + Bis legum moderamine + frenos nobilium reximus urbium, + ius civile bonis reddidimus, terruimus reos. + Tandem militiae gradu + evectum pietas principis extulit 20 + adsumptum propius stare iubens ordine proximo. + Haec dum vita volans agit, + inrepsit subito canities seni + oblitum veteris me Saliae consulis arguens: + ex quo prima dies mihi 25 + quam multas hiemes volverit et rosas + pratis post glaciem reddiderit, nix capitis probat. + Numquid talia proderunt + carnis post obitum vel bona vel mala, + cum iam, quidquid id est, quod fueram, mors aboleverit? 30 + Dicendum mihi; Quisquis es, + mundum, quem coluit, mens tua perdidit: + non sunt illa Dei, quae studuit, cuius habeberis. + Atqui fine sub ultimo + peccatrix anima stultitiam exuat: 35 + saltem voce Deum concelebret, si meritis nequit: + hymnis continuet dies, + nec nox ulla vacet, quin Dominum canat: + pugnet contra hereses, catholicam discutiat fidem, + conculcet sacra gentium, 40 + labem, Roma, tuis inferat idolis, + carmen martyribus devoveat, laudet apostolos. + Haec dum scribo vel eloquor, + vinclis o utinam corporis emicem + liber, quo tulerit lingua sono mobilis ultimo. 45 + + + + + PREFACE + + + Full fifty years my span of life hath run, + Unless I err, and seven revolving years + Have further sped while I the sun enjoy. + Yet now the end draws nigh, and by God's will + Old age's bound is reached: how have I spent + And with what fruit so wide a tract of days? + I wept in boyhood 'neath the sounding rod: + Youth's toga donned, the rhetorician's arts + I plied and with deceitful pleadings sinned: + Anon a wanton life and dalliance gross + (Alas! the recollection stings to shame!) + Fouled and polluted manhood's opening bloom: + And then the forum's strife my restless wits + Enthralled, and the keen lust of victory + Drove me to many a bitterness and fall. + Twice held I in fair cities of renown + The reins of office, and administered + To good men justice and to guilty doom. + At length the Emperor's will beneficent + Exalted me to military power + And to the rank that borders on the throne. + The years are speeding onward, and gray hairs + Of old have mantled o'er my brows + And Salia's consulship from memory dies. + What frost-bound winters since that natal year + Have fled, what vernal suns reclothed + The meads with roses,--this white crown declares. + Yet what avail the prizes or the blows + Of fortune, when the body's spark is quenched + And death annuls whatever state I held? + This sentence I must hear: "Whate'er thou art, + Thy mind hath lost the world it loved: not God's + The things thou soughtest, Whose thou now shalt be." + Yet now, ere hence I pass, my sinning soul + Shall doff its folly and shall praise my Lord + If not by deeds, at least with humble lips. + Let each day link itself with grateful hymns + And every night re-echo songs of God: + Yea, be it mine to fight all heresies, + Unfold the meanings of the Catholic faith, + Trample on Gentile rites, thy gods, O Rome, + Dethrone, the Martyrs laud, th' Apostles sing. + O while such themes my pen and tongue employ, + May death strike off these fetters of the flesh + And bear me whither my last breath shall rise! + + + + + I. HYMNUS AD GALLI CANTUM + + + Ales diei nuntius + lucem propinquam praecinit; + nos excitator mentium + iam Christus ad vitam vocat. + + Auferte, clamat, lectulos 5 + aegros, soporos, desides: + castique recti ac sobrii + vigilate, iam sum proximus. + + Post solis ortum fulgidi + serum est cubile spernere, 10 + ni parte noctis addita + tempus labori adieceris. + + Vox ista, qua strepunt aves + stantes sub ipso culmine + paulo ante quam lux emicet, 15 + nostri figura est iudicis. + + Tectos tenebris horridis + stratisque opertos segnibus + suadet quietem linquere + iam iamque venturo die. 20 + + Ut, cum coruscis flatibus + aurora caelum sparserit, + omnes labore exercitos + confirmet ad spem luminis. + + Hic somnus ad tempus datus 25 + est forma mortis perpetis, + peccata ceu nox horrida + cogunt iacere ac stertere. + + Sed vox ab alto culmine + Christi docentis praemonet, 30 + adesse iam lucem prope, + ne mens sopori serviat: + + Ne somnus usque ad terminos + vitae socordis opprimat + pectus sepultum crimine 35 + et lucis oblitum suae. + + Ferunt vagantes daemonas + laetos tenebris noctium, + gallo canente exterritos + sparsim timere et cedere. 40 + + Invisa nam vicinitas + lucis, salutis, numinis + rupto tenebrarum situ + noctis fugat satellites. + + Hoc esse signum praescii 45 + norunt repromissae spei, + qua nos soporis liberi + speramus adventum Dei. + + Quae vis sit huius alitis, + salvator ostendit Petro, 50 + ter antequam gallus canat + sese negandum praedicans. + + Fit namque peccatum prius, + quam praeco lucis proximae + inlustret humanum genus 55 + finemque peccandi ferat. + + Flevit negator denique + ex ore prolapsum nefas, + cum mens maneret innocens, + animusque servaret fidem. 60 + + Nec tale quidquam postea + linguae locutus lubrico est, + cantuque galli cognito + peccare iustus destitit. + + Inde est quod omnes credimus, 65 + illo quietis tempore + quo gallus exsultans canit + Christum redisse ex inferis. + + Tunc mortis oppressus vigor, + tunc lex subacta est tartari, 70 + tunc vis diei fortior + noctem coegit cedere. + + Iam iam quiescant inproba, + iam culpa furva obdormiat, + iam noxa letalis suum 75 + perpessa somnum marceat. + + Vigil vicissim spiritus + quodcumque restat temporis, + dum meta noctis clauditur, + stans ac laborans excubet. 80 + + Iesum ciamus vocibus + flentes, precantes, sobrii: + intenta supplicatio + dormire cor mundum vetat. + + Sat convolutis artubus 85 + sensum profunda oblivio + pressit, gravavit, obruit + vanis vagantem somniis. + + Sunt nempe falsa et frivola, + quae mundiali gloria 90 + ceu dormientes egimus: + vigilemus, hic est veritas. + + Aurum, voluptas, gaudium, + opes, honores, prospera, + quaecumque nos inflant mala, 95 + fit mane, nil sunt omnia. + + Tu, Christe, somnum dissice, + tu rumpe noctis vincula, + tu solve peccatum vetus + novumque lumen ingere. 100 + + + + + I. HYMN AT COCK-CROW + + + Awake! the shining day is born! + The herald cock proclaims the morn: + And Christ, the soul's Awakener, cries, + Bidding us back to life arise. + + Away the sluggard's bed! away + The slumber of the soul's decay! + Ye chaste and just and temperate, + Watch! I am standing at the gate. + + After the sun hath risen red + 'Tis late for men to scorn their bed, + Unless a portion of the night + They seize for labours of the light. + + Mark ye, what time the dawn draws nigh, + How 'neath the eaves the swallows cry? + Know that by true similitude + Their notes our Judge's voice prelude. + + When hid by shades of dark malign + On beds of softness we recline, + They call us forth with music clear + Warning us that the day is near. + + When breezes bright of orient morn + With rosy hues the heavens adorn, + They cheer with hope of gladdening light + The hearts that spend in toil their might. + + Though sleep be but a passing guest + 'Tis type of death's perpetual rest: + Our sins are as a ghastly night, + And seal with slumbers deep our sight. + + But from the wide roof of the sky + Christ's voice peals forth with urgent cry, + Calling our sleep-bound hearts to rise + And greet the dawn with wakeful eyes. + + He bids us fear lest sensual ease + Unto life's end the spirit seize + And in the tomb of shame us bind, + Till we are to the true light blind. + + 'Tis said that baleful spirits roam + Abroad beneath the dark's vast dome; + But, when the cock crows, take their flight + Sudden dispersed in sore affright. + + For the foul votaries of the night + Abhor the coming of the light, + And shamed before salvation's grace + The hosts of darkness hide their face. + + They know the cock doth prophesy + Of Hope's long-promised morning sky, + When comes the Majesty Divine + Upon awakened worlds to shine. + + The Lord to Peter once foretold + What meaning that shrill strain should hold, + How he before cock-crow would lie + And thrice his Master dear deny. + + For 'tis a law that sin is done + Before the herald of the sun + To humankind the dawn proclaims + And with his cry the sinner shames. + + Then wept he bitter tears aghast + That from his lips the words had passed, + Though guileless he his soul possessed + And faith still reigned within his breast. + + Nor ever reckless word he said + Thereafter, by his tongue betrayed, + But at the cock's familiar cry + Humbled he turned from vanity. + + Therefore it is we hold to-day + That, as the world in stillness lay, + What hour the cock doth greet the skies, + Christ from deep Hades did arise. + + Lo! then the bands of death were burst, + Shattered the sway of hell accurst: + Then did the Day's superior might + Swiftly dispel the hosts of Night. + + Now let base deeds to silence fall, + Black thoughts be stilled beyond recall: + Now let sin's opiate spell retire + To that deep sleep it doth inspire. + + For all the hours that still remain + Until the dark his goal attain, + Alert for duty's stern command + Let every soul a sentry stand. + + With sober prayer on Jesus call; + Let tears with our strong crying fall; + Sleep cannot on the pure soul steal + That supplicates with fervent zeal. + + Too long did dull oblivion cloud + Our motions and our senses shroud: + Lulled by her numbing touch, we stray + In dreamland's ineffectual way. + + Bound by the dazzling world's soft chain + 'Tis false and fleeting gauds we gain, + Like those who in deep slumbers lie:-- + Let us awake! the truth is nigh. + + Gold, honours, pleasure, wealth and ease, + And all the joys that mortals please, + Joys with a fatal glamour fraught-- + When morning comes, lo! all are nought. + + But thou, O Christ, put sleep to flight + And break the iron bands of night, + Free us from burden of past sin + And shed Thy morning rays within. + + + + + II. HYMNUS MATUTINUS + + + Nox et tenebrae et nubila, + confusa mundi et turbida, + lux intrat, albescit polus, + Christus venit, discedite. + + Caligo terrae scinditur 5 + percussa solis spiculo, + rebusque iam color redit + vultu nitentis sideris. + + Sic nostra mox obscuritas + fraudisque pectus conscium 10 + ruptis retectum nubibus + regnante pallescit Deo. + + Tunc non licebit claudere + quod quisque fuscum cogitat, + sed mane clarescent novo 15 + secreta mentis prodita. + + Fur ante lucem squalido + inpune peccat tempore, + sed lux dolis contraria + latere furtum non sinit. 20 + + Versuta fraus et callida + amat tenebris obtegi, + aptamque noctem turpibus + adulter occultus fovet. + + Sol ecce surgit igneus, 25 + piget, pudescit, paenitet, + nec teste quisquam lumine + peccare constanter potest. + + Quis mane sumptis nequiter + non erubescit poculis, 30 + cum fit libido temperans + castumque nugator sapit? + + Nunc, nunc severum vivitur, + nunc nemo tentat ludicrum, + inepta nunc omnes sua 35 + vultu colorant serio. + + Haec hora cunctis utilis, + qua quisque, quod studet, gerat, + miles, togatus, navita, + opifex, arator, institor. 40 + + Illum forensis gloria, + hunc triste raptat classicum, + mercator hinc ac rusticus + avara suspirant lucra. + + At nos lucelli ac faenoris 45 + fandique prorsus nescii, + nec arte fortes bellica, + te, Christe, solum novimus. + + Te mente pura et simplici, + te voce, te cantu pio 50 + rogare curvato genu + flendo et canendo discimus. + + His nos lucramur quaestibus, + hac arte tantum vivimus, + haec inchoamus munera, 55 + cum sol resurgens emicat. + + Intende nostris sensibus, + vitamque totam dispice, + sunt multa fucis inlita, + quae luce purgentur tua. 60 + + Durare nos tales iube, + quales, remotis sordibus + nitere pridem iusseras, + Iordane tinctos flumine. + + Quodcumque nox mundi dehinc 65 + infecit atris nubibus, + tu, rex Eoi sideris, + vultu sereno inlumina. + + Tu sancte, qui taetram picem + candore tingis lacteo 70 + ebenoque crystallum facis, + delicta terge livida. + + Sub nocte Iacob caerula + luctator audax angeli, + eo usque dum lux surgeret, 75 + sudavit inpar praelium. + + Sed cum iubar claresceret, + lapsante claudus poplite + femurque victus debile + culpae vigorem perdidit. 80 + + Nutabat inguen saucium, + quae corporis pars vilior + longeque sub cordis loco + diram fovet libidinem. + + Hae nos docent imagines, 85 + hominem tenebris obsitum, + si forte non cedat Deo, + vires rebellis perdere. + + Erit tamen beatior, + intemperans membrum cui 90 + luctando claudum et tabidum + dies oborta invenerit. + + Tandem facessat caecitas, + quae nosmet in praeceps diu + lapsos sinistris gressibus 95 + errore traxit devio. + + Haec lux serenum conferat + purosque nos praestet sibi: + nihil loquamur subdolum, + volvamus obscurum nihil. 100 + + Sic tota decurrat dies, + ne lingua mendax, ne manus, + oculive peccent lubrici, + ne noxa corpus inquinet. + + Speculator adstat desuper, 105 + qui nos diebus omnibus + actusque nostros prospicit + a luce prima in vesperum. + + Hic testis, hic est arbiter, + his intuetur quidquid est, 110 + humana quod mens concipit; + hunc nemo fallit iudicem. + + + + + II. MORNING HYMN + + + Ye clouds and darkness, hosts of night + That breed confusion and affright, + Begone! o'erhead the dawn shines clear, + The light breaks in and Christ is here. + + Earth's gloom flees broken and dispersed, + By the sun's piercing shafts coerced: + The daystar's eyes rain influence bright + And colours glimmer back to sight. + + So shall our guilty midnight fade, + The sin-stained heart's gross dusky shade: + So shall the King's All-radiant Face + Sudden unveil our deep disgrace. + + No longer then may we disguise + Our dark intents from those clear eyes: + Yea, at the dayspring's advent blest + Our inmost thoughts will stand confest. + + The thief his hidden traffic plies + Unmarked before the dawn doth rise: + But light, the foe of guile concealed, + Lets no ill craft lie unrevealed. + + Fraud and Deceit love only night, + Their wiles they practise out of sight; + Curtained by dark, Adultery too + Doth his foul treachery pursue, + + But slinks abashed and shamed away + Soon as the sun rekindles day, + For none can damning light resist + And 'neath its rays in sin persist. + + Who doth not blush o'ertook by morn + And his long night's carousal scorn? + For day subdues the lustful soul, + And doth all foul desires control. + + Now each to earnest life awakes, + Now each his wanton sport forsakes; + Now foolish things are put away + And gravity resumes her sway. + + It is the hour for duty's deeds, + The path to which our labour leads, + Be it the forum, army, sea, + The mart or field or factory. + + One seeks the plaudits of the bar, + One the stern trumpet calls to war: + Those bent on trade and husbandry + At greed's behest for lucre sigh. + + Mine is no rhetorician's fame, + No petty usury I claim; + Nor am I skilled to face the foe: + 'Tis Thou, O Christ, alone I know. + + Yea, I have learnt to wait on Thee + With heart and lips of purity, + Humbly my knees in prayer to bend, + And tears with songs of praise to blend. + + These are the gains I hold in view + And these the arts that I pursue: + These are the offices I ply + When the bright sun mounts up the sky. + + Prove Thou my heart, my every thought, + Search into all that I have wrought: + Though I be stained with blots within, + Thy quickening rays shall purge my sin. + + O may I ever spotless be + As when my stains were cleansed by Thee, + Who bad'st me 'neath the Jordan's wave + Of yore my soilėd spirit lave. + + If e'er since then the world's gross night + Hath cast its curtain o'er my sight, + Dispel the cloud, O King of grace, + Star of the East! with thy pure face. + + Since Thou canst change, O holy Light, + The blackest hue to milky white, + Ebon to clearness crystalline, + Wash my foul stains and make me clean. + + 'Twas 'neath the lonely star-blue night + That Jacob waged the unequal fight, + Stoutly he wrestled with the Man + In darkness, till the day began. + + And when the sun rose in the sky + He halted on his shrivelled thigh: + His natural might had ebbed away, + Vanquished in that tremendous fray. + + Not wounded he in nobler part + Nor smitten in life's fount, the heart: + But lust was shaken from his throne + And his foul empire overthrown. + + Whereby we clearly learn aright + That man is whelmed by deadly night, + Unless he own God conqueror + And strive against His will no more. + + Yet happier he whom rising morn + Shall find of nature's strength forlorn, + Whose warring flesh hath shrunk away, + Palsied by virtue's puissant sway. + + And then at length let darkness flee, + Which all too long held us in fee, + 'Mid wildering shadows made us stray + And led in devious tracks our way. + + We pray Thee, Rising Light serene, + E'en as Thyself our hearts make clean: + Let no deceit our lips defile + Nor let our souls be vexed by guile. + + O keep us, as the hours proceed, + From lying word and evil deed, + Our roving eyes from sin set free, + Our body from impurity. + + For thou dost from above survey + The converse of each fleeting day: + Thou dost foresee from morning light + Our every deed, until the night. + + Justice and judgment dwell with Thee, + Whatever is, Thine eye doth see: + Thou know'st what human hearts conceive + And none Thy wisdom may deceive. + + + + + III. HYMNUS ANTE CIBUM + + + O crucifer bone, lucisator, + omniparens, pie, verbigena, + edite corpore virgineo, + sed prius in genitore potens, + astra, solum, mare quam fierent: 5 + + Huc nitido precor intuitu + flecte salutiferam faciem, + fronte serenus et inradia, + nominis ut sub honore tui + has epulas liceat capere. 10 + + Te sine dulce nihil, Domine, + nec iuvat ore quid adpetere, + pocula ni prius atque cibos, + Christe, tuus favor inbuerit + omnia sanctificante fide. 15 + + Fercula nostra Deum sapiant, + Christus et influat in pateras: + seria, ludicra, verba, iocos, + denique quod sumus aut agimus, + trina superne regat pietas. 20 + + Hic mihi nulla rosae spolia, + nullus aromate fragrat odor, + sed liquor influit ambrosius + nectareamque fidem redolet + fusus ab usque Patris gremio. 25 + + Sperne camena leves hederas, + cingere tempora quis solita es, + sertaque mystica dactylico + texere docta liga strophio, + laude Dei redimita comas. 30 + + Quod generosa potest anima, + lucis et aetheris indigena, + solvere dignius obsequium, + quam data munera si recinat + artificem modulata suum? 35 + + Ipse homini quia cuncta dedit, + quae capimus dominante manu, + quae polus aut humus aut pelagus + aere, gurgite, rure creant, + haec mihi subdidit et sibi me. 40 + + Callidus inlaqueat volucres + aut pedicis dolus aut maculis, + inlita glutine corticeo + vimina plumigeram seriem + inpediunt et abire vetant. 45 + + Ecce per aequora fluctivagos + texta greges sinuosa trahunt: + piscis item sequitur calamum + raptus acumine vulnifico + credula saucius ora cibo. 50 + + Fundit opes ager ingenuas + dives aristiferae segetis: + his ubi vitea pampineo + brachia palmite luxuriant, + pacis alumna ubi baca viret. 55 + + Haec opulentia Christicolis + servit et omnia suppeditat: + absit enim procul ilia fames, + caedibus ut pecudum libeat + sanguineas lacerare dapes. 60 + + Sint fera gentibus indomitis + prandia de nece quadrupedum: + nos oleris coma, nos siliqua + feta legumine multimodo + paverit innocuis epulis. 65 + + Spumea mulctra gerunt niveos + ubere de gemino latices, + perque coagula densa liquor + in solidum coit et fragili + lac tenerum premitur calatho. 70 + + Mella recens mihi Cecropia + nectare sudat olente favus: + haec opifex apis aerio + rore liquat tenuique thymo, + nexilis inscia connubii. 75 + + Hinc quoque pomiferi nemoris + munera mitia proveniunt, + arbor onus tremefacta suum + deciduo gravis imbre pluit + puniceosque iacit cumulos. 80 + + Quae veterum tuba, quaeve lyra + flatibus inclita vel fidibus + divitis omnipotentis opus, + quaeque fruenda patent homini + laudibus aequiparare queat? 85 + + Te Pater optime mane novo, + solis et orbita cum media est, + te quoque luce sub occidua + sumere cum monet hora cibum, + nostra Deus canet harmonia. 90 + + Quod calet halitus interior, + corde quod abdita vena tremit, + pulsat et incita quod resonam + lingua sub ore latens caveam, + laus superi Patris esto mihi. 95 + + Nos igitur tua sancte manus + caespite conposuit madido + effigiem meditata suam, + utque foret rata materies + flavit et indidit ore animam. 100 + + Tunc per amoena vireta iubet + frondicomis habitare locis, + ver ubi perpetuum redolet + prataque multicolora latex + quadrifluo celer amne rigat. 105 + + Haec tibi nunc famulentur, ait, + usibus omnia dedo tuis: + sed tamen aspera mortifero + stipite carpere poma veto, + qui medio viret in nemore. 110 + + Hic draco perfidus indocile + virginis inlicit ingenium, + ut socium malesuada virum + mandere cogeret ex vetitis + ipsa pari peritura modo. 115 + + Corpora mutua--nosse nefas-- + post epulas inoperta vident, + lubricus error et erubuit: + tegmina suta parant foliis, + dedecus ut pudor occuleret. 120 + + Conscia culpa Deum pavitans + sede pia procul exigitur. + innuba fernina quae fuerat, + coniugis excipit inperium, + foedera tristia iussa pati. 125 + + Auctor et ipse doli coluber + plectitur inprobus, ut mulier + colla trilinguia calce terat: + sic coluber muliebre solum + suspicit atque virum mulier. 130 + + His ducibus vitiosa dehinc + posteritas ruit in facinus, + dumque rudes imitatur avos, + fasque nefasque simul glomerans + inpia crimina morte luit. 135 + + Ecce venit nova progenies, + aethere proditus alter homo, + non luteus, velut ille prior: + sed Deus ipse gerens hominem, + corporeisque carens vitiis. 140 + + Fit caro vivida sermo Patris, + numine quam rutilante gravis + non thalamo, neque iure tori, + nec genialibus inlecebris + intemerata puella parit. 145 + + Hoc odium vetus illud erat, + hoc erat aspidis atque hominis + digladiabile discidium, + quod modo cernua femineis + vipera proteritur pedibus. 150 + + Edere namque Deum merita + omnia virgo venena domat: + tractibus anguis inexplicitis + virus inerme piger revomit, + gramine concolor in viridi. 155 + + Quae feritas modo non trepidat, + territa de grege candidulo? + inpavidas lupus inter oves + tristis obambulat et rabidum + sanguinis inmemor os cohibet. 160 + + Agnus enim vice mirifica + ecce leonibus inperitat: + exagitansque truces aquilas + per vaga nubila, perque notos + sidere lapsa columba fugat. 165 + + Tu mihi Christe columba potens, + sanguine pasta cui cedit avis, + tu niveus per ovile tuum + agnus hiare lupum prohibes, + sub iuga tigridis ora premens. 170 + + Da locuples Deus hoc famulis + rite precantibus, ut tenui + membra cibo recreata levent, + neu piger inmodicis dapibus + viscera tenta gravet stomachus. 175 + + Haustus amarus abesto procul, + ne libeat tetigisse manu + exitiale quid aut vetitum: + gustus et ipse modum teneat, + sospitet ut iecur incolume. 180 + + Sit satis anguibus horrificis, + liba quod inpia corporibus + ah miseram peperere necem, + sufficiat semel ob facinus + plasma Dei potuisse mori. 185 + + Oris opus, vigor igneolus + non moritur, quia flante Deo + conpositus superoque fluens + de solio Patris artificis + vim liquidae rationis habet. 190 + + Viscera mortua quin etiam + post obitum reparare datur, + eque suis iterum tumulis + prisca renascitur effigies + pulvereo coeunte situ. 195 + + Credo equidem, neque vana fides, + corpora vivere more animae: + nam modo corporeum memini + de Phlegethonte gradu facili + ad superos remeasse Deum. 200 + + Spes eadem mea membra manet, + quae redolentia funereo + iussa quiescere sarcophago + dux parili redivivus humo + ignea Christus ad astra vocat. 205 + + + + + III. HYMN BEFORE MEAT + + + Blest Cross-bearer, Source of good, + Light-creating, Word-begot, + Gracious child of maidenhood, + Bosomed in the Fatherhood, + When earth, sea and stars were not. + + With Thy cloudless, healing gaze + Shine upon me from above: + Let Thine all-enlightening rays + Bless this meal and quicken praise, + Praise unto Thy name of Love. + + Lord, without Thee nought is sweet, + Nought my life can satisfy, + If Thy favour make not meet + What I drink and what I eat; + Let faith all things sanctify! + + O'er this bread God's grace be poured, + Christ's sweet fragrance fill the bowl! + Rule my converse, Triune Lord, + Sober thought and sportive word, + All my acts and all my soul. + + Spoils of rose-trees are not spent, + Nor rich unguents on my board: + But ambrosial sweets are sent, + Of faith's nectar redolent, + From the bosom of my Lord. + + Scorn, my Muse, light ivy-leaves + Wherewith custom wreathed thy brow: + Love a mystic crown conceives + And a rhythmic garland weaves: + Bind on thee God's praises now. + + What more worthy gift can I, + Child of light and aether, bring + Than for boons the Maker high + From His bounty doth supply + Lovingly my thanks to sing? + + He hath set 'neath our command + All that ever rose to be, + All that sky and sea and land + Breed in air, in glebe and sand, + Made my slaves, His own made me. + + Fowler's craft with gin and net + Feathered tribes of heaven ensnares: + Osier twigs with lime o'erset + That their airy flight may let + His relentless guile prepares. + + Lo! with woven mesh the seine + Swimming shoals draws from the wave: + Nor do fish the bait disdain + Till they feel the barb's swift pain, + Captives of the food they crave. + + Native wealth that knows no fail, + Golden wheat springs from the field: + Tendrils lush o'er vineyards trail, + Nursed of Peace the olives pale + Berries green unbidden yield. + + Christ's grace fills His people's need + With these mercies ever fresh: + Far from us be that foul greed, + Gluttony that loves to feed + On slain oxen's bloodstained flesh. + + Leave to the barbarian brood + Banquet of the slaughtered beast: + Ours the homely, garden food, + Greenstuff manifold and good + And the lentils' harmless feast. + + Foaming milkpails bubble o'er + With the udders' snowy stream, + Which in thickening churns we pour + Or in wicker baskets store, + As the cheese is pressed from cream. + + Honey's nectar for our use + From the new-made comb is shed: + Which the skilful bee imbues + With thyme's scent and airy dews, + Plying lonely toils unwed. + + Orchard-groves now mellowed o'er + Bounteously their fruitage shed: + See! like rain on forest floor + Shaken trees their riches pour, + High-heaped apples, ripe and red. + + What great trumpet voice or lyre + Famed of yore could fitly praise + Gifts of the Almighty Sire, + Blessings that His own require, + Richly lavished through their days? + + When morn breaks upon our sight, + Hymns, O Lord, to Thee shall ring: + Thee, when streams the midday light, + Thee, when shadows of the night + Bid us sup, our voices sing. + + For my body's vital heat, + For my heart-blood's pulsing vein, + For my tongue and speech complete + Unto Thee, Most High, 'tis meet + That I raise my grateful strain. + + 'Twas, O Holy One, Thy care + Wrought us from the plastic clay, + Made us Thine own image bear, + And for our perfection fair + Did Thy Breath to man convey. + + On the twain Thou didst bestow + Leafy bowers in pleasaunce fair: + Where spring's scents for aye did blow, + And four stately streams did flow + O'er meads pied with blossoms rare. + + "All this realm ye now shall sway:" + (Saidst Thou) "use it at your will, + Yet 'tis death your hands to lay + On the Tree, whose verdant sway + Doth the midmost garden fill." + + Then the Serpent's guileful hate + Would not innocency spare: + Bade the maiden urge her mate + With the fruit his lips to sate, + Nor 'scaped she the self-same snare. + + Each their nakedness perceives + When the feast they once partook: + Smit with shame their conscience grieves: + Wove they coverings of leaves + Shielding from lascivious look. + + Far they both in terror fled + Thrust from dwelling of the pure: + She who erst had dwelt unwed + Subject to her spouse was led, + Bidden Hymen's bonds endure. + + On the Serpent, too, His seal + God hath set, Who guile abhorred, + Doomed in triple neck to feel + Impress of the woman's heel, + Fearing her, who feared her lord. + + Thus sin in our parents sown + Brought forth ruin for the race; + Good and evil having grown + From that primal root alone, + Nought but death could guilt efface. + + But the Second Man behold + Come to re-create our kin: + Not formed after common mould + But our God (O Love untold!) + Made in flesh that knows not sin. + + Word of God incarnated, + By His awful power conceived, + Whom a maiden yet unwed, + Innocent of marriage-bed, + In her virgin womb received. + + Now we see the Serpent lewd + 'Neath the woman's heel downtrod: + Whence there sprang the deadly feud, + Strife for ages unsubdued, + 'Twixt mankind and foe of God. + + Yet God's mother, Maid adored, + Robbed sin's poison of its bane, + And the Snake, his green coils lowered, + Writhing on the sod, outpoured + Harmless now his venom's stain. + + What fierce brute that doth not flee + Lambs of Christ, white-robed and clean? + 'Midst the flock from fear set free, + Slinks the drear wolf sullenly, + Checked his maw and tamed his mien. + + Wondrous change! restrained by love + Lions the mild lamb obey: + Eagles wild, before the dove + Fluttering from the stars above, + Speed o'er cloudy winds away. + + Thou, O Christ, my Dove dost reign + Where the vulture gnaws no more: + Thou dost, snow-white Lamb, enchain + Tigers fierce, and wolves restrain + Gaping at the sheepfold's door. + + God of Love, Thy servants we + Pray Thee now to grant our prayer + That our feast may frugal be, + Nor that we dishonour Thee + By coarse surfeit of rich fare. + + May we taste no bitter gall + In our cup, nor handle we + Aught of death or harm at all, + Nor intemperately fall + Into gross debauchery. + + Be the powers of Hell content + With their primal fraud, whereby + Death into this world was sent, + And that, for sin's chastisement, + God's own creatures once should die. + + But in us God's Breath of fire + Cannot lose its vital force: + Never can its might expire, + Flowing from the Eternal Sire, + Who of Reason's strength is source. + + Nay, from out death's chilling tomb + Mortal atoms shall arise: + Man from earth's vast, hidden womb + Other, yet the same, shall bloom, + Dust re-made in glorious guise. + + 'Tis my faith--and faith not vain-- + Bodies live e'en as the soul: + Since I hold in memory plain + God as man uprose again, + Loosed from Hell, to His true goal. + + Whence from Him the hope I reap + That these limbs the same shall rise, + Which enwrapped in balmy sleep + Christ the Risen safe shall keep + Till He call me to the skies. + + + + + IV. HYMNUS POST CIBUM + + + Pastis visceribus ciboque sumpto, + quem lex corporis inbecilla poscit, + laudem lingua Deo patri rependat; + Patri, qui Cherubin sedile sacrum, + nec non et Seraphin suum supremo 5 + subnixus solio tenet regitque. + + Hic est, quem Sabaoth Deum vocamus, + expers principii carensque fine, + rerum conditor et repertor orbis: + fons vitae liquida fluens ab arce, 10 + infusor fidei, sator pudoris, + mortis perdomitor, salutis auctor. + + Omnes quod sumus aut vigemus, inde est: + regnat Spiritus ille sempiternus + a Christo simul et Parente missus. 15 + Intrat pectora candidus pudica, + quae templi vice consecrata rident, + postquam conbiberint Deum medullis. + + Sed si quid vitii dolive nasci + inter viscera iam dicata sensit, 20 + ceu spurcum refugit celer sacellum. + Taetrum flagrat enim vapore crasso + horror conscius aestuante culpa + offensumque bonum niger repellit. + + Nec solus pudor innocensve votum 25 + templum constituunt perenne Christo + in cordis medii sum ac recessu: + sed ne crapula ferveat cavendum est, + quae sedem fidei cibis refertam + usque ad congeriem coartet intus. 30 + + Parcis victibus expedita corda + infusum melius Deum receptant. + Hic pastus animae est, saporque verus: + sed nos tu gemino fovens paratu + artus atque animas utroque pastu 35 + confirmas Pater ac vigore conples. + + Sic olim tua praecluens potestas + inter raucisonos situm leones, + inlapsis dapibus virum refovit. + Illum fusile numen execrantem 40 + et curvare caput sub expolita + aeris materia nefas putantem + + Plebs dirae Babylonis ac tyrannus + morti subdiderant, feris dicarant + saevis protinus haustibus vorandum. 45 + O semper pietas fidesque tuta! + lambunt indomiti virum leones + intactumque Dei tremunt alumnum. + + Adstant cominus et iubas reponunt, + mansuescit rabies fameque blanda 50 + praedam rictibus ambit incruentis. + Sed cum tenderet ad superna palmas + expertumque sibi Deum rogaret, + clausus iugiter indigensque victu: + + Iussus nuntius advolare terris, 55 + qui pastum famulo daret probato, + raptim desilit obsequente mundo. + Cernit forte procul dapes inemptas, + quas messoribus Abbacuc propheta + agresti bonus exhibebat arte. 60 + + Huius caesarie manu prehensa + plenis, sicut erat, gravem canistris + suspensum rapit et vehit per auras. + Tum raptus simul ipse prandiumque + sensim labitur in lacum leonum, 65 + et, quas tunc epulas gerebat, offert: + + Sumas laetus, ait, libensque carpas, + quae summus Pater, angelusque Christi + mittunt liba tibi sub hoc periclo. + His sumptis Danielus excitavit 70 + in caelum faciem ciboque fortis + Amen reddidit, Halleluia dixit. + + Sic nos muneribus tuis refecti, + largitor Deus omnium bonorum, + grates reddimus et sacramus hymnos. 75 + Tu nos tristifico velut tyranno + mundi scilicet inpotentis actu + conclusos regis et feram repellis, + + Quae circumfremit ac vorare temptat + insanos acuens furore dentes, 80 + cur te, summe Deus, precemur unum. + Vexamur, premimur, malis rotamur; + oderunt, lacerant, trahunt, lacessunt, + iuncta est suppliciis fides iniquis. + + Nec defit tamen anxiis medela; 85 + nam languente trucis leonis ira + inlapsae superingeruntur escae. + Quas si quis sitienter hauriendo + non gustu tenui, sed ore pleno + internis velit inplicare venis, 90 + + Hic sancto satiatus ex propheta, + iustorum capiet cibos virorum, + qui fructum domino metunt perenni. + Nil est dulcius ac magis saporum, + nil quod plus hominem iuvare possit, 95 + quam vatis pia praecinentis orsa. + + His sumptis licet insolens potestas + pravum iudicet, inrogetque mortem, + inpasti licet inruant leones, + nos semper Dominum patrem fatentes 100 + in te, Christe Deus, loquemur unum + constanterque tuam crucem feremus. + + + + + IV. HYMN AFTER MEAT + + Refreshed we rise, and for this bread that feeds, + By law of man's weak flesh, our daily needs, + Let every tongue, the Father's praises sing; + The Father Who on His exalted throne, + O'er Cherubim and Seraphim, alone + Reigns in His majesty, Eternal King. + + God of Sabaoth is His name: 'tis He + Who ne'er began and ne'er shall cease to be, + Builder of worlds created at His word; + Fountain of Life that flows from out the sky, + He breathes within us Faith and Purity, + Great Conqueror of Death, Salvation's Lord. + + From Him each creature life and vigour gains, + And over all the Eternal Spirit reigns + Who cometh from the Father and the Son: + When, dovelike, on pure hearts the heavenly Guest + Descends, they are by God's own presence blest, + As temples where His holy work is done. + + But if the taint of vice or guile arise + Within the consecrated shrine, He flies + With speed from out the sin-defilčd cell; + For, driven forth by guilt's black, surging tide, + The offended Godhead may not there abide + Where conscious sin and noisome foulness dwell. + + Not chastity nor childlike faith alone + Build up for Christ an everlasting throne + Deep in the inmost heart, devoid of shame: + But watchful ever must His servants be, + Lest the dark power of sated gluttony + Should bind about the abode of faith its chain. + + Yet simple saints, content with frugal fare, + More surely find the Spirit present there, + Who is our soul's true strength and heavenly food: + Thy love for us a twofold feast supplies, + O Father, whence the soul may strengthened rise + And eke the body gain new hardihood. + + Thus, fed and sheltered by Thy matchless might, + The lions' hideous roar could not affright + Thy loyal servant in the days of old: + He boldly cursed the molten deity + And stood with stubborn head uplifted high + That scorned to bow before a god of gold. + + Then Babylon's vile mob with fury glows; + Death is his doom; and straight the tyrant throws + The youth to be his savage lions' prey: + But faith and piety Thou still dost save, + For lo! the untamed brutes no longer rave, + But round God's unscathed child they gently play. + + Close by his side they stand with drooping mane, + The grisly, gaping jaws from blood refrain + And with rough tongues their whilom prey caress: + But when in prayer he raised his hands to heaven + And called the God, from Whom such help was given, + Close-prisoned, hungry, and in sore distress, + + A wingčd messenger to earth He sends, + Who swiftly through the parting clouds descends + To feed His servant, proven by the test: + By chance he sees from far the unbought fare + Which the good seer Habakkuk's kindly care + With rustic art had for the reapers dressed: + + Then, grasping in strong hand the prophet's hair, + He bears him gently through the rushing air, + Still burdened with the platter's savoury load, + Till o'er the lions' den at last they stayed + And straightway to the starving youth displayed + The food thus brought, by God's good grace bestowed. + + "Take this with joy," he said, "and thankful feed, + The bread that in thy hour of direst need, + By the great Father sent, Christ's angel brings." + Then Daniel lifts his eyes to heaven above + And, strengthened by the wondrous gift of love, + "Amen!" he cries, and Alleluia sings. + + Thus, therefore, by Thy bounties now restored, + Giver of all things good, Almighty Lord, + We render thanks and sing glad hymns to Thee: + Though prisoned in an evil world we dwell + Where sin's grim tyrant rules, Thou dost repel + With sovran power our mortal enemy. + + He roars around us, and would fain devour, + Grinding his angry teeth when 'gainst his power + In Thee alone, O God, we still confide: + By evil things we are beset and vexed, + Tormented, hated, harassed and perplexed, + Our faith by cruel suffering sorely tried, + + Yet help ne'er fails us in our time of need, + For Thou canst quell the lions' rage, and feed + Our hungry spirits with celestial fare: + And if some soul no meagre taste would gain + Of that repast, but thirstily is fain + Full measure of the heavenly sweets to share, + + He by the holy seers of old is fed, + And shall partake the loyal reapers' bread + Who labour in the eternal Master's field: + For nothing sweeter than the Word can be + That fell from righteous lips, once touched by Thee, + And nought can richer grace to mortals yield. + + With this sustained, though vaunting tyranny + By unjust judgment doom us straight to die, + And starvčd lions rush these limbs to tear; + Confessing ever Thine Eternal Son, + With Thee, Almighty Father, ever one, + His cross with faith unshaken will we bear. + + + + + V. HYMNUS AD INCENSUM LUCERNAE + + + Inventor rutili, dux bone, luminis, + qui certis vicibus tempora dividis, + merso sole chaos ingruit horridum, + lucem redde tuis Christe fidelibus. + + Quamvis innumero sidere regiam 5 + lunarique polum lampade pinxeris, + incussu silicis lumina nos tamen + monstras saxigeno semine quaerere: + + Ne nesciret homo spem sibi luminis + in Christi solido corpore conditam, 10 + qui dici stabilem se voluit petram, + nostris igniculis unde genus venit. + + Pinguis quos olei rore madentibus + lychnis aut facibus pascimus aridis: + quin et fila favis scirpea floreis 15 + presso melle prius conlita fingimus. + + Vivax flamma viget, seu cava testula + sucum linteolo suggerit ebrio, + seu pinus piceam fert alimoniam, + seu ceram teretem stuppa calens bibit. 20 + + Nectar de liquido vertice fervidum + guttatim lacrimis stillat olentibus, + ambustum quoniam vis facit ignea + imbrem de madido flere cacumine. + + Splendent ergo tuis muneribus, Pater, 25 + flammis mobilibus scilicet atria, + absentemque diem lux agit aemula, + quam nox cum lacero victa fugit peplo. + + Sed quis non rapidi luminis arduam + manantemque Deo cernat originem? 30 + Moyses nempe Deum spinifera in rubo + vidit conspicuo lumine flammeum. + + Felix, qui meruit sentibus in sacris + caelestis solii visere principem, + iussus nexa pedum vincula solvere, 35 + ne sanctum involucris pollueret locum. + + Hunc ignem populus sanguinis incliti + maiorum meritis tutus et inpotens, + suetus sub dominis vivere barbaris, + iam liber sequitur longa per avia: 40 + + qua gressum tulerant castraque caerulae + noctis per medium concita moverant, + plebem pervigilem fulgure praevio + ducebat radius sole micantior. + + Sed rex Niliaci littoris invido 45 + fervens felle iubet praevalidam manum + in bellum rapidis ire cohortibus + ferratasque acies clangere classicum. + + Sumunt arma viri seque minacibus + accingunt gladiis, triste canit tuba: 50 + hic fidit iaculis, ille volantia + praefigit calamis spicula Gnosiis. + + Densetur cuneis turba pedestribus, + currus pars et equos et volucres rotas + conscendunt celeres signaque bellica 55 + praetendunt tumidis clara draconibus. + + Hic iam servitii nescia pristini + gens Pelusiacis usta vaporibus + tandem purpurei gurgitis hospita + rubris littoribus fessa resederat. 60 + + Hostis dirus adest cum duce perfido, + infert et validis praelia viribus: + Moyses porro suos in mare praecipit + constans intrepidis tendere gressibus: + + praebent rupta locum stagna viantibus 65 + riparum in faciem pervia, sistitur + circumstans vitreis unda liquoribus, + dum plebs sub bifido permeat aequore. + + Pubes quin etiam decolor asperis + inritata odiis rege sub inpio 70 + Hebraeum sitiens fundere sanguinem + audet se pelago credere concavo: + + ibant praecipiti turbine percita + fluctus per medios agmina regia, + sed confusa dehinc unda revolvitur 75 + in semet revolans gurgite confluo. + + Currus tunc et equos telaque naufraga + ipsos et proceres et vaga corpora + nigrorum videas nare satellitum, + arcis iustitium triste tyrannicae. 80 + + Quae tandem poterit lingua retexere + laudes Christe tuas? qui domitam Pharon + plagis multimodis cedere praesuli + cogis iustitiae vindice dextera. + + Qui pontum rapidis aestibus invium 85 + persultare vetas, ut refluo in salo + securus pateat te duce transitus, + et mox unda rapax devoret inpios. + + Cui ieiuna eremi saxa loquacibus + exundant scatebris, et latices novos 90 + fundit scissa silex, quae sitientibus + dat potum populis axe sub igneo. + + Instar fellis aqua tristifico in lacu + fit ligni venia mel velut Atticum: + lignum est, quo sapiunt aspera dulcius; 95 + uam praefixa cruci spes hominum viget. + + Inplet castra cibus tunc quoque ninguidus, + inlabens gelida grandine densius: + his mensas epulis, hac dape construunt, + quam dat sidereo Christus ab aethere. 100 + + Nec non imbrifero ventus anhelitu + crassa nube leves invehit alites, + quae conflata in humum, cum semel agmina + fluxerunt, reduci non revolant fuga. + + Haec olim patribus praemia contulit 105 + insignis pietas numinis unici, + cuius subsidio nos quoque vescimur + pascentes dapibus pectora mysticis. + + Fessos ille vocat per freta seculi + discissis populum turbinibus regens 110 + iactatasque animas mille laboribus + iustorum in patriam scandere praecipit. + + Illic purpureis tecta rosariis + omnis fragrat humus calthaque pinguia + et molles violas et tenues crocos 115 + fundit fonticulis uda fugacibus. + + Illic et gracili balsama surculo + desudata fluunt, raraque cinnama + spirant et folium, fonte quod abdito + praelambens fluvius portat in exitum. 120 + + Felices animae prata per herbida + concentu parili suave sonantibus + hymnorum modulis dulce canunt melos, + calcant et pedibus lilia candidis. + + Sunt et spiritibus saepe nocentibus 125 + paenarum celebres sub Styge feriae + illa nocte, sacer qua rediit Deus + stagnis ad superos ex Acheronticis. + + Non sicut tenebras de face fulgida + surgens oceano Lucifer inbuit, 130 + sed terris Domini de cruce tristibus + maior sole novum restituens diem. + + Marcent suppliciis tartara mitibus, + exultatque sui carceris otio + functorum populus liber ab ignibus, 135 + nec fervent solito flumina sulphure. + + Nos festis trahimus per pia gaudia + noctem conciliis votaque prospera + certatim vigili congerimus prece + extructoque agimus liba sacrario. 140 + + Pendent mobilibus lumina funibus, + quae suffixa micant per laquearia, + et de languidulis fota natatibus + lucem perspicuo flamma iacit vitro. + + Credas stelligeram desuper aream 145 + ornatam geminis stare trionibus, + et qua bosporeum temo regit iugum, + passim purpureos spargier hesperos. + + O res digna, Pater, quam tibi roscidae + noctis principio grex tuus offerat, 150 + lucem, qua tribuis nil pretiosius, + lucem, qua reliqua praemia cernimus. + + Tu lux vera oculis, lux quoque sensibus, + intus tu speculum, tu speculum foris, + lumen, quod famulans offero, suscipe, 155 + tinctum pacifici chrismatis unguine. + + Per Christum genitum, summe Pater, tuum, + in quo visibilis stat tibi gloria, + qui noster Dominus, qui tuus unicus + spirat de patrio corde paraclitum. 160 + + Per quem splendor, honos, laus, sapientia, + maiestas, bonitas, et pietas tua + regnum continuat numine triplici + texens perpetuis secula seculis. + + + + + V. HYMN FOR THE LIGHTING OF THE LAMPS + + + Blest Lord, Creator of the glowing light, + At Whose behest the hours successive move, + The sun has set: black darkness broods above: + Christ! light Thy faithful through the coming night. + + Thy courts are lit with stars unnumberčd, + And in the cloudless vault the pale moon rides; + Yet Thou dost bid us seek the fire that hides + Till swift we strike it from its flinty bed. + + So man may learn that in Christ's body came + The hidden hope of light to mortals given: + He is the Rock--'tis His own word--that riven + Sends forth to all our race the eternal flame. + + From lamps that brim with rich and fragrant oil, + Or torches dry this heaven-sent fire we feed; + Or make us rushlights from the flowering reed + And wax, whereon the bees have spent their toil. + + Bright glows the light, whether the resin thick + Of pine-brand flares, or waxen tapers burn + With melting radiance, or the hollow urn + Yields its stored sweetness to the thirsty wick. + + Beneath the might of fire, in slow decay + The scented tears of glowing nectar fall; + Lower and lower droops the candle tall + And ever dwindling weeps itself away. + + So by Thy gifts, great Father, hearth and hall + Are all ablaze with points of twinkling light + That vie with daylight spent; and vanquished Night + Rends, as she flies away, her sable pall. + + Who knoweth not that from high Heaven first came + Our light, from God Himself the rushing fire? + For Moses erst, amid the prickly brier, + Saw God made manifest in lambent flame. + + Ah, happy he! deemed worthy face to face + To see heaven's Lord within that sacred brake; + Bidden the sandals from his feet to take, + Nor with his shoon defile that holy place. + + The mighty children of the chosen name, + Saved by the merits of their sires, and free + After long years of savage tyranny, + Through the drear desert followed still that flame. + + Striking their camp beneath the silent night + Where'er they went, to lead their darkling way, + The cloud of glory lent its guiding ray + And shone more splendid than the noonday light. + + But, mad with jealous fury, Egypt's king + Calls his great host to battle for their lord: + Swiftly the cohorts gather at his word, + And down the mail-clad lines the clarions ring. + + Girding their trusty swords the warriors go + To fill the ranks; hoarse bugles rend the air; + These seize their massy javelins, these prepare + The death-winged arrow and the Cretan bow. + + The footmen throng in close battalions pressed; + The chariots thunder; to the saddle spring + The riders of the Nile, as forth they fling + Egypt's proud banner with the serpent crest. + + And now, forgetful of the bondage past, + Thy children, tortured by the desert heat, + Drag to the Red Sea's brink their weary feet, + And on its sandy margin rest at last. + + See! with their forsworn king the savage foe + Draws nigh: the threatening squadrons nearer ride; + But ever onward urged the intrepid guide + And through the waves bade Israel fearless go. + + Before that steadfast march the billows fall, + Then raise on either hand their crystal mass, + While through the sundered deep Thy people pass + And ocean guards them with a liquid wall. + + But, mad with baffled rage, the dusky horde + Of Egypt, by their impious despot led, + Athirst the hated Hebrews' blood to shed + Pursued, all reckless of the o'er-arching flood. + + Swift as the wind the royal squadrons ride, + But swifter yet the crystal barriers break, + The waves exultantly their bounds forsake + And roll together in a roaring tide. + + 'Mid steeds and chariots and drifting mail + The drownčd lords of Egypt found a grave + With all their swart retainers 'neath the wave; + And in their haughty courts the mourners wail. + + What tongue, O Christ, Thy glories can unfold? + Thine was the arm, outstretched in wrath, that made + The stricken land of Pharaoh, sore afraid, + Bow down before Thy minister of old. + + Thy pathless deep did at the voice restrain + Its surging billows, till with Thee for guide + Thy host passed scathless, and the refluent tide + Swept down the wicked to the engulfing main. + + At Thy command the desert, parched and dry, + Breaks into laughing rills, and water clear + Wells from the smitten rock Thy flock to cheer + And quench their thirst beneath that brazen sky. + + Then Marah's bitterness grew passing sweet, + Touched by the mystic tree; so by the grace + Of Thine own Tree, O Christ, our sinful race + Regains its lost hopes at Thy piercčd feet. + + Faster than icy hail the manna falls, + Like snow down drifting from a wintry sky; + The feast is set: they heap the tables high + With that rich food from Thy celestial halls. + + Fresh blow the breezes from the distant shore + And bear a fluttering cloud that hides the light, + Till the frail pinions, faltering in their flight, + Sink in the wilderness to rise no more. + + How great the love of God's own Son, that shed + Such wondrous bounty on His chosen race! + And still to us He proffers in His grace + The mystic Feast, wherewith our souls are fed. + + Through the world's raging sea He bids us come, + And 'twixt the sundered billows guides our path, + Till, spent and wearied with the ocean's wrath, + He calls His storm-tossed saints to Heaven and home. + + There in His paradise red roses blow, + With golden daffodils and lilies pale + And gentle violets, and down the vale + The murmuring rivulets for ever flow. + + Sweet balsams, welling from the slender tree, + And precious spices fill the fragrant air, + And, hiding by the stream, that blossom rare + Whose leaves the river hurries to the sea. + + There the blest souls with one accord unite + To hymn in dulcet song their Saviour's praise, + And as the chanting quire their voices raise + They tread with shining feet the lilies bright. + + Yea, e'en the spirits of the lost, that dwell + Where the black stream of sullen Acheron flows, + Rest on that holy night when Christ arose, + And for a while 'tis holiday in Hell. + + No sun from ocean rising drives away + Their darkness, with his flaming shafts far-hurled, + But from the cross of Christ o'er that wan world + There streams the radiance of a new-born day. + + The sulphurous floods with lessened fury glow, + The aching limbs find respite from their pain, + While, in glad freedom from the galling chain, + The tortured ghosts a short-lived solace know. + + In holy gladness let this night be sped, + As here we gather, Lord, to watch and pray; + To Thee with one consent our vows we pay + And on Thy altar set the sacred Bread. + + From pendent chains the lamps of crystal blaze; + By fragrant oil sustained the clear flame glows + With strength undimmed, and through the darkness throws + High o'er the fretted roof a golden haze, + + As 'twere Heaven's starry floor our wondering eye + Beheld, wherein the Bears their light display, + Where Phosphor heralds the approach of day + And Hesper's radiance floods the evening sky. + + Meet is the gift we offer here to Thee, + Father of all, as falls the dewy night; + Thine own most precious gift we bring--the light + Whereby mankind Thy other bounties see. + + Thou art the Light indeed; on our dull eyes + And on our inmost souls Thy rays are poured; + To Thee we light our lamps: receive them, Lord, + Filled with the oil of peace and sacrifice. + + O hear us, Father, through Thine only Son, + Our Lord and Saviour, by Whose love bequeathed + The Paraclete upon our hearts has breathed, + With Him and Thee through endless ages one. + + Through Christ Thy Kingdom shall for ever be, + Thy grace, might, wisdom, glory ever shine, + As in the Triune majesty benign + He reigns for all eternity with Thee. + + + + + VI. HYMNUS ANTE SOMNUM + + + Ades Pater supreme, + quem nemo vidit unquam, + Patrisque sermo Christe, + et Spiritus benigne. + + O Trinitatis huius 5 + vis una, lumen unum, + Deus ex Deo perennis, + Deus ex utroque missus. + + Fluxit labor diei, + redit et quietis hora, 10 + blandus sopor vicissim + fessos relaxat artus. + + Mens aestuans procellis + curisque sauciata + totis bibit medullis 15 + obliviale poclum. + + Serpit per omne corpus + Lethaea vis, nec ullum + miseris doloris aegri + patitur manere sensum. 20 + + Lex haec data est caducis + Deo iubente membris, + ut temperet laborem + medicabilis voluptas. + + Sed dum pererrat omnes 25 + quies amica venas, + pectusque feriatum + placat rigante somno: + + Liber vagat per auras + rapido vigore sensus, 30 + variasque per figuras, + quae sunt operta, cernit. + + Quia mens soluta curis, + cui est origo caelum, + purusque fons ab aethra 35 + iners iacere nescit. + + Imitata multiformes + facies sibi ipsa fingit, + per quas repente currens + tenui fruatur actu. 40 + + Sed sensa somniantum + dispar fatigat horror, + nunc splendor intererrat + qui dat futura nosse. + + Plerumque dissipatis 45 + mendax imago veris + animos pavore maestos + ambage fallit atra. + + Quem rara culpa morum + non polluit frequenter, 50 + nunc lux serena vibrans + res edocet latentes. + + At qui coinquinatum + vitiis cor inpiavit, + lusus pavore multo 55 + species videt tremendas. + + Hoc patriarcha noster + sub carceris catena + geminis simul ministris + interpres adprobavit. 60 + + Quorum reversus unus + dat poculum tyranno, + ast alterum rapaces + fixum vorant volucres. + + Ipsum deinde regem 65 + perplexa somniantem + monuit famem futuram + clausis cavere acervis. + + Mox praesul ac tetrarches + regnum per omne iussus 70 + sociam tenere virgam + dominae resedit aulae. + + O quam profunda iustis + arcana per soporem + aperit tuenda Christus, 75 + quam clara! quam tacenda! + + Evangelista summi + fidissimus magistri + signata quae latebant + nebulis videt remotis: 80 + + ipsum tonantis agnum + de caede purpurantem, + qui conscium futuri + librum resignat unus. + + Huius manum potentem 85 + gladius perarmat anceps + et fulgurans utrimque + duplicem minatur ictum. + + Quaesitor ille solus + animaeque corporisque 90 + ensisque bis timendus + prima ac secunda mors est. + + idem tamen benignus + ultor retundit iram + paucosque non piorum 95 + patitur perire in aevum. + + Huic inclitus perenne + tribuit Pater tribunal, + hunc obtinere iussit + nomen supra omne nomen. 100 + + Hic praepotens cruenti + extinctor antichristi, + qui de furente monstro + pulchrum refert tropaeum. + + Quam bestiam capacem 105 + populosque devorantem, + quam sanguinis charybdem + Ioannis execratur. + + Haec nempe, quae sacratum + praeferre nomen ausa est, 110 + imam petit gehennam + Christo perempta vero. + + Tali sopore iustus + mentem relaxat heros, + ut spiritu sagaci 115 + caelum peragret omne. + + Nos nil meremur horum, + quos creber inplet error, + concreta quos malarum + vitiat cupido rerum. 120 + + Sat est quiete dulci + fessum fovere corpus: + sat, si nihil sinistrum + vanae minentur umbrae. + + Cultor Dei memento 125 + te fontis et lavacri + rorem subisse sanctum, + te chrismate innotatum. + + Fac, cum vocante somno + castum petis cubile, 130 + frontem locumque cordis + crucis figura signet. + + Crux pellit omne crimen, + fugiunt crucem tenebrae: + tali dicata signo 135 + mens fluctuare nescit. + + Procul, o procul vagantum + portenta somniorum, + procul esto pervicaci + praestigiator astu! 140 + + O tortuose serpens, + qui mille per Maeandros + fraudesque flexuosas + agitas quieta corda, + + Discede, Christus hic est, 145 + hic Christus est, liquesce: + signum quod ipse nosti + damnat tuam catervam. + + Corpus licet fatiscens + iaceat recline paullum, 150 + Christum tamen sub ipso + meditabimur sopore. + + + + + VI. HYMN BEFORE SLEEP + + + Draw near, Almighty Father, + Ne'er seen by mortal eye; + Come, O Thou Word eternal, + O Spirit blest, be nigh. + + One light of threefold Godhead, + One power that all transcends; + God is of God begotten, + And God from both descends. + + The hour of rest approaches, + The toils of day are past, + And o'er our tired bodies + Sleep's gentle charm is cast. + + The mind, by cares tormented + Amid life's storm and stress, + Drinks deep the wondrous potion + That brings forgetfulness. + + O'er weary, toil-worn mortals + The spells of Lethe steal; + Sad hearts lose all their sorrow, + Nor pain nor anguish feel. + + For to His frail creation + God gave this law to keep, + That labour should be lightened + By soft and healing sleep. + + But while sweet languor wanders + Through all the pulsing veins, + And, wrapt in dewy slumber, + The heart at rest remains, + + The soul, in wakeful vigour, + Aloft in freedom flies, + And sees in many a semblance + The hidden mysteries. + + For, freed from care, the spirit + That came from out the sky, + Born of the stainless aether, + Can never idle lie. + + A thousand changing phantoms + She fashions through the night, + And 'midst a world of fancy + Pursues her rapid flight. + + But divers are the visions + That night to dreamers shows; + Rare gleams of straying splendour + The future may disclose; + + More oft the truth is darkened, + And lying fantasy + Deceives the affrighted sleeper + With cunning treachery. + + To him whose life is holy + The things that are concealed + Lie open to his spirit + In radiant light revealed; + + But he whose heart is blackened, + With many a sin imbued, + Sees phantoms grim and ghastly + That beckon and delude. + + So in the Egyptian dungeon + The patriarch of old + Unto the king's two servants + Their fateful visions told: + + And one is brought from prison + The monarch's wine to pour, + One, on the gibbet hanging, + Foul birds of prey devour, + + He warned the king, distracted + By riddles of the night, + To hoard the plenteous harvests + Against the years of blight. + + Soon, lord of half a kingdom, + A mighty potentate, + He shares the royal sceptre + And dwells in princely state. + + But ah! how deep the secrets + The holy sleeper sees + To whom Christ shows His highest, + Most sacred mysteries. + + For God's most faithful servant + The clouds were rolled away, + And John beheld the wonders + That sealed from mortals lay. + + The Lamb of God, encrimsoned + With sacrificial stains, + Alone the Book can open + That destiny contains. + + By His strong hand is wielded + A keen, two-edgčd brand + That, flashing like the lightning, + Smites swift on either hand. + + Before His bar of judgment + Both soul and body lie; + He whom that dread sword smiteth + The second death shall die. + + Yet mercy tempers justice, + And few the Avenger sends + (Whose guilt is past all pardon) + To death that never ends. + + To Him the Father yieldeth + The judgment-seat of Heaven; + To Him a Name excelling + All other names is given. + + For by His strength transcendent + Shall Antichrist be slain, + And from that raging monster + Fair trophies shall He gain: + + That all-devouring Dragon, + With blood of martyrs red, + On whose abhorrčd power + John's solemn curse is laid. + + And thus the proud usurper + Of His high name is cast + By Him, the true Christ, vanquished + To deepest hell at last. + + Upon the saint heroic + Such wondrous slumber falls + That, in the spirit roaming, + He treads heaven's highest halls. + + We may not, in our weakness, + To dreams like these aspire, + Whose souls are steeped in error + And evil things desire. + + Enough, if weary bodies + In peaceful sleep may rest; + Enough, if no dark powers + Our slumbering souls molest. + + Christian! the font remember, + The sacramental vow, + The holy water sprinkled, + The oil that marked thy brow! + + When at sleep's call thou seekest + To rest in slumber chaste, + Let first the sacred emblem + On breast and brow be traced. + + The Cross dispels all darkness, + All sin before it flies, + And by that sign protected + The mind all fear defies. + + Avaunt! ye fleeting phantoms + That mock our midnight hours; + Avaunt! thou great Deceiver + With all thy guileful powers. + + Thou Serpent, old and crafty, + Who by a thousand arts + And manifold temptations + Dost vex our sleeping hearts, + + Vanish! for Christ is with us; + Away! 'tis Christ the Lord: + The sign thou must acknowledge + Condemns thy hellish horde. + + And, though the weary body + Relaxed in sleep may be, + Our hearts, Lord, e'en in slumber, + Shall meditate on Thee. + + + + + VII. HYMNUS IEIUNANTIUM + + + + O Nazarene, lux Bethlem, verbum Patris, + quem partus alvi virginalis protulit, + adesto castis Christe parsimoniis, + festumque nostrum rex serenus adspice, + ieiuniorum dum litamus victimam. 5 + + Nil hoc profecto purius mysterio, + quo fibra cordis expiatur uvidi, + intemperata quo domantur viscera, + arvina putrem ne resudans crapulam + obstrangulatae mentis ingenium premat. 10 + + Hinc subiugatur luxus et turpis gula, + vini atque somni degener socordia, + libido sordens, inverecundus lepos, + variaeque pestes languidorum sensuum + parcam subactae disciplinam sentiunt. 15 + + Nam si licenter diffluens potu et cibo + ieiuna rite membra non coerceas, + sequitur frequenti marcida oblectamine + scintilla mentis ut tepescat nobilis, + animusque pigris stertat in praecordiis. 20 + + Frenentur ergo corporum cupidines, + detersa et intus emicet prudentia: + sic excitato perspicax acumine + liberque flatu laxiore spiritus + rerum parentem rectius precabitur. 25 + + Elia tali crevit observantia, + vetus sacerdos, ruris hospes aridi: + fragore ab omni quem remotum et segregem + sprevisse tradunt criminum frequentiam, + casto fruentem syrtium silentio. 30 + + Sed mox in auras igneis iugalibus + curruque raptus evolavit praepete, + ne de propinquo sordium contagio + dirus quietum mundus adflaret virum, + olim probatis inclitum ieiuniis. 35 + + Non ante caeli principem septemplicis + Moyses tremendi fidus interpres throni + potuit videre, quam decem recursibus + quater volutis sol peragrans sidera + omni carentem cerneret substantia. 40 + + Victus precanti solus in lacrimis fuit: + nam flendo pernox inrigatum pulverem + humi madentis ore pressit cernuo, + donec loquentis voce praestrictus Dei + expavit ignem non ferendum visibus. 45 + + Ioannis huius artis hand minus potens, + Dei perennis praecucurrit filium, + curvos viarum qui retorsit tramites + et flexuosa conrigens dispendia + dedit sequendam calle recto lineam. 50 + + Hanc obsequelam praeparabat nuntius + mox adfuturo construens iter Deo, + clivosa planis, confragosa ut lenibus + converterentur, neve quidquam devium + inlapsa terris inveniret veritas. 55 + + Non usitatis ortus his natalibus + oblita lactis iam vieto in pectore + matris tetendit serus infans ubera: + nec ante partu de senili effusus est, + quam praedicaret virginem plenam Deo. 60 + + Post in patentes ille solitudines + amictus hirtis bestiarum pellibus + setisve tectus hispida et lanugine + secessit, horrens inquinari et pollui + contaminatis oppidorum moribus. 65 + + Illic dicata parcus abstinentia + potum cibumque vir severae industriae + in usque serum respuebat vesperum, + parvum locustis et favorum agrestium + liquore pastum corpori suetus dare. 70 + + Hortator ille primus et doctor novae + fuit salutis, nam sacrato in flumine + veterum piatas lavit errorum notas: + sed tincta postquam membra defaecaverat, + caelo refulgens influebat spiritus. 75 + + Hoc ex lavacro labe dempta criminum + ibant renati non secus, quam si rudis + auri recocta vena pulchrum splendeat, + micet metalli sive lux argentei, + sudum polito praenitens purgamine. 80 + + Referre prisci stemma mine ieiunii + libet fideli proditum volumine, + ut diruendae civitatis incolis + fulmen benigni mansuefactum Patris + pie repressis ignibus pepercerit. 85 + + Gens insolenti praepotens iactantia + pollebat olim, quam fluentem nequiter + conrupta vulgo solverat lascivia, + et inde bruto contumax fastidio + cultum superni negligebat numinis. 90 + + Offensa tandem iugis indulgentiae + censura iustis excitatur motibus, + dextram perarmat rhompheali incendio + nimbos crepantes et fragosos turbines + vibrans tonantum nube flammarum quatit. 95 + + Sed paenitendi dum datur diecula, + si forte vellent inprobam libidinem + veteresque nugas condomare ac frangere, + suspendit ictum terror exorabilis + paullumque dicta substitit sententia. 100 + + Ionam prophetam mitis ultor excitat, + paenae inminentis iret ut praenuntius, + sed nosset ille qui minacem iudicem + servare malle, quam ferire ac plectere, + tectam latenter vertit in Tharsos fugam. 105 + + Celsam paratis pontibus scandit ratem, + udo revincta fune puppis solvitur, + itur per altum, fit procellosum mare: + tum causa tanti quaeritur periculi, + sors in fugacem missa vatem decidit. 110 + + Iussus perire solus e cunctis reus, + cuius voluta crimen urna expresserat, + praeceps rotatur et profundo inmergitur: + exceptus inde beluinis faucibus + alvi capacis vivus hauritur specu. 115 + + * * * * * + + Intactus exin tertiae noctis vice + monstri vomentis pellitur singultibus, + qua murmuranti fine fluctus frangitur, + salsosque candens spuma tundit pumices, + ructatus exit seque servatum stupet. 130 + + In Ninivitas se coactus percito + gressu reflectit, quos ut increpaverat + pudenda censor inputans opprobria; + Inpendet, inquit, ira summi vindicis, + urbemque flamma mox cremabit, credite. 135 + + Apicem deinceps ardui montis petit + visurus inde conglobatum turbidae + fumum ruinae cladis et dirae struem, + tectus flagellis multinodis germinis, + nato et repente perfruens umbraculo. 140 + + Sed maesta postquam civitas vulnus novi + hausit doloris, heu supremum palpitat: + cursant per ampla congregatim moenia + plebs et senatus, omnis aetas civium, + pallens iuventus, eiulantes feminae. 145 + + Placet frementem publicis ieiuniis + placare Christum, mos edendi spernitur, + glaucos amictus induit monilibus + matrona demptis, proque gemma et serico + crinem fluentem sordidus spargit cinis. 150 + + Squalent recincta veste bullati patres, + setasque plangens turba sumit textiles, + inpexa villis virgo bestialibus + nigrante vultum contegit velamine, + iacens arenis et puer provolvitur. 155 + + Rex ipse Coos aestuantem murices + laenam revulsa dissipabat fibula, + gemmas virentes et lapillos sutiles, + insigne frontis exuebat vinculum + turpi capillos inpeditus pulvere. 160 + + Nullus bibendi, nemo vescendi memor, + ieiuna mensas pubis omnis liquerat, + quin et negato lacte vagientium + fletu madescunt parvulorum cunulae, + sucum papillae parca nutrix derogat. 165 + + Greges et ipsos claudit armentalium + sollers virorum cura, ne vagum pecus + contingat ore rorulenta gramina, + potum strepentis neve fontis hauriant, + vacuis querelae personant praesepibus. 170 + + Mollitus his et talibus brevem Deus + iram refrenat temperans oraculum + prosper sinistrum, prona nam clementia + haud difficulter supplicem mortalium + solvit reatum fitque fautrix flentium. 175 + + Sed cur vetustae gentis exemplum oquor? + pridem caducis cum gravatus artubus + Iesus dicato corde ieiunaverit, + praenuncupatus ore qui prophetico + Emanuel est, sive NOBISCUM DEUS. 180 + + Qui corpus istud molle naturaliter + captumque laxo sub voluptatum iugo + virtutis arta lege fecit liberum: + emancipator servientis plasmatis + regnantis ante victor et cupidinis. 185 + + Inhospitali namque secretus loco + quinis diebus octies labentibus + nullam ciborum vindicavit gratiam, + firmans salubri scilicet ieiunio + vas adpetendis inbecillum gaudiis. 190 + + Miratus hostis posse limum tabidum + tantum laboris sustinere ac perpeti, + explorat arte sciscitator callida, + Deusne membris sit receptus terreis, + sed increpata fraude post tergum ruit. 195 + + Hoc nos sequamur quisque nunc pro viribus, + quod consecrati tu magister dogmatis + tuis dedisti Christe sectatoribus, + ut, cum vorandi vicerit libidinem, + late triumphet inperator spiritus. 200 + + Hoc est, quod atri livor hostis invidet, + mundi polique quod gubernator probat, + altaris aram quod facit placabilem, + quod dormientis excitat cordis fidem, + quod limat aegram pectoris rubiginem. 205 + + Perfusa non sic amne flamma extinguitur, + nec sic calente sole tabescunt nives, + ut turbidarum scabra culparum seges + vanescit almo trita sub ieiunio, + si blanda semper misceatur largitas. 210 + + Est quippe et illud grande virtutis genus + operire nudos, indigentes pascere, + opem benignam ferre supplicantibus, + unam paremque sortis humanae vicem + inter potentes atque egenos ducere. 215 + + Satis beatus quisque dextram porrigit, + laudis rapacem, prodigam pecuniae, + cuius sinistra dulce factum nesciat: + illum perennes protinus conplent opes, + ditatque fructus faenerantem centuplex. 220 + + + + + VII. HYMN FOR THOSE WHO FAST + + + O Jesus, Light of Bethlehem, + True Son of God, Incarnate Word; + Thou offspring of a Virgin's womb, + Be present at our frugal board; + Accept our fast, our sacrifice, + And smile upon us, gracious Lord. + + For by this holiest mystery + The inward parts are cleansed from stain, + And, taming all the unbridled lusts, + Our sinful flesh we thus restrain, + Lest gluttony and drunkenness + Should choke the soul and cloud the brain. + + Hence appetite and luxury + Are forced their empire to resign; + The wanton sport, the jest obscene, + The ignoble sway of sleep and wine, + And all the plagues of languid sense + Feel the strict bonds of discipline. + + For if, full fed with meat and drink, + The flesh thou ne'er dost mortify, + The mind, that spark of sacred flame, + By pleasure dulled, must fail and die, + And pent in its gross prison-house + The soul in shameful torpor lie. + + So be thy carnal lusts controlled, + So be thy judgment clear and bright; + Then shall thy spirit, swift and free, + Be gifted with a keener sight, + And breathing in an ampler air + To the All-Father pray aright. + + Elias by such abstinence, + Seer of the desert, grew in grace, + Who left the madding haunts of men + And found a peaceful resting-place, + Where, far from sinful crowds, he trod + The pure and silent wilderness. + + Till by those fiery coursers drawn + The swift car bore him through the air, + Lest earth's defiling touch should mar + The holiness it might not share, + Or some polluting breath disturb + The peace attained by fast and prayer. + + Moses, through whom from His dread throne + The will of God to man was told, + No food might touch till through the sky + The sun full forty times had rolled, + Ere God before him stood revealed, + Lord of the heavens sevenfold. + + Tears were his meat, while bent in prayer + Through the long night he bowed his head + E'en to the thirsty dust, that drank + The drops in bitter weeping shed; + Till, at God's call, he saw the flame + No eye may bear, and was afraid. + + The Baptist, too, was strong in fast-- + Forerunner in a later day + Of God's Eternal Son--who made + The byepaths plain, the crooked way + A road direct, wherein His feet + Might travel on without delay. + + This was the messenger's great task + Who for God's advent zealously + Prepared the way, the rough made smooth, + The mountain levelled to the sea; + That, when Truth came from heaven to earth, + All fair and straight His path should be. + + He was not born in common wise, + For dry and wrinkled was the breast + Of her that bare him late in years, + Nor found she from her labour rest, + Till she had hailed with lips inspired + The Maid with unborn Godhead blest. + + For him the hairy skins of beasts + Furnished a raiment rude and wild, + As forth into the lonely waste + He fared, an unbefriended child, + Who dwelt apart, lest he should be + By evil city-life defiled. + + There, vowed to abstinence, he grew + To manhood, and with stern disdain + He turned from meat and drink, until + He saw night's shadow fall again; + And locusts and the wild bees' store + Sufficed his vigour to sustain. + + The first was he to testify + Of that new life which man might win; + In Jordan's consecrating stream + He purged the stains of ancient sin, + And, as he made the body clean, + The radiant Spirit entered in. + + Forth from the holy tide they came + Reborn, from guilt's pollution free, + As bright from out the cleansing fire + Flows the rough gold, or as we see + The glittering silver, purged of dross, + Flash into polished purity. + + Now let us tell, from Holy Writ, + Of olden fasts the fairest crown; + How God in pity stayed His hand, + And spared a doomed and guilty town, + In clemency the flames withheld + And laid His vengeful lightnings down. + + A mighty race of ancient time + Waxed arrogant in boastful pride; + Debauched were they, and borne along + On foul corruption's loathsome tide, + Till in their stiff-necked self-conceit + They e'en the God of Heaven denied. + + At last Eternal Mercy turns + To righteous judgment, swift and dire; + He shakes the clouds; the mighty sword + Flames in His hand, and in His ire + He wields the roaring hurricane + 'Mid murky gloom and flashing fire. + + Yet in His clemency He grants + To penitence a brief delay, + That they might burst the bonds of lust + And put their vanities away; + His sentence given, He waits awhile + And stays the hand upraised to slay. + + To warn them of the wrath to come + The Avenger in His mercy sent + Jonah the seer; but,--though he knew + The threatening Judge would fain relent + Nor wished to strike,--towards Tarshish town + The prophet's furtive course was bent. + + As up the galley's side he climbed, + They loosed the dripping rope, and passed + The harbour bar: then on them burst + The sudden fury of the blast; + And when their peril's cause they sought, + The lot was on the recreant cast. + + The man whose guilt the urn declares + Alone must die, the rest to save; + Hurled headlong from the deck, he falls + And sinks beneath the engulfing wave, + Then, seized by monstrous jaws, is plunged + Into a vast and living grave. + + * * * * * + + At last the monster hurls him forth, + As the third night had rolled away; + Before its roar the billows break + And lash the cliffs with briny spray; + Unhurt the wondering prophet stands + And hails the unexpected day. + + Thus turned again to duty's path + To Nineveh he swiftly came, + Their lusts rebuked and boldly preached + God's judgment on their sin and shame; + "Believe!" he cried, "the Judge draws nigh + Whose wrath shall wrap your streets in flame." + + Thence to the lofty mount withdrew, + Where he might watch the smoke-cloud lower + O'er blasted homes and ruined halls, + And rest beneath the shady bower + Upspringing in swift luxury + Of twining tendril, leaf and flower. + + But when the guilty burghers heard + The impending doom, a dull despair + Possessed their souls; proud senators, + Poor craftsmen, throng the highways fair; + Pale youth with tottering age unites, + And women's wailing rends the air. + + A public fast they now decree, + If they may thus Christ's anger stay: + No food they touch: each haughty dame + Puts silken robes and gems away, + In sable garbed, and ashes casts + Upon her tresses' disarray. + + In dark and squalid vesture clad + The Fathers go: the mourning crowd + Dons rough attire: in shaggy skins + Enwrapped, fair maids their faces shroud + With dusky veils, and boyish heads + E'en to the very dust are bowed. + + The King tears off his jewelled brooch + And rends the robe of Coan hue; + Bright emeralds and lustrous pearls + Are flung aside, and ashes strew + The royal head, discrowned and bent, + As low he kneels God's grace to sue. + + None thought to drink, none thought to eat; + All from the table turned aside, + And in their cradles wet with tears + Starved babes in bitter anguish cried, + For e'en the foster-mother stern + To little lips the breast denied. + + The very flocks are closely penned + By careful hands, lest they should gain + Sweet water from the babbling stream + Or wandering crop the dewy plain; + And bleating sheep and lowing kine + Within their barren stalls complain. + + Moved by such penitence, full soon + God's grace repealed the stern decree + And curbed His righteous wrath; for aye, + When man repents, His clemency + Is swift to pardon and to hear + His children weeping bitterly. + + Yet wherefore of that bygone race + Should we anew the story tell? + For Christ's pure soul by fasting long + The clogging bonds of flesh did quell; + He Whom the prophet's voice foretold + As GOD WITH US, Emmanuel. + + Man's body--frail by nature's law + And bound by pleasure's easy chain-- + He freed by virtue's strong restraint, + And gave it liberty again: + He broke the bonds of flesh, and Lust + Was driven from his old domain. + + Deep in the inhospitable wild + For forty days He dwelt alone + Nor tasted food, till, thus prepared, + All human weakness overthrown + By fasting's power, His mortal frame + Rejoiced the spirit's sway to own. + + The Adversary, marvelling + To see this creature of a day + Endure such toil, spent all his guile + To learn if God in human clay + Had come indeed; but soon rebuked + Behind His back fled shamed away. + + Therefore let each with all his might + Follow the way the Master taught, + The law of consecrated life + Which Christ unto His servants brought; + Till, with the lusts of flesh subdued, + The spirit reigns o'er act and thought. + + 'Tis this our jealous foe abhors, + 'Tis this the Lord of earth and sky + Approves; by this the soul is made + Thy holy altar, God Most High: + Faith stirs within the slumbering heart + And sin's corroding power must fly. + + Swifter than water quenches fire, + Swifter than sunshine melts the snow, + Crushed out by soul-restoring fast + Vanish the sins that rankly grow, + If hand in hand with Abstinence + Sweet Charity doth ever go. + + This too is Virtue's noble task, + To clothe the naked, and to feed + The destitute, with kindly care + To visit sufferers in their need; + For king and beggar each must bear + The lot by changeless Fate decreed. + + Happy the man whose good right hand + Seeks but God's praise, and flings his gold + Broadcast, nor lets his left hand know + The gracious deed; for wealth untold + Shall crown him through eternal years + With usury an hundredfold. + + + + + VIII. HYMNUS POST IEIUNIUM + + + Christe servorum regimen tuorum, + mollibus qui nos moderans habenis + leniter frenas facilique septos + lege coerces: + + ipse cum portans onus inpeditum 5 + corporis duros tuleris labores, + maior exemplis famulos remisso + dogmate palpas. + + Nona submissum rotat hora solem + partibus vixdum tribus evolutis, 10 + quarta devexo superest in axe + portio lucis. + + Nos brevis voti dape vindicata + solvimus festum fruimurque mensis + adfatim plenis, quibus inbuatur 15 + prona voluptas. + + Tantus aeterni favor est magistri, + doctor indulgens ita nos amico + lactat hortatu, levis obsequela ut + mulceat artus. 20 + + Addit et, ne quis velit invenusto + sordidus cultu lacerare frontem, + sed decus vultus capitisque pexum + comat honorem. + + Terge ieiunans, ait, omne corpus, 25 + neve subducto faciem rubore + luteus tinguat color aut notetur + pallor in ore. + + Rectius laeto tegimus pudore, + quidquid ad cultum Patris exhibemus: 30 + cernit occultum Deus et latentem + munere donat. + + Ille ovem morbo residem gregique + perditam sano male dissipantem + vellus adfixis vepribus per hirtae 35 + devia silvae. + + Inpiger pastor revocat lupisque + gestat exclusis humeros gravatus, + inde purgatam revehens aprico + reddit ovili: 40 + + Reddit et pratis viridique campo, + vibrat inpexis ubi nulla lappis + spina, nec germen sudibus perarmat + carduus horrens: + + Sed frequens palmis nemus et reflexa 45 + vernat herbarum coma, tum perennis + gurgitem vivis vitreum fluentis + laurus obumbrat. + + Hisce pro donis tibi, fide pastor, + servitus quaenam poterit rependi? 50 + nulla conpensant pretium salutis + vota precantum. + + Quamlibet spreto sine more pastu + sponte confectos tenuemus artus, + teque contemptis epulis rogemus 55 + nocte dieque; + + Vincitur semper minor obsequentum + cura, nec munus genitoris aequat, + frangit et cratem luteam laboris + grandior usus. 60 + + Ergo ne limum fragilem solutae + deserant vires et aquosus albis + humor in venis dominetur aegrum + corpus inervans, + + Laxus ac liber modus abstinendi 65 + ponitur cunctis, neque nos severus + terror inpellit, sua quemque cogit + velle potestas. + + Sufficit, quidquid facias, vocato + numinis nutu prius, inchoare, 70 + sive tu mensam renuas cibumve + sumere temptes. + + Adnuit dexter Deus et secundo + prosperat vultu, velut hoc salubre + fidimus nobis fore, quod dicatas 75 + carpimus escas. + + Sit bonum, supplex precor et medelam + conferat membris, animumque pascat + sparsus in venas cibus obsecrantum + christicolarum. 80 + + + + + VIII. HYMN AFTER FASTING + + + O Christ, of all Thy servants Guide, + Mild is the yoke Thou mak'st us bear, + Leading us gently by Thy side + With gracious care. + + Thy love took up our life's hard load + And spent in grievous toils its might: + Thy bond-slaves tread the easier road + Led by Thy light. + + Nine hours have run their course away, + The sun sped three parts of its race: + And what remains of the short day + Fadeth apace. + + The holy fast hath reached its end; + Our table now Thou loadest, Lord: + With all Thy gifts true gladness send + To grace our board. + + Such is our Master's gentle sway, + So kind the teaching in His school, + That all find rest who will obey + His easy rule. + + Thou would'st not have us scorn the grace + Of cleanliness and vesture fair: + Thou lovest not a soilčd face + And unkempt hair. + + Let him that fasts, Thou saidst, be clean, + Nor lose health's fair and ruddy glow: + Let no wan sallowness be seen + Upon his brow. + + 'Tis better in glad modesty + Of our good works to shun display: + God sees what 'scapes our neighbour's eye + And will repay. + + That Shepherd keen seeks one lost sheep + Sickly and weak, strayed from the fold, + Fleece torn with briers of thickets deep, + Foolishly bold. + + He drives the wolves far from the track: + And found He brings on shoulders borne + To sunlit pen the wanderer back, + No more forlorn: + + Yea, to the meads and grassy fields + The lamb restores, where no thorn balks, + No rough burrs tear, no thistle yields + Its bristling stalks: + + But leaves of green herbs brightly glance + And in the grove the palm-trees dream, + And laurels shade the eddying dance + Of crystal stream. + + For all these gifts, O Shepherd dear, + What service can I render Thee? + No grateful vows my debt shall clear + For love so free. + + Though by self-chosen fasts severe + Our strength of limb we waste away: + Though, spurning food, we Thee revere + By night and day: + + Yet our works never can o'ertake + Thy love or with Thy gifts compare: + Our toils this earthen vessel break, + The more we dare. + + Therefore lest failing powers consume + Our fragile life and shrivelled veins + Pale 'neath the tyranny of rheum + And weakening pains: + + Thou dost not rule perpetual Lent + For man, nor modest fare deny: + Fearless may each unto his bent + His wants supply. + + Enough that all our acts by prayer + Be sanctified unto Thy will, + Whether we fast, or with due care + Our needs fulfil. + + Then shall God bless us for our good + And lead us to our soul's true wealth; + For, if but consecrated, food + Shall bring us health. + + O Lord, grant that our feast may spread + Marrow and strength throughout our flesh: + And may all Christly souls be fed + With vigour fresh. + + + + + IX. HYMNUS OMNIS HORAE + + + Da puer plectrum, choreis ut canam fidelibus + dulce carmen et melodum, gesta Christi insignia: + hunc camena nostra solum pangat, hunc laudet lyra. + + Christus est, quem rex sacerdos adfuturum protinus + infulatus concinebat voce, chorda et tympano, 5 + spiritum caelo influentem per medullas hauriens. + + Facta nos et iam probata pangimus miracula, + testis orbis est, nec ipsa terra, quod vidit, negat, + cominus Deum docendis proditum mortalibus. + + Corde natus ex parentis, ante mundi exordium 10 + alpha et _Ō_ cognominatus, ipse fons et clausula + omnium, quae sunt, fuerunt quaeque post futura sunt. + + Ipse iussit et creata, dixit ipse, et facta sunt + terra, caelum, fossa ponti, trina rerum machina, + quaeque in his vigent sub alto solis et lunae globo. 15 + + Corporis formam caduci, membra morti obnoxia + induit, ne gens periret primoplasti ex germine, + merserat quam lex profundo noxialis tartaro. + + O beatus ortus ille, virgo cum puerpera + edidit nostram salutem feta sancto spiritu, 20 + et puer redemptor orbis os sacratum protulit. + + Psallat altitudo caeli, psallite omnes angeli, + quidquid est virtutis usquam psallat in laudem Dei: + nulla linguarum silescat, vox et omnis consonet. + + Ecce quem vates vetustis concinebant seculis, 25 + quem prophetarum fideles paginae spoponderant, + emicat promissus olim: cuncta conlaudent eum. + + Cantharis infusa lympha fit Falernum nobile, + nuntiat vinum minister esse promptum ex hydria, + ipse rex sapore tinctis obstupescit poculis. 30 + + Membra morbis ulcerosa, viscerum putredines + mando, ut abluantur, inquit; fit ratum, quod iusserat, + turgidam cutem repurgant vulnerum piamina. + + Tu perennibus tenebris iam sepulta lumina + inlinis limo salubri, sacri et oris nectare, 35 + mox apertis hac medela lux reducta est orbibus. + + Increpas ventum furentem, quod procellis tristibus + vertat aequor fundo ab imo, vexet et vagam ratem: + ille iussis obsecundat, mitis unda sternitur. + + Extimum vestis sacratae furtim mulier attigit, 40 + protinus salus secuta est, ora pallor deserit, + sistitur rivus, cruore qui fluebat perpeti. + + Exitu dulcis iuventae raptum ephebum viderat, + orba quem mater supremis funerabat fletibus: + surge, dixit: ille surgit, matri et adstans redditur. 45 + + Sole iam quarto carentem, iam sepulcro absconditum + Lazarum iubet vigere reddito spiramine: + fetidum iecur reductus rursus intrat halitus. + + Ambulat per stagna ponti, summa calcat fluctuum, + mobilis liquor profundi pendulam praestat viam, 50 + nec fatiscit unda sanctis pressa sub vestigiis. + + Suetus antro bustuali sub catenis frendere, + mentis inpos efferatis percitus furoribus + prosilit ruitque supplex, Christum adesse ut senserat. + + Pulsa pestis lubricorum milleformis daemonum 55 + conripit gregis suilli sordida spurcamina, + seque nigris mergit undis et pecus lymphaticum. + + Quinque panibus peresis et gemellis piscibus + adfatim refecta iam sunt adcubantum milia, + fertque qualus ter quaternus ferculorum fragmina. 60 + + Tu cibus panisque noster, tu perennis suavitas; + nescit esurire in aevum, qui tuam sumit dapem, + nec lacunam ventris inplet, sed fovet vitalia. + + Clausus aurium meatus et sonorum nescius + purgat ad praecepta Christi crassa quaeque obstacula, 65 + vocibus capax fruendis ac susurris pervius. + + Omnis aegritudo cedit, languor omnis pellitur, + lingua fatur, quam veterna vinxerant silentia, + gestat et suum per urbem laetus aeger lectulum. + + Quin et ipsum, ne salutis inferi expertes forent, 70 + tartarum benignus intrat, fracta cedit ianua, + vectibus cadit revulsis cardo indissolubilis. + + Illa prompta ad inruentes, ad revertentes tenax, + obice extrorsum repulso porta reddit mortuos: + lege versa et limen atrum iam recalcandum patet. 75 + + Sed Deus dum luce fulva mortis antra inluminat, + dum stupentibus tenebris candidum praestat diem, + tristia squalentis aethrae palluerunt sidera. + + Sol refugit et lugubri sordidus ferrugine + igneum reliquit axem seque maerens abdidit: 80 + fertur horruisse mundus noctis aeternae chaos. + + Solve vocem mens sonoram, solve linguam mobilem, + dic tropaeum passionis, dic triumphalem crucem, + pange vexillum, notatis quod refulget frontibus. + + O novum caede stupenda vulneris miraculum! 85 + hinc cruoris fluxit unda, lympha parte ex altera: + lympha nempe dat lavacrum, tum corona ex sanguine est. + + Vidit anguis inmolatam corporis sacri hostiam, + vidit et fellis perusti mox venenum perdidit, + saucius dolore multo colla fractus sibilat. 90 + + Quid tibi, profane serpens, profuit, rebus novis + plasma primum perculisse versipelli hortamine? + diluit culpam recepto forma mortalis Deo. + + Ad brevem se mortis usum dux salutis dedidit, + mortuos olim sepultos ut redire insuesceret, 95 + dissolutis pristinorum vinculis peccaminum. + + Tunc patres sanctique multi conditorem praevium + iam revertentem secuti tertio demum die + carnis indumenta sumunt, eque bustis prodeunt. + + Cerneres coire membra de favillis aridis, 100 + frigidum venis resumptis pulverem tepescere, + ossa, nervos, ac medullas glutino cutis tegi. + + Post, ut occasum resolvit vitae et hominem reddidit, + arduum tribunal victor adscendit Patris, + inclitam caelo reportans passionis gloriam. 105 + + Macte index mortuorum, macte rex viventium, + dexter in parentis arce qui cluis virtutibus + omnium venturus inde iustus ultor criminum. + + Te senes et te iuventus, parvulorum te chorus, + turba matrum virginumque simplices puellulae, 110 + voce concordes pudicis perstrepant concentibus. + + Fluminum lapsus et undae, littorum crepidines, + imber, aestus, nix, pruina, silva, et aura, nox, dies, + omnibus te concelebrent seculorum seculis. + + + + + IX. HYMN FOR ALL HOURS + + + Let me chant in sacred numbers, as I strike each sounding string, + Chant in sweet, melodious anthems, glorious deeds of Christ our King; + He, my Muse, shall be thy story; with His praise my lyre shall ring. + + When the king in priestly raiment sang the Christ that was to be, + Voice and lute and clashing cymbal joined in joyous harmony, + While the Spirit, heaven-descended, touched his lips to prophecy. + + Sing we now the works sure proven, wrought of God in mystic wise; + Heaven is witness; earth confesses how she saw with wondering eyes + God Himself with mortals mingling, man to teach in human guise. + + Of the Father's heart begotten, ere the world from chaos rose, + He is Alpha; from that Fountain all that is and hath been flows; + He is Omega, of all things yet to come the mystic Close. + + By His word was all created; He commands and lo! 'tis done; + Earth and sky and boundless ocean, universe of three in one, + All that sees the moon's soft radiance, all that breathes beneath the sun. + + He assumed this mortal body, frail and feeble, doomed to die, + That the race from dust created might not perish utterly, + Which the dreadful Law had sentenced in the depths of Hell to lie. + + O how blest that wondrous birthday, when the Maid the curse retrieved, + Brought to birth mankind's salvation, by the Holy Ghost conceived; + And the sacred Babe, Redeemer of the world, her arms received. + + Sing, ye heights of heaven, His praises; angels and archangels, sing! + Wheresoe'er ye be, ye faithful, let your joyous anthems ring, + Every tongue His name confessing, countless voices answering. + + This is He whom seer and sibyl sang in ages long gone by; + This is He of old revealčd in the page of prophecy; + Lo! He comes, the promised Saviour; let the world His praises cry! + + In the urns the clear, cold water turns to juice of noblest vine, + And the servant, drawing from them, starts to see the generous wine, + While the host, its savour tasting, wonders at the draught divine. + + To the leper worn and wasted, white with many a loathsome sore, + "Be thou cleansed," He said; "I bid it!" swift 'tis done, His words restore; + To the priest the gift he offers, clean and healthful as of yore. + + On the eyes long sealed in darkness, buried in unbroken night, + Thou didst spread Thy lips' sweet nectar, mixed with clay: then came the sight, + As Thy gracious touch all-healing brought to those dark orbs the light. + + Thou didst chide the raging tempest, when the waves with foaming crest + Leaped about the fragile vessel, buffeted and sore distressed; + Wind and wave, their fury stilling, sank to calm at Thy behest. + + Once a woman's timid fingers touched Thy garment's lowest braid, + And the pallor left her visage, healing power the touch conveyed, + For the years of pain were ended and the flow of blood was stayed. + + Thou didst see men bear to burial one struck down in youth's glad tide, + While a widowed mother followed, wailing for her boy that died; + "Rise!" Thou saidst, and led him gently to his weeping mother's side. + + Lazarus, who lay in darkness till three nights had passed away, + At Thy voice awoke to soundness, rising to the light of day, + As the breath his frame re-entered touched already with decay. + + See, He walks upon the waters, treads the billow's rolling crest; + O'er the shifting depths of ocean firm and sure His footsteps rest, + And the wave parts not asunder where those holy feet are pressed. + + And the madman, chained and tortured by dark powers, from whom all fly, + As the tombs, that were his dwelling, echo to his savage cry, + Rushes forth and falls adoring, when he sees that Christ is nigh. + + Then the legion of foul spirits, driven from their human prey, + Seize the noisome swine, that feeding high upon the hillside stray, + And the herd, in sudden frenzy, plunges in the waters grey. + + "Gather in twelve woven baskets all the fragments that remain:" + He hath fed the weary thousands, resting o'er the grassy plain, + And His power hath stayed their hunger with five loaves and fishes twain. + + Thine, O Christ, is endless sweetness; Thou art our celestial Bread: + Nevermore he knoweth hunger, who upon Thy grace hath fed, + Grace whereby no mortal body but the soul is nourishčd. + + They that knew not speech nor language, closed to every sound their ears, + To the Master's call responding break the barriers of years; + Now the deaf holds joyous converse and the lightest whisper hears. + + Sickness at His word departed, pain and pallid languor fled, + Many a tongue, long chained in silence, words of praise and blessing said; + And the palsied man rejoicing through the city bore his bed. + + Yea, that they might know salvation who in Hades' prison were pent, + In His mercy condescending through Hell's gloomy gates He went; + Bolt and massy hinge were shattered, adamantine portals rent. + + For the door that all receiveth, but releaseth nevermore, + Opens now and, slowly turning, doth the ghosts to light restore, + Who, the eternal laws suspended, tread again its dusky floor. + + But, while God with golden glory floods the murky realms of night, + And upon the startled shadows dawns a day serene and bright, + In the darkened vault of heaven stars forlorn refuse their light. + + For the sun in garb of mourning veiled his radiant orb and passed + From his flaming path in sorrow, hiding till mankind aghast + Deemed that o'er a world of chaos Night's eternal pall was cast. + + Now, my soul, in liquid measures let the sounding numbers flow; + Sing the trophy of His passion, sing the Cross triumphant now; + Sing the ensign of Christ's glory, marked on every faithful brow. + + Ah! how wondrous was the fountain flowing from His piercčd side, + Whence the blood and water mingled in a strange and sacred tide,-- + Water, sign of mystic cleansing; blood, the martyr's crown of pride. + + In that hour the ancient Serpent saw the holy Victim slain, + Saw, and shed his hate envenomed, all his malice spent in vain; + See! the hissing neck is broken as he writhes in sullen pain. + + Aye, what boots it, cursčd Serpent, that the man God made from clay, + Victim of thy baleful cunning, by thy lies was led astray? + God hath ta'en a mortal body and hath washed the guilt away. + + Christ, our Captain, for a season deigned to dwell in Death's domain, + That the dead, long time imprisoned, might return to life again, + Breaking by His great example ancient sins' enthralling chain. + + Thus, upon the third glad morning, patriarchs and saints of yore, + As the risen Lord ascended, followed Him who went before, + From forgotten graves proceeding, habited in flesh once more. + + Limb to limb unites and rises from the ashes dry and cold, + And the life-blood courses warmly through the frames long turned to mould, + Skin and flesh, anew created, muscle, bone and nerve enfold. + + Then, mankind to life restoring, Death downtrodden 'neath His feet, + Lo! the Victor mounts triumphant to the Father's judgment-seat, + Bringing back to heaven the glory by His passion made complete. + + Hail! Thou Judge of souls departed: hail! of all the living King! + On the Father's right hand thrončd, through His courts Thy praises ring, + Till at last for all offences righteous judgment Thou shalt bring. + + Now let old and young uniting chant to Thee harmonious lays, + Maid and matron hymn Thy glory, infant lips their anthem raise, + Boys and girls together singing with pure heart their song of praise. + + Let the storm and summer sunshine, gliding stream and sounding shore, + Sea and forest, frost and zephyr, day and night their Lord adore; + Let creation join to laud Thee through the ages evermore. + + + + + X. HYMNUS AD EXEQUIAS DEFUNCTI + + + Deus ignee fons animarum, + duo qui socians elementa + vivum simul ac moribundum + hominem Pater effigiasti: + + Tua sunt, tua rector utraque, 5 + tibi copula iungitur horum, + tibi, dum vegetata cohaerent, + et spiritus et caro servit. + + Rescissa sed ista seorsum + solvunt hominera perimuntque, 10 + humus excipit arida corpus, + animae rapit aura liquorem. + + Quia cuncta creata necesse est + labefacta senescere tandem, + conpactaque dissociari, 15 + et dissona texta retexi. + + Hanc tu, Deus optime, mortem + famulis abolere paratus + iter inviolabile monstras, + quo perdita membra resurgant: 20 + + Ut, dum generosa caducis + ceu carcere clausa ligantur, + pars illa potentior extet, + quae germen ab aethere traxit. + + Si terrea forte voluntas 25 + luteum sapit et grave captat, + animus quoque pondere victus + sequitur sua membra deorsum. + + At si generis memor ignis + contagia pigra recuset, 30 + vehit hospita viscera secum, + pariterque reportat ad astra. + + Nam quod requiescere corpus + vacuum sine mente videmus, + spatium breve restat, ut alti 35 + repetat conlegia sensus. + + Venient cito secula, cum iam + socius calor ossa revisat + animataque sanguine vivo + habitacula pristina gestet. 40 + + Quae pigra cadavera pridem + tumulis putrefacta iacebant, + volucres rapientur in auras + animas comitata priores. + + Hinc maxima cura sepulcris 45 + inpenditur: hinc resolutos + honor ultimus accipit artus + et funeris ambitus ornat. + + Candore nitentia claro + praetendere lintea mos est, 50 + adspersaque myrrha Sabaeo + corpus medicamine servat. + + Quidnam sibi saxa cavata, + quid pulchra volunt monumenta, + nisi quod res creditur illis 55 + non mortua, sed data somno? + + Hoc provida Christicolarum + pietas studet, utpote credens + fore protinus omnia viva, + quae nunc gelidus sopor urget. 60 + + Qui iacta cadavera passim + miserans tegit aggere terrae, + opus exhibet ille benignum + Christo pius omnipotenti: + + Quin lex eadem monet omnes 65 + gemitum dare sorte sub una, + cognataque funera nobis + aliena in morte dolere. + + Sancti sator ille Tobiae + sacer ac venerabilis heros, 70 + dapibus iam rite paratis + ius praetulit exequiarum. + + Iam stantibus ille ministris + cyathos et fercula liquit, + studioque accinctus humandi 75 + fleto dedit ossa sepulcro. + + Veniunt mox praemia caelo + pretiumque rependitur ingens: + nam lumina nescia solis + Deus inlita felle serenat. 80 + + Iam tunc docuit Pater orbis, + quam sit rationis egenis + mordax et amara medela, + cum lux animum nova vexat. + + Docuit quoque non prius ullum 85 + caelestia cernere regna, + quam nocte et vulnere tristi + toleraverit aspera mundi. + + Mors ipsa beatior inde est, + quod per cruciamina leti 90 + via panditur ardua iustis + et ad astra doloribus itur. + + Sic corpora mortificata + redeunt melioribus annis, + nec post obitum recalescens 95 + conpago fatiscere novit. + + Haec, quae modo pallida tabo + color albidus inficit ora, + tunc flore venustior omni + sanguis cute tinget amoena. 100 + + Iam nulla deinde senectus + frontis decus invida carpet, + macies neque sicca lacertos + suco tenuabit adeso. + + Morbus quoque pestifer, artus 105 + qui nunc populatur anhelos, + sua tunc tormenta resudans + luet inter vincula mille. + + Hunc eminus aere ab alto + victrix caro iamque perennis 110 + cernet sine fine gementem + quos moverat ipse dolores. + + Quid turba superstes inepta + clangens ululamina miscet, + cur tam bene condita iura 115 + luctu dolor arguit amens? + + Iam maesta quiesce querela, + lacrimas suspendite matres, + nullus sua pignora plangat, + mors haec reparatio vitae est. 120 + + Sic semina sicca virescunt + iam mortua iamque sepulta, + quae reddita caespite ab imo + veteres meditantur aristas. + + Nunc suscipe terra fovendum, 125 + gremioque hunc concipe molli: + hominis tibi membra sequestro + generosa et fragmina credo. + + Animae fuit haec domus olim + factoris ab ore creatae, 130 + fervens habitavit in istis + sapientia principe Christo. + + Tu depositum tege corpus, + non inmemor illa requiret + sua munera fictor et auctor 135 + propriique aenigmata vultus. + + Veniant modo tempora iusta, + cum spem Deus inpleat omnem; + reddas patefacta necesse est, + qualem tibi trado figuram. 140 + + Non, si cariosa vetustas + dissolverit ossa favillis, + fueritque cinisculus arens + minimi mensura pugilli. + + Nec, si vaga flamina et aurae 145 + vacuum per inane volantes + tulerint cum pulvere nervos, + hominem periisse licebit. + + Sed dum resolubile corpus + revocas, Deus, atque reformas, 150 + quanam regione iubebis + animam requiescere puram? + + Gremio senis addita sancti + recubabit, ut est Eleazar, + quem floribus undique septum 155 + Dives procul adspicit ardens. + + Sequimur tua dicta redemptor, + quibus atra morte triumphans + tua per vestigia mandas + socium crucis ire latronem. 160 + + Patet ecce fidelibus ampli + via lucida iam paradisi, + licet et nemus illud adire, + homini quod ademerat anguis. + + Illic precor, optime ductor, 165 + famulam tibi praecipe mentem + genitali in sede sacrari, + quam liquerat exul et errans. + + Nos tecta fovebimus ossa + violis et fronde frequenti, 170 + titulumque et frigida saxa + liquido spargemus odore. + + + + + X. HYMN FOR THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD + + + Fountain of life, supernal Fire, + Who didst unite in wondrous wise + The soul that lives, the clay that dies, + And mad'st them Man: eternal Sire, + + Both elements Thy will obey, + Thine is the bond that joins the twain, + And, while united they remain, + Spirit and body own Thy sway. + + Yet they must one day disunite, + Sunder in death this mortal frame; + Dust to the dust from whence it came, + The spirit to its heavenward flight. + + For all created things must wane, + And age must break the bond at last; + The diverse web that Life held fast + Death's fingers shall unweave again. + + Yet, gracious God, Thou dost devise + The death of Death for all Thine own; + The path of safety Thou hast shown + Whereby the doomčd limbs may rise: + + So that, while fragile bonds of earth + Man's noblest essence still enfold, + That part may yet the sceptre hold + Which from pure aether hath its birth. + + For if the earthy will hold sway, + By gross desires and aims possessed, + The soul, too, by the weight oppressed, + Follows the body's downward way. + + But if she scorn the guilt that mars-- + Still mindful of her fiery sphere-- + She bears the flesh, her comrade here, + Back to her home beyond the stars. + + The lifeless body we restore + To earth, must slumber free from pain + A little while, that it may gain + The spirit's fellowship once more. + + The years will pass with rapid pace + Till through these limbs the life shall flow, + And the long-parted spirit go + To seek her olden dwelling-place. + + Then shall the body, that hath lain + And turned to dust in slow decay, + On airy wings be borne away + And join its ancient soul again. + + Therefore our tenderest care we spend + Upon the grave: and mourners go + With solemn dirge and footstep slow-- + Love's last sad tribute to a friend. + + With fair white linen we enfold + The dear dead limbs, and richest store + Of Eastern unguents duly pour + Upon the body still and cold. + + Why hew the rocky tomb so deep, + Why raise the monument so fair, + Save that the form we cherish there + Is no dead thing, but laid to sleep? + + This is the faithful ministry + Of Christian men, who hold it true + That all shall one day live anew + Who now in icy slumber lie. + + And he whose pitying hand shall lay + Some friendless outcast 'neath the sod, + E'en to the almighty Son of God + Doth that benignant service pay. + + For this same law doth bid us mourn + Man's common fate, when strangers die, + And pay the tribute of a sigh, + As when our kin to rest are borne. + + Of holy Tobit ye have read, + (Grave father of a pious son), + Who, though the feast was set, would run + To do his duty by the dead. + + Though waiting servants stood around, + From meat and drink he turned away + And girt himself in haste to lay + The bones with weeping in the ground. + + Soon Heaven his righteous zeal repays + With rich reward; the eyes long blind + In bitter gall strange virtue find + And open to the sun's clear rays. + + Thus hath our Heavenly Father shown + How sharp and bitter is the smart + When sudden on the purblind heart + The Daystar's healing light is thrown. + + He taught us, too, that none may gaze + Upon the heavenly demesne + Ere that in darkness and in pain + His feet have trod the world's rough ways. + + So unto death itself is given + Strange bliss, when mortal agony + Opens the way that leads on high + And pain is but the path to Heaven. + + Thus to a far serener day + Our body from the grave returns; + Eternal life within it burns + That knows nor languor nor decay. + + These faces now so pinched and pale, + That marks of lingering sickness show, + Then fairer than the rose shall glow + And bloom with youth that ne'er shall fail. + + Ne'er shall crabbed age their beauty dim + With wrinkled brow and tresses grey, + Nor arid leanness eat away + The vigour of the rounded limb. + + Racked with his own destroying pains + Shall fell Disease, who now attacks + Our aching frames, his force relax + Fast fettered in a thousand chains: + + While from its far celestial throne + The immortal body, victor now, + Shall watch its old tormentor bow + And in eternal tortures groan. + + Why do the clamorous mourners wail + In bootless sorrow murmuring? + And why doth grief unreasoning + God's righteous ordinance assail? + + Hushed be your voices, ye that mourn; + Ye weeping mothers, dry the tear; + Let none lament for children dear, + For man through Death to Life is born. + + So do dry seeds grow green again, + Now dead and buried in the earth, + And rising to a second birth + Clothe as of old the verdant plain. + + Take now, O earth, the load we bear, + And cherish in thy gentle breast + This mortal frame we lay to rest, + The poor remains that were so fair. + + For they were once the soul's abode, + That by God's breath created came; + And in them, like a living flame, + Christ's precious gift of wisdom glowed. + + Guard thou the body we have laid + Within thy care, till He demand + The creature fashioned by His hand + And after His own image made. + + The appointed time soon may we see + When God shall all our hopes fulfil, + And thou must render to His will + Unchanged the charge we give to thee. + + For though consumed by mould and rust + Man's body slowly fades away, + And years of lingering decay + Leave but a handful of dry dust; + + Though wandering winds, that idly fly, + Should his disparted ashes bear + Through all the wide expanse of air, + Man may not perish utterly. + + Yet till Thou dost build up again + This mortal structure by Thy hand, + In what far world wilt Thou command + The soul to rest, now free from stain? + + In Abraham's bosom it shall dwell + 'Mid verdant bowers, as Lazarus lies + Whom Dives sees with longing eyes + From out the far-off fires of hell. + + We trust the words our Saviour said + When, victor o'er grim Death, he cried + To him who suffered at His side + "In Mine own footsteps shalt thou tread." + + See, open to the faithful soul, + The shining paths of Paradise; + Now may they to that garden rise + Which from mankind the Serpent stole. + + Guide him, we pray, to that blest bourn, + Who served Thee truly here below; + May he the bliss of Eden know, + Who strayed in banishment forlorn. + + But we will honour our dear dead + With violets and garlands strown, + And o'er the cold and graven stone + Shall fragrant odours still be shed. + + + + + XI. HYMNUS VIII. KALENDAS IANUARIAS + + + Quid est, quod artum circulum + sol iam recurrens deserit? + Christusne terris nascitur, + qui lucis auget tramitem? + + Heu quam fugacem gratiam 5 + festina volvebat dies, + quam pene subductam facem + sensim recisa extinxerat! + + Caelum nitescat laetius, + gratetur et gaudens humus, 10 + scandit gradatim denuo + iubar priores lineas. + + Emerge dulcis pusio, + quem mater edit castitas, + parens et expers coniugis, 15 + mediator et duplex genus. + + Ex ore quamlibet Patris + sis ortus et verbo editus, + tamen paterno in pectore + sophia callebas prius. 20 + + Quae prompta caelum condidit, + caelum diemque et cetera, + virtute verbi effecta sunt + haec cuncta: nam verbum Deus. + + Sed ordinatis seculis, 25 + rerumque digesto statu + fundator ipse et artifex + permansit in Patris sinu, + + donec rotata annalium + transvolverentur milia, 30 + atque ipse peccantem diu + dignatus orbera viseret. + + Nam caeca vis mortalium + venerans inanes nenias + vel aera vel saxa algida, 35 + vel ligna credebat Deum. + + Haec dum sequuntur, perfidi + praedonis in ius venerant, + et mancipatam fumido + vitam barathro inmerserant: 40 + + Stragem sed istam non tulit + Christus cadentum gentium + inpune ne forsan sui + Patris periret fabrica. + + Mortale corpus induit, 45 + ut excitato corpore + mortis catenam frangeret + hominemque portaret Patri. + + Hic ille natalis dies, + quo te creator arduus 50 + spiravit et limo indidit + sermone carnem glutinans. + + Sentisne, virgo nobilis, + matura per fastidia + pudoris intactum decus 55 + honore partus crescere? + + O quanta rerum gaudia + alvus pudica continet, + ex qua novellum seculum + procedit et lux aurea! 60 + + Vagitus ille exordium + vernantis orbis prodidit, + nam tunc renatus sordidum + mundus veternum depulit. + + Sparsisse tellurem reor 65 + rus omne densis floribus, + ipsasque arenas syrtium + fragrasse nardo et nectare. + + Te cuncta nascentem puer + sensere dura et barbara, 70 + victusque saxorum rigor + obduxit herbam cotibus. + + Iam mella de scopulis fluunt, + iam stillat ilex arido + sudans amomum stipite, 75 + iam sunt myricis balsama. + + O sancta praesepis tui, + aeterne rex, cunabula, + populisque per seclum sacra + mutis et ipsis credita. 80 + + Adorat haec brutum pecus + indocta turba scilicet, + adorat excors natio, + vis cuius in pastu sita est. + + Sed cum fideli spiritu 85 + concurrat ad praesepia + pagana gens et quadrupes, + sapiatque quod brutum fuit: + + Negat patrum prosapia + perosa praesentem Deum: 90 + credas venenis ebriam + furiisve lymphatam rapi. + + Quid prona per scelus ruis? + agnosce, si quidquam tibi + mentis resedit integrae, 95 + ducem tuorum principum. + + Hunc, quem latebra et obstetrix, + et virgo feta, et cunulae + et inbecilla infantia + regem dederunt gentibus, 100 + + peccator intueberis + celsum coruscis nubibus, + deiectus ipse et inritus + plangens reatum fletibus: + + Cum vasta signum bucina 105 + terris cremandis miserit, + et scissus axis cardinem + mundi ruentis solverit: + + Insignis ipse et praeminens + meritis rependet congrua, 110 + his lucis usum perpetis, + illis gehennam et tartarum. + + Iudaea tunc fulmen crucis + experta, qui sit, senties, + quem te furoris praesule 115 + mors hausit et mox reddidit. + + + + + XI. HYMN FOR CHRISTMAS-DAY + + + Why doth the sun re-orient take + A wider range, his limits break? + Lo! Christ is born, and o'er earth's night + Shineth from more to more the light! + + Too swiftly did the radiant day + Her brief course run and pass away: + She scarce her kindly torch had fired + Ere slowly fading it expired. + + Now let the sky more brightly beam, + The earth take up the joyous theme: + The orb a broadening pathway gains + And with its erstwhile splendour reigns. + + Sweet babe, of chastity the flower, + A virgin's blest mysterious dower! + Rise in Thy twofold nature's might: + Rise, God and man to reunite! + + Though by the Father's will above + Thou wert begot, the Son of Love, + Yet in His bosom Thou didst dwell, + Of Wisdom the eternal Well; + + Wisdom, whereby the heavens were made + And light's foundations first were laid: + Creative Word! all flows from Thee! + The Word is God eternally. + + For though with process of the suns + The ordered whole harmonious runs, + Still the Artificer Divine + Leaves not the Father's inmost shrine. + + The rolling wheels of Time had passed + O'er their millennial journey vast, + Before in judgment clad He came + Unto the world long steeped in shame. + + The purblind souls of mortals crass + Had trusted gods of stone and brass, + To things of nought their worship paid + And senseless blocks of wood obeyed. + + And thus employed, they fell below + The sway of man's perfidious foe: + Plunged in the smoky sheer abyss + They sank bereft of their true bliss. + + But that sore plight of ruined man + Christ's pity could not lightly scan: + Nor let God's building nobly wrought + Ingloriously be brought to nought. + + He wrapped Him in our fleshly guise, + That from the tomb He might arise, + And man released from death's grim snare + Home to His Father's bosom bear. + + This is the day of Thy dear birth, + The bridal of the heaven and earth, + When the Creator breathed on Thee + The breath of pure humanity. + + Ah! glorious Maid, dost thou not guess + What guerdon thy chaste soul shall bless, + How by thy ripening pangs is bought + An honour greater than all thought? + + O what a load of joy untold + Thy womb inviolate doth hold! + Of thee a golden age is born, + The brightness of the earth's new morn! + + Hearken! doth not the infant's wail + The universal springtide hail? + For now the world re-born lays by + Its gloomy, frost-bound apathy. + + Methinks in all her rustic bowers + The earth is spread with clustering flowers: + Odours of nard and nectar sweet + E'en o'er the sands of Syrtes fleet. + + All places rough and deserts wild + Have felt from far Thy coming, Child: + Rocks to Thy gentle empire bow + And verdure clothes the mountain brow. + + Sweet honey from the boulder leaps: + The sere and leafless oak-bough weeps + A strange rich attar: tamarisks too + Of balsam pure distil the dew. + + Blessčd for ever, cradle dear, + The lowly stall, the cavern drear! + Men to this shrine, Eternal King, + With dumb brutes adoration bring. + + The ox and ass in homage low + Obedient to their Maker bow: + Bows too the unlearn'd heartless crowd + Whose minds the sensual feast doth cloud. + + Though, by the faithful Spirit impelled, + Shepherds and brutes, unreasoning held, + Yea, folk that did in darkness dwell + Discern their God in His poor cell: + + Yet children of the sacred race + Blindly abhor the Incarnate grace: + By philtres you might deem them lulled + Or by some bacchic phrenzy dulled. + + Why headlong thus to ruin stride? + If aught of soundness in you bide, + Behold in Him the Lord divine + Of all your patriarchal line. + + Mark you the dim-lit cave, the Maid, + The humble nurse, the cradle laid, + The helpless infancy forlorn: + Yet thus the Gentiles' King was born! + + Ah sinner, thou shalt one day see + This Child in dreadful majesty, + See Him in glorious clouds descend, + While thou thy guilty heart shalt rend. + + Vain all thy tears, when loud shall sound + The trump, when flames shall scorch the ground, + When from its hinge the cloven world + Is loosed, in horrid tumult hurled. + + Then throned on high, the Judge of all + Shall mortals to their reckoning call: + To these shall grant the prize of light, + To those Gehenna's gloomy night. + + Then, Israel, shalt thou learn at length + The Cross hath, as the lightning, strength: + Doomed by thy wrath, He now is Lord, + Whom Death once grasped but soon restored. + + + + + XII. HYMNUS EPIPHANIAE + + + Quicumque Christum quaeritis, + oculos in altum tollite, + illic licebit visere + signum perennis gloriae. + + Haec stella, quae solis rotam 5 + vincit decore ac lumine, + venisse terris nuntiat + cum carne terrestri Deum. + + Non illa servit noctibus + secuta lunam menstruam, 10 + sed sola caelum possidens + cursum dierum temperat. + + Arctoa quamvis sidera + in se retortis motibus + obire nolint, attamen 15 + plerumque sub nimbis latent. + + Hoc sidus aeternum manet, + haec stella nunquam mergitur, + nec nubis occursu abdita + obumbrat obductam facem. 20 + + Tristis cometa intercidat, + et si quod astrum Sirio + fervet vapore, iam Dei + sub luce destructum cadat. + + En Persici ex orbis sinu, 25 + sol unde sumit ianuam, + cernunt periti interpretes + regale vexillum Magi. + + Quod ut refulsit, ceteri + cessere signorum globi, 30 + nec pulcher est ausus suam + conferre formam Lucifer. + + Quis iste tantus, inquiunt, + regnator astris inperans, + quem sic tremunt caelestia, 35 + cui lux et aethra inserviunt. + + Inlustre quiddam cernimus, + quod nesciat finem pati, + sublime, celsum, interminum, + antiquius caelo et chao. 40 + + Hic ille rex est gentium + populique rex Iudaici, + promissus Abrahae patri + eiusque in aevum semini. + + Aequanda nam stellis sua 45 + cognovit olim germina + primus sator credentium, + nati inmolator unici. + + Iam flos subit Davidicus + radice Iesse editus, 50 + sceptrique per virgam virens + rerum cacumen occupat. + + Exin sequuntur perciti + fixis in altum vultibus, + qua stella sulcum traxerat 55 + claramque signabat viam. + + Sed verticem pueri supra + signum pependit inminens, + pronaque submissum face + caput sacratum prodidit. 60 + + Videre quod postquam Magi, + eoa promunt munera, + stratique votis offerunt + tus, myrrham, et aurum regium. + + Agnosce clara insignia 65 + virtutis ac regni tui, + puer o, cui trinam Pater + praedestinavit indolem. + + Regem Deumque adnuntiant + thesaurus et fragrans odor 70 + turis Sabaei, ac myrrheus + pulvis sepulcrum praedocet. + + Hoc est sepulcrum, quo Deus, + dum corpus extingui sinit + atque id sepultum suscitat, 75 + mortis refregit carcerem. + + O sola magnarum urbium + maior Bethlem, cui contigit + ducem salutis caelitus + incorporatum gignere. 80 + + Altrice te summo Patri + haeres creatur unicus, + homo ex tonantis spiritu + idemque sub membris Deus. + + Hunc et prophetis testibus 85 + isdemque signatoribus, + testator et sator iubet + adire regnum et cernere: + + Regnum, quod ambit omnia + diva et marina et terrea 90 + a solis ortu ad exitum + et tartara et caelum supra. + + Audit tyrannus anxius + adesse regum principem, + qui nomen Israel regat 95 + teneatque David regiam. + + Exclamat amens nuntio, + successor instat, pellimur; + satelles i, ferrum rape, + perfunde cunas sanguine. 100 + + Mas omnis infans occidat, + scrutare nutricum sinus, + interque materna ubera + ensem cruentet pusio. + + Suspecta per Bethlem mihi 105 + puerperarum est omnium + fraus, ne qua furtim subtrahat + prolem virilis indolis. + + Transfigit ergo carnifex + mucrone destricto furens 110 + effusa nuper corpora, + animasque rimatur novas. + + Locum minutis artubus + vix interemptor invenit, + quo plaga descendat patens 115 + iuguloque maior pugio est. + + O barbarum spectaculum! + inlisa cervix cautibus + spargit cerebrum lacteum + oculosque per vulnus vomit. 120 + + Aut in profundum palpitans + mersatur infans gurgitem, + cui subter artis faucibus + singultat unda et halitus. + + Salvete flores martyrum, 125 + quos lucis ipso in limine + Christi insecutor sustulit, + ceu turbo nascentes rosas. + + Vos prima Christi victima, + grex inmolatorum tener, 130 + aram ante ipsam simplices + palma et coronis luditis. + + Quid proficit tantum nefas, + quid crimen Herodem iuvat? + unus tot inter funera 135 + inpune Christus tollitur. + + Inter coaevi sanguinis + fluenta solus integer + ferrum, quod orbabat nurus, + partus fefellit virginis. 140 + + Sic stulta Pharaonis mali + edicta quondam fugerat + Christi figuram praeferens + Moyses, receptor civium. + + Cautum et statutum ius erat, 145 + quo non liceret matribus, + cum pondus alvi absolverent, + puerile pignus tollere. + + Mens obstetricis sedulae + pie in tyrannum contumax 150 + ad spem potentis gloriae + furata servat parvulum: + + Quem mox sacerdotem sibi + adsumpsit orbis conditor, + per quem notatam saxeis 155 + legem tabellis traderet. + + Licetne Christum noscere + tanti per exemplum viri? + dux ille caeso Aegyptio + absolvit Israel iugo. 160 + + At nos subactos iugiter + erroris inperio gravi + dux noster hoste saucio + mortis tenebris liberat. + + Hic expiatam fluctibus 165 + plebem marino in transitu + repurgat undis dulcibus, + lucis columnam praeferens: + + Hic praeliante exercitu, + pansis in altum brachiis, 170 + sublimis Amalech premit, + crucis quod instar tunc fuit. + + Hic nempe Iesus verior, + qui longa post dispendia + victor suis tribulibus 175 + promissa solvit iugera. + + Qui ter quaternas denique + refluentis amnis alveo + fundavit et fixit petras, + apostolorum stemmata. 180 + + Iure ergo se Iudae ducem + vidisse testantur Magi, + cum facta priscorum ducum + Christi figuram finxerint. + + Hic rex priorum iudicum, 185 + rexere qui Iacob genus, + dominaeque rex ecclesiae, + templi et novelli et pristini. + + Hunc posteri Efrem colunt, + hunc sancta Manasse domus 190 + omnesque suspiciunt tribus + bis sena fratrum semina. + + Quin et propago degener + ritum secuta inconditum, + quaecumque dirum fervidis 195 + Baal caminis coxerat, + + fumosa avorum numina + saxum, metallum, stipitem, + rasum, dolatum, sectile, + in Christi honorem deserit. 200 + + Gaudete quidquid gentium est, + Iudaea, Roma, et Graecia, + Aegypte, Thrax, Persa, Scytha, + rex unus omnes possidet. + + Laudate vestrum principem 205 + omnes beati, ac perditi, + vivi, inbecilli ac mortui: + iam nemo posthac mortuus. + + + + + XII. HYMN FOR THE EPIPHANY + + + Lift up your eyes, whoe'er ye be + That fare the new-born Christ to see: + For yonder is the shining sign + Of grace perennial and divine. + + What means this star, whose piercing rays + Outshine the sun's resplendent blaze? + 'Tis token sure that God is come + In mortal flesh to make His home. + + No courtier of the realms of night + Nor monthly moon's bright acolyte, + This star directs the course of day, + Sole sovereign of the heavenly way. + + Although the Bears their track retrace, + Nor wholly their clear beams efface, + Yet ofttimes 'neath the dun cloud's haze + They hide themselves from mortal gaze. + + But yon Star's glory hath no end, + Nor to the depths can it descend: + It ne'er is whelmed by envious cloud + That seeks its beauty to enshroud. + + Now let the baleful comet die, + The brood of blazing Sirius fly: + God's orb shall quench their sultry heats + And drive them from their haughty seats. + + Lo! from the regions of the morn + Wherein the radiant sun is born, + The Persian sages see on high + God's ensign shining in the sky. + + Soon as its rising beams prevail + The starry hosts in order pale: + E'en Lucifer durst not upraise + The silvery splendours of his face. + + Who is this sovereign (they enquire) + That lords it o'er the ethereal choir? + 'Fore whom the heavens bow down afraid, + Of all the worlds of light obeyed? + + Sure 'tis the sign most reverend + Of Being that doth know no end: + Of One in state sublime arrayed + Ere sky and chaos yet were made. + + This is the King of Israel, + Of all in Gentile lands that dwell: + The King to Abram and his seed + Throughout all ages erst decreed. + + To him 'twas given his progeny + As stars innumerous to see: + First of believers! moved to slay + His only son, so God to obey. + + Behold the Flower of David shine, + Of Jesse's root the Branch benign: + The sceptre spread with blossoms rare + Wields o'er the world its lordship fair. + + Roused by the portent of the sky + The sages fix their gaze on high, + And speed them 'neath the furrowed way + Marked by the star's effulgent ray. + + At length its flaming steps it stayed + Poised over where the Child was laid: + Straightway with downcast mien it shed + Its splendours on the sacred Head. + + Whereat the travellers outpour + Of Eastern gifts their treasure-store, + Myrrh and sweet-smelling frankincense, + Gold meet for regal opulence. + + Behold herein the triple sign + Of Thy pure being, King divine: + Seeing the Father willed in Thee + To plant a threefold majesty. + + The gift of gold thee King proclaims: + Thee God the fragrant incense names: + The myrrh declares that Death shall thrust + Within the tomb Thy body's dust. + + Ah! that dark sepulchre, whose fold + God's body quenched in death doth hold: + Yet shall He from that durance wake + And Death's strong prison-fetters break. + + O Bethlehem! no longer thou + The least of cities: all shall vow + That thou art greatest on the earth: + For thou man's King didst bring to birth. + + Yea thou didst on thy bosom bear + The All-loving Father's only heir: + Man of the Thunderer's Spirit made + And God in human flesh arrayed. + + The prophets witnessed to the bond + Which sealed to Him the realm profound: + The Father's Kingdom He received + And the vast legacy perceived. + + All things are His in sea and sky, + In hell beneath, in heaven on high: + From East to setting sun, in fee + He holds the earth's immensity. + + Distraught, the tyrant base doth hear + That now the King of Kings draws near + To reign in David's seat of state + And Israel's empire dominate. + + "Betrayed are we," he maddened cries, + "Our throne's usurper doth arise: + Go, soldiers, go with sword in hand + And slay all babes within my land. + + "Spare no male child: each nurse's robe + Your scrutinizing steel must probe: + Spare not the suckling infant, though + O'er mother's breast its life-blood flow. + + "On Bethlehem our suspicion falls, + On every hearth within its walls: + Lest mothers with love's tender zeal + Some manly scion may conceal." + + With daggers drawn the infuriate crew + Upon their murderous errand flew: + Each latest offspring of the womb + To bloody death they foully doom. + + Ah tiny limbs! 'twas hard to know + How best to strike the fatal blow: + Too wide the sword-blades are to smite + Those throats so silken-fragile, slight. + + O horrid sight! the tender bones + Are dashed against the jaggčd stones: + Sightless and mangled there they lie, + Poor babes! untimely doomed to die. + + Perchance the still deep river laves + Their bodies thrust into the waves: + The current with their sighing sighs, + Sobs with their latest, broken cries. + + Ye flowers of martyrdom, all hail! + Of rising morn pure blossoms frail! + By Jesu's foe were ye downcast, + Like budding roses by the blast. + + Lambs of the flock too early slain, + Ye first fruits of Christ's bitter pain! + Close to His very altar, gay + With palms and crowns, ye now do play. + + Of what avail is deed so vile? + Doth Herod gain by murderous guile? + Of all to death so foully done + Escapes triumphant Christ alone. + + Amidst that tide of infant gore + Alone He wins the sheltering shore: + The virgin's Child survives the stroke, + When every mother's heart was broke. + + Thus Moses 'scaped the mad decree + Of evil Pharaoh and set free + The flock of God, prefiguring so + Christ spared from fate's malignant blow. + + Vain too the king's hostility + Who framed the pitiless decree + That Israel's mothers should not rear + To manhood's strength their offspring dear. + + Quickened by love, a woman's mind + Found means to thwart that law unkind, + And, falsely true, the child concealed + Destined to be his people's Shield. + + On him it was that God did place + The august priesthood's holy grace, + The law on stony tablets writ + Did to his trembling hands commit. + + And may we not with prophet's eye + In such a hero Christ descry? + The proud Egyptian's might he broke + And freed his kinsmen from the yoke. + + So we by Error's might hemmed round + Were by our Captain's strength unbound: + His foe He wounded in the fight + And saved us from Death's horrid night. + + Cheering by sign of flame their feet, + Moses renewed with waters sweet + His folk, albeit purified + From stain, what time they crossed the tide. + + And he, remote on peaceful height, + Amalek's banded hosts did smite: + He prayed with arms stretched out above, + Foreshadowing the Cross of Love. + + Yet truer Jesus surely he, + Who after many a victory + And labours long the tribes' renown + With promised heritage did crown; + + Who when the waters rose on high + And now the Jordan's bed was dry, + Set up twelve stones of memory, + Types of apostles yet to be. + + Rightly the Wise Men said, I ween, + That they Judaea's King had seen, + Since noble deeds of other days + Prophetic chant the Saviour's praise. + + Of those old rulers He is King + Who did to Jacob judgment bring, + King of the Mother Church divine, + God's ancient and God's present Shrine. + + Of Ephraim's sons He is adored: + Manasseh's sacred house as Lord + Reveres Him: to His might the seed + Of brethren twelve their fealty plead. + + Nay, each degenerate race hath fled + Its shameful rites and orgies dread: + Grim Baal in glowing furnace cast + Sinks to the earth, forsook at last. + + Idols smoke-blackened, wooden-hewn, + Of brass and stone, in dust are strewn: + The chiselled deities downtrod: + For all confess in Christ their God. + + Rejoice all peoples, Jewry, Rome, + Fair Hellas, Thrace, Aegyptus' home: + Persians and Scythian land forlorn, + Rejoice: the world's great King is born! + + Behold your Chief! His praise forth tell: + Ye sick, ye hale, all heaven and hell: + Ay, you whose vital spark hath sped: + For lo! in Him e'en Death is dead. + + + + + EPILOGUS + + + Inmolat Deo Patri + pius, fidelis, innocens, pudicus + dona conscientiae, + quibus beata mens abundat intus: + alter et pecuniam 5 + recidit, unde victitent egeni. + Nos citos iambicos + sacramus et rotatiles trochaeos, + sanctitatis indigi + nec ad levamen pauperum potentes; 10 + adprobat tamen Deus + pedestre carmen, et benignus audit. + Multa divitis domo + sita est per omnes angulos supellex. + Fulget aureus scyphus, 15 + nec aere defit expolita pelvis: + est et olla fictilis, + gravisque et ampla argentea est parabsis. + Sunt eburna quaepiam, + nonnulla quercu sunt cavata et ulmo: 20 + omne vas fit utile, + quod est ad usum congruens herilem, + Instruunt enim domum + ut empta magno, sic parata ligno. + Me paterno in atrio 25 + ut obsoletum vasculum caducis + Christus aptat usibus, + sinitque parte in anguli manere. + Munus ecce fictile + inimus intra regiam salutis; 30 + attamen vel infimam + Deo obsequelam praestitisse prodest. + Quidquid illud accidit, + iuvabit ore personasse Christum. + + + + + EPILOGUE + + + The pure and faithful saint, whose heart is whole, + To God the Father makes his sacrifice + From out the treasures of a stainless soul, + Glad gifts of innocence, beyond all price: + Another with free hand bestows his gold, + Whereby his needy neighbour may be fed. + No wealth of holiness my heart doth hold, + No store have I to buy my brothers bread: + So here I humbly dedicate to Thee + The rolling trochee and iambus swift; + Thou wilt approve my simple minstrelsy, + Thine ear will listen to Thy servant's gift. + The rich man's halls are nobly furnishčd; + Therein no nook or corner empty seems; + Here stands the brazen laver burnishčd, + And there the golden goblet brightly gleams; + Hard by some crock of clumsy earthen ware, + Massive and ample lies a silver plate; + And rough-hewn cups of oak or elm are there + With vases carved of ivory delicate. + Yet every vessel in its place is good, + So be it for the Master's service meet; + The priceless salver and the bowl of wood + Alike He needs to make His home complete. + Therefore within His Father's spacious hall + Christ fits me for the service of a day, + Mean though I be, a vessel poor and small,-- + And in some lowly corner lets me stay. + Lo in the palace of the King of Kings + I play the earthen pitcher's humble part; + Yet to have done Him meanest service brings + A thrill of rapture to my thankful heart: + Whate'er the end, this thought will joy afford, + My lips have sung the praises of my Lord. + + + + +_This edition of the_ Cathemerinon of Prudentius _has been prepared for +the Temple Classics by_ Rev. R. MARTIN POPE, M.A. (_St John's College, +Cambridge, translator of the_ "Letters of John Hus"), _who has done the +translation of the_ Praefatio _and_ Hymns i., ii., iii., viii., xi., +xii., _with notes thereon and the note on_ Prudentius. _For the rendering +of_ Hymns iv., v., vi., vii., ix., x., _and the_ Epilogus _with notes +thereon,_ Mr R.F. DAVIS, M.A. (_St John's College, Cambridge_), _is +responsible. The text, with some minor alterations in orthography and +punctuation, is that of_ Dressel (Lipsiae, 1860). _The frontispiece is +due to the kind suggestion of_ Dr SANDYS, _Public Orator of Cambridge +University, to whom the thanks of the translators are hereby presented._ + + + + + TRANSLATOR'S NOTE + + +AURELIUS PRUDENTIUS CLEMENS (to give his full title) was born, probably +at Saragossa (Caesaraugusta), in Spain, in the year of our Lord 348. The +fourth century exercised a profound influence alike on the destiny of +the Roman Empire and of the Christian Church. After a long discipline, +strangely alternating between fiery persecution and contemptuous +toleration, the Church entered upon a new era, when in 323 Constantine, +the first Christian emperor, became master of the Roman world. Two +years later the Council of Nicaea met to utter its verdict on the +Arian controversy and to establish the terms of the orthodox symbol. A +generation later Julian took up the reins of empire and commenced his +quixotic and fruitless attempt to revive the glories of Paganism. +Athanasius died in 373: but fourteen years later Augustine, his successor +in the championship of the faith, was baptized, and in 395, at the death +of Theodosius, when the Empire was divided between Honorius and Arcadius, +he became Bishop of Hippo, and was marked out by his saintliness and +learning as the leader of the Western Church, which he shaped by his +splendid ideal of the _Civitas Dei_ into unity and stability, when +the secular empire was falling into decay. + +We know little more of the life of Prudentius than he himself has +disclosed. The _Preface_, which stands as an introduction to his poems, +is a miniature autobiography of great interest. M. Boissier in his _Fin du +Paganisme_ calls it _mélancolique_: though it is rather the retrospect +of a serious and awakened, but not morbid, conscience. Prudentius views +his past years in the light of that new spiritual truth to which he has +opened his soul. We gather that he received a liberal education and was +called to the bar. We need not misunderstand the allusion to the +deceitfulness of the barrister life, seeing that the ordinary arts of +rhetoric stand condemned by his recently adopted ethical standard. He held +two important judicial posts and was promoted to a high position, probably +in the civil service and not outside the limits of his native province, the +_provincia Tarraconensis_. + +He speaks of himself as having reached the age of fifty-seven, which +brings us down to 405, and as intending to consecrate his remaining years +to the poetic treatment of religious subjects. When and how he became a +Christian we do not know, and it were vain to guess, although the +suggestion that he may have owed his conversion to the influence of some +Christian family of his acquaintance is at least interesting. It is +unlikely that he took up poetry for the first time in his old age. His +mastery of all kinds of metre--heroic and lyric--prove the practised hand. +The probability is that in the years of repose after a busy career his +desire to redeem an unspiritual past suggested for the exercise of his +natural gifts a field hitherto unoccupied by any of the writers of his +age. Why not consecrate his powers to the task of interesting the literary +circles of the Empire in the evangel of Christ? Why not present the truths +of Christianity in a poetic guise, wrought into forms of beauty and set +forth in the classical metres of Roman literature? This became the passion +of his life, and however we may view the results of his toil, the spirit +in which he went to work, as described in the touching _Epilogue_, +cannot but evoke our profound admiration. He is but a vessel of earth, but +whatever the issue may be, it will be a lasting joy to have sounded forth +the praise of Christ in song. + +This then is how Prudentius becomes the first poet of the Christian Church, +or, as Bentley called him, "the Virgil and Horace of the Christians." +Doubtless there were other influences at work to determine the sphere to +which he was naturally attract. Ambrose, who was Bishop of Milan when +Prudentius was twenty-six years of age, had written the first Latin hymns +to be sung in church. Augustine in a familiar passage of the _Confessions_ +(ix. 7.) describes how "the custom arose of singing hymns and psalms, after +the use of the Eastern provinces, to save the people from being utterly +worn out by their long and sorrowful vigils." "From that day to this," he +adds, "it has been retained and, many might say, all Thy flocks throughout +the rest of the world now follow our example." To Ambrose and Augustine the +Church of Christ is for ever indebted: to the latter for a devotional +treatise which is the most familiar of all the writings of the fourth +century: to the former for the hymns of praise which he composed and the +practice of singing which he thus inaugurated in the worship of the +Western Church. But the Church owes something also to Prudentius, a much +more gifted poet than Ambrose. The collection of hymns known as the +_Cathemerinon_ or _Hymns for the day_ is as little adapted for +ecclesiastical worship as Keble's _Christian Year_, although excerpts +from these poems have passed into the hymnology of the Church, just as +portions of Keble's work have passed into most hymn books. For example, +seven of these excerpts in the form of hymns are to be found in the Roman +Breviary, and thus for centuries the lyrics of Prudentius have been sung in +the daily services of the Church. + +Seeing that Prudentius must address himself to most English readers through +the imperfect medium of a translation, it may be well to remind those who +make their first acquaintance with him that a historical imagination is an +indispensable condition of interest and sympathy. If Prudentius has a habit +of leaving the main issue and making lengthy and tedious _détours_ into +the picturesque parables and miraculous incidents of the Old Testament, +there is method in his digressiveness. He knows that one of the charms of +Paganism lies in its rich and variegated mythology. Yet Christianity +also can point to an even nobler inheritance of the supernatural and the +wonderful in the mysterious evolutions of its history. Hence the stories +of the early patriarchs, of the Israelites and Moses, of Daniel and Jonah, +are imported by the poet as pictorial illustrations of his theme. If +occasionally the details border on the grotesque, he certainly reveals a +striking knowledge of the Old Testament. + +The New Testament is also adequately represented. In one poem (ix.) the +miracles of Christ in His earthly ministry and His descent into Hades are +narrated with considerable spirit and eloquence. Besides being a student +of the Bible, Prudentius is a theologian. His theology is that of the +Nicene Creed. The Fall of man, the personality of the Tempter, the mystery +of the Trinity and of the Incarnation, the Virgin-birth, the Death and +Resurrection of Christ, the pains of the lost and the bliss of the saints, +the resurrection of the Body and the life everlasting--these are the themes +of his pen, the themes too of the theology of his age. If the poet's +treatment of these truths occasionally appears antiquated and crude to +modern ideas, it is at least dignified and intelligent. His mind has +absorbed the Christian religion and the Christian theology, and he not +unfrequently rises to noble heights in the interpretation of their +mysteries. His didactic poems, the _Hamartigenia_ or the _Origin of Evil_ +and the _Apotheosis_, a treatise on the Person of Christ, prove him to be +a theologian of no mean calibre. He is also an allegorist, as is proved by +the _Psychomachia_ or the _Battle of the Soul_, a kind of _Holy War_ +which was very popular in the Middle Ages. He is a martyrologist: as +witness the _Peristephanon_, a series of poems on Christian, principally +Spanish, martyrs. Moreover, he is an undoubted patriot, and in the _Contra +Symmachum_, which he wrote on the famous affair of the Altar of Victory, +he proves that, while a Christian, he is also _civis Romanus_, loyal to +the Empire and the powers that be. He is a skilful versifier, and in this +connection the quatrains of the _Dittochaeon_, verses on themes of the Old +and New Testaments, may be mentioned in order to complete the list of his +works. His mastery of his very varied metres--hexameter, iambic, trochaic +and sapphic--is undoubted: everywhere we note the influence of Virgil and +Horace, even when these poets are not recalled by echoes of their diction +which are constantly greeting the reader of his poems. + +Reference has already been made to the influence of Ambrose of Milan upon +the thought and style of Prudentius. But there is a second and even more +powerful influence that deserves at least briefly to be noted--namely, the +Christian art of the Catacombs. Apart from such definite statements as +_e.g._ are found in _Peristephanon_ xi., it is obvious that Prudentius +had a first-hand knowledge of Rome and particularly of the Catacombs. +Everywhere in his poems we find evidences of the deep impression made upon +his imagination by the paintings and sculptures of subterranean Rome. The +now familiar representations which decorate the remains of the Catacombs +suggested to him many of the allusions, the picturesque vignettes and +glowing descriptions to be found in his poetry. Thus, the story of Jonah--a +common theme typifying the Resurrection--the story of Daniel with its +obvious consolations for an age of martyrs, the Good Shepherd and the +denial of Peter may be mentioned among the numerous subjects which were +reproduced in early Christian art and transferred by the poet to his verse. +The symbolism of the Cock, the Dove, and the Lamb borne on the shoulders +of the Good Shepherd is a perpetually recurring feature in the lyrics and +martyr-hymns of Prudentius, who thus becomes one of our most valuable +authorities on the Christian art of the fourth century. + +The poems, of which a new English rendering is presented in this volume, +are acknowledged by most critics to illustrate some of his best qualities, +his brightness and dignity, his touches of nature-painting and his capacity +for sustained and well-wrought narrative. As we study these lyrics of the +early Church, we feel anew the mighty change that Christianity wrought in +Roman life by its doctrine of immortality, and we note the curious +fascination which the circumstances of the Nativity and especially the +Adoration of the Magi had for the Western world. Prudentius had a +great vogue in the Middle Ages, and the modern renewal of interest in +mediaevalism invests with fresh dignity a poet whose works at the Revival +of learning provoked the admiration of Erasmus[1] and the researches of +numerous scholars and editors. But it is undoubtedly to the student of +ecclesiastical history and dogma and to the lovers of Christian art and +antiquities that Prudentius most truly appeals. He claims our interest, +not merely because he reflects the Christian environment of his days, but +because his poetry represents an attempt to preach Christ to a world still +fascinated by Paganism, while conscious that the old order was changing +and yielding place to new. + +[1] _Prudentium, unum inter Christianos vere facundum poetam._ + + + + + + NOTES + + HYMNS + + + + THE TITLE + +The word _Cathemerinon_ is taken from the Greek and is the genitive of +_chathźmerina_ "daily things": the whole title _Liber Cathemerinon_ +is equivalent to "Book of daily hymns," and may be rendered "Hymns for +the Christian's day." + + + + THE PREFACE + +In one or two of the MSS. this introductory poem is stated to be a preface +of the _Cathemerinon_ only: but the great majority of the codices support +the view which is undoubtedly suggested by internal evidence, that the poem +is a general introduction to the whole of Prudentius' works. It is inserted +together with the _Epilogus_ in this volume, because of the intrinsic +interest of both poems. + +Line + +8 The reference is to the _toga virilis_, the ordinary + white-coloured garb of a Roman citizen who at his sixteenth year + laid aside the purple-edged _toga praetexta_, which was worn + during the days of boyhood. + +16 ff. The cities referred to are unknown: but it is probable that + they were two _municipia_ in Northern Spain, and that the office + held by Prudentius was that of duumvir or prefect. Provision was made + by the twenty-fourth clause of the law of Salpensa (a town in the + _provincia Baetica_ of Spain) by which the emperor could be elected + first magistrate of a _municipium_, and could thereupon appoint a + prefect to take his place. This would explain the language of the + text as to the semi-imperial nature of the post. The phrase + _militiae gradus_ need only be taken to indicate advancement in the + _civil_ service. But the words have been interpreted in accordance + with the more familiar and definite meaning of _militia_, and + understood to refer to a purely military post. Dressel thinks that + Prudentius was a _miles Palatinus_, that is, a member of the + best-paid and most highly-privileged imperial troops, who furnished + officers for some of the most lucrative posts in the provinces. + Though in the translation the usual meaning has been given to + _militia_, it must be regarded as uncertain in the absence of + more definite information regarding the office held by Prudentius. + +24 The consulship of Salia (or Salias) belongs to the year 348, the + date of the birth of Prudentius. An inscription (quoted by Migne from + Muratorius, _Nov. Thes. Inscrip._, i. 379) has been found in the + monastery of St. Paul's outside the city bearing the words + + FILIPPO · ET · SALLIA · COSS + + + + I + +1 Of this poem lines 1-8, 81-84, 97-100, were included in the Roman + Breviary as a hymn to be sung at Lauds, on Tuesday. + +2 The allusions to the cock in this and the following poem (ii. 37-55) + were doubtless inspired by the lines of Ambrose in his morning hymn + beginning _Aeterne rerum conditor_. Cf. ll. 5-8 and 16-24: + + _"praeco diei iam sonat + noctis profundae pervigil, + nocturna lux viantibus + a nocte noctem segregans._ + + * * * * * + + _surgamus ergo strenue: + gallus iacentes excitat, + et somnolentos increpat: + gallus negantes arguit._ + + _gallo canente spes redit, + aegris salus refunditur, + mucro latronis conditur, + lapsis fides revertitur."_ + + _Translation._ + + "Dawn's herald now begins to cry, + Lone watcher of the nightly sky: + Light of the dark to pilgrims dear, + Speeding successive midnights drear. + + * * * * * + + Brisk from our couch let us arise! + Hark to the cock's arousing cries! + He chides the sluggard's slumbrous ease, + And shames his unconvincing pleas. + + At cock-crow Hope revives again, + Health banishes the stress of pain, + Sheathed is the nightly robber's sword, + And Faith to fallen hearts restored." + + See also Ambrose, _Hexaem._, v. 24, for an eloquent passage in + the same strain. The cock was the familiar Christian symbol of early + rising or vigilance, and numerous representations of it are found in + the Catacombs. Cf. the painting from the Catacomb of St. Priscilla + reproduced in Bottari's folio of 1754, where the Good Shepherd is + depicted as feeding the lambs, with a crowing cock on His right and + left hand. It is also a symbol of the Resurrection, our Lord being + supposed to have risen from the grave at the early cockcrowing: see + l. 65 _et seq._ In l. 16 the first bird-notes are interpreted + by the poet as a summons to the general judgment. Cf. Mark xiii. 35: + "Ye know not when the lord of the house cometh, whether at even, or + at midnight, or _at cockcrowing_, or in the morning." This + passage serves as a kind of text for Prudentius' first two hymns, + and perhaps explains why he has one for cockcrowing and another for + morning. + +26 A common idea in all literatures. Cf. Virg., _Aen._, vi. 278 + (taken from Homer), _tum consanguineus Leti Sopor_, and Tennyson's + "Sleep, Death's twin-brother" (_In Memoriam_, 68). + +44 Cf. Augustine, _Serm._ 103: "These evil spirits seek to seduce + the soul: but when the sun has arisen, they take to flight." + +59 The denial of Peter forms a subject of Christian casuistry in + patristic literature, and this passage recalls the famous classical + parallel in Euripides (_Hipp._ 612), "the tongue hath sworn: yet + unsworn is the heart." Cf. Augustine, _cont. mendacium_: "In that + denial he held fast the truth in his heart, while with his lips he + uttered falsehood." For a striking representation of Peter and the + cock, on a sarcophagus discovered in the Catacombs and now deposited + in the Vatican library, see Maitland's _Church in the Catacombs_, + p. 347. The closing words of the passage in Ambrose's _Hexaemeron_, + already referred to under l. 2, may here be quoted: "As the cock + peals forth his notes, the robber leaves his plots: Lucifer himself + awakes and lights up the sky: the distressful sailor lays aside his + gloom, and all the storms and tempests that have risen in fury under + the winds of the evening begin to die down: the soul of the saint + leaps to prayer and renews the study of the written word: and + finally, the very Rock of the Church is cleansed of the stain he had + contracted by his denials before the cock crew." + +81 ff. The best commentary on these words is to be found in the + following passage from the second epistle of Basil to Gregory + Nazianzen: "What can be more blessed than to imitate on earth the + angelic host by giving oneself at the peep of dawn to prayer and by + turning at sunrise to work with hymns and songs: yea, all the day + through to make prayer the accompaniment of our toils and to season + them with praise as with salt? For the solace of hymns changes the + soul's sadness into mirth." + + + + II + +1 This poem furnishes two hymns to the Roman Breviary, one to be sung + on Wednesday at Lauds, and consisting of ll. 1-8, 48-53 (omitting l. + 50), 57, 59, 60, 67 (_tu vera lux caelestium_) and 68: the other + for Thursday at Lauds, consisting of ll. 25 (_lux ecce surgit + aurea_), 93-108. + +17 Cf. Ambrose, ii. 8, _de Cain et Abel_: "The thief shuns the day + as the witness of his crime: the adulterer is abashed by the dawn + as the accomplice of his adultery." + +51 The practice of praying on bended knees is frequently referred to + in early Christian writers. Cf. Clem., 1 Ad. Cor. cc. xlviii.: "Let + us fall down before the Lord," and Shepherd of Hermas, vis. 1. i.: + "After I had crossed that river I came unto the banks and there + knelt down and began to pray." Dressel quotes from Juvencus (iv. + 648), a Spanish poet and Christian contemporary of Prudentius, + _genibus nixi regem dominumque salutant_, "on bended knees they + make obeisance unto their King and Lord." + +63 The Jordan is a poetical figure for baptism, suggested doubtless +by the baptism of our Lord in that river. Cf. vii. 73-75. + +67 Cf. Milton, _Paradise Regained_, i. 293: "So spake our Morning + Star, then in his rise." The figure is suggested by Rev. xxii. 16: + "I am ... the bright, the morning star." + +105 The conception of God as _speculator_ may be paralleled by a + passage in the epistle of Polycarp _ad Philipp._ iv., where God is + described as the Arch-critic (_panta mōmoschopeitai_) and subsequently + (vii.) as _ton pantepoptźn theon_, "the All-witnessing God." The + last verse contains a distinct echo of the closing words of the + fourth chapter of Polycarp: "None of the reasonings or thoughts, + nor any of the hidden things of the heart escape His notice." + + + + III + +2 _Word-begot._ The original _verbigena_, on the analogy of such + words (cf. _terrigena_, _Martigena_, etc.), can only mean "begotten + of the Word." It is evident, therefore, the "Word" in this connection + is not the Johannine Logos or Second Person in the Trinity. + Prudentius cannot be guilty of the error which he expressly + condemns (_Apoth._ 249) as _perquam ridiculum_ and regard the + Logos as begetting Himself. Consequently, both in this passage and + in xi. 18 (_verbo editus_) the "Word" must be taken as approximating + rather to the Alexandrian conception of the Logos as the Divine + Reason. In this way Christ is expressly described as the offspring + of the _Intellectus Dei_, the immanent Intelligence of the Deity. + If this conception is considered to be beyond Prudentius, we can only + suppose that both here and in xi. 18, his language is theologically + loose. Some excuse may be offered for this on the ground that the + Latin language is ill-adapted for expressing metaphysical truths. + The late Bishop Westcott remarked on the inadequacy of the Latin + original of "the Word was made flesh" (_verbum caro factum est_), + both substantive and verb falling short of the richness of their + Greek equivalents. (_Vid._ also note on iv. 15.) + +11 Cf. Ambrose, _Hymn_ vii.:-- + + _"Christusque nobis sit cibus + Potusque noster sit fides; + Laeti bibamus sobriam + Ebrietatem Spiritus."_ + + _Translation._ + + "May Christ be now the Bread we eat, + Be simple Faith our potion sweet: + Let our intoxication be + The Spirit's calm sobriety." + + The idea is familiar to readers of Herbert and Herrick, though it + is elaborated by them with quaint conceits somewhat foreign to the + Latin poet. Cf. Herbert, _The Banquet_:-- + + "O what sweetnesse from the bowl + Fills my soul! + + * * * * * + + Is some starre (fled from the sphere) + Melted there, + As we sugar melt in wine? + + * * * * * + + Doubtless neither starre nor flower + Hath the power + Such a sweetnesse to impart: + Only God, Who gives perfumes, + Flesh assumes, + And with it perfumed my heart." + + Also Herrick, _A Thanksgiving to God_:-- + + "Lord, I confess too, when I dine, + The pulse is thine. + + * * * * * + + 'Tis thou that crown'st my glittering hearth + With guiltless mirth, + And giv'st me wassail bowls to drink, + Spiced to the brink." + +28 The original _dactylico_ refers to the metre of the Latin of this + poem. For a rendering of ll. 1-65 in the metre of the original see + Glover, _Life and Letters in the Fourth Century_, pp. 267-269. + +58 This and the following lines should satisfy the most ardent + vegetarian who seeks to uphold his abstinence from animal food by + the customs of the early Church. In Christian circles, however, the + abstinence was practised on personal and spiritual grounds, _e.g._, + Jerome (_de Regul. Monach._, xi.) says, "The eating of flesh is the + seed-plot of lust" (_seminarium libidinis_): so also Augustine (_de + moribus Ecc. Cath._, i. 33), who supports what doubtless was the + view of Prudentius, namely that the avoidance of animal flesh was a + safe-guard but not a binding Christian duty. + +75 _Unwed._ Prudentius thus adopts the view of the ancient world on + the question of the generation of bees. Cf. Virgil, _Geo._ iv. 198, + and Pliny, _Nat. Hist._, xi. 16. Dryden's translation of Virgil + (_l.c._) is as follows:-- + + "But (what's more strange) their modest appetites, + Averse from Venus, fly the nuptial rights; + No lust enervates their heroic mind, + Nor wastes their strength on wanton womankind, + But in their mouths reside their genial powers, + They gather children from the leaves and flowers." + +86 Cf. Ps. liv. 18, 19 (Vulg.): _Vespere et mane et meridie narrabo + et annuntiabo et exaudiet vocem meam._ "In the evening and morning + and at noonday will I pray, and that instantly and he shall hear my + voice" (P. B. Version). + +127 This is, strictly speaking, an error: it is the woman's seed + which is to bruise the serpent's head. The error was perpetuated + in the Latin Church by the Vulgate of Gen. iii. 15, _ipsa conteret + caput tuum_, where _ipsa_ refers to the woman (= she herself). + +157 The epithet "white-robed" refers to the newly-baptized converts + who received the white robe as a symbol of their new nature. Cf. + _Perist._ i. 67: _Christus illic candidatis praesidet cohortibus_, + and Ambrose (_de Mysteriis_, vii.): "Thou didst receive (that is, + after baptism) white garments as a sign that thou hast doffed the + covering of thy sins and put on the chaste raiment (_velamina_) of + innocence, whereof the prophet spake (Ps. li. 7), 'Thou shalt purge + me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: thou shalt wash me, and I + shall be whiter than snow'" (Vulg.). + +199 Phlegethon (rendered "Hell"), one of the rivers of the Virgilian + Hades, is used to express the abode of the lost. Cf. Milton, _P. L._, + ii. 580:-- + + "... fierce Phlegethon, + Whose waves of torrent fire inflame with rage." + + The subject of the _descensus ad inferos_ was evidently a favourite + one with Prudentius and his contemporaries. It has been suggested + that apart from the scriptural basis of this conception Prudentius + was influenced by the so-called _Gospel of Nicodemus_, which embodies + two books, the _Acts of Pilate_ and the _Descent into Hell_. The + latter is assigned by several critics to 400 or thereabouts, and + gives a graphic account of Christ's doings in Hades. Synesius deals + with the subject in one of his hymns (ix.), and Mrs Browning's + translation (see the essay on _The Greek Christian Poets_) of a + passage in that poem may be quoted:-- + + "Down Thou earnest, low as earth, + Bound to those of mortal birth; + Down Thou earnest, low as hell, + Where Shepherd-Death did tend and keep + A thousand nations like to sheep, + While weak with age old Hades fell + Shivering through his dark to view Thee. + + * * * * * + + So, redeeming from their pain + Chains of disembodied ones, + Thou didst lead whom thou didst gather + Upward in ascent again, + With a great hymn to the Father, + Upward to the pure white thrones!" + + For a modern treatment of the theme see _Christ in Hades_, by + Stephen Phillips. + +202 The words suggest the Catacombs, and perhaps refer to the custom + of placing in the tomb a small cup or vase containing spices, of + which myrrh (a symbol of death, according to Gregory of Nyssa, cf. + xii. 71) was most usually employed. Or the allusion may be to the + practice of embalming. (See note on x. 51.) The body was placed + not only in an actual sarcophagus or stone coffin, as expressly + mentioned in the text, but in hollow places cut out of rock or + earth (_loculus_). The _sarcophagus_ method seems to have been the + earlier, but was superseded by that of the _loculus_, except in the + case of the very wealthy. + +205 The concluding line is beautifully illustrated by the epitaph + on the martyr Alexander, found over one of the graves in the cemetery + of Callixtus in the Catacombs:-- + + ALEXANDER MORTVVS NON EST SED VIVIT + SVPER ASTRA ET CORPVS IN HOC TVMVLO + QVIESCIT ... + + "Alexander is not dead, but lives above the stars + and his body rests in this tomb." + + + + IV + +15 Prudentius here, as again in v. 160, emphasises his belief in + the procession of the Holy Ghost from the Father and the Son. The + "filioque" clause was not actually added to the Nicene Creed till + the Council of Toledo (589 A.D.), but the doctrine was expressly + maintained by Augustine, and occurs in a Confession of Faith of an + earlier Synod of Toledo (447 A.D.?), and in the words of Leo I. + (_Ep. ad Turib._, c. 1), "_de utroque processit._" The addition + was not embodied into the Creed as used at Rome as late as the + beginning of the ninth century. (_Vid._ Harnack, _Hist. of Dogma_, + iv. 132.) Prudentius probably followed, as regards the Trinity, + the doctrine generally held by the Spanish Church of his day; in + many points it is difficult (cf. note on iii. 2), but appears to be + derived partly from Tertullian and partly from Marcellus. + +59 The identification of the Habakkuk of this legend (_vid._ the + Apocryphal "Bel and the Dragon") with the O. T. prophet is erroneous. + This version of the story of Daniel is sometimes represented in the + frescoes of the Catacombs, where the subject is a very favourite + one, as is natural in an age when the cry "_Christiani ad leones_" + so often rang through the streets of Rome. + + + + V + +1 There has been much doubt as to the title and scope of this hymn. + Some early editors (_e.g._, Fabricius and Arevalus) adopt the title + "_ad incensum cerei Paschalis_," or "_de novo lumine Paschalis + Sabbati_," and confine its object to the ceremonial of Easter Eve, + which is specially alluded to in ll. 125 _et seq._ Others, following + the best MSS., give the simpler title used in this text, and regard + it as a hymn for daily use. This view is supported by the weight + of evidence: the position of the hymn among the first six (none of + which are for special days), and the fact that the Benediction of + the Paschal Candle was not in use, at any rate in Rome, in the + pontificate of Zacharias (_ob._ 752 A.D.) point in this direction. + In the Spanish Church particularly the very ancient custom of + praying at the hour when the evening lamps were lighted had developed + into the regular office of the _lucernarium_, as distinct from + Vespers. The Mozarabic Breviary (seventh century) contains the + prayers and responses for this service, and the Rule of St. Isidore + runs: "In the evening offices, first the lucernarium, then two + psalms, one responsory and lauds, a hymn and prayer are to be + said." St. Basil also writes: "It seemed good to our fathers not + to receive in silence the gift of the evening light, but to give + thanks as soon as it appeared." It is probable, therefore, that + Prudentius intended the hymn for daily use, and that after speaking + of God as the source of light, and His manifestations in the form + of fire to Moses and the Israelites, his thoughts pass naturally, + though somewhat abruptly, to the special festival--Easter Eve--on + which the sanctuaries were most brilliantly illuminated. The + question is fully discussed by Brockhaus (_A. Prudentius Clemens + in seiner Bedeutung für die Kirche seiner Zeit_), and Roesler (_Der + catholische Dichter A. Prudentius_). Part of this hymn is used in + the Mozarabic Breviary for the First Sunday after Epiphany, at + Vespers, being stanzas 1, 7, 35, 38-41. + +7 The words _incussu silicis_ are perhaps reminiscent of the Spanish + ceremonial of Easter Eve, when the bishop struck the flint, lighting + from it first a candle, then a lamp, from which the deacons lighted + their candles; these were blessed by the bishop, and the procession + from the _processus_ into the church followed. + +21 Cf. Vaughan, _The Lampe_:-- + + "Then thou dost weepe + Still as thou burn'st, and the warm droppings creepe + To measure out thy length." + +119 The _folium_ here is probably the ancient _malobathrum_, generally + identified as the Indian cinnamon. The Arab traders who brought this + valuable product into the Western markets, surrounded its origin with + much mystery. + +125 The following stanzas, in which Prudentius elaborates the + beautiful fancy that the sufferings of lost spirits are alleviated + at Eastertide, have incurred the severe censure of some of the + earlier editors. Fabricius calls it "a Spanish fabrication," while + others, as Cardinal Bellarmine, declare that the author is speaking + "poetically and not dogmatically." That such a belief, however, was + actually held by some section of the ancient Church is evident from + the words of St. Augustine (_Encheiridion_, c. 112): _Paenas + damnatorum certis temporum intervallis existiment, si hoc eis placet, + aliquatenus mitigari, dummodo intelligatur in eis manere ira Dei, hoc + est ipsa damnatio._ "Let men believe, if it so please them, that at + certain intervals the pains of the damned are somewhat alleviated, + provided that it be understood that the wrath of God, that is + damnation itself, abides upon them." + +140 It is somewhat startling to find Prudentius speaking of the Holy + Eucharist in terms which would recall to his contemporary readers + Virgilian phraseology and the honeyed cake (_liba_) used in pagan + sacrifice. It must be remembered, however, that in the early days of + the Church paganism and Christianity flourished side by side for a + considerable period; and we find various pagan practices allowed + to continue, where they were innocent. Thus the bride-cake and the + bridal-veil are of heathen origin; the mirth of the Saturnalia + survives, in a modified form, in some of the rejoicings of Christmas; + and the flowers, which had filled the pagan temples during the + Floralia, were employed to adorn God's House at the Easter festival. + +141 The brilliant illumination of churches on Easter Eve is very + ancient. According to Eusebius, Constantine "turned the mystical + vigil into the light of day by means of lamps suspended in every + part, setting up also great waxen tapers, as large as columns, + throughout the city." Gregory of Nyssa also speaks of "the cloud + of fire mingling with the rays of the rising sun, and making the eve + and the festival one continuous day without interval of darkness." + +153 Cf. _Paradise Lost_, iii. 51:-- + + "So much the rather thou, Celestial Light, + Shine inward, and the mind through all her powers + Irradiate." + + + VI + + The last seven stanzas of this hymn are used in the Moz. Brev. at + Compline on Passion Sunday, and daily until Maundy Thursday. + +56 Cf. Job. vii. 14: "Then Thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest + me through visions." + +95 In the translation of this stanza the explanation of Nebrissensis + is adopted, an early editor of Prudentius (1512) and one of the + leaders of the Renaissance in Spain. He considers that "the few of + the impious who are condemned to eternal death" are the incurable + sinners, _immedicabiles_. Others attempt to reconcile these words + with the general belief of the early Church by maintaining that + _non pii_ is not equivalent to _impii_, but rather refers to the + class that is neither decidedly good nor definitely bad, and that + the mercy of God is extended to the majority of these. A third view + is that the poet is speaking relatively, and means that few are + condemned in proportion to the number that deserve condemnation. + In whatever way the words are explained, it is interesting to find + an advocate of "the larger hope" in the fourth century. + +105 Cf. Rev. xvii. 8: "The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; + and is about to come up out of the abyss, and to go into perdition." + +109 Cf. 2 Thess. ii. 4: "The son of perdition, who opposeth and + exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; + so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that + he is God." + +127 The phrase _rorem subisse sacrum_ would suggest baptism by + sprinkling, except that Prudentius uses the word loosely elsewhere. + Immersion was undoubtedly the general practice of the early Church, + "clinical" baptism being allowed only in cases of necessity. + +128 The anointing with oil showed that the catechumen was enrolled + among the spiritual priesthood, and with the unction was joined the + sign of the Cross on the forehead. + + + + VII + +1 This entire hymn is used in the Moz. Brev., divided into fifteen + portions for use during Lent. + +27 The word _sacerdos_ here, as in ix. 4, is used in the sense of + "prophet"; but in both passages there is some idea of the exercise + of priestly functions. Elijah may be called "priest" from his having + offered sacrifice on Mount Carmel, and David from his wearing the + priestly ephod as he danced before the Ark. + +69 The old editors discuss these lines with much gravity, and mostly + come to the conclusion that "locusts" were "a kind of bird, of + the length of a finger, with quick, short flight"; while the "wild + honey" was not actual honey at all, but "the tender leaves of + certain trees, which, when crushed by the fingers, had the pleasant + savour of honey." + +76 A gloss on one of the Vat. MSS. adds: "This is not authorised; for + John merely baptized with water, and not in the name of the Father, + Son and Holy Ghost; therefore his baptism was of no avail, save that + it prepared the way for Christ to baptize." Many of the Fathers, + however, while expressly affirming that John's baptism differed + from that of Christ, allowed that the stains of sin were washed + away by the former. St. Chrysostom draws this distinction: "There + was in John's baptism pardon, but not without repentance; remission + of sins, but only attained by grief." + +100 The story of Jonah, as a type of the Resurrection, is one of the + most frequent subjects of the frescoes of the Catacombs. In one very + ancient picture, a man in a small boat is depicted in the act of + placing the prophet in the very jaws of the whale. + +115 Two stanzas are omitted in the text, which depict the sufferings + of Jonah with a wealth of detail not in accordance with modern + taste. For the sake of giving a complete text, we append them here:-- + + "_Transmissa raptim praeda cassos dentium + eludit ictus incruentam transvolans + inpune linguam, ne retentam mordicus + offam molares dissecarent uvidi, + os omne transit et palatum praeterit._ + + _Ternis dierum ac noctium processibus + mansit ferino devoratus gutture, + errabat illic per latebras viscerum, + ventris recessus circumibat tortiles + anhelus extis intus aestuantibus._" + +194 Prudentius appears to have believed that the mystery of the + Incarnation was concealed from Satan, and that the Temptation + was an endeavour to ascertain whether Jesus was the Son of God + or no. Cf. Milton, _Par. Reg._ i.:-- + + "Who this is we must learn, for Man he seems + In all his lineaments, though in his face + The glimpses of his Father's glory shine." + + + + VIII + +9 The day of twelve hours appears to have been adopted by the + Romans about B.C. 291. Ambrose (_de virginibus_, iii. 4), commenting + on Ps. cxix. and the words "Seven times a day do I praise thee," + declares that prayers are to be offered up with thanksgiving when + we rise from sleep, when we go forth, when we prepare to take food, + when we have taken it, at the hour of incense, and lastly, when we + retire to rest. He probably alludes to private prayer. The stanza + here indicates that the second hour after midday has arrived, when + the fasting ended and the midday meal was taken. + +14 The word _festum_, as in vii. 4, indicates a special fast day. + Until the sixth century, fasting was simply a penitential discipline + and was not used as a particular mode of penance. In the fourth + century it was a fairly common practice as a preparation for Holy + Communion. Fasting before Baptism was a much earlier practice. + The stated fasts of the Western Church were (1) _annual_, that + is, ante-paschal or Lent; (2) _monthly_, or the fasts of the four + seasons in the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th months; (3) _weekly_, on + Wednesday and Friday. There was also the fast of the Rogations and + the Vigils or Eves of holy days. It is doubtful whether all these + were in vogue as early as Prudentius. + +33 This passage on the Shepherd reminds us of one of the most common + pictorial representations of the Catacombs. Christian art owed + something to paganism in this matter; ancient sculptures represent + the god Pan with a goat thrown across his shoulders and a Pan's + pipe in his hand; while the poets Calpurnius and Tibullus both + refer to the custom of carrying a stray or neglected lamb on the + shoulders of the shepherd. Going further back, the figure is common + in the O. T. to express God's care over His people. Our Lord + therefore used for His own purpose and transfigured with new + meaning a familiar figure. The gradual transition from paganism + to Christianity is curiously illustrated by the fact that in several + of the Catacomb bas-reliefs and paintings the Good Shepherd holds in + His outstretched hand a Pan's pipe. See Maitland's _Church in the + Catacombs_, p. 315, for a woodcut of the Good Shepherd with a lamb + over His shoulders, two sheep at His feet, a palm tree (or poplar) + on either side, and a Pan's pipe in His right hand; and also the + frontispiece for a reproduction from the Cemetery of St. Peter and + St. Marcellinus. + + + IX + +1 This hymn, which first introduced into sacred song the trochaic + metre familiar in Greek Tragedy and the Latin adaptations of it, + supplies the Moz. Brev. with some stanzas for use during Holy Week. + The lines selected are 22-24, 1-21. + +11 The use of the symbol _Ō_, (pronounced here as a single + syllable), appears to indicate that the names Omega and Omikron + came into use at a later date than Prudentius' time. In Rev. i. 8, + the best MSS. read _egō eimi to alpha kai to ō_. + +33 The words _vulnerum piamina_ are generally supposed to refer to + the "gifts which Moses commanded" to be offered by those healed of + leprosy (Lev. xiv. 2). If so, Prudentius' language may imply that + the cure was not actually complete until the offering of these gifts, + and is at variance with St. Matthew, viii. 43, "and forthwith his + leprosy was cleansed." Probably, however, his idea is rather that + the gifts to the priest formally marked the leper as a clean man. + +71 Cf. note on iii. 199. + + + X + +1 Parts of this hymn are used in the Moz. Brev. in the Office of the + Dead, being ll. 1-16, 45-48, 57-68, 157-168. + + The burial rites of the primitive Church were simple, and marked by + an absence of the ostentatious expression of grief which the pagan + peoples displayed. The general practice of cremation was rejected, + partly owing to the new belief in the resurrection of the body, and + partly from a desire to imitate the burial of the Lord. At Rome, + during the first three centuries, the dead were laid in the + Catacombs, in which Prudentius took conspicuous interest (see + Translator's Note), but after 338 A.D. this practice became less + frequent, and was completely abandoned after 410 A.D. Elsewhere, + from the earliest times, the Christians purchased special enclosures + (_areae_), which were often attacked and rifled by angry mobs in the + days of persecution. The body was frequently embalmed (_cf._ ll. 51, + 52), swathed in white linen (l. 49), and placed in a coffin; vigils + and hymns continued for three or four days, but hired mourners were + forbidden (l. 113), and instead of the dirges of the heathens, + chants expressive of triumphant faith were sung as the body was + carried to the grave, where a simple service was held, and evergreens + and flowers were strewn about the tomb (ll. 169, 170). The earliest + inscriptions are often roughly scratched on plaster, and consist + merely of a name and age, or simple words like-- + + GEMELLA DORMIT IN PACE + + but later (cf. l. 171), they were engraved on small marble slabs. + +25 In both thought and language this stanza, as vii. 16 _et seq._, is + evidently reminiscent of Horace (_Sat._ 2, ii. 77): _Quin corpus + onustum_, etc. + + "The Body, too, with Yesterday's excess + Burthened and tired, shall the pure Soul depress, + Weigh down this Portion of celestial Birth, + This Breath of God, and fix it to the Earth." + (Francis). + +51 Boldetti, in his work on the Catacombs (lib. i. cap. 59), says + that on many occasions, when he was present at the opening of a + grave, the assembled company were conscious of a spicy odour + diffusing itself from the tomb. Cf. Tertullian (_Apol._ 42): "The + Arabs and Sabaeans knew well that we consume more of their precious + merchandise for our dead than do the heathen for their gods." + +57 Prudentius' firm faith in the resurrection of the body is also + nobly expressed in the _Apotheosis_ (ll. 1063 _et seq._):-- + + "_Nosco meum in Christo corpus resurgere; quid me + Desperare iubes? veniam, quibus ille revenit + Calcata de morte viis: quod credimus hoc est._ + + * * * * * + + _Pellite corde metum, mea membra, et credite vosmet + Cum Christo reditura Deo; nam vos gerit ille + Et secum revocat: morbos ridete minaces: + Inflictos casus contemnite; tetra sepulcra + Despuite; exsurgens quo Christus provocat, ite._" + + _Translation._ + + "I know in Christ my body shall arise; + Why bid me, then, despair? for I shall go + By that same path whereby my Lord returned, + Death trodden 'neath His feet: this is my creed. + Banish, my limbs, all terror; and believe + That ye with Christ our God shall yet return; + He beareth you and with Himself recalls. + Laugh at the threats of sickness; scorn the blows + Of fate; despise the horrors of the tomb; + And fare ye where the risen Christ doth call." + +61 The poet expresses as a duty owed to Christ Himself the heathen + obligation of casting three handfuls of earth upon a body discovered + dead. + +69 For the incident referred to in these lines, see the Apocryphal + book of Tobias, cc. ii. and xi. Tobit, a pious Israelite captive + in Nineveh, was reduced to beggary as the result of his zeal in + burying those of his countrymen who had been killed and exposed by + royal command. He also lost his sight, which was eventually restored + by the application of the gall of a fish which attacked his son + Tobias, and was killed by him. The "fish" of the legend is probably + the crocodile, whose gall was credited with medicinal properties by + various Greek and Latin writers. Cf. Pliny, _N. H._ xxviii. 8: "They + say that nothing avails more against cataract than to anoint the eyes + with its gall mixed with honey." + +113 Cf. Cyprian (_De Mortal._ 20): "We must not lament our brethren + whom the Lord's summons has freed from the world, for we know that + they are not lost, but gone before. We may not wear the black robes + of mourning while they have put on the white raiment of joy. Nor + may we grieve for those as lost whom we know to be living with God." + +171 Cf. _Perist._ vii.:-- + + "_Nos pio fletu, date, perluamus + Marmorum sulcos._" + + The early Christian epitaphs, of which many thousands exist, are + instinct with a faith which is in striking contrast to the unrelieved + gloom or sullen resignation of paganism. We may compare with the + common + + AVE ATQVE VALE + + "Hail and farewell" + + or inscriptions like + + INFANTI DVLCISSIMO QVEM DI IRATI AETERNO SOMNO DEDERUNT + + "To a very sweet babe, whom the angry gods gave to unending + sleep." + + the Christian + + DVLCIS ET INNOCENS HIC DORMIT SEVERIANVS SOMNO PACIS CVIVS + SPIRITVS IN LVCE DOMINI SVSCEPTVS EST (A.D. 393) + + "Here slumbers in the sleep of peace the sweet and innocent + Severianus, whose spirit is received in the light of the Lord" + + or + + NATVS EST LAVRENTIVS IN ETERNVM ANN. XX. DORMIT IN PACE (A.D. 329) + + "Laurentius was born into eternity in his twentieth year. He + sleeps in peace." + + See also note on iii. 205. + + + XI + +1 Virgil's Fourth Eclogue known as the "Pollio" has undoubtedly + influenced the thought and style of this poem: the more noticeable + parallels will be pointed out as they occur. In Milton's ode _On + the Morning of Christ's Nativity_ there are several passages which + recall Prudentius' treatment of the theme in this and the succeeding + hymn; but curiously enough, the Puritan poet in alluding to the + season of the Nativity takes an opposite line of thought, and + regards the diminished sunshine of winter as a veiling of an inferior + flame before the light of "a greater Sun." Prudentius proclaims the + increase of the sun's light, which begins after the winter solstice, + as symbolic of the ever-widening influence of the True Light. The + idea is given in a terse form by St. Peter Chrysologus, _Serm._ 159: + _Crescere dies coepit, quia verus dies illuxit_. "The day begins to + lengthen out, inasmuch as the true Day hath shone forth." + +18 For the somewhat obscure phrase _verbo editus_, see note on iii. 2. + +20 For "Sophia" or the Divine Creative Wisdom, see Prov. iii. 19, 20, + and especially viii. 27-31, where the language "has been of signal + importance in the history of thought, helping, as it does, to make + a bridge between Eastern and Greek ideas, and to prepare the way + for the Incarnation" (Davison, _Wisdom-Literature of the O. T._, pp. + 5, 6). In Alexandrian theology the conception of God's transcendence + gave rise to the doctrine of an intermediate power or _logos_, by + which creation was effected. In the Prologue of the fourth Gospel + the idea was set forth in its purely Christian form. See 1, 3, where + the Logos or the pre-incarnate Christ is described as the maker of + all things--an idea which is also illustrated by the language of St. + Paul in such passages as Col. i. 6. + +59 Cf. for the conception of a golden age, Virg., _Ecl._, iv. 5 + _et seq._: _Magnus ab integro saeclorum nascitur ordo_, etc. + +65 Reminiscences of ancient prophecy appear to be embodied in this + and following lines. Cf. Joel iii. 18: "And it shall come to pass + in that day that the mountains shall drop down sweet wine and the + hills shall flow with milk." Amos ix. 13: "The mountains shall drop + sweet wine and all the hills shall melt." But cf. especially Virg., + _Ecl._, iv. 18-30: _At tibi prima, puer, nullo munuscula cultu_, etc. + + "Unbidden earth shall wreathing ivy bring, + And fragrant herbs (the promises of spring) + As her first off'rings to her infant king. + + * * * * * + + Unlaboured harvest shall the fields adorn, + And clustered grapes shall blush on every thorn; + The knotted oaks shall showers of honey weep, + And through the matted grass the liquid gold shall creep." + (Dryden's Trans.) + +81 The legend of the ox and ass adoring our Lord arose from an + allegorical interpretation of Isa. i. 3: "The ox knoweth his owner, + the ass his master's crib." Origen (_Homilies on St. Luke_ xiii.) + is the first to allegorise on the passage in Isaiah, where the word + for "crib" in the Greek translation of the O. T. is identical with + St. Luke's word for "manger" (_phatnź_). After referring to the + circumstances of the Nativity, Origen proceeds to say: "That was + what the prophet foretold, saying, 'The ox knoweth,' etc. The Ox is + a clean animal: the Ass an unclean one. The Ass knew his master's + crib (_praesepe domini sui_): not the people of Israel, but the + unclean animal out of pagan nations knew its master's crib. 'But + Israel hath not known me: and my people hath not understood.' Let us + understand this and press forward to the crib, recognise the Master + and be made worthy of his knowledge." The thought that the Ox = the + Jews and the Ass = Pagans, reappears in Gregory Nazianzen, Ambrose + and Jerome. See an interesting article by Mr. Austin West (_Ox and + Ass Legend of the Nativity_. _Cont. Review_, Dec. 1903), who notes + the further impetus given to the legend by the Latin rendering of + Habb. iii. 2 (LXX.) which in the _Vetus Itala_ version appears as + "in medio duorum animalium in notesceris," "in the midst of two + animals shalt thou be known" (R.V., _in the midst of the years make + it known_). The legend does not appear in apocryphal Christian + literature earlier than in the _Pseudo-Matthew Gospel_, which + belongs to the later fifth century. It is interesting to note that + with St. Francis and the Franciscans the ox and the ass are merely + animals: the allegorical interpretation of Origen had vanished from + Christendom: and in its place we find St. Francis (see _Life of St. + Francis_ by St. Bonaventura, "Temple Classics" edition, p. 111) + making a _presepio_ at Greccio, to which a living ox and ass are + brought, in order that a visible representation of the manger-scene + might kindle the devotion of the Brethren and the assembled + townsfolk. This act of St. Francis inaugurated the custom, still + observed in the Roman Church, of representing by means of waxen + images the whole of the Nativity manger-scene, Mother and Child + together with the adoring animals. + +97 For the _obstetrix_, cf. _Proto-Evangelium of the Pseudo-James_ (a + Greek romance of the fourth century), § 18 _et seq._, where Joseph + is represented as seeking and finding a Hebrew midwife. + +100 Cf. Milton's _Ode on the Nativity_, ll. 157-164:-- + + "With such a horrid clang + As on Mount Sinai rang + While the red fire and smould'ring clouds outbrake: + The aged earth aghast + With terror of that blast, + Shall from the surface to the centre shake; + When at the world's last session + The dreadful Judge in middle air shall spread his throne." + + + XII + +1 This poem has given four hymns to the Roman Breviary:-- + (1) For the Feast of the Transfiguration, Vespers and Matins + consisting of ll. 1-4, 37-40, 41-44, 85-88. + (2) For the Epiphany at Lauds, beginning _O sola magnarum urbium_, + ll. 77-80, 5-8, 61-72. + (3) For the Feast of Holy Innocents at Matins, beginning _Audit + tyrannus anxius_, ll. 93-100, 133-136. + (4) Also the Feast of Holy Innocents at Lauds, beginning _Salvete + flores martyrum_, ll. 125-132. + +5 For a curious parallel to these opening lines see Henry Vaughan's + _Pious Thoughts and Ejaculations_ (the Nativity):-- + + "But stay! what light is that doth stream + And drop here in a gilded beam? + It is Thy star runs Page and brings + Thy tributary Eastern kings. + Lord! grant some light to us that we + May find with them the way to Thee!" + +12 Cf. Ignatius, _Ep. ad Ephes. xix._: "All the other stars, together + with the Sun and Moon, became a chorus to the Star, which in its + light excelled them all." + +15 Prudentius mentions the constellations of Ursa Major and Ursa + Minor (to which latter the Pole Star belongs) as examples of stars + in constant apparition. All the Little Bear stars are within about + 24° from the Pole; hence, if viewed from Saragossa, the birthplace + of Prudentius, the lowest altitude of any of them would be 18° + above the north horizon. The same applies to the majority of the + stars in the Great Bear. Some few would sink below the horizon + for a brief time in each twenty-four hours; but the greater number, + especially the seven principal stars known as the "Plough," would + be sufficiently high up at their lowest northern altitudes to be in + perpetual apparition. [My friend, Rev. R. Killip, F.R.A.S., has + kindly furnished me with these particulars.] Allusions to the Bears + are constantly recurring in the classical poets (cf. _e.g._ Ovid., + _Met._ xiii. 293, _immunemque aequoris Arcton_, "the Bear that never + touches the sea"). The idea that these stars are mostly hidden by + clouds, though perpetually in view, is a poetic hyperbole intended + to enhance the uniqueness of the Star of Bethlehem. + +49 Jerome (_ad Eustoch._ Ep. 22) commenting on the passage in Isa. + xi. 1, "And there shall come forth a rod out of the root of Jesse, + and a flower shall rise up out of his root" (Vulg.), remarks: "The + rod (_virga_) is the mother of the Lord, simple, pure, sincere ... + the flower of the rod is Christ, who saith, 'I am the flower of the + field and the lily of the valleys.'" + +69 This symbolism of the gifts of the Magi is also found in Juvencus + (I. 250): "Frankincense, gold and myrrh they bring as gifts to a + King, a Man and a God," and is again alluded to by Prudentius in + _Apoth._ 631 _et seq._ The idea is expressed in the hymn of Jacopone + da Todi, beginning _Verbum caro factum est_ (Mone, _Hymni Latini_, + Vol. 2): + + "Gold to the kingly, + Incense to the priestly, + Myrrh to the mortal:" + + and it has passed into the Office for Epiphany in the Roman Breviary: + "There are three precious gifts which the Magi offered to their Lord + that day, and they contain in themselves sacred mysteries: in the + gold, that the power of a king may be displayed: in the frankincense, + consider the great high priest: in the myrrh, the burial of the Lord" + _et passim_. + +172 The idea that Moses defeated the Amalekites because his arms were + outstretched in the form of a cross is found also in one of the hymns + (lxi.) of Gregory Nazianzen. The symbol of the Christian religion, + the cross, "was fancifully traced by the Fathers throughout the + universe: the four points of the compass, the 'height, breadth, + length and depth' of the Apostle expressed, or were expressed by, + the cross.... The cross explained everything" (Maitland, _Church in + the Catacombs_, p. 202). + +193 The discomfiture of the heathen gods wrought by the Incarnation + is elaborated by Milton, whose lines recall this and similar passages + in Prudentius:-- + + "Peor, and Baälim + Forsake their temples dim + + * * * * * + + And sullen Moloch fled, + Hath left in shadows dread, + His burning idol all of blackest hue. + + Our Babe, to show his Godhead true, + Can in his swaddling bands control the damned crew." + + + + FINIS + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Hymns of Prudentius +by Aurelius Clemens Prudentius + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HYMNS OF PRUDENTIUS *** + +***** This file should be named 14959-8.txt or 14959-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/4/9/5/14959/ + +Produced by Ted Garvin, Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team. + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Martin Pope</title> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> + <style type="text/css"> + h1, h2, h3, h4, .center { text-align:center; } + .sn { text-align:left; vertical-align:top; } + .snt { padding-bottom:1em; text-align:justify; } + p, blockquote { text-align:justify; } + em { margin-left:0em; text-align:right; float:right; } + em { display: block; } + p.l, p.t, p.t2, p.t3, p.t5 { margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; } + p.t { margin-left:1em; } + p.t2 { margin-left:2em; } + p.t3 { margin-left:3em; } + p.t5 { margin-left:5em; } + .poem { margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; } + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +Project Gutenberg's The Hymns of Prudentius, by Aurelius Clemens Prudentius + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Hymns of Prudentius + +Author: Aurelius Clemens Prudentius + +Release Date: February 7, 2005 [EBook #14959] + +Language: Latin and English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HYMNS OF PRUDENTIUS *** + + + + +Produced by Ted Garvin, Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team. + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<table border="1" style="margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto;" ><tr><td> +<h1>THE HYMNS <sup><i>of</i></sup> +<br />PRUDENTIUS +<br />TRANSLATED +<br /><sup>by</sup> R · +<br />MARTIN · +<br />POPE</h1> +</td></tr> +<tr><td class="center"><small>MDCCCCV PUBLISHED BY J.M. DENT<br /> +AND CO: ALDINE HOUSE LONDON W C</small></td></tr> +</table> + +<h1><br />CATHEMERINON LIBER<br /><small>OF</small><br />PRUDENTIUS</h1> + +<h3><br /><br />HYMNS FOR THE CHRISTIAN'S DAY + +<br /><small><br />NEWLY TRANSLATED INTO<br /></small> +<br />ENGLISH VERSE</h3> + +<hr /> +<h3><i>Table of Contents to the Electronic Edition</i></h3> +<table class="poem"><tr><td> +<dl> +<dt><a href="#p00o">Praefatio</a></dt> +<dt><a href="#p00t">Preface</a></dt> +<dt><a href="#p01o">I. Hymnus ad Galli Cantum</a></dt> +<dt><a href="#p01t">I. Hymn at Cock-Crow</a></dt> +<dt><a href="#p02o">II. Hymnus Matutinus</a></dt> +<dt><a href="#p02t">II. Morning Hymn</a></dt> +<dt><a href="#p03o">III. Hymnus ante Cibum</a></dt> +<dt><a href="#p03t">III. Hymn before Meat</a></dt> +<dt><a href="#p04o">IV. Hymnus post Cibum</a></dt> +<dt><a href="#p04t">IV. Hymn after Meat</a></dt> +<dt><a href="#p05o">V. Hymnus ad Incensum Lucernae</a></dt> +<dt><a href="#p05t">V. Hymn for the Lighting of the Lamps</a></dt> +<dt><a href="#p06o">VI. Hymnus ante Somnum</a></dt> +<dt><a href="#p06t">VI. Hymn before Sleep</a></dt> +<dt><a href="#p07o">VII. Hymnus Ieiunantium</a></dt> +<dt><a href="#p07t">VII. Hymn for Those Who Fast</a></dt> +<dt><a href="#p08o">VIII. Hymnus post Ieiunium</a></dt> +<dt><a href="#p08t">VIII. Hymn after Fasting</a></dt> +<dt><a href="#p09o">IX. Hymnus Omnis Horae</a></dt> +<dt><a href="#p09t">IX. Hymn for All Hours</a></dt> +<dt><a href="#p10o">X. Hymnus ad Exequias Defuncti</a></dt> +<dt><a href="#p10t">X. Hymn for the Burial of the Dead</a></dt> +<dt><a href="#p11o">XI. Hymnus Kalendas Ianuarias</a></dt> +<dt><a href="#p11t">XI. Hymn for Christmas-Day</a></dt> +<dt><a href="#p12o">XII. Hymnus Epiphaniae</a></dt> +<dt><a href="#p12t">XII. Hymn for the Epiphany</a></dt> +<dt><a href="#p13o">Epilogus</a></dt> +<dt><a href="#p13t">Epilogue</a></dt> + +<dt><a href="#not">Notes</a></dt> +<dd><a href="#trn">Translator's Note</a></dd> +<dd><a href="#ttn">The Title</a></dd> +<dd><a href="#prn">The Preface</a></dd> +<dd><a href="#p01n">I</a></dd> +<dd><a href="#p02n">II</a></dd> +<dd><a href="#p03n">III</a></dd> +<dd><a href="#p04n">IV</a></dd> +<dd><a href="#p05n">V</a></dd> +<dd><a href="#p06n">VI</a></dd> +<dd><a href="#p07n">VII</a></dd> +<dd><a href="#p08n">VIII</a></dd> +<dd><a href="#p09n">IX</a></dd> +<dd><a href="#p10n">X</a></dd> +<dd><a href="#p11n">XI</a></dd> +<dd><a href="#p12n">XII</a></dd> +</dl> +</td></tr></table> + +<hr /> + +<h3><a id="p00o" name="p00o">PRAEFATIO</a></h3> + +<table class="poem"><tr><td> +<p class="t">Per quinquennia iam <a href="#f00_0" id="p00_0" name="p00_0">decem</a>,</p> +<p class="l">ni fallor, fuimus: septimus insuper</p> +<p class="l">annum cardo rotat, dum fruimur sole volubili.</p> +<p class="t">Instat terminus et diem</p> +<p class="l"><em> 5</em>vicinum senio iam Deus adplicat.</p> +<p class="l">Quid nos utile tanti spatio temporis egimus?</p> +<p class="t">Aetas prima crepantibus</p> +<p class="l">levit sub ferulis: mox docuit <a id="p00_8" name="p00_8" href="#f00_8">toga</a></p> +<p class="l">infectum vitiis falsa loqui, non sine crimine.</p> +<p class="t"><em> 10</em>Tum lasciva protervitas,</p> +<p class="l">et luxus petulans (heu pudet ac piget)</p> +<p class="l">foedavit iuvenem nequitiae sordibus ac luto.</p> +<p class="t">Exin iurgia turbidos</p> +<p class="l">armarunt animos et male pertinax</p> +<p class="l"><em> 15</em>vincendi studium subiacuit casibus asperis.</p> +<p class="t">Bis legum <a id="p00_16" name="p00_16" href="#f00_16">moderamine</a></p> +<p class="l">frenos nobilium reximus urbium,</p> +<p class="l">ius civile bonis reddidimus, terruimus reos.</p> +<p class="t">Tandem militiae gradu</p> +<p class="l"><em> 20</em>evectum pietas principis extulit</p> +<p class="l">adsumptum propius stare iubens ordine proximo.</p> +<p class="t">Haec dum vita volans agit,</p> +<p class="l">inrepsit subito canities seni</p> +<p class="l">oblitum veteris me Saliae consulis <a id="p00_24" name="p00_24" href="#f00_24">arguens:</a></p> +<p class="t"><em> 25</em>ex quo prima dies mihi</p> +<p class="l">quam multas hiemes volverit et rosas</p> +<p class="l">pratis post glaciem reddiderit, nix capitis probat.</p> +<p class="t">Numquid talia proderunt</p> +<p class="l">carnis post obitum vel bona vel mala,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 30</em>cum iam, quidquid id est, quod fueram, mors aboleverit?</p> +<p class="t">Dicendum mihi; Quisquis es,</p> +<p class="l">mundum, quem coluit, mens tua perdidit:</p> +<p class="l">non sunt illa Dei, quae studuit, cuius habeberis.</p> +<p class="t">Atqui fine sub ultimo</p> +<p class="l"><em> 35</em>peccatrix anima stultitiam exuat:</p> +<p class="l">saltem voce Deum concelebret, si meritis nequit:</p> +<p class="t">hymnis continuet dies,</p> +<p class="l">nec nox ulla vacet, quin Dominum canat:</p> +<p class="l">pugnet contra hereses, catholicam discutiat fidem,</p> +<p class="t"><em> 40</em>conculcet sacra gentium,</p> +<p class="l">labem, Roma, tuis inferat idolis,</p> +<p class="l">carmen martyribus devoveat, laudet apostolos.</p> +<p class="t">Haec dum scribo vel eloquor,</p> +<p class="l">vinclis o utinam corporis emicem</p> +<p class="l"><em> 45</em>liber, quo tulerit lingua sono mobilis ultimo.</p> +</td></tr></table> + + +<h3><a id="p00t" name="p00t">PREFACE</a></h3> + +<table class="poem"><tr><td> +<p class="l">Full fifty years my span of life hath run,</p> +<p class="l">Unless I err, and seven revolving years</p> +<p class="l">Have further sped while I the sun enjoy.</p> +<p class="l">Yet now the end draws nigh, and by God's will</p> +<p class="l">Old age's bound is reached: how have I spent</p> +<p class="l">And with what fruit so wide a tract of days?</p> +<p class="l">I wept in boyhood 'neath the sounding rod:</p> +<p class="l">Youth's toga donned, the rhetorician's arts</p> +<p class="l">I plied and with deceitful pleadings sinned:</p> +<p class="l">Anon a wanton life and dalliance gross</p> +<p class="l">(Alas! the recollection stings to shame!)</p> +<p class="l">Fouled and polluted manhood's opening bloom:</p> +<p class="l">And then the forum's strife my restless wits</p> +<p class="l">Enthralled, and the keen lust of victory</p> +<p class="l">Drove me to many a bitterness and fall.</p> +<p class="l">Twice held I in fair cities of renown</p> +<p class="l">The reins of office, and administered</p> +<p class="l">To good men justice and to guilty doom.</p> +<p class="l">At length the Emperor's will beneficent</p> +<p class="l">Exalted me to military power</p> +<p class="l">And to the rank that borders on the throne.</p> +<p class="l">The years are speeding onward, and gray hairs</p> +<p class="l">Of old have mantled o'er my brows</p> +<p class="l">And Salia's consulship from memory dies.</p> +<p class="l">What frost-bound winters since that natal year</p> +<p class="l">Have fled, what vernal suns reclothed</p> +<p class="l">The meads with roses,--this white crown declares.</p> +<p class="l">Yet what avail the prizes or the blows</p> +<p class="l">Of fortune, when the body's spark is quenched</p> +<p class="l">And death annuls whatever state I held?</p> +<p class="l">This sentence I must hear: "Whate'er thou art,</p> +<p class="l">Thy mind hath lost the world it loved: not God's</p> +<p class="l">The things thou soughtest, Whose thou now shalt be."</p> +<p class="l">Yet now, ere hence I pass, my sinning soul</p> +<p class="l">Shall doff its folly and shall praise my Lord</p> +<p class="l">If not by deeds, at least with humble lips.</p> +<p class="l">Let each day link itself with grateful hymns</p> +<p class="l">And every night re-echo songs of God:</p> +<p class="l">Yea, be it mine to fight all heresies,</p> +<p class="l">Unfold the meanings of the Catholic faith,</p> +<p class="l">Trample on Gentile rites, thy gods, O Rome,</p> +<p class="l">Dethrone, the Martyrs laud, th' Apostles sing.</p> +<p class="l">O while such themes my pen and tongue employ,</p> +<p class="l">May death strike off these fetters of the flesh</p> +<p class="l">And bear me whither my last breath shall rise!</p> +</td></tr></table> + +<h3><a id="p01o" name="p01o">I. HYMNUS AD GALLI CANTUM</a></h3> + +<table class="poem"><tr><td> +<p class="t">Ales diei <a href="#f01_0" id="p01_0" name="p01_0">nuntius</a></p> +<p class="l">lucem propinquam <a href="#f01_2" id="p01_2" name="p01_2">praecinit;</a></p> +<p class="l">nos excitator mentium</p> +<p class="l">iam Christus ad vitam vocat.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 5</em>Auferte, clamat, lectulos</p> +<p class="l">aegros, soporos, desides:</p> +<p class="l">castique recti ac sobrii</p> +<p class="l">vigilate, iam sum proximus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Post solis ortum fulgidi</p> +<p class="l"><em> 10</em>serum est cubile spernere,</p> +<p class="l">ni parte noctis addita</p> +<p class="l">tempus labori adieceris.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Vox ista, qua strepunt aves</p> +<p class="l">stantes sub ipso culmine</p> +<p class="l"><em> 15</em>paulo ante quam lux emicet,</p> +<p class="l"><a id="p01_16" name="p01_16">nostri</a> figura est iudicis.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Tectos tenebris horridis</p> +<p class="l">stratisque opertos segnibus</p> +<p class="l">suadet quietem linquere</p> +<p class="l"><em> 20</em>iam iamque venturo die.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Ut, cum coruscis flatibus</p> +<p class="l">aurora caelum sparserit,</p> +<p class="l">omnes labore exercitos</p> +<p class="l">confirmet ad spem luminis.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 25</em>Hic somnus ad tempus datus</p> +<p class="l">est forma mortis <a id="p01_26" name="p01_26" href="#f01_26">perpetis,</a></p> +<p class="l">peccata ceu nox horrida</p> +<p class="l">cogunt iacere ac stertere.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sed vox ab alto culmine</p> +<p class="l"><em> 30</em>Christi docentis praemonet,</p> +<p class="l">adesse iam lucem prope,</p> +<p class="l">ne mens sopori serviat:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Ne somnus usque ad terminos</p> +<p class="l">vitae socordis opprimat</p> +<p class="l"><em> 35</em>pectus sepultum crimine</p> +<p class="l">et lucis oblitum suae.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Ferunt vagantes daemonas</p> +<p class="l">laetos tenebris noctium,</p> +<p class="l">gallo canente exterritos</p> +<p class="l"><em> 40</em>sparsim timere et cedere.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Invisa nam vicinitas</p> +<p class="l">lucis, salutis, numinis</p> +<p class="l">rupto tenebrarum situ</p> +<p class="l">noctis fugat <a id="p01_44" name="p01_44" href="#f01_44">satellites.</a></p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 45</em>Hoc esse signum praescii</p> +<p class="l">norunt repromissae spei,</p> +<p class="l">qua nos soporis liberi</p> +<p class="l">speramus adventum Dei.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Quae vis sit huius alitis,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 50</em>salvator ostendit Petro,</p> +<p class="l">ter antequam gallus canat</p> +<p class="l">sese negandum praedicans.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Fit namque peccatum prius,</p> +<p class="l">quam praeco lucis proximae</p> +<p class="l"><em> 55</em>inlustret humanum genus</p> +<p class="l">finemque peccandi ferat.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Flevit negator denique</p> +<p class="l">ex ore prolapsum nefas,</p> +<p class="l">cum mens maneret <a id="p01_59" name="p01_59" href="#f01_59">innocens,</a></p> +<p class="l"><em> 60</em>animusque servaret fidem.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Nec tale quidquam postea</p> +<p class="l">linguae locutus lubrico est,</p> +<p class="l">cantuque galli cognito</p> +<p class="l">peccare iustus destitit.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 65</em><a id="p01_65" name="p01_65">Inde</a> est quod omnes credimus,</p> +<p class="l">illo quietis tempore</p> +<p class="l">quo gallus exsultans canit</p> +<p class="l">Christum redisse ex inferis.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Tunc mortis oppressus vigor,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 70</em>tunc lex subacta est tartari,</p> +<p class="l">tunc vis diei fortior</p> +<p class="l">noctem coegit cedere.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Iam iam quiescant inproba,</p> +<p class="l">iam culpa furva obdormiat,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 75</em>iam noxa letalis suum</p> +<p class="l">perpessa somnum marceat.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Vigil vicissim spiritus</p> +<p class="l">quodcumque restat temporis,</p> +<p class="l">dum meta noctis clauditur,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 80</em>stans ac laborans excubet.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Iesum ciamus <a id="p01_81" name="p01_81" href="#f01_81">vocibus</a></p> +<p class="l">flentes, precantes, sobrii:</p> +<p class="l">intenta supplicatio</p> +<p class="l">dormire cor mundum vetat.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 85</em>Sat convolutis artubus</p> +<p class="l">sensum profunda oblivio</p> +<p class="l">pressit, gravavit, obruit</p> +<p class="l">vanis vagantem somniis.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sunt nempe falsa et frivola,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 90</em>quae mundiali gloria</p> +<p class="l">ceu dormientes egimus:</p> +<p class="l">vigilemus, hic est veritas.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Aurum, voluptas, gaudium,</p> +<p class="l">opes, honores, prospera,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 95</em>quaecumque nos inflant mala,</p> +<p class="l">fit mane, nil sunt omnia.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><a id="p01_97" name="p01_97">Tu,</a> Christe, somnum dissice,</p> +<p class="l">tu rumpe noctis vincula,</p> +<p class="l">tu solve peccatum vetus</p> +<p class="l"><em> 100</em>novumque lumen ingere.</p> +</td></tr></table> + + +<h3><a id="p01t" name="p01t">I. HYMN AT COCK-CROW</a></h3> + +<table class="poem"><tr><td> +<p class="l">Awake! the shining day is born!</p> +<p class="l">The herald cock proclaims the morn:</p> +<p class="l">And Christ, the soul's Awakener, cries,</p> +<p class="l">Bidding us back to life arise.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Away the sluggard's bed! away</p> +<p class="l">The slumber of the soul's decay!</p> +<p class="l">Ye chaste and just and temperate,</p> +<p class="l">Watch! I am standing at the gate.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">After the sun hath risen red</p> +<p class="l">'Tis late for men to scorn their bed,</p> +<p class="l">Unless a portion of the night</p> +<p class="l">They seize for labours of the light.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Mark ye, what time the dawn draws nigh,</p> +<p class="l">How 'neath the eaves the swallows cry?</p> +<p class="l">Know that by true similitude</p> +<p class="l">Their notes our Judge's voice prelude.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">When hid by shades of dark malign</p> +<p class="l">On beds of softness we recline,</p> +<p class="l">They call us forth with music clear</p> +<p class="l">Warning us that the day is near.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">When breezes bright of orient morn</p> +<p class="l">With rosy hues the heavens adorn,</p> +<p class="l">They cheer with hope of gladdening light</p> +<p class="l">The hearts that spend in toil their might.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Though sleep be but a passing guest</p> +<p class="l">'Tis type of death's perpetual rest:</p> +<p class="l">Our sins are as a ghastly night,</p> +<p class="l">And seal with slumbers deep our sight.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">But from the wide roof of the sky</p> +<p class="l">Christ's voice peals forth with urgent cry,</p> +<p class="l">Calling our sleep-bound hearts to rise</p> +<p class="l">And greet the dawn with wakeful eyes.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">He bids us fear lest sensual ease</p> +<p class="l">Unto life's end the spirit seize</p> +<p class="l">And in the tomb of shame us bind,</p> +<p class="l">Till we are to the true light blind.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">'Tis said that baleful spirits roam</p> +<p class="l">Abroad beneath the dark's vast dome;</p> +<p class="l">But, when the cock crows, take their flight</p> +<p class="l">Sudden dispersed in sore affright.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">For the foul votaries of the night</p> +<p class="l">Abhor the coming of the light,</p> +<p class="l">And shamed before salvation's grace</p> +<p class="l">The hosts of darkness hide their face.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">They know the cock doth prophesy</p> +<p class="l">Of Hope's long-promised morning sky,</p> +<p class="l">When comes the Majesty Divine</p> +<p class="l">Upon awakened worlds to shine.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">The Lord to Peter once foretold</p> +<p class="l">What meaning that shrill strain should hold,</p> +<p class="l">How he before cock-crow would lie</p> +<p class="l">And thrice his Master dear deny.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">For 'tis a law that sin is done</p> +<p class="l">Before the herald of the sun</p> +<p class="l">To humankind the dawn proclaims</p> +<p class="l">And with his cry the sinner shames.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Then wept he bitter tears aghast</p> +<p class="l">That from his lips the words had passed,</p> +<p class="l">Though guileless he his soul possessed</p> +<p class="l">And faith still reigned within his breast.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Nor ever reckless word he said</p> +<p class="l">Thereafter, by his tongue betrayed,</p> +<p class="l">But at the cock's familiar cry</p> +<p class="l">Humbled he turned from vanity.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Therefore it is we hold to-day</p> +<p class="l">That, as the world in stillness lay,</p> +<p class="l">What hour the cock doth greet the skies,</p> +<p class="l">Christ from deep Hades did arise.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Lo! then the bands of death were burst,</p> +<p class="l">Shattered the sway of hell accurst:</p> +<p class="l">Then did the Day's superior might</p> +<p class="l">Swiftly dispel the hosts of Night.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Now let base deeds to silence fall,</p> +<p class="l">Black thoughts be stilled beyond recall:</p> +<p class="l">Now let sin's opiate spell retire</p> +<p class="l">To that deep sleep it doth inspire.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">For all the hours that still remain</p> +<p class="l">Until the dark his goal attain,</p> +<p class="l">Alert for duty's stern command</p> +<p class="l">Let every soul a sentry stand.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">With sober prayer on Jesus call;</p> +<p class="l">Let tears with our strong crying fall;</p> +<p class="l">Sleep cannot on the pure soul steal</p> +<p class="l">That supplicates with fervent zeal.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Too long did dull oblivion cloud</p> +<p class="l">Our motions and our senses shroud:</p> +<p class="l">Lulled by her numbing touch, we stray</p> +<p class="l">In dreamland's ineffectual way.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Bound by the dazzling world's soft chain</p> +<p class="l">'Tis false and fleeting gauds we gain,</p> +<p class="l">Like those who in deep slumbers lie:--</p> +<p class="l">Let us awake! the truth is nigh.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Gold, honours, pleasure, wealth and ease,</p> +<p class="l">And all the joys that mortals please,</p> +<p class="l">Joys with a fatal glamour fraught--</p> +<p class="l">When morning comes, lo! all are nought.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">But thou, O Christ, put sleep to flight</p> +<p class="l">And break the iron bands of night,</p> +<p class="l">Free us from burden of past sin</p> +<p class="l">And shed Thy morning rays within.</p> +</td></tr></table> + + +<h3><a id="p02o" name="p02o">II. HYMNUS MATUTINUS</a></h3> + +<table class="poem"><tr><td> +<p class="t">Nox et tenebrae et <a id="p02_1" name="p02_1" href="#f02_1">nubila,</a></p> +<p class="l">confusa mundi et turbida,</p> +<p class="l">lux intrat, albescit polus,</p> +<p class="l">Christus venit, discedite.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 5</em>Caligo terrae scinditur</p> +<p class="l">percussa solis spiculo,</p> +<p class="l">rebusque iam color redit</p> +<p class="l">vultu nitentis sideris.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sic nostra mox obscuritas</p> +<p class="l"><em> 10</em>fraudisque pectus conscium</p> +<p class="l">ruptis retectum nubibus</p> +<p class="l">regnante pallescit Deo.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Tunc non licebit claudere</p> +<p class="l">quod quisque fuscum cogitat,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 15</em>sed mane clarescent novo</p> +<p class="l">secreta mentis prodita.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Fur ante lucem <a id="p02_17" name="p02_17" href="#f02_17">squalido</a></p> +<p class="l">inpune peccat tempore,</p> +<p class="l">sed lux dolis contraria</p> +<p class="l"><em> 20</em>latere furtum non sinit.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Versuta fraus et callida</p> +<p class="l">amat tenebris obtegi,</p> +<p class="l">aptamque noctem turpibus</p> +<p class="l">adulter occultus fovet.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 25</em><a id="p02_25" name="p02_25">Sol</a> ecce surgit igneus,</p> +<p class="l">piget, pudescit, paenitet,</p> +<p class="l">nec teste quisquam lumine</p> +<p class="l">peccare constanter potest.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Quis mane sumptis nequiter</p> +<p class="l"><em> 30</em>non erubescit poculis,</p> +<p class="l">cum fit libido temperans</p> +<p class="l">castumque nugator sapit?</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Nunc, nunc severum vivitur,</p> +<p class="l">nunc nemo tentat ludicrum,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 35</em>inepta nunc omnes sua</p> +<p class="l">vultu colorant serio.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><a id="p02_37" name="p02_37">Haec</a> hora cunctis utilis,</p> +<p class="l">qua quisque, quod studet, gerat,</p> +<p class="l">miles, togatus, navita,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 40</em>opifex, arator, institor.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Illum forensis gloria,</p> +<p class="l">hunc triste raptat classicum,</p> +<p class="l">mercator hinc ac rusticus</p> +<p class="l">avara suspirant lucra.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 45</em>At nos lucelli ac faenoris</p> +<p class="l">fandique prorsus nescii,</p> +<p class="l">nec arte fortes bellica,</p> +<p class="l"><a id="p02_48" name="p02_48">te,</a> Christe, solum novimus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Te mente pura et simplici,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 50</em>te voce, te cantu pio</p> +<p class="l">rogare curvato <a id="p02_51" name="p02_51" href="#f02_51">genu</a></p> +<p class="l">flendo et canendo discimus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">His nos lucramur quaestibus,</p> +<p class="l">hac arte tantum vivimus,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 55</em>haec inchoamus munera,</p> +<p class="l">cum sol resurgens emicat.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><a id="p02_57" name="p02_57">Intende</a> nostris sensibus,</p> +<p class="l">vitamque totam dispice,</p> +<p class="l">sunt multa fucis inlita,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 60</em>quae luce purgentur tua.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Durare nos tales iube,</p> +<p class="l">quales, remotis sordibus</p> +<p class="l">nitere pridem <a id="p02_63" name="p02_63" href="#f02_63">iusseras,</a></p> +<p class="l">Iordane tinctos flumine.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 65</em>Quodcumque nox mundi dehinc</p> +<p class="l">infecit atris nubibus,</p> +<p class="l">tu, rex Eoi <a id="p02_67" name="p02_67" href="#f02_67">sideris,</a></p> +<p class="l">vultu sereno inlumina.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Tu sancte, qui taetram picem</p> +<p class="l"><em> 70</em>candore tingis lacteo</p> +<p class="l">ebenoque crystallum facis,</p> +<p class="l">delicta terge livida.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sub nocte Iacob caerula</p> +<p class="l">luctator audax angeli,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 75</em>eo usque dum lux surgeret,</p> +<p class="l">sudavit inpar praelium.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sed cum iubar claresceret,</p> +<p class="l">lapsante claudus poplite</p> +<p class="l">femurque victus debile</p> +<p class="l"><em> 80</em>culpae vigorem perdidit.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Nutabat inguen saucium,</p> +<p class="l">quae corporis pars vilior</p> +<p class="l">longeque sub cordis loco</p> +<p class="l">diram fovet libidinem.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 85</em>Hae nos docent imagines,</p> +<p class="l">hominem tenebris obsitum,</p> +<p class="l">si forte non cedat Deo,</p> +<p class="l">vires rebellis perdere.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Erit tamen beatior,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 90</em>intemperans membrum cui</p> +<p class="l">luctando claudum et tabidum</p> +<p class="l">dies oborta invenerit.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><a id="p02_93" name="p02_93">Tandem</a> facessat caecitas,</p> +<p class="l">quae nosmet in praeceps diu</p> +<p class="l"><em> 95</em>lapsos sinistris gressibus</p> +<p class="l">errore traxit devio.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Haec lux serenum conferat</p> +<p class="l">purosque nos praestet sibi:</p> +<p class="l">nihil loquamur subdolum,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 100</em>volvamus obscurum nihil.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sic tota decurrat dies,</p> +<p class="l">ne lingua mendax, ne manus,</p> +<p class="l">oculive peccent lubrici,</p> +<p class="l">ne noxa corpus inquinet.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 105</em>Speculator adstat <a id="p02_105" name="p02_105" href="#f02_105">desuper,</a></p> +<p class="l">qui nos diebus omnibus</p> +<p class="l">actusque nostros prospicit</p> +<p class="l">a luce prima in vesperum.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Hic testis, hic est arbiter,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 110</em>his intuetur quidquid est,</p> +<p class="l">humana quod mens concipit;</p> +<p class="l">hunc nemo fallit iudicem.</p> +</td></tr></table> + + +<h3><a id="p02t" name="p02t">II. MORNING HYMN</a></h3> + +<table class="poem"><tr><td> +<p class="l">Ye clouds and darkness, hosts of night</p> +<p class="l">That breed confusion and affright,</p> +<p class="l">Begone! o'erhead the dawn shines clear,</p> +<p class="l">The light breaks in and Christ is here.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Earth's gloom flees broken and dispersed,</p> +<p class="l">By the sun's piercing shafts coerced:</p> +<p class="l">The daystar's eyes rain influence bright</p> +<p class="l">And colours glimmer back to sight.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">So shall our guilty midnight fade,</p> +<p class="l">The sin-stained heart's gross dusky shade:</p> +<p class="l">So shall the King's All-radiant Face</p> +<p class="l">Sudden unveil our deep disgrace.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">No longer then may we disguise</p> +<p class="l">Our dark intents from those clear eyes:</p> +<p class="l">Yea, at the dayspring's advent blest</p> +<p class="l">Our inmost thoughts will stand confest.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">The thief his hidden traffic plies</p> +<p class="l">Unmarked before the dawn doth rise:</p> +<p class="l">But light, the foe of guile concealed,</p> +<p class="l">Lets no ill craft lie unrevealed.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Fraud and Deceit love only night,</p> +<p class="l">Their wiles they practise out of sight;</p> +<p class="l">Curtained by dark, Adultery too</p> +<p class="l">Doth his foul treachery pursue,</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">But slinks abashed and shamed away</p> +<p class="l">Soon as the sun rekindles day,</p> +<p class="l">For none can damning light resist</p> +<p class="l">And 'neath its rays in sin persist.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Who doth not blush o'ertook by morn</p> +<p class="l">And his long night's carousal scorn?</p> +<p class="l">For day subdues the lustful soul,</p> +<p class="l">And doth all foul desires control.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Now each to earnest life awakes,</p> +<p class="l">Now each his wanton sport forsakes;</p> +<p class="l">Now foolish things are put away</p> +<p class="l">And gravity resumes her sway.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">It is the hour for duty's deeds,</p> +<p class="l">The path to which our labour leads,</p> +<p class="l">Be it the forum, army, sea,</p> +<p class="l">The mart or field or factory.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">One seeks the plaudits of the bar,</p> +<p class="l">One the stern trumpet calls to war:</p> +<p class="l">Those bent on trade and husbandry</p> +<p class="l">At greed's behest for lucre sigh.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Mine is no rhetorician's fame,</p> +<p class="l">No petty usury I claim;</p> +<p class="l">Nor am I skilled to face the foe:</p> +<p class="l">'Tis Thou, O Christ, alone I know.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Yea, I have learnt to wait on Thee</p> +<p class="l">With heart and lips of purity,</p> +<p class="l">Humbly my knees in prayer to bend,</p> +<p class="l">And tears with songs of praise to blend.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">These are the gains I hold in view</p> +<p class="l">And these the arts that I pursue:</p> +<p class="l">These are the offices I ply</p> +<p class="l">When the bright sun mounts up the sky.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Prove Thou my heart, my every thought,</p> +<p class="l">Search into all that I have wrought:</p> +<p class="l">Though I be stained with blots within,</p> +<p class="l">Thy quickening rays shall purge my sin.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">O may I ever spotless be</p> +<p class="l">As when my stains were cleansed by Thee,</p> +<p class="l">Who bad'st me 'neath the Jordan's wave</p> +<p class="l">Of yore my soilëd spirit lave.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">If e'er since then the world's gross night</p> +<p class="l">Hath cast its curtain o'er my sight,</p> +<p class="l">Dispel the cloud, O King of grace,</p> +<p class="l">Star of the East! with thy pure face.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Since Thou canst change, O holy Light,</p> +<p class="l">The blackest hue to milky white,</p> +<p class="l">Ebon to clearness crystalline,</p> +<p class="l">Wash my foul stains and make me clean.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">'Twas 'neath the lonely star-blue night</p> +<p class="l">That Jacob waged the unequal fight,</p> +<p class="l">Stoutly he wrestled with the Man</p> +<p class="l">In darkness, till the day began.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">And when the sun rose in the sky</p> +<p class="l">He halted on his shrivelled thigh:</p> +<p class="l">His natural might had ebbed away,</p> +<p class="l">Vanquished in that tremendous fray.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Not wounded he in nobler part</p> +<p class="l">Nor smitten in life's fount, the heart:</p> +<p class="l">But lust was shaken from his throne</p> +<p class="l">And his foul empire overthrown.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Whereby we clearly learn aright</p> +<p class="l">That man is whelmed by deadly night,</p> +<p class="l">Unless he own God conqueror</p> +<p class="l">And strive against His will no more.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Yet happier he whom rising morn</p> +<p class="l">Shall find of nature's strength forlorn,</p> +<p class="l">Whose warring flesh hath shrunk away,</p> +<p class="l">Palsied by virtue's puissant sway.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">And then at length let darkness flee,</p> +<p class="l">Which all too long held us in fee,</p> +<p class="l">'Mid wildering shadows made us stray</p> +<p class="l">And led in devious tracks our way.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">We pray Thee, Rising Light serene,</p> +<p class="l">E'en as Thyself our hearts make clean:</p> +<p class="l">Let no deceit our lips defile</p> +<p class="l">Nor let our souls be vexed by guile.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">O keep us, as the hours proceed,</p> +<p class="l">From lying word and evil deed,</p> +<p class="l">Our roving eyes from sin set free,</p> +<p class="l">Our body from impurity.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">For thou dost from above survey</p> +<p class="l">The converse of each fleeting day:</p> +<p class="l">Thou dost foresee from morning light</p> +<p class="l">Our every deed, until the night.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Justice and judgment dwell with Thee,</p> +<p class="l">Whatever is, Thine eye doth see:</p> +<p class="l">Thou know'st what human hearts conceive</p> +<p class="l">And none Thy wisdom may deceive.</p> +</td></tr></table> + + +<h3><a id="p03o" name="p03o">III. HYMNUS ANTE CIBUM</a></h3> + +<table class="poem"><tr><td> +<p class="t">O crucifer bone, lucisator,</p> +<p class="l">omniparens, pie, <a id="p03_2" name="p03_2" href="#f03_2">verbigena,</a></p> +<p class="l">edite corpore virgineo,</p> +<p class="l">sed prius in genitore potens,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 5</em>astra, solum, mare quam fierent:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Huc nitido precor intuitu</p> +<p class="l">flecte salutiferam faciem,</p> +<p class="l">fronte serenus et inradia,</p> +<p class="l">nominis ut sub honore tui</p> +<p class="l"><em> 10</em>has epulas liceat capere.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Te sine dulce nihil, <a id="p03_11" name="p03_11" href="#f03_11">Domine,</a></p> +<p class="l">nec iuvat ore quid adpetere,</p> +<p class="l">pocula ni prius atque cibos,</p> +<p class="l">Christe, tuus favor inbuerit</p> +<p class="l"><em> 15</em>omnia sanctificante fide.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Fercula nostra Deum sapiant,</p> +<p class="l">Christus et influat in pateras:</p> +<p class="l">seria, ludicra, verba, iocos,</p> +<p class="l">denique quod sumus aut agimus,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 20</em>trina superne regat pietas.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Hic mihi nulla rosae spolia,</p> +<p class="l">nullus aromate fragrat odor,</p> +<p class="l">sed liquor influit ambrosius</p> +<p class="l">nectareamque fidem redolet</p> +<p class="l"><em> 25</em>fusus ab usque Patris gremio.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sperne camena leves hederas,</p> +<p class="l">cingere tempora quis solita es,</p> +<p class="l">sertaque mystica <a id="p03_28" name="p03_28" href="#f03_28">dactylico</a></p> +<p class="l">texere docta liga strophio,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 30</em>laude Dei redimita comas.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Quod generosa potest anima,</p> +<p class="l">lucis et aetheris indigena,</p> +<p class="l">solvere dignius obsequium,</p> +<p class="l">quam data munera si recinat</p> +<p class="l"><em> 35</em>artificem modulata suum?</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Ipse homini quia cuncta dedit,</p> +<p class="l">quae capimus dominante manu,</p> +<p class="l">quae polus aut humus aut pelagus</p> +<p class="l">aere, gurgite, rure creant,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 40</em>haec mihi subdidit et sibi me.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Callidus inlaqueat volucres</p> +<p class="l">aut pedicis dolus aut maculis,</p> +<p class="l">inlita glutine corticeo</p> +<p class="l">vimina plumigeram seriem</p> +<p class="l"><em> 45</em>inpediunt et abire vetant.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Ecce per aequora fluctivagos</p> +<p class="l">texta greges sinuosa trahunt:</p> +<p class="l">piscis item sequitur calamum</p> +<p class="l">raptus acumine vulnifico</p> +<p class="l"><em> 50</em>credula saucius ora cibo.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Fundit opes ager ingenuas</p> +<p class="l">dives aristiferae segetis:</p> +<p class="l">his ubi vitea pampineo</p> +<p class="l">brachia palmite luxuriant,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 55</em>pacis alumna ubi baca viret.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Haec opulentia Christicolis</p> +<p class="l">servit et omnia suppeditat:</p> +<p class="l">absit enim procul ilia <a id="p03_58" name="p03_58" href="#f03_58">fames,</a></p> +<p class="l">caedibus ut pecudum libeat</p> +<p class="l"><em> 60</em>sanguineas lacerare dapes.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sint fera gentibus indomitis</p> +<p class="l">prandia de nece quadrupedum:</p> +<p class="l">nos oleris coma, nos siliqua</p> +<p class="l">feta legumine multimodo</p> +<p class="l"><em> 65</em>paverit innocuis epulis.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Spumea mulctra gerunt niveos</p> +<p class="l">ubere de gemino latices,</p> +<p class="l">perque coagula densa liquor</p> +<p class="l">in solidum coit et fragili</p> +<p class="l"><em> 70</em>lac tenerum premitur calatho.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Mella recens mihi Cecropia</p> +<p class="l">nectare sudat olente favus:</p> +<p class="l">haec opifex apis aerio</p> +<p class="l">rore liquat tenuique thymo,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 75</em>nexilis inscia <a id="p03_75" name="p03_75" href="#f03_75">connubii.</a></p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Hinc quoque pomiferi nemoris</p> +<p class="l">munera mitia proveniunt,</p> +<p class="l">arbor onus tremefacta suum</p> +<p class="l">deciduo gravis imbre pluit</p> +<p class="l"><em> 80</em>puniceosque iacit cumulos.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Quae veterum tuba, quaeve lyra</p> +<p class="l">flatibus inclita vel fidibus</p> +<p class="l">divitis omnipotentis opus,</p> +<p class="l">quaeque fruenda patent homini</p> +<p class="l"><em> 85</em>laudibus aequiparare queat?</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Te Pater optime mane <a id="p03_86" name="p03_86" href="#f03_86">novo,</a></p> +<p class="l">solis et orbita cum media est,</p> +<p class="l">te quoque luce sub occidua</p> +<p class="l">sumere cum monet hora cibum,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 90</em>nostra Deus canet harmonia.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Quod calet halitus interior,</p> +<p class="l">corde quod abdita vena tremit,</p> +<p class="l">pulsat et incita quod resonam</p> +<p class="l">lingua sub ore latens caveam,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 95</em>laus superi Patris esto mihi.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Nos igitur tua sancte manus</p> +<p class="l">caespite conposuit madido</p> +<p class="l">effigiem meditata suam,</p> +<p class="l">utque foret rata materies</p> +<p class="l"><em> 100</em>flavit et indidit ore animam.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Tunc per amoena vireta iubet</p> +<p class="l">frondicomis habitare locis,</p> +<p class="l">ver ubi perpetuum redolet</p> +<p class="l">prataque multicolora latex</p> +<p class="l"><em> 105</em>quadrifluo celer amne rigat.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Haec tibi nunc famulentur, ait,</p> +<p class="l">usibus omnia dedo tuis:</p> +<p class="l">sed tamen aspera mortifero</p> +<p class="l">stipite carpere poma veto,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 110</em>qui medio viret in nemore.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Hic draco perfidus indocile</p> +<p class="l">virginis inlicit ingenium,</p> +<p class="l">ut socium malesuada virum</p> +<p class="l">mandere cogeret ex vetitis</p> +<p class="l"><em> 115</em>ipsa pari peritura modo.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Corpora mutua--nosse nefas--</p> +<p class="l">post epulas inoperta vident,</p> +<p class="l">lubricus error et erubuit:</p> +<p class="l">tegmina suta parant foliis,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 120</em>dedecus ut pudor occuleret.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Conscia culpa Deum pavitans</p> +<p class="l">sede pia procul exigitur.</p> +<p class="l">innuba fernina quae fuerat,</p> +<p class="l">coniugis excipit inperium,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 125</em>foedera tristia iussa pati.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Auctor et ipse doli coluber</p> +<p class="l">plectitur inprobus, ut <a id="p03_127" name="p03_127" href="#f03_127">mulier</a></p> +<p class="l">colla trilinguia calce terat:</p> +<p class="l">sic coluber muliebre solum</p> +<p class="l"><em> 130</em>suspicit atque virum mulier.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">His ducibus vitiosa dehinc</p> +<p class="l">posteritas ruit in facinus,</p> +<p class="l">dumque rudes imitatur avos,</p> +<p class="l">fasque nefasque simul glomerans</p> +<p class="l"><em> 135</em>inpia crimina morte luit.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Ecce venit nova progenies,</p> +<p class="l">aethere proditus alter homo,</p> +<p class="l">non luteus, velut ille prior:</p> +<p class="l">sed Deus ipse gerens hominem,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 140</em>corporeisque carens vitiis.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Fit caro vivida sermo Patris,</p> +<p class="l">numine quam rutilante gravis</p> +<p class="l">non thalamo, neque iure tori,</p> +<p class="l">nec genialibus inlecebris</p> +<p class="l"><em> 145</em>intemerata puella parit.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Hoc odium vetus illud erat,</p> +<p class="l">hoc erat aspidis atque hominis</p> +<p class="l">digladiabile discidium,</p> +<p class="l">quod modo cernua femineis</p> +<p class="l"><em> 150</em>vipera proteritur pedibus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Edere namque Deum merita</p> +<p class="l">omnia virgo venena domat:</p> +<p class="l">tractibus anguis inexplicitis</p> +<p class="l">virus inerme piger revomit,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 155</em>gramine concolor in viridi.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Quae feritas modo non trepidat,</p> +<p class="l">territa de grege <a id="p03_157" name="p03_157" href="#f03_157">candidulo?</a></p> +<p class="l">inpavidas lupus inter oves</p> +<p class="l">tristis obambulat et rabidum</p> +<p class="l"><em> 160</em>sanguinis inmemor os cohibet.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Agnus enim vice mirifica</p> +<p class="l">ecce leonibus inperitat:</p> +<p class="l">exagitansque truces aquilas</p> +<p class="l">per vaga nubila, perque notos</p> +<p class="l"><em> 165</em>sidere lapsa columba fugat.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Tu mihi Christe columba potens,</p> +<p class="l">sanguine pasta cui cedit avis,</p> +<p class="l">tu niveus per ovile tuum</p> +<p class="l">agnus hiare lupum prohibes,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 170</em>sub iuga tigridis ora premens.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Da locuples Deus hoc famulis</p> +<p class="l">rite precantibus, ut tenui</p> +<p class="l">membra cibo recreata levent,</p> +<p class="l">neu piger inmodicis dapibus</p> +<p class="l"><em> 175</em>viscera tenta gravet stomachus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Haustus amarus abesto procul,</p> +<p class="l">ne libeat tetigisse manu</p> +<p class="l">exitiale quid aut vetitum:</p> +<p class="l">gustus et ipse modum teneat,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 180</em>sospitet ut iecur incolume.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sit satis anguibus horrificis,</p> +<p class="l">liba quod inpia corporibus</p> +<p class="l">ah miseram peperere necem,</p> +<p class="l">sufficiat semel ob facinus</p> +<p class="l"><em> 185</em>plasma Dei potuisse mori.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Oris opus, vigor igneolus</p> +<p class="l">non moritur, quia flante Deo</p> +<p class="l">conpositus superoque fluens</p> +<p class="l">de solio Patris artificis</p> +<p class="l"><em> 190</em>vim liquidae rationis habet.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Viscera mortua quin etiam</p> +<p class="l">post obitum reparare datur,</p> +<p class="l">eque suis iterum tumulis</p> +<p class="l">prisca renascitur effigies</p> +<p class="l"><em> 195</em>pulvereo coeunte situ.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Credo equidem, neque vana fides,</p> +<p class="l">corpora vivere more animae:</p> +<p class="l">nam modo corporeum memini</p> +<p class="l">de Phlegethonte gradu <a id="p03_199" name="p03_199" href="#f03_199">facili</a></p> +<p class="l"><em> 200</em>ad superos remeasse Deum.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Spes eadem mea membra manet,</p> +<p class="l">quae redolentia <a id="p03_202" name="p03_202" href="#f03_202">funereo</a></p> +<p class="l">iussa quiescere sarcophago</p> +<p class="l">dux parili redivivus humo</p> +<p class="l"><em> 205</em>ignea Christus ad astra <a id="p03_205" name="p03_205" href="#f03_205">vocat.</a></p> +</td></tr></table> + + +<h3><a id="p03t" name="p03t">III. HYMN BEFORE MEAT</a></h3> + +<table class="poem"><tr><td> +<p class="l">Blest Cross-bearer, Source of good,</p> +<p class="t">Light-creating, Word-begot,</p> +<p class="l">Gracious child of maidenhood,</p> +<p class="t">Bosomed in the Fatherhood,</p> +<p class="l">When earth, sea and stars were not.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">With Thy cloudless, healing gaze</p> +<p class="t">Shine upon me from above:</p> +<p class="l">Let Thine all-enlightening rays</p> +<p class="t">Bless this meal and quicken praise,</p> +<p class="l">Praise unto Thy name of Love.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Lord, without Thee nought is sweet,</p> +<p class="t">Nought my life can satisfy,</p> +<p class="l">If Thy favour make not meet</p> +<p class="t">What I drink and what I eat;</p> +<p class="l">Let faith all things sanctify!</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">O'er this bread God's grace be poured,</p> +<p class="t">Christ's sweet fragrance fill the bowl!</p> +<p class="l">Rule my converse, Triune Lord,</p> +<p class="t">Sober thought and sportive word,</p> +<p class="l">All my acts and all my soul.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Spoils of rose-trees are not spent,</p> +<p class="t">Nor rich unguents on my board:</p> +<p class="l">But ambrosial sweets are sent,</p> +<p class="t">Of faith's nectar redolent,</p> +<p class="l">From the bosom of my Lord.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Scorn, my Muse, light ivy-leaves</p> +<p class="t">Wherewith custom wreathed thy brow:</p> +<p class="l">Love a mystic crown conceives</p> +<p class="t">And a rhythmic garland weaves:</p> +<p class="l">Bind on thee God's praises now.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">What more worthy gift can I,</p> +<p class="t">Child of light and aether, bring</p> +<p class="l">Than for boons the Maker high</p> +<p class="t">From His bounty doth supply</p> +<p class="l">Lovingly my thanks to sing?</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">He hath set 'neath our command</p> +<p class="t">All that ever rose to be,</p> +<p class="l">All that sky and sea and land</p> +<p class="t">Breed in air, in glebe and sand,</p> +<p class="l">Made my slaves, His own made me.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Fowler's craft with gin and net</p> +<p class="t">Feathered tribes of heaven ensnares:</p> +<p class="l">Osier twigs with lime o'erset</p> +<p class="t">That their airy flight may let</p> +<p class="l">His relentless guile prepares.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Lo! with woven mesh the seine</p> +<p class="t">Swimming shoals draws from the wave:</p> +<p class="l">Nor do fish the bait disdain</p> +<p class="t">Till they feel the barb's swift pain,</p> +<p class="l">Captives of the food they crave.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Native wealth that knows no fail,</p> +<p class="t">Golden wheat springs from the field:</p> +<p class="l">Tendrils lush o'er vineyards trail,</p> +<p class="t">Nursed of Peace the olives pale</p> +<p class="l">Berries green unbidden yield.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Christ's grace fills His people's need</p> +<p class="t">With these mercies ever fresh:</p> +<p class="l">Far from us be that foul greed,</p> +<p class="t">Gluttony that loves to feed</p> +<p class="l">On slain oxen's bloodstained flesh.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Leave to the barbarian brood</p> +<p class="t">Banquet of the slaughtered beast:</p> +<p class="l">Ours the homely, garden food,</p> +<p class="t">Greenstuff manifold and good</p> +<p class="l">And the lentils' harmless feast.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Foaming milkpails bubble o'er</p> +<p class="t">With the udders' snowy stream,</p> +<p class="l">Which in thickening churns we pour</p> +<p class="t">Or in wicker baskets store,</p> +<p class="l">As the cheese is pressed from cream.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Honey's nectar for our use</p> +<p class="t">From the new-made comb is shed:</p> +<p class="l">Which the skilful bee imbues</p> +<p class="t">With thyme's scent and airy dews,</p> +<p class="l">Plying lonely toils unwed.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Orchard-groves now mellowed o'er</p> +<p class="t">Bounteously their fruitage shed:</p> +<p class="l">See! like rain on forest floor</p> +<p class="t">Shaken trees their riches pour,</p> +<p class="l">High-heaped apples, ripe and red.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">What great trumpet voice or lyre</p> +<p class="t">Famed of yore could fitly praise</p> +<p class="l">Gifts of the Almighty Sire,</p> +<p class="t">Blessings that His own require,</p> +<p class="l">Richly lavished through their days?</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">When morn breaks upon our sight,</p> +<p class="t">Hymns, O Lord, to Thee shall ring:</p> +<p class="l">Thee, when streams the midday light,</p> +<p class="t">Thee, when shadows of the night</p> +<p class="l">Bid us sup, our voices sing.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">For my body's vital heat,</p> +<p class="t">For my heart-blood's pulsing vein,</p> +<p class="l">For my tongue and speech complete</p> +<p class="t">Unto Thee, Most High, 'tis meet</p> +<p class="l">That I raise my grateful strain.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">'Twas, O Holy One, Thy care</p> +<p class="t">Wrought us from the plastic clay,</p> +<p class="l">Made us Thine own image bear,</p> +<p class="t">And for our perfection fair</p> +<p class="l">Did Thy Breath to man convey.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">On the twain Thou didst bestow</p> +<p class="t">Leafy bowers in pleasaunce fair:</p> +<p class="l">Where spring's scents for aye did blow,</p> +<p class="t">And four stately streams did flow</p> +<p class="l">O'er meads pied with blossoms rare.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">"All this realm ye now shall sway:"</p> +<p class="t">(Saidst Thou) "use it at your will,</p> +<p class="l">Yet 'tis death your hands to lay</p> +<p class="t">On the Tree, whose verdant sway</p> +<p class="l">Doth the midmost garden fill."</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Then the Serpent's guileful hate</p> +<p class="t">Would not innocency spare:</p> +<p class="l">Bade the maiden urge her mate</p> +<p class="t">With the fruit his lips to sate,</p> +<p class="l">Nor 'scaped she the self-same snare.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Each their nakedness perceives</p> +<p class="t">When the feast they once partook:</p> +<p class="l">Smit with shame their conscience grieves:</p> +<p class="t">Wove they coverings of leaves</p> +<p class="l">Shielding from lascivious look.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Far they both in terror fled</p> +<p class="t">Thrust from dwelling of the pure:</p> +<p class="l">She who erst had dwelt unwed</p> +<p class="t">Subject to her spouse was led,</p> +<p class="l">Bidden Hymen's bonds endure.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">On the Serpent, too, His seal</p> +<p class="t">God hath set, Who guile abhorred,</p> +<p class="l">Doomed in triple neck to feel</p> +<p class="t">Impress of the woman's heel,</p> +<p class="l">Fearing her, who feared her lord.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Thus sin in our parents sown</p> +<p class="t">Brought forth ruin for the race;</p> +<p class="l">Good and evil having grown</p> +<p class="t">From that primal root alone,</p> +<p class="l">Nought but death could guilt efface.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">But the Second Man behold</p> +<p class="t">Come to re-create our kin:</p> +<p class="l">Not formed after common mould</p> +<p class="t">But our God (O Love untold!)</p> +<p class="l">Made in flesh that knows not sin.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Word of God incarnated,</p> +<p class="t">By His awful power conceived,</p> +<p class="l">Whom a maiden yet unwed,</p> +<p class="t">Innocent of marriage-bed,</p> +<p class="l">In her virgin womb received.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Now we see the Serpent lewd</p> +<p class="t">'Neath the woman's heel downtrod:</p> +<p class="l">Whence there sprang the deadly feud,</p> +<p class="t">Strife for ages unsubdued,</p> +<p class="l">'Twixt mankind and foe of God.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Yet God's mother, Maid adored,</p> +<p class="t">Robbed sin's poison of its bane,</p> +<p class="l">And the Snake, his green coils lowered,</p> +<p class="t">Writhing on the sod, outpoured</p> +<p class="l">Harmless now his venom's stain.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">What fierce brute that doth not flee</p> +<p class="t">Lambs of Christ, white-robed and clean?</p> +<p class="l">'Midst the flock from fear set free,</p> +<p class="t">Slinks the drear wolf sullenly,</p> +<p class="l">Checked his maw and tamed his mien.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Wondrous change! restrained by love</p> +<p class="t">Lions the mild lamb obey:</p> +<p class="l">Eagles wild, before the dove</p> +<p class="t">Fluttering from the stars above,</p> +<p class="l">Speed o'er cloudy winds away.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Thou, O Christ, my Dove dost reign</p> +<p class="t">Where the vulture gnaws no more:</p> +<p class="l">Thou dost, snow-white Lamb, enchain</p> +<p class="t">Tigers fierce, and wolves restrain</p> +<p class="l">Gaping at the sheepfold's door.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">God of Love, Thy servants we</p> +<p class="t">Pray Thee now to grant our prayer</p> +<p class="l">That our feast may frugal be,</p> +<p class="t">Nor that we dishonour Thee</p> +<p class="l">By coarse surfeit of rich fare.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">May we taste no bitter gall</p> +<p class="t">In our cup, nor handle we</p> +<p class="l">Aught of death or harm at all,</p> +<p class="t">Nor intemperately fall</p> +<p class="l">Into gross debauchery.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Be the powers of Hell content</p> +<p class="t">With their primal fraud, whereby</p> +<p class="l">Death into this world was sent,</p> +<p class="t">And that, for sin's chastisement,</p> +<p class="l">God's own creatures once should die.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">But in us God's Breath of fire</p> +<p class="t">Cannot lose its vital force:</p> +<p class="l">Never can its might expire,</p> +<p class="t">Flowing from the Eternal Sire,</p> +<p class="l">Who of Reason's strength is source.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Nay, from out death's chilling tomb</p> +<p class="t">Mortal atoms shall arise:</p> +<p class="l">Man from earth's vast, hidden womb</p> +<p class="t">Other, yet the same, shall bloom,</p> +<p class="l">Dust re-made in glorious guise.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">'Tis my faith--and faith not vain--</p> +<p class="t">Bodies live e'en as the soul:</p> +<p class="l">Since I hold in memory plain</p> +<p class="t">God as man uprose again,</p> +<p class="l">Loosed from Hell, to His true goal.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Whence from Him the hope I reap</p> +<p class="t">That these limbs the same shall rise,</p> +<p class="l">Which enwrapped in balmy sleep</p> +<p class="t">Christ the Risen safe shall keep</p> +<p class="l">Till He call me to the skies.</p> +</td></tr></table> + + +<h3><a id="p04o" name="p04o">IV. HYMNUS POST CIBUM</a></h3> + +<table class="poem"><tr><td> +<p class="t">Pastis visceribus ciboque sumpto,</p> +<p class="l">quem lex corporis inbecilla poscit,</p> +<p class="l">laudem lingua Deo patri rependat;</p> +<p class="t">Patri, qui Cherubin sedile sacrum,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 5</em>nec non et Seraphin suum supremo</p> +<p class="l">subnixus solio tenet regitque.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Hic est, quem Sabaoth Deum vocamus,</p> +<p class="l">expers principii carensque fine,</p> +<p class="l">rerum conditor et repertor orbis:</p> +<p class="t"><em> 10</em>fons vitae liquida fluens ab arce,</p> +<p class="l">infusor fidei, sator pudoris,</p> +<p class="l">mortis perdomitor, salutis auctor.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Omnes quod sumus aut vigemus, inde est:</p> +<p class="l">regnat Spiritus ille sempiternus</p> +<p class="l"><em> 15</em>a Christo simul et Parente <a id="p04_15" name="p04_15" href="#f04_15">missus.</a></p> +<p class="t">Intrat pectora candidus pudica,</p> +<p class="l">quae templi vice consecrata rident,</p> +<p class="l">postquam conbiberint Deum medullis.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sed si quid vitii dolive nasci</p> +<p class="l"><em> 20</em>inter viscera iam dicata sensit,</p> +<p class="l">ceu spurcum refugit celer sacellum.</p> +<p class="t">Taetrum flagrat enim vapore crasso</p> +<p class="l">horror conscius aestuante culpa</p> +<p class="l">offensumque bonum niger repellit.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 25</em>Nec solus pudor innocensve votum</p> +<p class="l">templum constituunt perenne Christo</p> +<p class="l">in cordis medii sum ac recessu:</p> +<p class="t">sed ne crapula ferveat cavendum est,</p> +<p class="l">quae sedem fidei cibis refertam</p> +<p class="l"><em> 30</em>usque ad congeriem coartet intus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Parcis victibus expedita corda</p> +<p class="l">infusum melius Deum receptant.</p> +<p class="l">Hic pastus animae est, saporque verus:</p> +<p class="t">sed nos tu gemino fovens paratu</p> +<p class="l"><em> 35</em>artus atque animas utroque pastu</p> +<p class="l">confirmas Pater ac vigore conples.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sic olim tua praecluens potestas</p> +<p class="l">inter raucisonos situm leones,</p> +<p class="l">inlapsis dapibus virum refovit.</p> +<p class="t"><em> 40</em>Illum fusile numen execrantem</p> +<p class="l">et curvare caput sub expolita</p> +<p class="l">aeris materia nefas putantem</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Plebs dirae Babylonis ac tyrannus</p> +<p class="l">morti subdiderant, feris dicarant</p> +<p class="l"><em> 45</em>saevis protinus haustibus vorandum.</p> +<p class="t">O semper pietas fidesque tuta!</p> +<p class="l">lambunt indomiti virum leones</p> +<p class="l">intactumque Dei tremunt alumnum.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Adstant cominus et iubas reponunt,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 50</em>mansuescit rabies fameque blanda</p> +<p class="l">praedam rictibus ambit incruentis.</p> +<p class="t">Sed cum tenderet ad superna palmas</p> +<p class="l">expertumque sibi Deum rogaret,</p> +<p class="l">clausus iugiter indigensque victu:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 55</em>Iussus nuntius advolare terris,</p> +<p class="l">qui pastum famulo daret probato,</p> +<p class="l">raptim desilit obsequente mundo.</p> +<p class="t">Cernit forte procul dapes inemptas,</p> +<p class="l">quas messoribus Abbacuc <a id="p04_59" name="p04_59" href="#f04_59">propheta</a></p> +<p class="l"><em> 60</em>agresti bonus exhibebat arte.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Huius caesarie manu prehensa</p> +<p class="l">plenis, sicut erat, gravem canistris</p> +<p class="l">suspensum rapit et vehit per auras.</p> +<p class="t">Tum raptus simul ipse prandiumque</p> +<p class="l"><em> 65</em>sensim labitur in lacum leonum,</p> +<p class="l">et, quas tunc epulas gerebat, offert:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sumas laetus, ait, libensque carpas,</p> +<p class="l">quae summus Pater, angelusque Christi</p> +<p class="l">mittunt liba tibi sub hoc periclo.</p> +<p class="t"><em> 70</em>His sumptis Danielus excitavit</p> +<p class="l">in caelum faciem ciboque fortis</p> +<p class="l">Amen reddidit, Halleluia dixit.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sic nos muneribus tuis refecti,</p> +<p class="l">largitor Deus omnium bonorum,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 75</em>grates reddimus et sacramus hymnos.</p> +<p class="t">Tu nos tristifico velut tyranno</p> +<p class="l">mundi scilicet inpotentis actu</p> +<p class="l">conclusos regis et feram repellis,</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Quae circumfremit ac vorare temptat</p> +<p class="l"><em> 80</em>insanos acuens furore dentes,</p> +<p class="l">cur te, summe Deus, precemur unum.</p> +<p class="t">Vexamur, premimur, malis rotamur;</p> +<p class="l">oderunt, lacerant, trahunt, lacessunt,</p> +<p class="l">iuncta est suppliciis fides iniquis.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 85</em>Nec defit tamen anxiis medela;</p> +<p class="l">nam languente trucis leonis ira</p> +<p class="l">inlapsae superingeruntur escae.</p> +<p class="t">Quas si quis sitienter hauriendo</p> +<p class="l">non gustu tenui, sed ore pleno</p> +<p class="l"><em> 90</em>internis velit inplicare venis,</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Hic sancto satiatus ex propheta,</p> +<p class="l">iustorum capiet cibos virorum,</p> +<p class="l">qui fructum domino metunt perenni.</p> +<p class="t">Nil est dulcius ac magis saporum,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 95</em>nil quod plus hominem iuvare possit,</p> +<p class="l">quam vatis pia praecinentis orsa.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">His sumptis licet insolens potestas</p> +<p class="l">pravum iudicet, inrogetque mortem,</p> +<p class="l">inpasti licet inruant leones,</p> +<p class="t"><em> 100</em>nos semper Dominum patrem fatentes</p> +<p class="l">in te, Christe Deus, loquemur unum</p> +<p class="l">constanterque tuam crucem feremus.</p> +</td></tr></table> + + +<h3><a id="p04t" name="p04t">IV. HYMN AFTER MEAT</a></h3> + +<table class="poem"><tr><td> +<p class="l">Refreshed we rise, and for this bread that feeds,</p> +<p class="l">By law of man's weak flesh, our daily needs,</p> +<p class="t">Let every tongue, the Father's praises sing;</p> +<p class="l">The Father Who on His exalted throne,</p> +<p class="l">O'er Cherubim and Seraphim, alone</p> +<p class="t">Reigns in His majesty, Eternal King.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">God of Sabaoth is His name: 'tis He</p> +<p class="l">Who ne'er began and ne'er shall cease to be,</p> +<p class="t">Builder of worlds created at His word;</p> +<p class="l">Fountain of Life that flows from out the sky,</p> +<p class="l">He breathes within us Faith and Purity,</p> +<p class="t">Great Conqueror of Death, Salvation's Lord.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">From Him each creature life and vigour gains,</p> +<p class="l">And over all the Eternal Spirit reigns</p> +<p class="t">Who cometh from the Father and the Son:</p> +<p class="l">When, dovelike, on pure hearts the heavenly Guest</p> +<p class="l">Descends, they are by God's own presence blest,</p> +<p class="t">As temples where His holy work is done.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">But if the taint of vice or guile arise</p> +<p class="l">Within the consecrated shrine, He flies</p> +<p class="t">With speed from out the sin-defilèd cell;</p> +<p class="l">For, driven forth by guilt's black, surging tide,</p> +<p class="l">The offended Godhead may not there abide</p> +<p class="t">Where conscious sin and noisome foulness dwell.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Not chastity nor childlike faith alone</p> +<p class="l">Build up for Christ an everlasting throne</p> +<p class="t">Deep in the inmost heart, devoid of shame:</p> +<p class="l">But watchful ever must His servants be,</p> +<p class="l">Lest the dark power of sated gluttony</p> +<p class="t">Should bind about the abode of faith its chain.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Yet simple saints, content with frugal fare,</p> +<p class="l">More surely find the Spirit present there,</p> +<p class="t">Who is our soul's true strength and heavenly food:</p> +<p class="l">Thy love for us a twofold feast supplies,</p> +<p class="l">O Father, whence the soul may strengthened rise</p> +<p class="t">And eke the body gain new hardihood.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Thus, fed and sheltered by Thy matchless might,</p> +<p class="l">The lions' hideous roar could not affright</p> +<p class="t">Thy loyal servant in the days of old:</p> +<p class="l">He boldly cursed the molten deity</p> +<p class="l">And stood with stubborn head uplifted high</p> +<p class="t">That scorned to bow before a god of gold.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Then Babylon's vile mob with fury glows;</p> +<p class="l">Death is his doom; and straight the tyrant throws</p> +<p class="t">The youth to be his savage lions' prey:</p> +<p class="l">But faith and piety Thou still dost save,</p> +<p class="l">For lo! the untamed brutes no longer rave,</p> +<p class="t">But round God's unscathed child they gently play.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Close by his side they stand with drooping mane,</p> +<p class="l">The grisly, gaping jaws from blood refrain</p> +<p class="t">And with rough tongues their whilom prey caress:</p> +<p class="l">But when in prayer he raised his hands to heaven</p> +<p class="l">And called the God, from Whom such help was given,</p> +<p class="t">Close-prisoned, hungry, and in sore distress,</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">A wingèd messenger to earth He sends,</p> +<p class="l">Who swiftly through the parting clouds descends</p> +<p class="t">To feed His servant, proven by the test:</p> +<p class="l">By chance he sees from far the unbought fare</p> +<p class="l">Which the good seer Habakkuk's kindly care</p> +<p class="t">With rustic art had for the reapers dressed:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Then, grasping in strong hand the prophet's hair,</p> +<p class="l">He bears him gently through the rushing air,</p> +<p class="t">Still burdened with the platter's savoury load,</p> +<p class="l">Till o'er the lions' den at last they stayed</p> +<p class="l">And straightway to the starving youth displayed</p> +<p class="t">The food thus brought, by God's good grace bestowed.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">"Take this with joy," he said, "and thankful feed,</p> +<p class="l">The bread that in thy hour of direst need,</p> +<p class="t">By the great Father sent, Christ's angel brings."</p> +<p class="l">Then Daniel lifts his eyes to heaven above</p> +<p class="l">And, strengthened by the wondrous gift of love,</p> +<p class="t">"Amen!" he cries, and Alleluia sings.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Thus, therefore, by Thy bounties now restored,</p> +<p class="l">Giver of all things good, Almighty Lord,</p> +<p class="t">We render thanks and sing glad hymns to Thee:</p> +<p class="l">Though prisoned in an evil world we dwell</p> +<p class="l">Where sin's grim tyrant rules, Thou dost repel</p> +<p class="t">With sovran power our mortal enemy.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">He roars around us, and would fain devour,</p> +<p class="l">Grinding his angry teeth when 'gainst his power</p> +<p class="t">In Thee alone, O God, we still confide:</p> +<p class="l">By evil things we are beset and vexed,</p> +<p class="l">Tormented, hated, harassed and perplexed,</p> +<p class="t">Our faith by cruel suffering sorely tried,</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Yet help ne'er fails us in our time of need,</p> +<p class="l">For Thou canst quell the lions' rage, and feed</p> +<p class="t">Our hungry spirits with celestial fare:</p> +<p class="l">And if some soul no meagre taste would gain</p> +<p class="l">Of that repast, but thirstily is fain</p> +<p class="t">Full measure of the heavenly sweets to share,</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">He by the holy seers of old is fed,</p> +<p class="l">And shall partake the loyal reapers' bread</p> +<p class="t">Who labour in the eternal Master's field:</p> +<p class="l">For nothing sweeter than the Word can be</p> +<p class="l">That fell from righteous lips, once touched by Thee,</p> +<p class="t">And nought can richer grace to mortals yield.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">With this sustained, though vaunting tyranny</p> +<p class="l">By unjust judgment doom us straight to die,</p> +<p class="t">And starvèd lions rush these limbs to tear;</p> +<p class="l">Confessing ever Thine Eternal Son,</p> +<p class="l">With Thee, Almighty Father, ever one,</p> +<p class="t">His cross with faith unshaken will we bear.</p> +</td></tr></table> + + +<h3><a id="p05o" name="p05o">V. HYMNUS AD INCENSUM LUCERNAE</a></h3> + +<table class="poem"><tr><td> +<p class="t">Inventor rutili, dux bone, <a id="p05_1" name="p05_1" href="#f05_1">luminis,</a></p> +<p class="l">qui certis vicibus tempora dividis,</p> +<p class="l">merso sole chaos ingruit horridum,</p> +<p class="l">lucem redde tuis Christe fidelibus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 5</em>Quamvis innumero sidere regiam</p> +<p class="l">lunarique polum lampade pinxeris,</p> +<p class="l">incussu silicis lumina nos <a id="p05_7" name="p05_7" href="#f05_7">tamen</a></p> +<p class="l">monstras saxigeno semine quaerere:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Ne nesciret homo spem sibi luminis</p> +<p class="l"><em> 10</em>in Christi solido corpore conditam,</p> +<p class="l">qui dici stabilem se voluit petram,</p> +<p class="l">nostris igniculis unde genus venit.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Pinguis quos olei rore madentibus</p> +<p class="l">lychnis aut facibus pascimus aridis:</p> +<p class="l"><em> 15</em>quin et fila favis scirpea floreis</p> +<p class="l">presso melle prius conlita fingimus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Vivax flamma viget, seu cava testula</p> +<p class="l">sucum linteolo suggerit ebrio,</p> +<p class="l">seu pinus piceam fert alimoniam,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 20</em>seu ceram teretem stuppa calens bibit.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Nectar de liquido vertice <a id="p05_21" name="p05_21" href="#f05_21">fervidum</a></p> +<p class="l">guttatim lacrimis stillat olentibus,</p> +<p class="l">ambustum quoniam vis facit ignea</p> +<p class="l">imbrem de madido flere cacumine.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 25</em><a id="p05_25" name="p05_25">Splendent</a> ergo tuis muneribus, Pater,</p> +<p class="l">flammis mobilibus scilicet atria,</p> +<p class="l">absentemque diem lux agit aemula,</p> +<p class="l">quam nox cum lacero victa fugit peplo.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sed quis non rapidi luminis arduam</p> +<p class="l"><em> 30</em>manantemque Deo cernat originem?</p> +<p class="l">Moyses nempe Deum spinifera in rubo</p> +<p class="l">vidit conspicuo lumine flammeum.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Felix, qui meruit sentibus in sacris</p> +<p class="l">caelestis solii visere principem,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 35</em>iussus nexa pedum vincula solvere,</p> +<p class="l">ne sanctum involucris pollueret locum.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Hunc ignem populus sanguinis incliti</p> +<p class="l">maiorum meritis tutus et inpotens,</p> +<p class="l">suetus sub dominis vivere barbaris,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 40</em>iam liber sequitur longa per avia:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">qua gressum tulerant castraque caerulae</p> +<p class="l">noctis per medium concita moverant,</p> +<p class="l">plebem pervigilem fulgure praevio</p> +<p class="l">ducebat radius sole micantior.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 45</em>Sed rex Niliaci littoris invido</p> +<p class="l">fervens felle iubet praevalidam manum</p> +<p class="l">in bellum rapidis ire cohortibus</p> +<p class="l">ferratasque acies clangere classicum.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sumunt arma viri seque minacibus</p> +<p class="l"><em> 50</em>accingunt gladiis, triste canit tuba:</p> +<p class="l">hic fidit iaculis, ille volantia</p> +<p class="l">praefigit calamis spicula Gnosiis.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Densetur cuneis turba pedestribus,</p> +<p class="l">currus pars et equos et volucres rotas</p> +<p class="l"><em> 55</em>conscendunt celeres signaque bellica</p> +<p class="l">praetendunt tumidis clara draconibus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Hic iam servitii nescia pristini</p> +<p class="l">gens Pelusiacis usta vaporibus</p> +<p class="l">tandem purpurei gurgitis hospita</p> +<p class="l"><em> 60</em>rubris littoribus fessa resederat.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Hostis dirus adest cum duce perfido,</p> +<p class="l">infert et validis praelia viribus:</p> +<p class="l">Moyses porro suos in mare praecipit</p> +<p class="l">constans intrepidis tendere gressibus:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 65</em>praebent rupta locum stagna viantibus</p> +<p class="l">riparum in faciem pervia, sistitur</p> +<p class="l">circumstans vitreis unda liquoribus,</p> +<p class="l">dum plebs sub bifido permeat aequore.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Pubes quin etiam decolor asperis</p> +<p class="l"><em> 70</em>inritata odiis rege sub inpio</p> +<p class="l">Hebraeum sitiens fundere sanguinem</p> +<p class="l">audet se pelago credere concavo:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">ibant praecipiti turbine percita</p> +<p class="l">fluctus per medios agmina regia,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 75</em>sed confusa dehinc unda revolvitur</p> +<p class="l">in semet revolans gurgite confluo.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Currus tunc et equos telaque naufraga</p> +<p class="l">ipsos et proceres et vaga corpora</p> +<p class="l">nigrorum videas nare satellitum,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 80</em>arcis iustitium triste tyrannicae.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Quae tandem poterit lingua retexere</p> +<p class="l">laudes Christe tuas? qui domitam Pharon</p> +<p class="l">plagis multimodis cedere praesuli</p> +<p class="l">cogis iustitiae vindice dextera.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 85</em>Qui pontum rapidis aestibus invium</p> +<p class="l">persultare vetas, ut refluo in salo</p> +<p class="l">securus pateat te duce transitus,</p> +<p class="l">et mox unda rapax devoret inpios.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Cui ieiuna eremi saxa loquacibus</p> +<p class="l"><em> 90</em>exundant scatebris, et latices novos</p> +<p class="l">fundit scissa silex, quae sitientibus</p> +<p class="l">dat potum populis axe sub igneo.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Instar fellis aqua tristifico in lacu</p> +<p class="l">fit ligni venia mel velut Atticum:</p> +<p class="l"><em> 95</em>lignum est, quo sapiunt aspera dulcius;</p> +<p class="l">uam praefixa cruci spes hominum viget.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Inplet castra cibus tunc quoque ninguidus,</p> +<p class="l">inlabens gelida grandine densius:</p> +<p class="l">his mensas epulis, hac dape construunt,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 100</em>quam dat sidereo Christus ab aethere.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Nec non imbrifero ventus anhelitu</p> +<p class="l">crassa nube leves invehit alites,</p> +<p class="l">quae conflata in humum, cum semel agmina</p> +<p class="l">fluxerunt, reduci non revolant fuga.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 105</em>Haec olim patribus praemia contulit</p> +<p class="l">insignis pietas numinis unici,</p> +<p class="l">cuius subsidio nos quoque vescimur</p> +<p class="l">pascentes dapibus pectora mysticis.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Fessos ille vocat per freta seculi</p> +<p class="l"><em> 110</em>discissis populum turbinibus regens</p> +<p class="l">iactatasque animas mille laboribus</p> +<p class="l">iustorum in patriam scandere praecipit.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Illic purpureis tecta rosariis</p> +<p class="l">omnis fragrat humus calthaque pinguia</p> +<p class="l"><em> 115</em>et molles violas et tenues crocos</p> +<p class="l">fundit fonticulis uda fugacibus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Illic et gracili balsama surculo</p> +<p class="l">desudata fluunt, raraque cinnama</p> +<p class="l">spirant et folium, fonte quod <a id="p05_119" name="p05_119" href="#f05_119">abdito</a></p> +<p class="l"><em> 120</em>praelambens fluvius portat in exitum.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Felices animae prata per herbida</p> +<p class="l">concentu parili suave sonantibus</p> +<p class="l">hymnorum modulis dulce canunt melos,</p> +<p class="l">calcant et pedibus lilia candidis.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 125</em>Sunt et spiritibus saepe <a id="p05_125" name="p05_125" href="#f05_125">nocentibus</a></p> +<p class="l">paenarum celebres sub Styge feriae</p> +<p class="l">illa nocte, sacer qua rediit Deus</p> +<p class="l">stagnis ad superos ex Acheronticis.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Non sicut tenebras de face fulgida</p> +<p class="l"><em> 130</em>surgens oceano Lucifer inbuit,</p> +<p class="l">sed terris Domini de cruce tristibus</p> +<p class="l">maior sole novum restituens diem.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Marcent suppliciis tartara mitibus,</p> +<p class="l">exultatque sui carceris otio</p> +<p class="l"><em> 135</em>functorum populus liber ab ignibus,</p> +<p class="l">nec fervent solito flumina sulphure.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><a id="p05_137" name="p05_137">Nos</a> festis trahimus per pia gaudia</p> +<p class="l">noctem conciliis votaque prospera</p> +<p class="l">certatim vigili congerimus prece</p> +<p class="l"><em> 140</em>extructoque agimus liba <a id="p05_140" name="p05_140" href="#f05_140">sacrario.</a></p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Pendent mobilibus lumina <a id="p05_141" name="p05_141" href="#f05_141">funibus,</a></p> +<p class="l">quae suffixa micant per laquearia,</p> +<p class="l">et de languidulis fota natatibus</p> +<p class="l">lucem perspicuo flamma iacit vitro.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 145</em>Credas stelligeram desuper aream</p> +<p class="l">ornatam geminis stare trionibus,</p> +<p class="l">et qua bosporeum temo regit iugum,</p> +<p class="l">passim purpureos spargier hesperos.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><a id="p05_149" name="p05_149">O</a> res digna, Pater, quam tibi roscidae</p> +<p class="l"><em> 150</em>noctis principio grex tuus offerat,</p> +<p class="l">lucem, qua tribuis nil pretiosius,</p> +<p class="l">lucem, qua reliqua praemia cernimus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Tu lux vera oculis, lux quoque <a id="p05_153" name="p05_153" href="#f05_153">sensibus,</a></p> +<p class="l">intus tu speculum, tu speculum foris,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 155</em>lumen, quod famulans offero, suscipe,</p> +<p class="l">tinctum pacifici chrismatis unguine.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Per Christum genitum, summe Pater, tuum,</p> +<p class="l">in quo visibilis stat tibi gloria,</p> +<p class="l">qui noster Dominus, qui tuus unicus</p> +<p class="l"><em> 160</em><a id="p05_160" name="p05_160">spirat</a> de patrio corde paraclitum.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Per quem splendor, honos, laus, sapientia,</p> +<p class="l">maiestas, bonitas, et pietas tua</p> +<p class="l">regnum continuat numine triplici</p> +<p class="l">texens perpetuis secula seculis.</p> +</td></tr></table> + + +<h3><a id="p05t" name="p05t">V. HYMN FOR THE LIGHTING OF THE LAMPS</a></h3> + +<table class="poem"><tr><td> +<p class="l">Blest Lord, Creator of the glowing light,</p> +<p class="t">At Whose behest the hours successive move,</p> +<p class="t">The sun has set: black darkness broods above:</p> +<p class="l">Christ! light Thy faithful through the coming night.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Thy courts are lit with stars unnumberèd,</p> +<p class="t">And in the cloudless vault the pale moon rides;</p> +<p class="t">Yet Thou dost bid us seek the fire that hides</p> +<p class="l">Till swift we strike it from its flinty bed.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">So man may learn that in Christ's body came</p> +<p class="t">The hidden hope of light to mortals given:</p> +<p class="t">He is the Rock--'tis His own word--that riven</p> +<p class="l">Sends forth to all our race the eternal flame.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">From lamps that brim with rich and fragrant oil,</p> +<p class="t">Or torches dry this heaven-sent fire we feed;</p> +<p class="t">Or make us rushlights from the flowering reed</p> +<p class="l">And wax, whereon the bees have spent their toil.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Bright glows the light, whether the resin thick</p> +<p class="t">Of pine-brand flares, or waxen tapers burn</p> +<p class="t">With melting radiance, or the hollow urn</p> +<p class="l">Yields its stored sweetness to the thirsty wick.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Beneath the might of fire, in slow decay</p> +<p class="t">The scented tears of glowing nectar fall;</p> +<p class="t">Lower and lower droops the candle tall</p> +<p class="l">And ever dwindling weeps itself away.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">So by Thy gifts, great Father, hearth and hall</p> +<p class="t">Are all ablaze with points of twinkling light</p> +<p class="t">That vie with daylight spent; and vanquished Night</p> +<p class="l">Rends, as she flies away, her sable pall.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Who knoweth not that from high Heaven first came</p> +<p class="t">Our light, from God Himself the rushing fire?</p> +<p class="t">For Moses erst, amid the prickly brier,</p> +<p class="l">Saw God made manifest in lambent flame.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Ah, happy he! deemed worthy face to face</p> +<p class="t">To see heaven's Lord within that sacred brake;</p> +<p class="t">Bidden the sandals from his feet to take,</p> +<p class="l">Nor with his shoon defile that holy place.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">The mighty children of the chosen name,</p> +<p class="t">Saved by the merits of their sires, and free</p> +<p class="t">After long years of savage tyranny,</p> +<p class="l">Through the drear desert followed still that flame.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Striking their camp beneath the silent night</p> +<p class="t">Where'er they went, to lead their darkling way,</p> +<p class="t">The cloud of glory lent its guiding ray</p> +<p class="l">And shone more splendid than the noonday light.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">But, mad with jealous fury, Egypt's king</p> +<p class="t">Calls his great host to battle for their lord:</p> +<p class="t">Swiftly the cohorts gather at his word,</p> +<p class="l">And down the mail-clad lines the clarions ring.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Girding their trusty swords the warriors go</p> +<p class="t">To fill the ranks; hoarse bugles rend the air;</p> +<p class="t">These seize their massy javelins, these prepare</p> +<p class="l">The death-winged arrow and the Cretan bow.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">The footmen throng in close battalions pressed;</p> +<p class="t">The chariots thunder; to the saddle spring</p> +<p class="t">The riders of the Nile, as forth they fling</p> +<p class="l">Egypt's proud banner with the serpent crest.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">And now, forgetful of the bondage past,</p> +<p class="t">Thy children, tortured by the desert heat,</p> +<p class="t">Drag to the Red Sea's brink their weary feet,</p> +<p class="l">And on its sandy margin rest at last.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">See! with their forsworn king the savage foe</p> +<p class="t">Draws nigh: the threatening squadrons nearer ride;</p> +<p class="t">But ever onward urged the intrepid guide</p> +<p class="l">And through the waves bade Israel fearless go.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Before that steadfast march the billows fall,</p> +<p class="t">Then raise on either hand their crystal mass,</p> +<p class="t">While through the sundered deep Thy people pass</p> +<p class="l">And ocean guards them with a liquid wall.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">But, mad with baffled rage, the dusky horde</p> +<p class="t">Of Egypt, by their impious despot led,</p> +<p class="t">Athirst the hated Hebrews' blood to shed</p> +<p class="l">Pursued, all reckless of the o'er-arching flood.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Swift as the wind the royal squadrons ride,</p> +<p class="t">But swifter yet the crystal barriers break,</p> +<p class="t">The waves exultantly their bounds forsake</p> +<p class="l">And roll together in a roaring tide.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">'Mid steeds and chariots and drifting mail</p> +<p class="t">The drownèd lords of Egypt found a grave</p> +<p class="t">With all their swart retainers 'neath the wave;</p> +<p class="l">And in their haughty courts the mourners wail.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">What tongue, O Christ, Thy glories can unfold?</p> +<p class="t">Thine was the arm, outstretched in wrath, that made</p> +<p class="t">The stricken land of Pharaoh, sore afraid,</p> +<p class="l">Bow down before Thy minister of old.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Thy pathless deep did at the voice restrain</p> +<p class="t">Its surging billows, till with Thee for guide</p> +<p class="t">Thy host passed scathless, and the refluent tide</p> +<p class="l">Swept down the wicked to the engulfing main.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">At Thy command the desert, parched and dry,</p> +<p class="t">Breaks into laughing rills, and water clear</p> +<p class="t">Wells from the smitten rock Thy flock to cheer</p> +<p class="l">And quench their thirst beneath that brazen sky.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Then Marah's bitterness grew passing sweet,</p> +<p class="t">Touched by the mystic tree; so by the grace</p> +<p class="t">Of Thine own Tree, O Christ, our sinful race</p> +<p class="l">Regains its lost hopes at Thy piercèd feet.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Faster than icy hail the manna falls,</p> +<p class="t">Like snow down drifting from a wintry sky;</p> +<p class="t">The feast is set: they heap the tables high</p> +<p class="l">With that rich food from Thy celestial halls.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Fresh blow the breezes from the distant shore</p> +<p class="t">And bear a fluttering cloud that hides the light,</p> +<p class="t">Till the frail pinions, faltering in their flight,</p> +<p class="l">Sink in the wilderness to rise no more.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">How great the love of God's own Son, that shed</p> +<p class="t">Such wondrous bounty on His chosen race!</p> +<p class="t">And still to us He proffers in His grace</p> +<p class="l">The mystic Feast, wherewith our souls are fed.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Through the world's raging sea He bids us come,</p> +<p class="t">And 'twixt the sundered billows guides our path,</p> +<p class="t">Till, spent and wearied with the ocean's wrath,</p> +<p class="l">He calls His storm-tossed saints to Heaven and home.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">There in His paradise red roses blow,</p> +<p class="t">With golden daffodils and lilies pale</p> +<p class="t">And gentle violets, and down the vale</p> +<p class="l">The murmuring rivulets for ever flow.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Sweet balsams, welling from the slender tree,</p> +<p class="t">And precious spices fill the fragrant air,</p> +<p class="t">And, hiding by the stream, that blossom rare</p> +<p class="l">Whose leaves the river hurries to the sea.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">There the blest souls with one accord unite</p> +<p class="t">To hymn in dulcet song their Saviour's praise,</p> +<p class="t">And as the chanting quire their voices raise</p> +<p class="l">They tread with shining feet the lilies bright.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Yea, e'en the spirits of the lost, that dwell</p> +<p class="t">Where the black stream of sullen Acheron flows,</p> +<p class="t">Rest on that holy night when Christ arose,</p> +<p class="l">And for a while 'tis holiday in Hell.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">No sun from ocean rising drives away</p> +<p class="t">Their darkness, with his flaming shafts far-hurled,</p> +<p class="t">But from the cross of Christ o'er that wan world</p> +<p class="l">There streams the radiance of a new-born day.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">The sulphurous floods with lessened fury glow,</p> +<p class="t">The aching limbs find respite from their pain,</p> +<p class="t">While, in glad freedom from the galling chain,</p> +<p class="l">The tortured ghosts a short-lived solace know.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">In holy gladness let this night be sped,</p> +<p class="t">As here we gather, Lord, to watch and pray;</p> +<p class="t">To Thee with one consent our vows we pay</p> +<p class="l">And on Thy altar set the sacred Bread.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">From pendent chains the lamps of crystal blaze;</p> +<p class="t">By fragrant oil sustained the clear flame glows</p> +<p class="t">With strength undimmed, and through the darkness throws</p> +<p class="l">High o'er the fretted roof a golden haze,</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">As 'twere Heaven's starry floor our wondering eye</p> +<p class="t">Beheld, wherein the Bears their light display,</p> +<p class="t">Where Phosphor heralds the approach of day</p> +<p class="l">And Hesper's radiance floods the evening sky.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Meet is the gift we offer here to Thee,</p> +<p class="t">Father of all, as falls the dewy night;</p> +<p class="t">Thine own most precious gift we bring--the light</p> +<p class="l">Whereby mankind Thy other bounties see.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Thou art the Light indeed; on our dull eyes</p> +<p class="t">And on our inmost souls Thy rays are poured;</p> +<p class="t">To Thee we light our lamps: receive them, Lord,</p> +<p class="l">Filled with the oil of peace and sacrifice.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">O hear us, Father, through Thine only Son,</p> +<p class="t">Our Lord and Saviour, by Whose love bequeathed</p> +<p class="t">The Paraclete upon our hearts has breathed,</p> +<p class="l">With Him and Thee through endless ages one.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Through Christ Thy Kingdom shall for ever be,</p> +<p class="t">Thy grace, might, wisdom, glory ever shine,</p> +<p class="t">As in the Triune majesty benign</p> +<p class="l">He reigns for all eternity with Thee.</p> +</td></tr></table> + + +<h3>VI. HYMNUS ANTE SOMNUM</h3> + +<table class="poem"><tr><td> +<p class="t">Ades Pater <a id="p06o" name="p06o" href="#f06o">supreme,</a></p> +<p class="l">quem nemo vidit unquam,</p> +<p class="l">Patrisque sermo Christe,</p> +<p class="l">et Spiritus benigne.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 5</em>O Trinitatis huius</p> +<p class="l">vis una, lumen unum,</p> +<p class="l">Deus ex Deo perennis,</p> +<p class="l">Deus ex utroque missus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Fluxit labor diei,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 10</em>redit et quietis hora,</p> +<p class="l">blandus sopor vicissim</p> +<p class="l">fessos relaxat artus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Mens aestuans procellis</p> +<p class="l">curisque sauciata</p> +<p class="l"><em> 15</em>totis bibit medullis</p> +<p class="l">obliviale poclum.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Serpit per omne corpus</p> +<p class="l">Lethaea vis, nec ullum</p> +<p class="l">miseris doloris aegri</p> +<p class="l"><em> 20</em>patitur manere sensum.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Lex haec data est caducis</p> +<p class="l">Deo iubente membris,</p> +<p class="l">ut temperet laborem</p> +<p class="l">medicabilis voluptas.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 25</em>Sed dum pererrat omnes</p> +<p class="l">quies amica venas,</p> +<p class="l">pectusque feriatum</p> +<p class="l">placat rigante somno:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Liber vagat per auras</p> +<p class="l"><em> 30</em>rapido vigore sensus,</p> +<p class="l">variasque per figuras,</p> +<p class="l">quae sunt operta, cernit.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Quia mens soluta curis,</p> +<p class="l">cui est origo caelum,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 35</em>purusque fons ab aethra</p> +<p class="l">iners iacere nescit.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Imitata multiformes</p> +<p class="l">facies sibi ipsa fingit,</p> +<p class="l">per quas repente currens</p> +<p class="l"><em> 40</em>tenui fruatur actu.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sed sensa somniantum</p> +<p class="l">dispar fatigat horror,</p> +<p class="l">nunc splendor intererrat</p> +<p class="l">qui dat futura nosse.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 45</em>Plerumque dissipatis</p> +<p class="l">mendax imago veris</p> +<p class="l">animos pavore maestos</p> +<p class="l">ambage fallit atra.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Quem rara culpa morum</p> +<p class="l"><em> 50</em>non polluit frequenter,</p> +<p class="l">nunc lux serena vibrans</p> +<p class="l">res edocet latentes.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">At qui coinquinatum</p> +<p class="l">vitiis cor inpiavit,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 55</em>lusus pavore multo</p> +<p class="l">species videt <a id="p06_56" name="p06_56" href="#f06_56">tremendas.</a></p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Hoc patriarcha noster</p> +<p class="l">sub carceris catena</p> +<p class="l">geminis simul ministris</p> +<p class="l"><em> 60</em>interpres adprobavit.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Quorum reversus unus</p> +<p class="l">dat poculum tyranno,</p> +<p class="l">ast alterum rapaces</p> +<p class="l">fixum vorant volucres.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 65</em>Ipsum deinde regem</p> +<p class="l">perplexa somniantem</p> +<p class="l">monuit famem futuram</p> +<p class="l">clausis cavere acervis.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Mox praesul ac tetrarches</p> +<p class="l"><em> 70</em>regnum per omne iussus</p> +<p class="l">sociam tenere virgam</p> +<p class="l">dominae resedit aulae.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">O quam profunda iustis</p> +<p class="l">arcana per soporem</p> +<p class="l"><em> 75</em>aperit tuenda Christus,</p> +<p class="l">quam clara! quam tacenda!</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Evangelista summi</p> +<p class="l">fidissimus magistri</p> +<p class="l">signata quae latebant</p> +<p class="l"><em> 80</em>nebulis videt remotis:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">ipsum tonantis agnum</p> +<p class="l">de caede purpurantem,</p> +<p class="l">qui conscium futuri</p> +<p class="l">librum resignat unus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 85</em>Huius manum potentem</p> +<p class="l">gladius perarmat anceps</p> +<p class="l">et fulgurans utrimque</p> +<p class="l">duplicem minatur ictum.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Quaesitor ille solus</p> +<p class="l"><em> 90</em>animaeque corporisque</p> +<p class="l">ensisque bis timendus</p> +<p class="l">prima ac secunda mors est.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">idem tamen benignus</p> +<p class="l">ultor retundit iram</p> +<p class="l"><em> 95</em>paucosque non <a id="p06_95" name="p06_95" href="#f06_95">piorum</a></p> +<p class="l">patitur perire in aevum.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Huic inclitus perenne</p> +<p class="l">tribuit Pater tribunal,</p> +<p class="l">hunc obtinere iussit</p> +<p class="l"><em> 100</em>nomen supra omne nomen.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Hic praepotens cruenti</p> +<p class="l">extinctor antichristi,</p> +<p class="l">qui de furente monstro</p> +<p class="l">pulchrum refert tropaeum.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 105</em>Quam bestiam <a id="p06_105" name="p06_105" href="#f06_105">capacem</a></p> +<p class="l">populosque devorantem,</p> +<p class="l">quam sanguinis charybdem</p> +<p class="l">Ioannis execratur.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Haec nempe, quae <a id="p06_109" name="p06_109" href="#f06_109">sacratum</a></p> +<p class="l"><em> 110</em>praeferre nomen ausa est,</p> +<p class="l">imam petit gehennam</p> +<p class="l">Christo perempta vero.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Tali sopore iustus</p> +<p class="l">mentem relaxat heros,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 115</em>ut spiritu sagaci</p> +<p class="l">caelum peragret omne.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Nos nil meremur horum,</p> +<p class="l">quos creber inplet error,</p> +<p class="l">concreta quos malarum</p> +<p class="l"><em> 120</em>vitiat cupido rerum.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sat est quiete dulci</p> +<p class="l">fessum fovere corpus:</p> +<p class="l">sat, si nihil sinistrum</p> +<p class="l">vanae minentur umbrae.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 125</em>Cultor Dei memento</p> +<p class="l">te fontis et lavacri</p> +<p class="l">rorem subisse <a id="p06_127" name="p06_127" href="#f06_127">sanctum,</a></p> +<p class="l">te chrismate <a id="p06_128" name="p06_128" href="#f06_128">innotatum.</a></p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><a id="p06_129" name="p06_129">Fac,</a> cum vocante somno</p> +<p class="l"><em> 130</em>castum petis cubile,</p> +<p class="l">frontem locumque cordis</p> +<p class="l">crucis figura signet.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Crux pellit omne crimen,</p> +<p class="l">fugiunt crucem tenebrae:</p> +<p class="l"><em> 135</em>tali dicata signo</p> +<p class="l">mens fluctuare nescit.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Procul, o procul vagantum</p> +<p class="l">portenta somniorum,</p> +<p class="l">procul esto pervicaci</p> +<p class="l"><em> 140</em>praestigiator astu!</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">O tortuose serpens,</p> +<p class="l">qui mille per Maeandros</p> +<p class="l">fraudesque flexuosas</p> +<p class="l">agitas quieta corda,</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 145</em>Discede, Christus hic est,</p> +<p class="l">hic Christus est, liquesce:</p> +<p class="l">signum quod ipse nosti</p> +<p class="l">damnat tuam catervam.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Corpus licet fatiscens</p> +<p class="l"><em> 150</em>iaceat recline paullum,</p> +<p class="l">Christum tamen sub ipso</p> +<p class="l">meditabimur sopore.</p> +</td></tr></table> + + +<h3><a id="p06t" name="p06t">VI. HYMN BEFORE SLEEP</a></h3> + +<table class="poem"><tr><td> +<p class="l">Draw near, Almighty Father,</p> +<p class="t">Ne'er seen by mortal eye;</p> +<p class="l">Come, O Thou Word eternal,</p> +<p class="t">O Spirit blest, be nigh.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">One light of threefold Godhead,</p> +<p class="t">One power that all transcends;</p> +<p class="l">God is of God begotten,</p> +<p class="t">And God from both descends.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">The hour of rest approaches,</p> +<p class="t">The toils of day are past,</p> +<p class="l">And o'er our tired bodies</p> +<p class="t">Sleep's gentle charm is cast.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">The mind, by cares tormented</p> +<p class="t">Amid life's storm and stress,</p> +<p class="l">Drinks deep the wondrous potion</p> +<p class="t">That brings forgetfulness.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">O'er weary, toil-worn mortals</p> +<p class="t">The spells of Lethe steal;</p> +<p class="l">Sad hearts lose all their sorrow,</p> +<p class="t">Nor pain nor anguish feel.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">For to His frail creation</p> +<p class="t">God gave this law to keep,</p> +<p class="l">That labour should be lightened</p> +<p class="t">By soft and healing sleep.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">But while sweet languor wanders</p> +<p class="t">Through all the pulsing veins,</p> +<p class="l">And, wrapt in dewy slumber,</p> +<p class="t">The heart at rest remains,</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">The soul, in wakeful vigour,</p> +<p class="t">Aloft in freedom flies,</p> +<p class="l">And sees in many a semblance</p> +<p class="t">The hidden mysteries.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">For, freed from care, the spirit</p> +<p class="t">That came from out the sky,</p> +<p class="l">Born of the stainless aether,</p> +<p class="t">Can never idle lie.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">A thousand changing phantoms</p> +<p class="t">She fashions through the night,</p> +<p class="l">And 'midst a world of fancy</p> +<p class="t">Pursues her rapid flight.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">But divers are the visions</p> +<p class="t">That night to dreamers shows;</p> +<p class="l">Rare gleams of straying splendour</p> +<p class="t">The future may disclose;</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">More oft the truth is darkened,</p> +<p class="t">And lying fantasy</p> +<p class="l">Deceives the affrighted sleeper</p> +<p class="t">With cunning treachery.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">To him whose life is holy</p> +<p class="t">The things that are concealed</p> +<p class="l">Lie open to his spirit</p> +<p class="t">In radiant light revealed;</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">But he whose heart is blackened,</p> +<p class="t">With many a sin imbued,</p> +<p class="l">Sees phantoms grim and ghastly</p> +<p class="t">That beckon and delude.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">So in the Egyptian dungeon</p> +<p class="t">The patriarch of old</p> +<p class="l">Unto the king's two servants</p> +<p class="t">Their fateful visions told:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">And one is brought from prison</p> +<p class="t">The monarch's wine to pour,</p> +<p class="l">One, on the gibbet hanging,</p> +<p class="t">Foul birds of prey devour,</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">He warned the king, distracted</p> +<p class="t">By riddles of the night,</p> +<p class="l">To hoard the plenteous harvests</p> +<p class="t">Against the years of blight.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Soon, lord of half a kingdom,</p> +<p class="t">A mighty potentate,</p> +<p class="l">He shares the royal sceptre</p> +<p class="t">And dwells in princely state.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">But ah! how deep the secrets</p> +<p class="t">The holy sleeper sees</p> +<p class="l">To whom Christ shows His highest,</p> +<p class="t">Most sacred mysteries.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">For God's most faithful servant</p> +<p class="t">The clouds were rolled away,</p> +<p class="l">And John beheld the wonders</p> +<p class="t">That sealed from mortals lay.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">The Lamb of God, encrimsoned</p> +<p class="t">With sacrificial stains,</p> +<p class="l">Alone the Book can open</p> +<p class="t">That destiny contains.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">By His strong hand is wielded</p> +<p class="t">A keen, two-edgèd brand</p> +<p class="l">That, flashing like the lightning,</p> +<p class="t">Smites swift on either hand.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Before His bar of judgment</p> +<p class="t">Both soul and body lie;</p> +<p class="l">He whom that dread sword smiteth</p> +<p class="t">The second death shall die.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Yet mercy tempers justice,</p> +<p class="t">And few the Avenger sends</p> +<p class="l">(Whose guilt is past all pardon)</p> +<p class="t">To death that never ends.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">To Him the Father yieldeth</p> +<p class="t">The judgment-seat of Heaven;</p> +<p class="l">To Him a Name excelling</p> +<p class="t">All other names is given.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">For by His strength transcendent</p> +<p class="t">Shall Antichrist be slain,</p> +<p class="l">And from that raging monster</p> +<p class="t">Fair trophies shall He gain:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">That all-devouring Dragon,</p> +<p class="t">With blood of martyrs red,</p> +<p class="l">On whose abhorrèd power</p> +<p class="t">John's solemn curse is laid.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">And thus the proud usurper</p> +<p class="t">Of His high name is cast</p> +<p class="l">By Him, the true Christ, vanquished</p> +<p class="t">To deepest hell at last.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Upon the saint heroic</p> +<p class="t">Such wondrous slumber falls</p> +<p class="l">That, in the spirit roaming,</p> +<p class="t">He treads heaven's highest halls.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">We may not, in our weakness,</p> +<p class="t">To dreams like these aspire,</p> +<p class="l">Whose souls are steeped in error</p> +<p class="t">And evil things desire.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Enough, if weary bodies</p> +<p class="t">In peaceful sleep may rest;</p> +<p class="l">Enough, if no dark powers</p> +<p class="t">Our slumbering souls molest.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Christian! the font remember,</p> +<p class="t">The sacramental vow,</p> +<p class="l">The holy water sprinkled,</p> +<p class="t">The oil that marked thy brow!</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">When at sleep's call thou seekest</p> +<p class="t">To rest in slumber chaste,</p> +<p class="l">Let first the sacred emblem</p> +<p class="t">On breast and brow be traced.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">The Cross dispels all darkness,</p> +<p class="t">All sin before it flies,</p> +<p class="l">And by that sign protected</p> +<p class="t">The mind all fear defies.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Avaunt! ye fleeting phantoms</p> +<p class="t">That mock our midnight hours;</p> +<p class="l">Avaunt! thou great Deceiver</p> +<p class="t">With all thy guileful powers.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Thou Serpent, old and crafty,</p> +<p class="t">Who by a thousand arts</p> +<p class="l">And manifold temptations</p> +<p class="t">Dost vex our sleeping hearts,</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Vanish! for Christ is with us;</p> +<p class="t">Away! 'tis Christ the Lord:</p> +<p class="l">The sign thou must acknowledge</p> +<p class="t">Condemns thy hellish horde.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">And, though the weary body</p> +<p class="t">Relaxed in sleep may be,</p> +<p class="l">Our hearts, Lord, e'en in slumber,</p> +<p class="t">Shall meditate on Thee.</p> +</td></tr></table> + + +<h3><a id="p07o" name="p07o">VII. HYMNUS IEIUNANTIUM</a></h3> + +<table class="poem"><tr><td> +<p class="t">O Nazarene, lux Bethlem, verbum <a id="p07_1" name="p07_1" href="#f07_1">Patris,</a></p> +<p class="l">quem partus alvi virginalis protulit,</p> +<p class="l">adesto castis Christe parsimoniis,</p> +<p class="l"><a id="p07_4" name="p07_4">festumque</a> nostrum rex serenus adspice,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 5</em>ieiuniorum dum litamus victimam.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Nil hoc profecto purius mysterio,</p> +<p class="l">quo fibra cordis expiatur uvidi,</p> +<p class="l">intemperata quo domantur viscera,</p> +<p class="l">arvina putrem ne resudans crapulam</p> +<p class="l"><em> 10</em>obstrangulatae mentis ingenium premat.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Hinc subiugatur luxus et turpis gula,</p> +<p class="l">vini atque somni degener socordia,</p> +<p class="l">libido sordens, inverecundus lepos,</p> +<p class="l">variaeque pestes languidorum sensuum</p> +<p class="l"><em> 15</em>parcam subactae disciplinam sentiunt.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><a id="p07_16" name="p07_16">Nam</a> si licenter diffluens potu et cibo</p> +<p class="l">ieiuna rite membra non coerceas,</p> +<p class="l">sequitur frequenti marcida oblectamine</p> +<p class="l">scintilla mentis ut tepescat nobilis,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 20</em>animusque pigris stertat in praecordiis.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Frenentur ergo corporum cupidines,</p> +<p class="l">detersa et intus emicet prudentia:</p> +<p class="l">sic excitato perspicax acumine</p> +<p class="l">liberque flatu laxiore spiritus</p> +<p class="l"><em> 25</em>rerum parentem rectius precabitur.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Elia tali crevit observantia,</p> +<p class="l">vetus sacerdos, ruris hospes <a id="p07_27" name="p07_27" href="#f07_27">aridi:</a></p> +<p class="l">fragore ab omni quem remotum et segregem</p> +<p class="l">sprevisse tradunt criminum frequentiam,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 30</em>casto fruentem syrtium silentio.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sed mox in auras igneis iugalibus</p> +<p class="l">curruque raptus evolavit praepete,</p> +<p class="l">ne de propinquo sordium contagio</p> +<p class="l">dirus quietum mundus adflaret virum,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 35</em>olim probatis inclitum ieiuniis.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Non ante caeli principem septemplicis</p> +<p class="l">Moyses tremendi fidus interpres throni</p> +<p class="l">potuit videre, quam decem recursibus</p> +<p class="l">quater volutis sol peragrans sidera</p> +<p class="l"><em> 40</em>omni carentem cerneret substantia.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Victus precanti solus in lacrimis fuit:</p> +<p class="l">nam flendo pernox inrigatum pulverem</p> +<p class="l">humi madentis ore pressit cernuo,</p> +<p class="l">donec loquentis voce praestrictus Dei</p> +<p class="l"><em> 45</em>expavit ignem non ferendum visibus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Ioannis huius artis hand minus potens,</p> +<p class="l">Dei perennis praecucurrit filium,</p> +<p class="l">curvos viarum qui retorsit tramites</p> +<p class="l">et flexuosa conrigens dispendia</p> +<p class="l"><em> 50</em>dedit sequendam calle recto lineam.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Hanc obsequelam praeparabat nuntius</p> +<p class="l">mox adfuturo construens iter Deo,</p> +<p class="l">clivosa planis, confragosa ut lenibus</p> +<p class="l">converterentur, neve quidquam devium</p> +<p class="l"><em> 55</em>inlapsa terris inveniret veritas.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Non usitatis ortus his natalibus</p> +<p class="l">oblita lactis iam vieto in pectore</p> +<p class="l">matris tetendit serus infans ubera:</p> +<p class="l">nec ante partu de senili effusus est,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 60</em>quam praedicaret virginem plenam Deo.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Post in patentes ille solitudines</p> +<p class="l">amictus hirtis bestiarum pellibus</p> +<p class="l">setisve tectus hispida et lanugine</p> +<p class="l">secessit, horrens inquinari et pollui</p> +<p class="l"><em> 65</em>contaminatis oppidorum moribus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Illic dicata parcus abstinentia</p> +<p class="l">potum cibumque vir severae industriae</p> +<p class="l">in usque serum respuebat vesperum,</p> +<p class="l">parvum locustis et favorum <a id="p07_69" name="p07_69" href="#f07_69">agrestium</a></p> +<p class="l"><em> 70</em>liquore pastum corpori suetus dare.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Hortator ille primus et doctor novae</p> +<p class="l">fuit salutis, nam sacrato in flumine</p> +<p class="l"><a id="p07_73" name="p07_73">veterum</a> piatas lavit errorum notas:</p> +<p class="l">sed tincta postquam membra defaecaverat,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 75</em>caelo refulgens influebat spiritus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Hoc ex lavacro labe dempta <a id="p07_76" name="p07_76" href="#f07_76">criminum</a></p> +<p class="l">ibant renati non secus, quam si rudis</p> +<p class="l">auri recocta vena pulchrum splendeat,</p> +<p class="l">micet metalli sive lux argentei,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 80</em>sudum polito praenitens purgamine.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Referre prisci stemma mine ieiunii</p> +<p class="l">libet fideli proditum volumine,</p> +<p class="l">ut diruendae civitatis incolis</p> +<p class="l">fulmen benigni mansuefactum Patris</p> +<p class="l"><em> 85</em>pie repressis ignibus pepercerit.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Gens insolenti praepotens iactantia</p> +<p class="l">pollebat olim, quam fluentem nequiter</p> +<p class="l">conrupta vulgo solverat lascivia,</p> +<p class="l">et inde bruto contumax fastidio</p> +<p class="l"><em> 90</em>cultum superni negligebat numinis.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Offensa tandem iugis indulgentiae</p> +<p class="l">censura iustis excitatur motibus,</p> +<p class="l">dextram perarmat rhompheali incendio</p> +<p class="l">nimbos crepantes et fragosos turbines</p> +<p class="l"><em> 95</em>vibrans tonantum nube flammarum quatit.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sed paenitendi dum datur diecula,</p> +<p class="l">si forte vellent inprobam libidinem</p> +<p class="l">veteresque nugas condomare ac frangere,</p> +<p class="l">suspendit ictum terror exorabilis</p> +<p class="l"><em> 100</em>paullumque dicta substitit <a id="p07_100" name="p07_100" href="#f07_100">sententia.</a></p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Ionam prophetam mitis ultor excitat,</p> +<p class="l">paenae inminentis iret ut praenuntius,</p> +<p class="l">sed nosset ille qui minacem iudicem</p> +<p class="l">servare malle, quam ferire ac plectere,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 105</em>tectam latenter vertit in Tharsos fugam.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Celsam paratis pontibus scandit ratem,</p> +<p class="l">udo revincta fune puppis solvitur,</p> +<p class="l">itur per altum, fit procellosum mare:</p> +<p class="l">tum causa tanti quaeritur periculi,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 110</em>sors in fugacem missa vatem decidit.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Iussus perire solus e cunctis reus,</p> +<p class="l">cuius voluta crimen urna expresserat,</p> +<p class="l">praeceps rotatur et profundo inmergitur:</p> +<p class="l">exceptus inde beluinis faucibus</p> +<p class="l"><em> 115</em>alvi capacis vivus hauritur <a id="p07_115" name="p07_115" href="#f07_115">specu.</a></p> +<p> * * + * * *</p> +<p class="t">Intactus exin tertiae noctis vice</p> +<p class="l">monstri vomentis pellitur singultibus,</p> +<p class="l">qua murmuranti fine fluctus frangitur,</p> +<p class="l">salsosque candens spuma tundit pumices,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 130</em>ructatus exit seque servatum stupet.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">In Ninivitas se coactus percito</p> +<p class="l">gressu reflectit, quos ut increpaverat</p> +<p class="l">pudenda censor inputans opprobria;</p> +<p class="l">Inpendet, inquit, ira summi vindicis,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 135</em>urbemque flamma mox cremabit, credite.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Apicem deinceps ardui montis petit</p> +<p class="l">visurus inde conglobatum turbidae</p> +<p class="l">fumum ruinae cladis et dirae struem,</p> +<p class="l">tectus flagellis multinodis germinis,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 140</em>nato et repente perfruens umbraculo.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sed maesta postquam civitas vulnus novi</p> +<p class="l">hausit doloris, heu supremum palpitat:</p> +<p class="l">cursant per ampla congregatim moenia</p> +<p class="l">plebs et senatus, omnis aetas civium,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 145</em>pallens iuventus, eiulantes feminae.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Placet frementem publicis ieiuniis</p> +<p class="l">placare Christum, mos edendi spernitur,</p> +<p class="l">glaucos amictus induit monilibus</p> +<p class="l">matrona demptis, proque gemma et serico</p> +<p class="l"><em> 150</em>crinem fluentem sordidus spargit cinis.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Squalent recincta veste bullati patres,</p> +<p class="l">setasque plangens turba sumit textiles,</p> +<p class="l">inpexa villis virgo bestialibus</p> +<p class="l">nigrante vultum contegit velamine,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 155</em>iacens arenis et puer provolvitur.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Rex ipse Coos aestuantem murices</p> +<p class="l">laenam revulsa dissipabat fibula,</p> +<p class="l">gemmas virentes et lapillos sutiles,</p> +<p class="l">insigne frontis exuebat vinculum</p> +<p class="l"><em> 160</em>turpi capillos inpeditus pulvere.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Nullus bibendi, nemo vescendi memor,</p> +<p class="l">ieiuna mensas pubis omnis liquerat,</p> +<p class="l">quin et negato lacte vagientium</p> +<p class="l">fletu madescunt parvulorum cunulae,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 165</em>sucum papillae parca nutrix derogat.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Greges et ipsos claudit armentalium</p> +<p class="l">sollers virorum cura, ne vagum pecus</p> +<p class="l">contingat ore rorulenta gramina,</p> +<p class="l">potum strepentis neve fontis hauriant,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 170</em>vacuis querelae personant praesepibus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Mollitus his et talibus brevem Deus</p> +<p class="l">iram refrenat temperans oraculum</p> +<p class="l">prosper sinistrum, prona nam clementia</p> +<p class="l">haud difficulter supplicem mortalium</p> +<p class="l"><em> 175</em>solvit reatum fitque fautrix flentium.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sed cur vetustae gentis exemplum oquor?</p> +<p class="l">pridem caducis cum gravatus artubus</p> +<p class="l">Iesus dicato corde ieiunaverit,</p> +<p class="l">praenuncupatus ore qui prophetico</p> +<p class="l"><em> 180</em>Emanuel est, sive NOBISCUM DEUS.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Qui corpus istud molle naturaliter</p> +<p class="l">captumque laxo sub voluptatum iugo</p> +<p class="l">virtutis arta lege fecit liberum:</p> +<p class="l">emancipator servientis plasmatis</p> +<p class="l"><em> 185</em>regnantis ante victor et cupidinis.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Inhospitali namque secretus loco</p> +<p class="l">quinis diebus octies labentibus</p> +<p class="l">nullam ciborum vindicavit gratiam,</p> +<p class="l">firmans salubri scilicet ieiunio</p> +<p class="l"><em> 190</em>vas adpetendis inbecillum gaudiis.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Miratus hostis posse limum tabidum</p> +<p class="l">tantum laboris sustinere ac perpeti,</p> +<p class="l">explorat arte sciscitator callida,</p> +<p class="l">Deusne membris sit receptus <a id="p07_194" name="p07_194" href="#f07_194">terreis,</a></p> +<p class="l"><em> 195</em>sed increpata fraude post tergum ruit.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Hoc nos sequamur quisque nunc pro viribus,</p> +<p class="l">quod consecrati tu magister dogmatis</p> +<p class="l">tuis dedisti Christe sectatoribus,</p> +<p class="l">ut, cum vorandi vicerit libidinem,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 200</em>late triumphet inperator spiritus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Hoc est, quod atri livor hostis invidet,</p> +<p class="l">mundi polique quod gubernator probat,</p> +<p class="l">altaris aram quod facit placabilem,</p> +<p class="l">quod dormientis excitat cordis fidem,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 205</em>quod limat aegram pectoris rubiginem.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Perfusa non sic amne flamma extinguitur,</p> +<p class="l">nec sic calente sole tabescunt nives,</p> +<p class="l">ut turbidarum scabra culparum seges</p> +<p class="l">vanescit almo trita sub ieiunio,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 210</em>si blanda semper misceatur largitas.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Est quippe et illud grande virtutis genus</p> +<p class="l">operire nudos, indigentes pascere,</p> +<p class="l">opem benignam ferre supplicantibus,</p> +<p class="l">unam paremque sortis humanae vicem</p> +<p class="l"><em> 215</em>inter potentes atque egenos ducere.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Satis beatus quisque dextram porrigit,</p> +<p class="l">laudis rapacem, prodigam pecuniae,</p> +<p class="l">cuius sinistra dulce factum nesciat:</p> +<p class="l">illum perennes protinus conplent opes,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 220</em>ditatque fructus faenerantem centuplex.</p> +</td></tr></table> + + +<h3><a id="p07t" name="p07t">VII. HYMN FOR THOSE WHO FAST</a></h3> + +<table class="poem"><tr><td> +<p class="l">O Jesus, Light of Bethlehem,</p> +<p class="t">True Son of God, Incarnate Word;</p> +<p class="l">Thou offspring of a Virgin's womb,</p> +<p class="t">Be present at our frugal board;</p> +<p class="l">Accept our fast, our sacrifice,</p> +<p class="t">And smile upon us, gracious Lord.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">For by this holiest mystery</p> +<p class="t">The inward parts are cleansed from stain,</p> +<p class="l">And, taming all the unbridled lusts,</p> +<p class="t">Our sinful flesh we thus restrain,</p> +<p class="l">Lest gluttony and drunkenness</p> +<p class="t">Should choke the soul and cloud the brain.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Hence appetite and luxury</p> +<p class="t">Are forced their empire to resign;</p> +<p class="l">The wanton sport, the jest obscene,</p> +<p class="t">The ignoble sway of sleep and wine,</p> +<p class="l">And all the plagues of languid sense</p> +<p class="t">Feel the strict bonds of discipline.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">For if, full fed with meat and drink,</p> +<p class="t">The flesh thou ne'er dost mortify,</p> +<p class="l">The mind, that spark of sacred flame,</p> +<p class="t">By pleasure dulled, must fail and die,</p> +<p class="l">And pent in its gross prison-house</p> +<p class="t">The soul in shameful torpor lie.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">So be thy carnal lusts controlled,</p> +<p class="t">So be thy judgment clear and bright;</p> +<p class="l">Then shall thy spirit, swift and free,</p> +<p class="t">Be gifted with a keener sight,</p> +<p class="l">And breathing in an ampler air</p> +<p class="t">To the All-Father pray aright.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Elias by such abstinence,</p> +<p class="t">Seer of the desert, grew in grace,</p> +<p class="l">Who left the madding haunts of men</p> +<p class="t">And found a peaceful resting-place,</p> +<p class="l">Where, far from sinful crowds, he trod</p> +<p class="t">The pure and silent wilderness.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Till by those fiery coursers drawn</p> +<p class="t">The swift car bore him through the air,</p> +<p class="l">Lest earth's defiling touch should mar</p> +<p class="t">The holiness it might not share,</p> +<p class="l">Or some polluting breath disturb</p> +<p class="t">The peace attained by fast and prayer.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Moses, through whom from His dread throne</p> +<p class="t">The will of God to man was told,</p> +<p class="l">No food might touch till through the sky</p> +<p class="t">The sun full forty times had rolled,</p> +<p class="l">Ere God before him stood revealed,</p> +<p class="t">Lord of the heavens sevenfold.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Tears were his meat, while bent in prayer</p> +<p class="t">Through the long night he bowed his head</p> +<p class="l">E'en to the thirsty dust, that drank</p> +<p class="t">The drops in bitter weeping shed;</p> +<p class="l">Till, at God's call, he saw the flame</p> +<p class="t">No eye may bear, and was afraid.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">The Baptist, too, was strong in fast--</p> +<p class="t">Forerunner in a later day</p> +<p class="l">Of God's Eternal Son--who made</p> +<p class="t">The byepaths plain, the crooked way</p> +<p class="l">A road direct, wherein His feet</p> +<p class="t">Might travel on without delay.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">This was the messenger's great task</p> +<p class="t">Who for God's advent zealously</p> +<p class="l">Prepared the way, the rough made smooth,</p> +<p class="t">The mountain levelled to the sea;</p> +<p class="l">That, when Truth came from heaven to earth,</p> +<p class="t">All fair and straight His path should be.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">He was not born in common wise,</p> +<p class="t">For dry and wrinkled was the breast</p> +<p class="l">Of her that bare him late in years,</p> +<p class="t">Nor found she from her labour rest,</p> +<p class="l">Till she had hailed with lips inspired</p> +<p class="t">The Maid with unborn Godhead blest.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">For him the hairy skins of beasts</p> +<p class="t">Furnished a raiment rude and wild,</p> +<p class="l">As forth into the lonely waste</p> +<p class="t">He fared, an unbefriended child,</p> +<p class="l">Who dwelt apart, lest he should be</p> +<p class="t">By evil city-life defiled.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">There, vowed to abstinence, he grew</p> +<p class="t">To manhood, and with stern disdain</p> +<p class="l">He turned from meat and drink, until</p> +<p class="t">He saw night's shadow fall again;</p> +<p class="l">And locusts and the wild bees' store</p> +<p class="t">Sufficed his vigour to sustain.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">The first was he to testify</p> +<p class="t">Of that new life which man might win;</p> +<p class="l">In Jordan's consecrating stream</p> +<p class="t">He purged the stains of ancient sin,</p> +<p class="l">And, as he made the body clean,</p> +<p class="t">The radiant Spirit entered in.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Forth from the holy tide they came</p> +<p class="t">Reborn, from guilt's pollution free,</p> +<p class="l">As bright from out the cleansing fire</p> +<p class="t">Flows the rough gold, or as we see</p> +<p class="l">The glittering silver, purged of dross,</p> +<p class="t">Flash into polished purity.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Now let us tell, from Holy Writ,</p> +<p class="t">Of olden fasts the fairest crown;</p> +<p class="l">How God in pity stayed His hand,</p> +<p class="t">And spared a doomed and guilty town,</p> +<p class="l">In clemency the flames withheld</p> +<p class="t">And laid His vengeful lightnings down.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">A mighty race of ancient time</p> +<p class="t">Waxed arrogant in boastful pride;</p> +<p class="l">Debauched were they, and borne along</p> +<p class="t">On foul corruption's loathsome tide,</p> +<p class="l">Till in their stiff-necked self-conceit</p> +<p class="t">They e'en the God of Heaven denied.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">At last Eternal Mercy turns</p> +<p class="t">To righteous judgment, swift and dire;</p> +<p class="l">He shakes the clouds; the mighty sword</p> +<p class="t">Flames in His hand, and in His ire</p> +<p class="l">He wields the roaring hurricane</p> +<p class="t">'Mid murky gloom and flashing fire.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Yet in His clemency He grants</p> +<p class="t">To penitence a brief delay,</p> +<p class="l">That they might burst the bonds of lust</p> +<p class="t">And put their vanities away;</p> +<p class="l">His sentence given, He waits awhile</p> +<p class="t">And stays the hand upraised to slay.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">To warn them of the wrath to come</p> +<p class="t">The Avenger in His mercy sent</p> +<p class="l">Jonah the seer; but,--though he knew</p> +<p class="t">The threatening Judge would fain relent</p> +<p class="l">Nor wished to strike,--towards Tarshish town</p> +<p class="t">The prophet's furtive course was bent.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">As up the galley's side he climbed,</p> +<p class="t">They loosed the dripping rope, and passed</p> +<p class="l">The harbour bar: then on them burst</p> +<p class="t">The sudden fury of the blast;</p> +<p class="l">And when their peril's cause they sought,</p> +<p class="t">The lot was on the recreant cast.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">The man whose guilt the urn declares</p> +<p class="t">Alone must die, the rest to save;</p> +<p class="l">Hurled headlong from the deck, he falls</p> +<p class="t">And sinks beneath the engulfing wave,</p> +<p class="l">Then, seized by monstrous jaws, is plunged</p> +<p class="t">Into a vast and living grave.</p> +<p> * * + * * *</p> +<p class="l">At last the monster hurls him forth,</p> +<p class="t">As the third night had rolled away;</p> +<p class="l">Before its roar the billows break</p> +<p class="t">And lash the cliffs with briny spray;</p> +<p class="l">Unhurt the wondering prophet stands</p> +<p class="t">And hails the unexpected day.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Thus turned again to duty's path</p> +<p class="t">To Nineveh he swiftly came,</p> +<p class="l">Their lusts rebuked and boldly preached</p> +<p class="t">God's judgment on their sin and shame;</p> +<p class="l">"Believe!" he cried, "the Judge draws nigh</p> +<p class="t">Whose wrath shall wrap your streets in flame."</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Thence to the lofty mount withdrew,</p> +<p class="t">Where he might watch the smoke-cloud lower</p> +<p class="l">O'er blasted homes and ruined halls,</p> +<p class="t">And rest beneath the shady bower</p> +<p class="l">Upspringing in swift luxury</p> +<p class="t">Of twining tendril, leaf and flower.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">But when the guilty burghers heard</p> +<p class="t">The impending doom, a dull despair</p> +<p class="l">Possessed their souls; proud senators,</p> +<p class="t">Poor craftsmen, throng the highways fair;</p> +<p class="l">Pale youth with tottering age unites,</p> +<p class="t">And women's wailing rends the air.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">A public fast they now decree,</p> +<p class="t">If they may thus Christ's anger stay:</p> +<p class="l">No food they touch: each haughty dame</p> +<p class="t">Puts silken robes and gems away,</p> +<p class="l">In sable garbed, and ashes casts</p> +<p class="t">Upon her tresses' disarray.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">In dark and squalid vesture clad</p> +<p class="t">The Fathers go: the mourning crowd</p> +<p class="l">Dons rough attire: in shaggy skins</p> +<p class="t">Enwrapped, fair maids their faces shroud</p> +<p class="l">With dusky veils, and boyish heads</p> +<p class="t">E'en to the very dust are bowed.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">The King tears off his jewelled brooch</p> +<p class="t">And rends the robe of Coan hue;</p> +<p class="l">Bright emeralds and lustrous pearls</p> +<p class="t">Are flung aside, and ashes strew</p> +<p class="l">The royal head, discrowned and bent,</p> +<p class="t">As low he kneels God's grace to sue.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">None thought to drink, none thought to eat;</p> +<p class="t">All from the table turned aside,</p> +<p class="l">And in their cradles wet with tears</p> +<p class="t">Starved babes in bitter anguish cried,</p> +<p class="l">For e'en the foster-mother stern</p> +<p class="t">To little lips the breast denied.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">The very flocks are closely penned</p> +<p class="t">By careful hands, lest they should gain</p> +<p class="l">Sweet water from the babbling stream</p> +<p class="t">Or wandering crop the dewy plain;</p> +<p class="l">And bleating sheep and lowing kine</p> +<p class="t">Within their barren stalls complain.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Moved by such penitence, full soon</p> +<p class="t">God's grace repealed the stern decree</p> +<p class="l">And curbed His righteous wrath; for aye,</p> +<p class="t">When man repents, His clemency</p> +<p class="l">Is swift to pardon and to hear</p> +<p class="t">His children weeping bitterly.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Yet wherefore of that bygone race</p> +<p class="t">Should we anew the story tell?</p> +<p class="l">For Christ's pure soul by fasting long</p> +<p class="t">The clogging bonds of flesh did quell;</p> +<p class="l">He Whom the prophet's voice foretold</p> +<p class="t">As GOD WITH US, Emmanuel.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Man's body--frail by nature's law</p> +<p class="t">And bound by pleasure's easy chain--</p> +<p class="l">He freed by virtue's strong restraint,</p> +<p class="t">And gave it liberty again:</p> +<p class="l">He broke the bonds of flesh, and Lust</p> +<p class="t">Was driven from his old domain.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Deep in the inhospitable wild</p> +<p class="t">For forty days He dwelt alone</p> +<p class="l">Nor tasted food, till, thus prepared,</p> +<p class="t">All human weakness overthrown</p> +<p class="l">By fasting's power, His mortal frame</p> +<p class="t">Rejoiced the spirit's sway to own.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">The Adversary, marvelling</p> +<p class="t">To see this creature of a day</p> +<p class="l">Endure such toil, spent all his guile</p> +<p class="t">To learn if God in human clay</p> +<p class="l">Had come indeed; but soon rebuked</p> +<p class="t">Behind His back fled shamed away.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Therefore let each with all his might</p> +<p class="t">Follow the way the Master taught,</p> +<p class="l">The law of consecrated life</p> +<p class="t">Which Christ unto His servants brought;</p> +<p class="l">Till, with the lusts of flesh subdued,</p> +<p class="t">The spirit reigns o'er act and thought.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">'Tis this our jealous foe abhors,</p> +<p class="t">'Tis this the Lord of earth and sky</p> +<p class="l">Approves; by this the soul is made</p> +<p class="t">Thy holy altar, God Most High:</p> +<p class="l">Faith stirs within the slumbering heart</p> +<p class="t">And sin's corroding power must fly.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Swifter than water quenches fire,</p> +<p class="t">Swifter than sunshine melts the snow,</p> +<p class="l">Crushed out by soul-restoring fast</p> +<p class="t">Vanish the sins that rankly grow,</p> +<p class="l">If hand in hand with Abstinence</p> +<p class="t">Sweet Charity doth ever go.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">This too is Virtue's noble task,</p> +<p class="t">To clothe the naked, and to feed</p> +<p class="l">The destitute, with kindly care</p> +<p class="t">To visit sufferers in their need;</p> +<p class="l">For king and beggar each must bear</p> +<p class="t">The lot by changeless Fate decreed.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Happy the man whose good right hand</p> +<p class="t">Seeks but God's praise, and flings his gold</p> +<p class="l">Broadcast, nor lets his left hand know</p> +<p class="t">The gracious deed; for wealth untold</p> +<p class="l">Shall crown him through eternal years</p> +<p class="t">With usury an hundredfold.</p> +</td></tr></table> + + +<h3><a id="p08o" name="p08o">VIII. HYMNUS POST IEIUNIUM</a></h3> + +<table class="poem"><tr><td> +<p class="l">Christe servorum regimen tuorum,</p> +<p class="l">mollibus qui nos moderans habenis</p> +<p class="l">leniter frenas facilique septos</p> +<p class="t5">lege coerces:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l"><em> 5</em>ipse cum portans onus inpeditum</p> +<p class="l">corporis duros tuleris labores,</p> +<p class="l">maior exemplis famulos remisso</p> +<p class="t5">dogmate palpas.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Nona submissum rotat hora <a id="p08_9" name="p08_9" href="#f08_9">solem</a></p> +<p class="l"><em> 10</em>partibus vixdum tribus evolutis,</p> +<p class="l">quarta devexo superest in axe</p> +<p class="t5">portio lucis.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Nos brevis voti dape vindicata</p> +<p class="l">solvimus festum fruimurque <a id="p08_14" name="p08_14" href="#f08_14">mensis</a></p> +<p class="l"><em> 15</em>adfatim plenis, quibus inbuatur</p> +<p class="t5">prona voluptas.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Tantus aeterni favor est magistri,</p> +<p class="l">doctor indulgens ita nos amico</p> +<p class="l">lactat hortatu, levis obsequela ut</p> +<p class="t5"><em> 20</em>mulceat artus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Addit et, ne quis velit invenusto</p> +<p class="l">sordidus cultu lacerare frontem,</p> +<p class="l">sed decus vultus capitisque pexum</p> +<p class="t5">comat honorem.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l"><em> 25</em>Terge ieiunans, ait, omne corpus,</p> +<p class="l">neve subducto faciem rubore</p> +<p class="l">luteus tinguat color aut notetur</p> +<p class="t5">pallor in ore.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Rectius laeto tegimus pudore,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 30</em>quidquid ad cultum Patris exhibemus:</p> +<p class="l">cernit occultum Deus et latentem</p> +<p class="t5">munere donat.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Ille ovem morbo residem <a id="p08_33" name="p08_33" href="#f08_33">gregique</a></p> +<p class="l">perditam sano male dissipantem</p> +<p class="l"><em> 35</em>vellus adfixis vepribus per hirtae</p> +<p class="t5">devia silvae.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Inpiger pastor revocat lupisque</p> +<p class="l">gestat exclusis humeros gravatus,</p> +<p class="l">inde purgatam revehens aprico</p> +<p class="t5"><em> 40</em>reddit ovili:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Reddit et pratis viridique campo,</p> +<p class="l">vibrat inpexis ubi nulla lappis</p> +<p class="l">spina, nec germen sudibus perarmat</p> +<p class="t5">carduus horrens:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l"><em> 45</em>Sed frequens palmis nemus et reflexa</p> +<p class="l">vernat herbarum coma, tum perennis</p> +<p class="l">gurgitem vivis vitreum fluentis</p> +<p class="t5">laurus obumbrat.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Hisce pro donis tibi, fide pastor,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 50</em>servitus quaenam poterit rependi?</p> +<p class="l">nulla conpensant pretium salutis</p> +<p class="t5">vota precantum.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Quamlibet spreto sine more pastu</p> +<p class="l">sponte confectos tenuemus artus,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 55</em>teque contemptis epulis rogemus</p> +<p class="t5">nocte dieque;</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Vincitur semper minor obsequentum</p> +<p class="l">cura, nec munus genitoris aequat,</p> +<p class="l">frangit et cratem luteam laboris</p> +<p class="t5"><em> 60</em>grandior usus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Ergo ne limum fragilem solutae</p> +<p class="l">deserant vires et aquosus albis</p> +<p class="l">humor in venis dominetur aegrum</p> +<p class="t5">corpus inervans,</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l"><em> 65</em>Laxus ac liber modus abstinendi</p> +<p class="l">ponitur cunctis, neque nos severus</p> +<p class="l">terror inpellit, sua quemque cogit</p> +<p class="t5">velle potestas.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Sufficit, quidquid facias, vocato</p> +<p class="l"><em> 70</em>numinis nutu prius, inchoare,</p> +<p class="l">sive tu mensam renuas cibumve</p> +<p class="t5">sumere temptes.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Adnuit dexter Deus et secundo</p> +<p class="l">prosperat vultu, velut hoc salubre</p> +<p class="l"><em> 75</em>fidimus nobis fore, quod dicatas</p> +<p class="t5">carpimus escas.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Sit bonum, supplex precor et medelam</p> +<p class="l">conferat membris, animumque pascat</p> +<p class="l">sparsus in venas cibus obsecrantum</p> +<p class="t5"><em> 80</em>christicolarum.</p> +</td></tr></table> + + +<h3><a id="p08t" name="p08t">VIII. HYMN AFTER FASTING</a></h3> + +<table class="poem"><tr><td> +<p class="l">O Christ, of all Thy servants Guide,</p> +<p class="t">Mild is the yoke Thou mak'st us bear,</p> +<p class="l">Leading us gently by Thy side</p> +<p class="t3">With gracious care.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Thy love took up our life's hard load</p> +<p class="t">And spent in grievous toils its might:</p> +<p class="l">Thy bond-slaves tread the easier road</p> +<p class="t3">Led by Thy light.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Nine hours have run their course away,</p> +<p class="t">The sun sped three parts of its race:</p> +<p class="l">And what remains of the short day</p> +<p class="t3">Fadeth apace.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">The holy fast hath reached its end;</p> +<p class="t">Our table now Thou loadest, Lord:</p> +<p class="l">With all Thy gifts true gladness send</p> +<p class="t3">To grace our board.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Such is our Master's gentle sway,</p> +<p class="t">So kind the teaching in His school,</p> +<p class="l">That all find rest who will obey</p> +<p class="t3">His easy rule.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Thou would'st not have us scorn the grace</p> +<p class="t">Of cleanliness and vesture fair:</p> +<p class="l">Thou lovest not a soilèd face</p> +<p class="t3">And unkempt hair.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Let him that fasts, Thou saidst, be clean,</p> +<p class="t">Nor lose health's fair and ruddy glow:</p> +<p class="l">Let no wan sallowness be seen</p> +<p class="t3">Upon his brow.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">'Tis better in glad modesty</p> +<p class="t">Of our good works to shun display:</p> +<p class="l">God sees what 'scapes our neighbour's eye</p> +<p class="t3">And will repay.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">That Shepherd keen seeks one lost sheep</p> +<p class="t">Sickly and weak, strayed from the fold,</p> +<p class="l">Fleece torn with briers of thickets deep,</p> +<p class="t3">Foolishly bold.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">He drives the wolves far from the track:</p> +<p class="t">And found He brings on shoulders borne</p> +<p class="l">To sunlit pen the wanderer back,</p> +<p class="t3">No more forlorn:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Yea, to the meads and grassy fields</p> +<p class="t">The lamb restores, where no thorn balks,</p> +<p class="l">No rough burrs tear, no thistle yields</p> +<p class="t3">Its bristling stalks:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">But leaves of green herbs brightly glance</p> +<p class="t">And in the grove the palm-trees dream,</p> +<p class="l">And laurels shade the eddying dance</p> +<p class="t3">Of crystal stream.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">For all these gifts, O Shepherd dear,</p> +<p class="t">What service can I render Thee?</p> +<p class="l">No grateful vows my debt shall clear</p> +<p class="t3">For love so free.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Though by self-chosen fasts severe</p> +<p class="t">Our strength of limb we waste away:</p> +<p class="l">Though, spurning food, we Thee revere</p> +<p class="t">By night and day:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Yet our works never can o'ertake</p> +<p class="t">Thy love or with Thy gifts compare:</p> +<p class="l">Our toils this earthen vessel break,</p> +<p class="t3">The more we dare.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Therefore lest failing powers consume</p> +<p class="t">Our fragile life and shrivelled veins</p> +<p class="l">Pale 'neath the tyranny of rheum</p> +<p class="t3">And weakening pains:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Thou dost not rule perpetual Lent</p> +<p class="t">For man, nor modest fare deny:</p> +<p class="l">Fearless may each unto his bent</p> +<p class="t3">His wants supply.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Enough that all our acts by prayer</p> +<p class="t">Be sanctified unto Thy will,</p> +<p class="l">Whether we fast, or with due care</p> +<p class="t3">Our needs fulfil.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Then shall God bless us for our good</p> +<p class="t">And lead us to our soul's true wealth;</p> +<p class="l">For, if but consecrated, food</p> +<p class="t3">Shall bring us health.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">O Lord, grant that our feast may spread</p> +<p class="t">Marrow and strength throughout our flesh:</p> +<p class="l">And may all Christly souls be fed</p> +<p class="t3">With vigour fresh.</p> +</td></tr></table> + + +<h3><a id="p09o" name="p09o">IX. HYMNUS OMNIS HORAE</a></h3> + +<table class="poem"><tr><td> +<p class="t">Da puer plectrum, choreis ut canam <a id="p09_1" name="p09_1" href="#f09_1">fidelibus</a></p> +<p class="l">dulce carmen et melodum, gesta Christi insignia:</p> +<p class="l">hunc camena nostra solum pangat, hunc laudet lyra.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><a id="p09_4" name="p09_4">Christus</a> est, quem rex sacerdos adfuturum protinus</p> +<p class="l"><em> 5</em>infulatus concinebat voce, chorda et tympano,</p> +<p class="l">spiritum caelo influentem per medullas hauriens.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Facta nos et iam probata pangimus miracula,</p> +<p class="l">testis orbis est, nec ipsa terra, quod vidit, negat,</p> +<p class="l">cominus Deum docendis proditum mortalibus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 10</em>Corde natus ex parentis, ante mundi exordium</p> +<p class="l">alpha et Ω cognominatus, ipse fons et <a id="p09_11" name="p09_11" href="#f09_11">clausula</a></p> +<p class="l">omnium, quae sunt, fuerunt quaeque post futura sunt.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Ipse iussit et creata, dixit ipse, et facta sunt</p> +<p class="l">terra, caelum, fossa ponti, trina rerum machina,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 15</em>quaeque in his vigent sub alto solis et lunae globo.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Corporis formam caduci, membra morti obnoxia</p> +<p class="l">induit, ne gens periret primoplasti ex germine,</p> +<p class="l">merserat quam lex profundo noxialis tartaro.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">O beatus ortus ille, virgo cum puerpera</p> +<p class="l"><em> 20</em>edidit nostram salutem feta sancto spiritu,</p> +<p class="l">et puer redemptor orbis os sacratum protulit.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><a id="p09_22" name="p09_22">Psallat</a> altitudo caeli, psallite omnes angeli,</p> +<p class="l">quidquid est virtutis usquam psallat in laudem Dei:</p> +<p class="l">nulla linguarum silescat, vox et omnis consonet.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 25</em>Ecce quem vates vetustis concinebant seculis,</p> +<p class="l">quem prophetarum fideles paginae spoponderant,</p> +<p class="l">emicat promissus olim: cuncta conlaudent eum.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Cantharis infusa lympha fit Falernum nobile,</p> +<p class="l">nuntiat vinum minister esse promptum ex hydria,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 30</em>ipse rex sapore tinctis obstupescit poculis.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Membra morbis ulcerosa, viscerum putredines</p> +<p class="l">mando, ut abluantur, inquit; fit ratum, quod iusserat,</p> +<p class="l">turgidam cutem repurgant vulnerum <a id="p09_33" name="p09_33" href="#f09_33">piamina.</a></p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Tu perennibus tenebris iam sepulta lumina</p> +<p class="l"><em> 35</em>inlinis limo salubri, sacri et oris nectare,</p> +<p class="l">mox apertis hac medela lux reducta est orbibus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Increpas ventum furentem, quod procellis tristibus</p> +<p class="l">vertat aequor fundo ab imo, vexet et vagam ratem:</p> +<p class="l">ille iussis obsecundat, mitis unda sternitur.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 40</em>Extimum vestis sacratae furtim mulier attigit,</p> +<p class="l">protinus salus secuta est, ora pallor deserit,</p> +<p class="l">sistitur rivus, cruore qui fluebat perpeti.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Exitu dulcis iuventae raptum ephebum viderat,</p> +<p class="l">orba quem mater supremis funerabat fletibus:</p> +<p class="l"><em> 45</em>surge, dixit: ille surgit, matri et adstans redditur.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sole iam quarto carentem, iam sepulcro absconditum</p> +<p class="l">Lazarum iubet vigere reddito spiramine:</p> +<p class="l">fetidum iecur reductus rursus intrat halitus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Ambulat per stagna ponti, summa calcat fluctuum,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 50</em>mobilis liquor profundi pendulam praestat viam,</p> +<p class="l">nec fatiscit unda sanctis pressa sub vestigiis.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Suetus antro bustuali sub catenis frendere,</p> +<p class="l">mentis inpos efferatis percitus furoribus</p> +<p class="l">prosilit ruitque supplex, Christum adesse ut senserat.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 55</em>Pulsa pestis lubricorum milleformis daemonum</p> +<p class="l">conripit gregis suilli sordida spurcamina,</p> +<p class="l">seque nigris mergit undis et pecus lymphaticum.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Quinque panibus peresis et gemellis piscibus</p> +<p class="l">adfatim refecta iam sunt adcubantum milia,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 60</em>fertque qualus ter quaternus ferculorum fragmina.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Tu cibus panisque noster, tu perennis suavitas;</p> +<p class="l">nescit esurire in aevum, qui tuam sumit dapem,</p> +<p class="l">nec lacunam ventris inplet, sed fovet vitalia.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Clausus aurium meatus et sonorum nescius</p> +<p class="l"><em> 65</em>purgat ad praecepta Christi crassa quaeque obstacula,</p> +<p class="l">vocibus capax fruendis ac susurris pervius.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Omnis aegritudo cedit, languor omnis pellitur,</p> +<p class="l">lingua fatur, quam veterna vinxerant silentia,</p> +<p class="l">gestat et suum per urbem laetus aeger lectulum.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 70</em>Quin et ipsum, ne salutis inferi expertes forent,</p> +<p class="l">tartarum benignus intrat, fracta cedit <a id="p09_71" name="p09_71" href="#f09_71">ianua,</a></p> +<p class="l">vectibus cadit revulsis cardo indissolubilis.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Illa prompta ad inruentes, ad revertentes tenax,</p> +<p class="l">obice extrorsum repulso porta reddit mortuos:</p> +<p class="l"><em> 75</em>lege versa et limen atrum iam recalcandum patet.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sed Deus dum luce fulva mortis antra inluminat,</p> +<p class="l">dum stupentibus tenebris candidum praestat diem,</p> +<p class="l">tristia squalentis aethrae palluerunt sidera.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sol refugit et lugubri sordidus ferrugine</p> +<p class="l"><em> 80</em>igneum reliquit axem seque maerens abdidit:</p> +<p class="l">fertur horruisse mundus noctis aeternae chaos.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Solve vocem mens sonoram, solve linguam mobilem,</p> +<p class="l">dic tropaeum passionis, dic triumphalem crucem,</p> +<p class="l">pange vexillum, notatis quod refulget frontibus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 85</em>O novum caede stupenda vulneris miraculum!</p> +<p class="l">hinc cruoris fluxit unda, lympha parte ex altera:</p> +<p class="l">lympha nempe dat lavacrum, tum corona ex sanguine est.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Vidit anguis inmolatam corporis sacri hostiam,</p> +<p class="l">vidit et fellis perusti mox venenum perdidit,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 90</em>saucius dolore multo colla fractus sibilat.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Quid tibi, profane serpens, profuit, rebus novis</p> +<p class="l">plasma primum perculisse versipelli hortamine?</p> +<p class="l">diluit culpam recepto forma mortalis Deo.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Ad brevem se mortis usum dux salutis dedidit,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 95</em>mortuos olim sepultos ut redire insuesceret,</p> +<p class="l">dissolutis pristinorum vinculis peccaminum.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Tunc patres sanctique multi conditorem praevium</p> +<p class="l">iam revertentem secuti tertio demum die</p> +<p class="l">carnis indumenta sumunt, eque bustis prodeunt.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 100</em>Cerneres coire membra de favillis aridis,</p> +<p class="l">frigidum venis resumptis pulverem tepescere,</p> +<p class="l">ossa, nervos, ac medullas glutino cutis tegi.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Post, ut occasum resolvit vitae et hominem reddidit,</p> +<p class="l">arduum tribunal victor adscendit Patris,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 105</em>inclitam caelo reportans passionis gloriam.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Macte index mortuorum, macte rex viventium,</p> +<p class="l">dexter in parentis arce qui cluis virtutibus</p> +<p class="l">omnium venturus inde iustus ultor criminum.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Te senes et te iuventus, parvulorum te chorus,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 110</em>turba matrum virginumque simplices puellulae,</p> +<p class="l">voce concordes pudicis perstrepant concentibus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Fluminum lapsus et undae, littorum crepidines,</p> +<p class="l">imber, aestus, nix, pruina, silva, et aura, nox, dies,</p> +<p class="l">omnibus te concelebrent seculorum seculis.</p> +</td></tr></table> + + +<h3><a id="p09t" name="p09t">IX. HYMN FOR ALL HOURS</a></h3> + +<table class="poem"><tr><td> +<p class="l">Let me chant in sacred numbers, as I strike each sounding string,</p> +<p class="t">Chant in sweet, melodious anthems, glorious deeds of Christ our King;</p> +<p class="l">He, my Muse, shall be thy story; with His praise my lyre shall ring.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">When the king in priestly raiment sang the Christ that was to be,</p> +<p class="t">Voice and lute and clashing cymbal joined in joyous harmony,</p> +<p class="l">While the Spirit, heaven-descended, touched his lips to prophecy.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Sing we now the works sure proven, wrought of God in mystic wise;</p> +<p class="t">Heaven is witness; earth confesses how she saw with wondering eyes</p> +<p class="l">God Himself with mortals mingling, man to teach in human guise.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Of the Father's heart begotten, ere the world from chaos rose,</p> +<p class="t">He is Alpha; from that Fountain all that is and hath been flows;</p> +<p class="l">He is Omega, of all things yet to come the mystic Close.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">By His word was all created; He commands and lo! 'tis done;</p> +<p class="t">Earth and sky and boundless ocean, universe of three in one,</p> +<p class="l">All that sees the moon's soft radiance, all that breathes beneath the sun.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">He assumed this mortal body, frail and feeble, doomed to die,</p> +<p class="t">That the race from dust created might not perish utterly,</p> +<p class="l">Which the dreadful Law had sentenced in the depths of Hell to lie.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">O how blest that wondrous birthday, when the Maid the curse retrieved,</p> +<p class="t">Brought to birth mankind's salvation, by the Holy Ghost conceived;</p> +<p class="l">And the sacred Babe, Redeemer of the world, her arms received.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Sing, ye heights of heaven, His praises; angels and archangels, sing!</p> +<p class="t">Wheresoe'er ye be, ye faithful, let your joyous anthems ring,</p> +<p class="l">Every tongue His name confessing, countless voices answering.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">This is He whom seer and sibyl sang in ages long gone by;</p> +<p class="t">This is He of old revealèd in the page of prophecy;</p> +<p class="l">Lo! He comes, the promised Saviour; let the world His praises cry!</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">In the urns the clear, cold water turns to juice of noblest vine,</p> +<p class="t">And the servant, drawing from them, starts to see the generous wine,</p> +<p class="l">While the host, its savour tasting, wonders at the draught divine.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">To the leper worn and wasted, white with many a loathsome sore,</p> +<p class="t">"Be thou cleansed," He said; "I bid it!" swift 'tis done, His words restore;</p> +<p class="l">To the priest the gift he offers, clean and healthful as of yore.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">On the eyes long sealed in darkness, buried in unbroken night,</p> +<p class="t">Thou didst spread Thy lips' sweet nectar, mixed with clay: then came the sight,</p> +<p class="l">As Thy gracious touch all-healing brought to those dark orbs the light.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Thou didst chide the raging tempest, when the waves with foaming crest</p> +<p class="t">Leaped about the fragile vessel, buffeted and sore distressed;</p> +<p class="l">Wind and wave, their fury stilling, sank to calm at Thy behest.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Once a woman's timid fingers touched Thy garment's lowest braid,</p> +<p class="t">And the pallor left her visage, healing power the touch conveyed,</p> +<p class="l">For the years of pain were ended and the flow of blood was stayed.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Thou didst see men bear to burial one struck down in youth's glad tide,</p> +<p class="t">While a widowed mother followed, wailing for her boy that died;</p> +<p class="l">"Rise!" Thou saidst, and led him gently to his weeping mother's side.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Lazarus, who lay in darkness till three nights had passed away,</p> +<p class="t">At Thy voice awoke to soundness, rising to the light of day,</p> +<p class="l">As the breath his frame re-entered touched already with decay.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">See, He walks upon the waters, treads the billow's rolling crest;</p> +<p class="t">O'er the shifting depths of ocean firm and sure His footsteps rest,</p> +<p class="l">And the wave parts not asunder where those holy feet are pressed.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">And the madman, chained and tortured by dark powers, from whom all fly,</p> +<p class="t">As the tombs, that were his dwelling, echo to his savage cry,</p> +<p class="l">Rushes forth and falls adoring, when he sees that Christ is nigh.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Then the legion of foul spirits, driven from their human prey,</p> +<p class="t">Seize the noisome swine, that feeding high upon the hillside stray,</p> +<p class="l">And the herd, in sudden frenzy, plunges in the waters grey.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">"Gather in twelve woven baskets all the fragments that remain:"</p> +<p class="t">He hath fed the weary thousands, resting o'er the grassy plain,</p> +<p class="l">And His power hath stayed their hunger with five loaves and fishes twain.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Thine, O Christ, is endless sweetness; Thou art our celestial Bread:</p> +<p class="t">Nevermore he knoweth hunger, who upon Thy grace hath fed,</p> +<p class="l">Grace whereby no mortal body but the soul is nourishèd.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">They that knew not speech nor language, closed to every sound their ears,</p> +<p class="t">To the Master's call responding break the barriers of years;</p> +<p class="l">Now the deaf holds joyous converse and the lightest whisper hears.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Sickness at His word departed, pain and pallid languor fled,</p> +<p class="t">Many a tongue, long chained in silence, words of praise and blessing said;</p> +<p class="l">And the palsied man rejoicing through the city bore his bed.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Yea, that they might know salvation who in Hades' prison were pent,</p> +<p class="t">In His mercy condescending through Hell's gloomy gates He went;</p> +<p class="l">Bolt and massy hinge were shattered, adamantine portals rent.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">For the door that all receiveth, but releaseth nevermore,</p> +<p class="t">Opens now and, slowly turning, doth the ghosts to light restore,</p> +<p class="l">Who, the eternal laws suspended, tread again its dusky floor.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">But, while God with golden glory floods the murky realms of night,</p> +<p class="t">And upon the startled shadows dawns a day serene and bright,</p> +<p class="l">In the darkened vault of heaven stars forlorn refuse their light.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">For the sun in garb of mourning veiled his radiant orb and passed</p> +<p class="t">From his flaming path in sorrow, hiding till mankind aghast</p> +<p class="l">Deemed that o'er a world of chaos Night's eternal pall was cast.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Now, my soul, in liquid measures let the sounding numbers flow;</p> +<p class="t">Sing the trophy of His passion, sing the Cross triumphant now;</p> +<p class="l">Sing the ensign of Christ's glory, marked on every faithful brow.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Ah! how wondrous was the fountain flowing from His piercèd side,</p> +<p class="t">Whence the blood and water mingled in a strange and sacred tide,--</p> +<p class="l">Water, sign of mystic cleansing; blood, the martyr's crown of pride.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">In that hour the ancient Serpent saw the holy Victim slain,</p> +<p class="t">Saw, and shed his hate envenomed, all his malice spent in vain;</p> +<p class="l">See! the hissing neck is broken as he writhes in sullen pain.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Aye, what boots it, cursèd Serpent, that the man God made from clay,</p> +<p class="t">Victim of thy baleful cunning, by thy lies was led astray?</p> +<p class="l">God hath ta'en a mortal body and hath washed the guilt away.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Christ, our Captain, for a season deigned to dwell in Death's domain,</p> +<p class="t">That the dead, long time imprisoned, might return to life again,</p> +<p class="l">Breaking by His great example ancient sins' enthralling chain.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Thus, upon the third glad morning, patriarchs and saints of yore,</p> +<p class="t">As the risen Lord ascended, followed Him who went before,</p> +<p class="l">From forgotten graves proceeding, habited in flesh once more.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Limb to limb unites and rises from the ashes dry and cold,</p> +<p class="t">And the life-blood courses warmly through the frames long turned to mould,</p> +<p class="l">Skin and flesh, anew created, muscle, bone and nerve enfold.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Then, mankind to life restoring, Death downtrodden 'neath His feet,</p> +<p class="t">Lo! the Victor mounts triumphant to the Father's judgment-seat,</p> +<p class="l">Bringing back to heaven the glory by His passion made complete.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Hail! Thou Judge of souls departed: hail! of all the living King!</p> +<p class="t">On the Father's right hand thronèd, through His courts Thy praises ring,</p> +<p class="l">Till at last for all offences righteous judgment Thou shalt bring.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Now let old and young uniting chant to Thee harmonious lays,</p> +<p class="t">Maid and matron hymn Thy glory, infant lips their anthem raise,</p> +<p class="l">Boys and girls together singing with pure heart their song of praise.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Let the storm and summer sunshine, gliding stream and sounding shore,</p> +<p class="t">Sea and forest, frost and zephyr, day and night their Lord adore;</p> +<p class="l">Let creation join to laud Thee through the ages evermore.</p> +</td></tr></table> + + +<h3><a id="p10o" name="p10o">X. HYMNUS AD EXEQUIAS DEFUNCTI</a></h3> + +<table class="poem"><tr><td> +<p class="t">Deus ignee fons <a id="p10_1" name="p10_1" href="#f10_1">animarum,</a></p> +<p class="l">duo qui socians elementa</p> +<p class="l">vivum simul ac moribundum</p> +<p class="l">hominem Pater effigiasti:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 5</em>Tua sunt, tua rector utraque,</p> +<p class="l">tibi copula iungitur horum,</p> +<p class="l">tibi, dum vegetata cohaerent,</p> +<p class="l">et spiritus et caro servit.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Rescissa sed ista seorsum</p> +<p class="l"><em> 10</em>solvunt hominera perimuntque,</p> +<p class="l">humus excipit arida corpus,</p> +<p class="l">animae rapit aura liquorem.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Quia cuncta creata necesse est</p> +<p class="l">labefacta senescere tandem,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 15</em>conpactaque dissociari,</p> +<p class="l">et dissona texta retexi.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Hanc tu, Deus optime, mortem</p> +<p class="l">famulis abolere paratus</p> +<p class="l">iter inviolabile monstras,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 20</em>quo perdita membra resurgant:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Ut, dum generosa caducis</p> +<p class="l">ceu carcere clausa ligantur,</p> +<p class="l">pars illa potentior extet,</p> +<p class="l">quae germen ab aethere traxit.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 25</em>Si terrea forte <a id="p10_25" name="p10_25" href="#f10_25">voluntas</a></p> +<p class="l">luteum sapit et grave captat,</p> +<p class="l">animus quoque pondere victus</p> +<p class="l">sequitur sua membra deorsum.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">At si generis memor ignis</p> +<p class="l"><em> 30</em>contagia pigra recuset,</p> +<p class="l">vehit hospita viscera secum,</p> +<p class="l">pariterque reportat ad astra.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Nam quod requiescere corpus</p> +<p class="l">vacuum sine mente videmus,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 35</em>spatium breve restat, ut alti</p> +<p class="l">repetat conlegia sensus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Venient cito secula, cum iam</p> +<p class="l">socius calor ossa revisat</p> +<p class="l">animataque sanguine vivo</p> +<p class="l"><em> 40</em>habitacula pristina gestet.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Quae pigra cadavera pridem</p> +<p class="l">tumulis putrefacta iacebant,</p> +<p class="l">volucres rapientur in auras</p> +<p class="l">animas comitata priores.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 45</em><a id="p10_45" name="p10_45">Hinc</a> maxima cura sepulcris</p> +<p class="l">inpenditur: hinc resolutos</p> +<p class="l">honor ultimus accipit artus</p> +<p class="l">et funeris ambitus ornat.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><a id="p10_49" name="p10_49">Candore</a> nitentia claro</p> +<p class="l"><em> 50</em>praetendere lintea mos est,</p> +<p class="l">adspersaque myrrha <a id="p10_51" name="p10_51" href="#f10_51">Sabaeo</a></p> +<p class="l">corpus medicamine servat.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Quidnam sibi saxa cavata,</p> +<p class="l">quid pulchra volunt monumenta,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 55</em>nisi quod res creditur illis</p> +<p class="l">non mortua, sed data somno?</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Hoc provida <a id="p10_57" name="p10_57" href="#f10_57">Christicolarum</a></p> +<p class="l">pietas studet, utpote credens</p> +<p class="l">fore protinus omnia viva,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 60</em>quae nunc gelidus sopor urget.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Qui iacta cadavera <a id="p10_61" name="p10_61" href="#f10_61">passim</a></p> +<p class="l">miserans tegit aggere terrae,</p> +<p class="l">opus exhibet ille benignum</p> +<p class="l">Christo pius omnipotenti:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 65</em>Quin lex eadem monet omnes</p> +<p class="l">gemitum dare sorte sub una,</p> +<p class="l">cognataque funera nobis</p> +<p class="l">aliena in morte dolere.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sancti sator ille <a id="p10_69" name="p10_69" href="#f10_69">Tobiae</a></p> +<p class="l"><em> 70</em>sacer ac venerabilis heros,</p> +<p class="l">dapibus iam rite paratis</p> +<p class="l">ius praetulit exequiarum.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Iam stantibus ille ministris</p> +<p class="l">cyathos et fercula liquit,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 75</em>studioque accinctus humandi</p> +<p class="l">fleto dedit ossa sepulcro.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Veniunt mox praemia caelo</p> +<p class="l">pretiumque rependitur ingens:</p> +<p class="l">nam lumina nescia solis</p> +<p class="l"><em> 80</em>Deus inlita felle serenat.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Iam tunc docuit Pater orbis,</p> +<p class="l">quam sit rationis egenis</p> +<p class="l">mordax et amara medela,</p> +<p class="l">cum lux animum nova vexat.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 85</em>Docuit quoque non prius ullum</p> +<p class="l">caelestia cernere regna,</p> +<p class="l">quam nocte et vulnere tristi</p> +<p class="l">toleraverit aspera mundi.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Mors ipsa beatior inde est,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 90</em>quod per cruciamina leti</p> +<p class="l">via panditur ardua iustis</p> +<p class="l">et ad astra doloribus itur.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sic corpora mortificata</p> +<p class="l">redeunt melioribus annis,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 95</em>nec post obitum recalescens</p> +<p class="l">conpago fatiscere novit.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Haec, quae modo pallida tabo</p> +<p class="l">color albidus inficit ora,</p> +<p class="l">tunc flore venustior omni</p> +<p class="l"><em> 100</em>sanguis cute tinget amoena.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Iam nulla deinde senectus</p> +<p class="l">frontis decus invida carpet,</p> +<p class="l">macies neque sicca lacertos</p> +<p class="l">suco tenuabit adeso.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 105</em>Morbus quoque pestifer, artus</p> +<p class="l">qui nunc populatur anhelos,</p> +<p class="l">sua tunc tormenta resudans</p> +<p class="l">luet inter vincula mille.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Hunc eminus aere ab alto</p> +<p class="l"><em> 110</em>victrix caro iamque perennis</p> +<p class="l">cernet sine fine gementem</p> +<p class="l">quos moverat ipse dolores.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Quid turba superstes <a id="p10_113" name="p10_113" href="#f10_113">inepta</a></p> +<p class="l">clangens ululamina miscet,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 115</em>cur tam bene condita iura</p> +<p class="l">luctu dolor arguit amens?</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Iam maesta quiesce querela,</p> +<p class="l">lacrimas suspendite matres,</p> +<p class="l">nullus sua pignora plangat,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 120</em>mors haec reparatio vitae est.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sic semina sicca virescunt</p> +<p class="l">iam mortua iamque sepulta,</p> +<p class="l">quae reddita caespite ab imo</p> +<p class="l">veteres meditantur aristas.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 125</em>Nunc suscipe terra fovendum,</p> +<p class="l">gremioque hunc concipe molli:</p> +<p class="l">hominis tibi membra sequestro</p> +<p class="l">generosa et fragmina credo.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Animae fuit haec domus olim</p> +<p class="l"><em> 130</em>factoris ab ore creatae,</p> +<p class="l">fervens habitavit in istis</p> +<p class="l">sapientia principe Christo.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Tu depositum tege corpus,</p> +<p class="l">non inmemor illa requiret</p> +<p class="l"><em> 135</em>sua munera fictor et auctor</p> +<p class="l">propriique aenigmata vultus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Veniant modo tempora iusta,</p> +<p class="l">cum spem Deus inpleat omnem;</p> +<p class="l">reddas patefacta necesse est,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 140</em>qualem tibi trado figuram.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Non, si cariosa vetustas</p> +<p class="l">dissolverit ossa favillis,</p> +<p class="l">fueritque cinisculus arens</p> +<p class="l">minimi mensura pugilli.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 145</em>Nec, si vaga flamina et aurae</p> +<p class="l">vacuum per inane volantes</p> +<p class="l">tulerint cum pulvere nervos,</p> +<p class="l">hominem periisse licebit.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sed dum resolubile corpus</p> +<p class="l"><em> 150</em>revocas, Deus, atque reformas,</p> +<p class="l">quanam regione iubebis</p> +<p class="l">animam requiescere puram?</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Gremio senis addita sancti</p> +<p class="l">recubabit, ut est Eleazar,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 155</em>quem floribus undique septum</p> +<p class="l">Dives procul adspicit ardens.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><a id="p10_157" name="p10_157">Sequimur</a> tua dicta redemptor,</p> +<p class="l">quibus atra morte triumphans</p> +<p class="l">tua per vestigia mandas</p> +<p class="l"><em> 160</em>socium crucis ire latronem.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Patet ecce fidelibus ampli</p> +<p class="l">via lucida iam paradisi,</p> +<p class="l">licet et nemus illud adire,</p> +<p class="l">homini quod ademerat anguis.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 165</em>Illic precor, optime ductor,</p> +<p class="l">famulam tibi praecipe mentem</p> +<p class="l">genitali in sede sacrari,</p> +<p class="l">quam liquerat exul et errans.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><a id="p10_169" name="p10_169">Nos</a> tecta fovebimus ossa</p> +<p class="l"><em> 170</em>violis et fronde frequenti,</p> +<p class="l">titulumque et frigida <a id="p10_171" name="p10_171" href="#f10_171">saxa</a></p> +<p class="l">liquido spargemus odore.</p> +</td></tr></table> + + +<h3><a id="p10t" name="p10t">X. HYMN FOR THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD</a></h3> + +<table class="poem"><tr><td> +<p class="l">Fountain of life, supernal Fire,</p> +<p class="t">Who didst unite in wondrous wise</p> +<p class="t">The soul that lives, the clay that dies,</p> +<p class="l">And mad'st them Man: eternal Sire,</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Both elements Thy will obey,</p> +<p class="t">Thine is the bond that joins the twain,</p> +<p class="t">And, while united they remain,</p> +<p class="l">Spirit and body own Thy sway.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Yet they must one day disunite,</p> +<p class="t">Sunder in death this mortal frame;</p> +<p class="t">Dust to the dust from whence it came,</p> +<p class="l">The spirit to its heavenward flight.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">For all created things must wane,</p> +<p class="t">And age must break the bond at last;</p> +<p class="t">The diverse web that Life held fast</p> +<p class="l">Death's fingers shall unweave again.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Yet, gracious God, Thou dost devise</p> +<p class="t">The death of Death for all Thine own;</p> +<p class="t">The path of safety Thou hast shown</p> +<p class="l">Whereby the doomèd limbs may rise:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">So that, while fragile bonds of earth</p> +<p class="t">Man's noblest essence still enfold,</p> +<p class="t">That part may yet the sceptre hold</p> +<p class="l">Which from pure aether hath its birth.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">For if the earthy will hold sway,</p> +<p class="t">By gross desires and aims possessed,</p> +<p class="t">The soul, too, by the weight oppressed,</p> +<p class="l">Follows the body's downward way.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">But if she scorn the guilt that mars--</p> +<p class="t">Still mindful of her fiery sphere--</p> +<p class="t">She bears the flesh, her comrade here,</p> +<p class="l">Back to her home beyond the stars.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">The lifeless body we restore</p> +<p class="t">To earth, must slumber free from pain</p> +<p class="t">A little while, that it may gain</p> +<p class="l">The spirit's fellowship once more.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">The years will pass with rapid pace</p> +<p class="t">Till through these limbs the life shall flow,</p> +<p class="t">And the long-parted spirit go</p> +<p class="l">To seek her olden dwelling-place.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Then shall the body, that hath lain</p> +<p class="t">And turned to dust in slow decay,</p> +<p class="t">On airy wings be borne away</p> +<p class="l">And join its ancient soul again.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Therefore our tenderest care we spend</p> +<p class="t">Upon the grave: and mourners go</p> +<p class="t">With solemn dirge and footstep slow--</p> +<p class="l">Love's last sad tribute to a friend.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">With fair white linen we enfold</p> +<p class="t">The dear dead limbs, and richest store</p> +<p class="t">Of Eastern unguents duly pour</p> +<p class="l">Upon the body still and cold.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Why hew the rocky tomb so deep,</p> +<p class="t">Why raise the monument so fair,</p> +<p class="t">Save that the form we cherish there</p> +<p class="l">Is no dead thing, but laid to sleep?</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">This is the faithful ministry</p> +<p class="t">Of Christian men, who hold it true</p> +<p class="t">That all shall one day live anew</p> +<p class="l">Who now in icy slumber lie.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">And he whose pitying hand shall lay</p> +<p class="t">Some friendless outcast 'neath the sod,</p> +<p class="t">E'en to the almighty Son of God</p> +<p class="l">Doth that benignant service pay.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">For this same law doth bid us mourn</p> +<p class="t">Man's common fate, when strangers die,</p> +<p class="t">And pay the tribute of a sigh,</p> +<p class="l">As when our kin to rest are borne.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Of holy Tobit ye have read,</p> +<p class="t">(Grave father of a pious son),</p> +<p class="t">Who, though the feast was set, would run</p> +<p class="l">To do his duty by the dead.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Though waiting servants stood around,</p> +<p class="t">From meat and drink he turned away</p> +<p class="t">And girt himself in haste to lay</p> +<p class="l">The bones with weeping in the ground.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Soon Heaven his righteous zeal repays</p> +<p class="t">With rich reward; the eyes long blind</p> +<p class="t">In bitter gall strange virtue find</p> +<p class="l">And open to the sun's clear rays.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Thus hath our Heavenly Father shown</p> +<p class="t">How sharp and bitter is the smart</p> +<p class="t">When sudden on the purblind heart</p> +<p class="l">The Daystar's healing light is thrown.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">He taught us, too, that none may gaze</p> +<p class="t">Upon the heavenly demesne</p> +<p class="t">Ere that in darkness and in pain</p> +<p class="l">His feet have trod the world's rough ways.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">So unto death itself is given</p> +<p class="t">Strange bliss, when mortal agony</p> +<p class="t">Opens the way that leads on high</p> +<p class="l">And pain is but the path to Heaven.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Thus to a far serener day</p> +<p class="t">Our body from the grave returns;</p> +<p class="t">Eternal life within it burns</p> +<p class="l">That knows nor languor nor decay.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">These faces now so pinched and pale,</p> +<p class="t">That marks of lingering sickness show,</p> +<p class="t">Then fairer than the rose shall glow</p> +<p class="l">And bloom with youth that ne'er shall fail.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Ne'er shall crabbed age their beauty dim</p> +<p class="t">With wrinkled brow and tresses grey,</p> +<p class="t">Nor arid leanness eat away</p> +<p class="l">The vigour of the rounded limb.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Racked with his own destroying pains</p> +<p class="t">Shall fell Disease, who now attacks</p> +<p class="t">Our aching frames, his force relax</p> +<p class="l">Fast fettered in a thousand chains:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">While from its far celestial throne</p> +<p class="t">The immortal body, victor now,</p> +<p class="t">Shall watch its old tormentor bow</p> +<p class="l">And in eternal tortures groan.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Why do the clamorous mourners wail</p> +<p class="t">In bootless sorrow murmuring?</p> +<p class="t">And why doth grief unreasoning</p> +<p class="l">God's righteous ordinance assail?</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Hushed be your voices, ye that mourn;</p> +<p class="t">Ye weeping mothers, dry the tear;</p> +<p class="t">Let none lament for children dear,</p> +<p class="l">For man through Death to Life is born.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">So do dry seeds grow green again,</p> +<p class="t">Now dead and buried in the earth,</p> +<p class="t">And rising to a second birth</p> +<p class="l">Clothe as of old the verdant plain.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Take now, O earth, the load we bear,</p> +<p class="t">And cherish in thy gentle breast</p> +<p class="t">This mortal frame we lay to rest,</p> +<p class="l">The poor remains that were so fair.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">For they were once the soul's abode,</p> +<p class="t">That by God's breath created came;</p> +<p class="t">And in them, like a living flame,</p> +<p class="l">Christ's precious gift of wisdom glowed.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Guard thou the body we have laid</p> +<p class="t">Within thy care, till He demand</p> +<p class="t">The creature fashioned by His hand</p> +<p class="l">And after His own image made.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">The appointed time soon may we see</p> +<p class="t">When God shall all our hopes fulfil,</p> +<p class="t">And thou must render to His will</p> +<p class="l">Unchanged the charge we give to thee.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">For though consumed by mould and rust</p> +<p class="t">Man's body slowly fades away,</p> +<p class="t">And years of lingering decay</p> +<p class="l">Leave but a handful of dry dust;</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Though wandering winds, that idly fly,</p> +<p class="t">Should his disparted ashes bear</p> +<p class="t">Through all the wide expanse of air,</p> +<p class="l">Man may not perish utterly.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Yet till Thou dost build up again</p> +<p class="t">This mortal structure by Thy hand,</p> +<p class="t">In what far world wilt Thou command</p> +<p class="l">The soul to rest, now free from stain?</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">In Abraham's bosom it shall dwell</p> +<p class="t">'Mid verdant bowers, as Lazarus lies</p> +<p class="t">Whom Dives sees with longing eyes</p> +<p class="l">From out the far-off fires of hell.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">We trust the words our Saviour said</p> +<p class="t">When, victor o'er grim Death, he cried</p> +<p class="t">To him who suffered at His side</p> +<p class="l">"In Mine own footsteps shalt thou tread."</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">See, open to the faithful soul,</p> +<p class="t">The shining paths of Paradise;</p> +<p class="t">Now may they to that garden rise</p> +<p class="l">Which from mankind the Serpent stole.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Guide him, we pray, to that blest bourn,</p> +<p class="t">Who served Thee truly here below;</p> +<p class="t">May he the bliss of Eden know,</p> +<p class="l">Who strayed in banishment forlorn.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">But we will honour our dear dead</p> +<p class="t">With violets and garlands strown,</p> +<p class="t">And o'er the cold and graven stone</p> +<p class="l">Shall fragrant odours still be shed.</p> +</td></tr></table> + + +<h3><a id="p11o" name="p11o">XI. HYMNUS VIII. KALENDAS IANUARIAS</a></h3> + +<table class="poem"><tr><td> +<p class="t">Quid est, quod artum <a id="p11_1" name="p11_1" href="#f11_1">circulum</a></p> +<p class="l">sol iam recurrens deserit?</p> +<p class="l">Christusne terris nascitur,</p> +<p class="l">qui lucis auget tramitem?</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 5</em>Heu quam fugacem gratiam</p> +<p class="l">festina volvebat dies,</p> +<p class="l">quam pene subductam facem</p> +<p class="l">sensim recisa extinxerat!</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Caelum nitescat laetius,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 10</em>gratetur et gaudens humus,</p> +<p class="l">scandit gradatim denuo</p> +<p class="l">iubar priores lineas.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Emerge dulcis pusio,</p> +<p class="l">quem mater edit castitas,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 15</em>parens et expers coniugis,</p> +<p class="l">mediator et duplex genus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Ex ore quamlibet Patris</p> +<p class="l">sis ortus et verbo <a id="p11_18" name="p11_18" href="#f11_18">editus,</a></p> +<p class="l">tamen paterno in pectore</p> +<p class="l"><em> 20</em>sophia callebas <a id="p11_20" name="p11_20" href="#f11_20">prius.</a></p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Quae prompta caelum condidit,</p> +<p class="l">caelum diemque et cetera,</p> +<p class="l">virtute verbi effecta sunt</p> +<p class="l">haec cuncta: nam verbum Deus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 25</em>Sed ordinatis seculis,</p> +<p class="l">rerumque digesto statu</p> +<p class="l">fundator ipse et artifex</p> +<p class="l">permansit in Patris sinu,</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">donec rotata annalium</p> +<p class="l"><em> 30</em>transvolverentur milia,</p> +<p class="l">atque ipse peccantem diu</p> +<p class="l">dignatus orbera viseret.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Nam caeca vis mortalium</p> +<p class="l">venerans inanes nenias</p> +<p class="l"><em> 35</em>vel aera vel saxa algida,</p> +<p class="l">vel ligna credebat Deum.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Haec dum sequuntur, perfidi</p> +<p class="l">praedonis in ius venerant,</p> +<p class="l">et mancipatam fumido</p> +<p class="l"><em> 40</em>vitam barathro inmerserant:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Stragem sed istam non tulit</p> +<p class="l">Christus cadentum gentium</p> +<p class="l">inpune ne forsan sui</p> +<p class="l">Patris periret fabrica.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 45</em>Mortale corpus induit,</p> +<p class="l">ut excitato corpore</p> +<p class="l">mortis catenam frangeret</p> +<p class="l">hominemque portaret Patri.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Hic ille natalis dies,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 50</em>quo te creator arduus</p> +<p class="l">spiravit et limo indidit</p> +<p class="l">sermone carnem glutinans.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sentisne, virgo nobilis,</p> +<p class="l">matura per fastidia</p> +<p class="l"><em> 55</em>pudoris intactum decus</p> +<p class="l">honore partus crescere?</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">O quanta rerum gaudia</p> +<p class="l">alvus pudica continet,</p> +<p class="l">ex qua novellum <a id="p11_59" name="p11_59" href="#f11_59">seculum</a></p> +<p class="l"><em> 60</em>procedit et lux aurea!</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Vagitus ille exordium</p> +<p class="l">vernantis orbis prodidit,</p> +<p class="l">nam tunc renatus sordidum</p> +<p class="l">mundus veternum depulit.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 65</em>Sparsisse tellurem <a id="p11_65" name="p11_65" href="#f11_65">reor</a></p> +<p class="l">rus omne densis floribus,</p> +<p class="l">ipsasque arenas syrtium</p> +<p class="l">fragrasse nardo et nectare.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Te cuncta nascentem puer</p> +<p class="l"><em> 70</em>sensere dura et barbara,</p> +<p class="l">victusque saxorum rigor</p> +<p class="l">obduxit herbam cotibus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Iam mella de scopulis fluunt,</p> +<p class="l">iam stillat ilex arido</p> +<p class="l"><em> 75</em>sudans amomum stipite,</p> +<p class="l">iam sunt myricis balsama.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">O sancta praesepis tui,</p> +<p class="l">aeterne rex, cunabula,</p> +<p class="l">populisque per seclum sacra</p> +<p class="l"><em> 80</em>mutis et ipsis credita.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Adorat haec brutum <a id="p11_81" name="p11_81" href="#f11_81">pecus</a></p> +<p class="l">indocta turba scilicet,</p> +<p class="l">adorat excors natio,</p> +<p class="l">vis cuius in pastu sita est.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 85</em>Sed cum fideli spiritu</p> +<p class="l">concurrat ad praesepia</p> +<p class="l">pagana gens et quadrupes,</p> +<p class="l">sapiatque quod brutum fuit:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Negat patrum prosapia</p> +<p class="l"><em> 90</em>perosa praesentem Deum:</p> +<p class="l">credas venenis ebriam</p> +<p class="l">furiisve lymphatam rapi.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Quid prona per scelus ruis?</p> +<p class="l">agnosce, si quidquam tibi</p> +<p class="l"><em> 95</em>mentis resedit integrae,</p> +<p class="l">ducem tuorum principum.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Hunc, quem latebra et <a id="p11_97" name="p11_97" href="#f11_97">obstetrix,</a></p> +<p class="l">et virgo feta, et cunulae</p> +<p class="l">et inbecilla infantia</p> +<p class="l"><em> 100</em>regem dederunt <a id="p11_100" name="p11_100" href="#f11_100">gentibus,</a></p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">peccator intueberis</p> +<p class="l">celsum coruscis nubibus,</p> +<p class="l">deiectus ipse et inritus</p> +<p class="l">plangens reatum fletibus:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 105</em>Cum vasta signum bucina</p> +<p class="l">terris cremandis miserit,</p> +<p class="l">et scissus axis cardinem</p> +<p class="l">mundi ruentis solverit:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Insignis ipse et praeminens</p> +<p class="l"><em> 110</em>meritis rependet congrua,</p> +<p class="l">his lucis usum perpetis,</p> +<p class="l">illis gehennam et tartarum.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Iudaea tunc fulmen crucis</p> +<p class="l">experta, qui sit, senties,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 115</em>quem te furoris praesule</p> +<p class="l">mors hausit et mox reddidit.</p> +</td></tr></table> + + +<h3><a id="p11t" name="p11t">XI. HYMN FOR CHRISTMAS-DAY</a></h3> + +<table class="poem"><tr><td> +<p class="l">Why doth the sun re-orient take</p> +<p class="l">A wider range, his limits break?</p> +<p class="l">Lo! Christ is born, and o'er earth's night</p> +<p class="l">Shineth from more to more the light!</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Too swiftly did the radiant day</p> +<p class="l">Her brief course run and pass away:</p> +<p class="l">She scarce her kindly torch had fired</p> +<p class="l">Ere slowly fading it expired.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Now let the sky more brightly beam,</p> +<p class="l">The earth take up the joyous theme:</p> +<p class="l">The orb a broadening pathway gains</p> +<p class="l">And with its erstwhile splendour reigns.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Sweet babe, of chastity the flower,</p> +<p class="l">A virgin's blest mysterious dower!</p> +<p class="l">Rise in Thy twofold nature's might:</p> +<p class="l">Rise, God and man to reunite!</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Though by the Father's will above</p> +<p class="l">Thou wert begot, the Son of Love,</p> +<p class="l">Yet in His bosom Thou didst dwell,</p> +<p class="l">Of Wisdom the eternal Well;</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Wisdom, whereby the heavens were made</p> +<p class="l">And light's foundations first were laid:</p> +<p class="l">Creative Word! all flows from Thee!</p> +<p class="l">The Word is God eternally.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">For though with process of the suns</p> +<p class="l">The ordered whole harmonious runs,</p> +<p class="l">Still the Artificer Divine</p> +<p class="l">Leaves not the Father's inmost shrine.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">The rolling wheels of Time had passed</p> +<p class="l">O'er their millennial journey vast,</p> +<p class="l">Before in judgment clad He came</p> +<p class="l">Unto the world long steeped in shame.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">The purblind souls of mortals crass</p> +<p class="l">Had trusted gods of stone and brass,</p> +<p class="l">To things of nought their worship paid</p> +<p class="l">And senseless blocks of wood obeyed.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">And thus employed, they fell below</p> +<p class="l">The sway of man's perfidious foe:</p> +<p class="l">Plunged in the smoky sheer abyss</p> +<p class="l">They sank bereft of their true bliss.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">But that sore plight of ruined man</p> +<p class="l">Christ's pity could not lightly scan:</p> +<p class="l">Nor let God's building nobly wrought</p> +<p class="l">Ingloriously be brought to nought.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">He wrapped Him in our fleshly guise,</p> +<p class="l">That from the tomb He might arise,</p> +<p class="l">And man released from death's grim snare</p> +<p class="l">Home to His Father's bosom bear.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">This is the day of Thy dear birth,</p> +<p class="l">The bridal of the heaven and earth,</p> +<p class="l">When the Creator breathed on Thee</p> +<p class="l">The breath of pure humanity.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Ah! glorious Maid, dost thou not guess</p> +<p class="l">What guerdon thy chaste soul shall bless,</p> +<p class="l">How by thy ripening pangs is bought</p> +<p class="l">An honour greater than all thought?</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">O what a load of joy untold</p> +<p class="l">Thy womb inviolate doth hold!</p> +<p class="l">Of thee a golden age is born,</p> +<p class="l">The brightness of the earth's new morn!</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Hearken! doth not the infant's wail</p> +<p class="l">The universal springtide hail?</p> +<p class="l">For now the world re-born lays by</p> +<p class="l">Its gloomy, frost-bound apathy.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Methinks in all her rustic bowers</p> +<p class="l">The earth is spread with clustering flowers:</p> +<p class="l">Odours of nard and nectar sweet</p> +<p class="l">E'en o'er the sands of Syrtes fleet.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">All places rough and deserts wild</p> +<p class="l">Have felt from far Thy coming, Child:</p> +<p class="l">Rocks to Thy gentle empire bow</p> +<p class="l">And verdure clothes the mountain brow.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Sweet honey from the boulder leaps:</p> +<p class="l">The sere and leafless oak-bough weeps</p> +<p class="l">A strange rich attar: tamarisks too</p> +<p class="l">Of balsam pure distil the dew.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Blessèd for ever, cradle dear,</p> +<p class="l">The lowly stall, the cavern drear!</p> +<p class="l">Men to this shrine, Eternal King,</p> +<p class="l">With dumb brutes adoration bring.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">The ox and ass in homage low</p> +<p class="l">Obedient to their Maker bow:</p> +<p class="l">Bows too the unlearn'd heartless crowd</p> +<p class="l">Whose minds the sensual feast doth cloud.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Though, by the faithful Spirit impelled,</p> +<p class="l">Shepherds and brutes, unreasoning held,</p> +<p class="l">Yea, folk that did in darkness dwell</p> +<p class="l">Discern their God in His poor cell:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Yet children of the sacred race</p> +<p class="l">Blindly abhor the Incarnate grace:</p> +<p class="l">By philtres you might deem them lulled</p> +<p class="l">Or by some bacchic phrenzy dulled.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Why headlong thus to ruin stride?</p> +<p class="l">If aught of soundness in you bide,</p> +<p class="l">Behold in Him the Lord divine</p> +<p class="l">Of all your patriarchal line.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Mark you the dim-lit cave, the Maid,</p> +<p class="l">The humble nurse, the cradle laid,</p> +<p class="l">The helpless infancy forlorn:</p> +<p class="l">Yet thus the Gentiles' King was born!</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Ah sinner, thou shalt one day see</p> +<p class="l">This Child in dreadful majesty,</p> +<p class="l">See Him in glorious clouds descend,</p> +<p class="l">While thou thy guilty heart shalt rend.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Vain all thy tears, when loud shall sound</p> +<p class="l">The trump, when flames shall scorch the ground,</p> +<p class="l">When from its hinge the cloven world</p> +<p class="l">Is loosed, in horrid tumult hurled.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Then throned on high, the Judge of all</p> +<p class="l">Shall mortals to their reckoning call:</p> +<p class="l">To these shall grant the prize of light,</p> +<p class="l">To those Gehenna's gloomy night.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Then, Israel, shalt thou learn at length</p> +<p class="l">The Cross hath, as the lightning, strength:</p> +<p class="l">Doomed by thy wrath, He now is Lord,</p> +<p class="l">Whom Death once grasped but soon restored.</p> +</td></tr></table> + + +<h3><a id="p12o" name="p12o">XII. HYMNUS EPIPHANIAE</a></h3> + +<table class="poem"><tr><td> +<p class="t">Quicumque Christum <a id="p12_1" name="p12_1" href="#f12_1">quaeritis,</a></p> +<p class="l">oculos in altum tollite,</p> +<p class="l">illic licebit visere</p> +<p class="l">signum perennis gloriae.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 5</em>Haec stella, quae solis <a id="p12_5" name="p12_5" href="#f12_5">rotam</a></p> +<p class="l">vincit decore ac lumine,</p> +<p class="l">venisse terris nuntiat</p> +<p class="l">cum carne terrestri Deum.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Non illa servit noctibus</p> +<p class="l"><em> 10</em>secuta lunam menstruam,</p> +<p class="l">sed sola caelum possidens</p> +<p class="l">cursum dierum <a id="p12_12" name="p12_12" href="#f12_12">temperat.</a></p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Arctoa quamvis sidera</p> +<p class="l">in se retortis motibus</p> +<p class="l"><em> 15</em>obire nolint, <a id="p12_15" name="p12_15" href="#f12_15">attamen</a></p> +<p class="l">plerumque sub nimbis latent.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Hoc sidus aeternum manet,</p> +<p class="l">haec stella nunquam mergitur,</p> +<p class="l">nec nubis occursu abdita</p> +<p class="l"><em> 20</em>obumbrat obductam facem.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Tristis cometa intercidat,</p> +<p class="l">et si quod astrum Sirio</p> +<p class="l">fervet vapore, iam Dei</p> +<p class="l">sub luce destructum cadat.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 25</em>En Persici ex orbis sinu,</p> +<p class="l">sol unde sumit ianuam,</p> +<p class="l">cernunt periti interpretes</p> +<p class="l">regale vexillum Magi.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Quod ut refulsit, ceteri</p> +<p class="l"><em> 30</em>cessere signorum globi,</p> +<p class="l">nec pulcher est ausus suam</p> +<p class="l">conferre formam Lucifer.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Quis iste tantus, inquiunt,</p> +<p class="l">regnator astris inperans,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 35</em>quem sic tremunt caelestia,</p> +<p class="l">cui lux et aethra inserviunt.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><a id="p12_37" name="p12_37">Inlustre</a> quiddam cernimus,</p> +<p class="l">quod nesciat finem pati,</p> +<p class="l">sublime, celsum, interminum,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 40</em>antiquius caelo et chao.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Hic ille rex est gentium</p> +<p class="l">populique rex Iudaici,</p> +<p class="l">promissus Abrahae patri</p> +<p class="l">eiusque in aevum semini.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 45</em>Aequanda nam stellis sua</p> +<p class="l">cognovit olim germina</p> +<p class="l">primus sator credentium,</p> +<p class="l">nati inmolator unici.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Iam flos subit <a id="p12_49" name="p12_49" href="#f12_49">Davidicus</a></p> +<p class="l"><em> 50</em>radice Iesse editus,</p> +<p class="l">sceptrique per virgam virens</p> +<p class="l">rerum cacumen occupat.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Exin sequuntur perciti</p> +<p class="l">fixis in altum vultibus,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 55</em>qua stella sulcum traxerat</p> +<p class="l">claramque signabat viam.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sed verticem pueri supra</p> +<p class="l">signum pependit inminens,</p> +<p class="l">pronaque submissum face</p> +<p class="l"><em> 60</em>caput sacratum prodidit.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><a id="p12_61" name="p12_61">Videre</a> quod postquam Magi,</p> +<p class="l">eoa promunt munera,</p> +<p class="l">stratique votis offerunt</p> +<p class="l">tus, myrrham, et aurum regium.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 65</em>Agnosce clara insignia</p> +<p class="l">virtutis ac regni tui,</p> +<p class="l">puer o, cui trinam Pater</p> +<p class="l">praedestinavit indolem.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Regem Deumque <a id="p12_69" name="p12_69" href="#f12_69">adnuntiant</a></p> +<p class="l"><em> 70</em>thesaurus et fragrans odor</p> +<p class="l">turis Sabaei, ac myrrheus</p> +<p class="l">pulvis sepulcrum praedocet.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Hoc est sepulcrum, quo Deus,</p> +<p class="l">dum corpus extingui sinit</p> +<p class="l"><em> 75</em>atque id sepultum suscitat,</p> +<p class="l">mortis refregit carcerem.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><a id="p12_77" name="p12_77">O</a> sola magnarum urbium</p> +<p class="l">maior Bethlem, cui contigit</p> +<p class="l">ducem salutis caelitus</p> +<p class="l"><em> 80</em>incorporatum gignere.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Altrice te summo Patri</p> +<p class="l">haeres creatur unicus,</p> +<p class="l">homo ex tonantis spiritu</p> +<p class="l">idemque sub membris Deus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 85</em><a id="p12_85" name="p12_85">Hunc</a> et prophetis testibus</p> +<p class="l">isdemque signatoribus,</p> +<p class="l">testator et sator iubet</p> +<p class="l">adire regnum et cernere:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Regnum, quod ambit omnia</p> +<p class="l"><em> 90</em>diva et marina et terrea</p> +<p class="l">a solis ortu ad exitum</p> +<p class="l">et tartara et caelum supra.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><a id="p12_93" name="p12_93">Audit</a> tyrannus anxius</p> +<p class="l">adesse regum principem,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 95</em>qui nomen Israel regat</p> +<p class="l">teneatque David regiam.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Exclamat amens nuntio,</p> +<p class="l">successor instat, pellimur;</p> +<p class="l">satelles i, ferrum rape,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 100</em>perfunde cunas sanguine.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Mas omnis infans occidat,</p> +<p class="l">scrutare nutricum sinus,</p> +<p class="l">interque materna ubera</p> +<p class="l">ensem cruentet pusio.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 105</em>Suspecta per Bethlem mihi</p> +<p class="l">puerperarum est omnium</p> +<p class="l">fraus, ne qua furtim subtrahat</p> +<p class="l">prolem virilis indolis.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Transfigit ergo carnifex</p> +<p class="l"><em> 110</em>mucrone destricto furens</p> +<p class="l">effusa nuper corpora,</p> +<p class="l">animasque rimatur novas.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Locum minutis artubus</p> +<p class="l">vix interemptor invenit,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 115</em>quo plaga descendat patens</p> +<p class="l">iuguloque maior pugio est.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">O barbarum spectaculum!</p> +<p class="l">inlisa cervix cautibus</p> +<p class="l">spargit cerebrum lacteum</p> +<p class="l"><em> 120</em>oculosque per vulnus vomit.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Aut in profundum palpitans</p> +<p class="l">mersatur infans gurgitem,</p> +<p class="l">cui subter artis faucibus</p> +<p class="l">singultat unda et halitus.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 125</em><a id="p12_125" name="p12_125">Salvete</a> flores martyrum,</p> +<p class="l">quos lucis ipso in limine</p> +<p class="l">Christi insecutor sustulit,</p> +<p class="l">ceu turbo nascentes rosas.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Vos prima Christi victima,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 130</em>grex inmolatorum tener,</p> +<p class="l">aram ante ipsam simplices</p> +<p class="l">palma et coronis luditis.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><a id="p12_133" name="p12_133">Quid</a> proficit tantum nefas,</p> +<p class="l">quid crimen Herodem iuvat?</p> +<p class="l"><em> 135</em>unus tot inter funera</p> +<p class="l">inpune Christus tollitur.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Inter coaevi sanguinis</p> +<p class="l">fluenta solus integer</p> +<p class="l">ferrum, quod orbabat nurus,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 140</em>partus fefellit virginis.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Sic stulta Pharaonis mali</p> +<p class="l">edicta quondam fugerat</p> +<p class="l">Christi figuram praeferens</p> +<p class="l">Moyses, receptor civium.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 145</em>Cautum et statutum ius erat,</p> +<p class="l">quo non liceret matribus,</p> +<p class="l">cum pondus alvi absolverent,</p> +<p class="l">puerile pignus tollere.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Mens obstetricis sedulae</p> +<p class="l"><em> 150</em>pie in tyrannum contumax</p> +<p class="l">ad spem potentis gloriae</p> +<p class="l">furata servat parvulum:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Quem mox sacerdotem sibi</p> +<p class="l">adsumpsit orbis conditor,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 155</em>per quem notatam saxeis</p> +<p class="l">legem tabellis traderet.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Licetne Christum noscere</p> +<p class="l">tanti per exemplum viri?</p> +<p class="l">dux ille caeso Aegyptio</p> +<p class="l"><em> 160</em>absolvit Israel iugo.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">At nos subactos iugiter</p> +<p class="l">erroris inperio gravi</p> +<p class="l">dux noster hoste saucio</p> +<p class="l">mortis tenebris liberat.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 165</em>Hic expiatam fluctibus</p> +<p class="l">plebem marino in transitu</p> +<p class="l">repurgat undis dulcibus,</p> +<p class="l">lucis columnam praeferens:</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Hic praeliante exercitu,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 170</em>pansis in altum brachiis,</p> +<p class="l">sublimis Amalech premit,</p> +<p class="l">crucis quod instar tunc <a id="p12_172" name="p12_172" href="#f12_172">fuit.</a></p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Hic nempe Iesus verior,</p> +<p class="l">qui longa post dispendia</p> +<p class="l"><em> 175</em>victor suis tribulibus</p> +<p class="l">promissa solvit iugera.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Qui ter quaternas denique</p> +<p class="l">refluentis amnis alveo</p> +<p class="l">fundavit et fixit petras,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 180</em>apostolorum stemmata.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Iure ergo se Iudae ducem</p> +<p class="l">vidisse testantur Magi,</p> +<p class="l">cum facta priscorum ducum</p> +<p class="l">Christi figuram finxerint.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 185</em>Hic rex priorum iudicum,</p> +<p class="l">rexere qui Iacob genus,</p> +<p class="l">dominaeque rex ecclesiae,</p> +<p class="l">templi et novelli et pristini.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Hunc posteri Efrem colunt,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 190</em>hunc sancta Manasse domus</p> +<p class="l">omnesque suspiciunt tribus</p> +<p class="l">bis sena fratrum semina.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Quin et propago <a id="p12_193" name="p12_193" href="#f12_193">degener</a></p> +<p class="l">ritum secuta inconditum,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 195</em>quaecumque dirum fervidis</p> +<p class="l">Baal caminis coxerat,</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">fumosa avorum numina</p> +<p class="l">saxum, metallum, stipitem,</p> +<p class="l">rasum, dolatum, sectile,</p> +<p class="l"><em> 200</em>in Christi honorem deserit.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t">Gaudete quidquid gentium est,</p> +<p class="l">Iudaea, Roma, et Graecia,</p> +<p class="l">Aegypte, Thrax, Persa, Scytha,</p> +<p class="l">rex unus omnes possidet.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="t"><em> 205</em>Laudate vestrum principem</p> +<p class="l">omnes beati, ac perditi,</p> +<p class="l">vivi, inbecilli ac mortui:</p> +<p class="l">iam nemo posthac mortuus.</p> +</td></tr></table> + + +<h3><a id="p12t" name="p12t">XII. HYMN FOR THE EPIPHANY</a></h3> + +<table class="poem"><tr><td> +<p class="l">Lift up your eyes, whoe'er ye be</p> +<p class="l">That fare the new-born Christ to see:</p> +<p class="l">For yonder is the shining sign</p> +<p class="l">Of grace perennial and divine.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">What means this star, whose piercing rays</p> +<p class="l">Outshine the sun's resplendent blaze?</p> +<p class="l">'Tis token sure that God is come</p> +<p class="l">In mortal flesh to make His home.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">No courtier of the realms of night</p> +<p class="l">Nor monthly moon's bright acolyte,</p> +<p class="l">This star directs the course of day,</p> +<p class="l">Sole sovereign of the heavenly way.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Although the Bears their track retrace,</p> +<p class="l">Nor wholly their clear beams efface,</p> +<p class="l">Yet ofttimes 'neath the dun cloud's haze</p> +<p class="l">They hide themselves from mortal gaze.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">But yon Star's glory hath no end,</p> +<p class="l">Nor to the depths can it descend:</p> +<p class="l">It ne'er is whelmed by envious cloud</p> +<p class="l">That seeks its beauty to enshroud.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Now let the baleful comet die,</p> +<p class="l">The brood of blazing Sirius fly:</p> +<p class="l">God's orb shall quench their sultry heats</p> +<p class="l">And drive them from their haughty seats.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Lo! from the regions of the morn</p> +<p class="l">Wherein the radiant sun is born,</p> +<p class="l">The Persian sages see on high</p> +<p class="l">God's ensign shining in the sky.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Soon as its rising beams prevail</p> +<p class="l">The starry hosts in order pale:</p> +<p class="l">E'en Lucifer durst not upraise</p> +<p class="l">The silvery splendours of his face.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Who is this sovereign (they enquire)</p> +<p class="l">That lords it o'er the ethereal choir?</p> +<p class="l">'Fore whom the heavens bow down afraid,</p> +<p class="l">Of all the worlds of light obeyed?</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Sure 'tis the sign most reverend</p> +<p class="l">Of Being that doth know no end:</p> +<p class="l">Of One in state sublime arrayed</p> +<p class="l">Ere sky and chaos yet were made.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">This is the King of Israel,</p> +<p class="l">Of all in Gentile lands that dwell:</p> +<p class="l">The King to Abram and his seed</p> +<p class="l">Throughout all ages erst decreed.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">To him 'twas given his progeny</p> +<p class="l">As stars innumerous to see:</p> +<p class="l">First of believers! moved to slay</p> +<p class="l">His only son, so God to obey.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Behold the Flower of David shine,</p> +<p class="l">Of Jesse's root the Branch benign:</p> +<p class="l">The sceptre spread with blossoms rare</p> +<p class="l">Wields o'er the world its lordship fair.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Roused by the portent of the sky</p> +<p class="l">The sages fix their gaze on high,</p> +<p class="l">And speed them 'neath the furrowed way</p> +<p class="l">Marked by the star's effulgent ray.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">At length its flaming steps it stayed</p> +<p class="l">Poised over where the Child was laid:</p> +<p class="l">Straightway with downcast mien it shed</p> +<p class="l">Its splendours on the sacred Head.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Whereat the travellers outpour</p> +<p class="l">Of Eastern gifts their treasure-store,</p> +<p class="l">Myrrh and sweet-smelling frankincense,</p> +<p class="l">Gold meet for regal opulence.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Behold herein the triple sign</p> +<p class="l">Of Thy pure being, King divine:</p> +<p class="l">Seeing the Father willed in Thee</p> +<p class="l">To plant a threefold majesty.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">The gift of gold thee King proclaims:</p> +<p class="l">Thee God the fragrant incense names:</p> +<p class="l">The myrrh declares that Death shall thrust</p> +<p class="l">Within the tomb Thy body's dust.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Ah! that dark sepulchre, whose fold</p> +<p class="l">God's body quenched in death doth hold:</p> +<p class="l">Yet shall He from that durance wake</p> +<p class="l">And Death's strong prison-fetters break.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">O Bethlehem! no longer thou</p> +<p class="l">The least of cities: all shall vow</p> +<p class="l">That thou art greatest on the earth:</p> +<p class="l">For thou man's King didst bring to birth.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Yea thou didst on thy bosom bear</p> +<p class="l">The All-loving Father's only heir:</p> +<p class="l">Man of the Thunderer's Spirit made</p> +<p class="l">And God in human flesh arrayed.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">The prophets witnessed to the bond</p> +<p class="l">Which sealed to Him the realm profound:</p> +<p class="l">The Father's Kingdom He received</p> +<p class="l">And the vast legacy perceived.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">All things are His in sea and sky,</p> +<p class="l">In hell beneath, in heaven on high:</p> +<p class="l">From East to setting sun, in fee</p> +<p class="l">He holds the earth's immensity.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Distraught, the tyrant base doth hear</p> +<p class="l">That now the King of Kings draws near</p> +<p class="l">To reign in David's seat of state</p> +<p class="l">And Israel's empire dominate.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">"Betrayed are we," he maddened cries,</p> +<p class="l">"Our throne's usurper doth arise:</p> +<p class="l">Go, soldiers, go with sword in hand</p> +<p class="l">And slay all babes within my land.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">"Spare no male child: each nurse's robe</p> +<p class="l">Your scrutinizing steel must probe:</p> +<p class="l">Spare not the suckling infant, though</p> +<p class="l">O'er mother's breast its life-blood flow.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">"On Bethlehem our suspicion falls,</p> +<p class="l">On every hearth within its walls:</p> +<p class="l">Lest mothers with love's tender zeal</p> +<p class="l">Some manly scion may conceal."</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">With daggers drawn the infuriate crew</p> +<p class="l">Upon their murderous errand flew:</p> +<p class="l">Each latest offspring of the womb</p> +<p class="l">To bloody death they foully doom.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Ah tiny limbs! 'twas hard to know</p> +<p class="l">How best to strike the fatal blow:</p> +<p class="l">Too wide the sword-blades are to smite</p> +<p class="l">Those throats so silken-fragile, slight.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">O horrid sight! the tender bones</p> +<p class="l">Are dashed against the jaggèd stones:</p> +<p class="l">Sightless and mangled there they lie,</p> +<p class="l">Poor babes! untimely doomed to die.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Perchance the still deep river laves</p> +<p class="l">Their bodies thrust into the waves:</p> +<p class="l">The current with their sighing sighs,</p> +<p class="l">Sobs with their latest, broken cries.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Ye flowers of martyrdom, all hail!</p> +<p class="l">Of rising morn pure blossoms frail!</p> +<p class="l">By Jesu's foe were ye downcast,</p> +<p class="l">Like budding roses by the blast.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Lambs of the flock too early slain,</p> +<p class="l">Ye first fruits of Christ's bitter pain!</p> +<p class="l">Close to His very altar, gay</p> +<p class="l">With palms and crowns, ye now do play.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Of what avail is deed so vile?</p> +<p class="l">Doth Herod gain by murderous guile?</p> +<p class="l">Of all to death so foully done</p> +<p class="l">Escapes triumphant Christ alone.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Amidst that tide of infant gore</p> +<p class="l">Alone He wins the sheltering shore:</p> +<p class="l">The virgin's Child survives the stroke,</p> +<p class="l">When every mother's heart was broke.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Thus Moses 'scaped the mad decree</p> +<p class="l">Of evil Pharaoh and set free</p> +<p class="l">The flock of God, prefiguring so</p> +<p class="l">Christ spared from fate's malignant blow.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Vain too the king's hostility</p> +<p class="l">Who framed the pitiless decree</p> +<p class="l">That Israel's mothers should not rear</p> +<p class="l">To manhood's strength their offspring dear.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Quickened by love, a woman's mind</p> +<p class="l">Found means to thwart that law unkind,</p> +<p class="l">And, falsely true, the child concealed</p> +<p class="l">Destined to be his people's Shield.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">On him it was that God did place</p> +<p class="l">The august priesthood's holy grace,</p> +<p class="l">The law on stony tablets writ</p> +<p class="l">Did to his trembling hands commit.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">And may we not with prophet's eye</p> +<p class="l">In such a hero Christ descry?</p> +<p class="l">The proud Egyptian's might he broke</p> +<p class="l">And freed his kinsmen from the yoke.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">So we by Error's might hemmed round</p> +<p class="l">Were by our Captain's strength unbound:</p> +<p class="l">His foe He wounded in the fight</p> +<p class="l">And saved us from Death's horrid night.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Cheering by sign of flame their feet,</p> +<p class="l">Moses renewed with waters sweet</p> +<p class="l">His folk, albeit purified</p> +<p class="l">From stain, what time they crossed the tide.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">And he, remote on peaceful height,</p> +<p class="l">Amalek's banded hosts did smite:</p> +<p class="l">He prayed with arms stretched out above,</p> +<p class="l">Foreshadowing the Cross of Love.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Yet truer Jesus surely he,</p> +<p class="l">Who after many a victory</p> +<p class="l">And labours long the tribes' renown</p> +<p class="l">With promised heritage did crown;</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Who when the waters rose on high</p> +<p class="l">And now the Jordan's bed was dry,</p> +<p class="l">Set up twelve stones of memory,</p> +<p class="l">Types of apostles yet to be.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Rightly the Wise Men said, I ween,</p> +<p class="l">That they Judaea's King had seen,</p> +<p class="l">Since noble deeds of other days</p> +<p class="l">Prophetic chant the Saviour's praise.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Of those old rulers He is King</p> +<p class="l">Who did to Jacob judgment bring,</p> +<p class="l">King of the Mother Church divine,</p> +<p class="l">God's ancient and God's present Shrine.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Of Ephraim's sons He is adored:</p> +<p class="l">Manasseh's sacred house as Lord</p> +<p class="l">Reveres Him: to His might the seed</p> +<p class="l">Of brethren twelve their fealty plead.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Nay, each degenerate race hath fled</p> +<p class="l">Its shameful rites and orgies dread:</p> +<p class="l">Grim Baal in glowing furnace cast</p> +<p class="l">Sinks to the earth, forsook at last.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Idols smoke-blackened, wooden-hewn,</p> +<p class="l">Of brass and stone, in dust are strewn:</p> +<p class="l">The chiselled deities downtrod:</p> +<p class="l">For all confess in Christ their God.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Rejoice all peoples, Jewry, Rome,</p> +<p class="l">Fair Hellas, Thrace, Aegyptus' home:</p> +<p class="l">Persians and Scythian land forlorn,</p> +<p class="l">Rejoice: the world's great King is born!</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Behold your Chief! His praise forth tell:</p> +<p class="l">Ye sick, ye hale, all heaven and hell:</p> +<p class="l">Ay, you whose vital spark hath sped:</p> +<p class="l">For lo! in Him e'en Death is dead.</p> +</td></tr></table> + + +<h3><a id="p13o" name="p13o">EPILOGUS</a></h3> + +<table class="poem"><tr><td> +<p class="l">Inmolat Deo Patri</p> +<p class="t">pius, fidelis, innocens, pudicus</p> +<p class="l">dona conscientiae,</p> +<p class="t">quibus beata mens abundat intus:</p> +<p class="l"><em> 5</em>alter et pecuniam</p> +<p class="t">recidit, unde victitent egeni.</p> +<p class="l">Nos citos iambicos</p> +<p class="t">sacramus et rotatiles trochaeos,</p> +<p class="l">sanctitatis indigi</p> +<p class="t"><em> 10</em>nec ad levamen pauperum potentes;</p> +<p class="l">adprobat tamen Deus</p> +<p class="t">pedestre carmen, et benignus audit.</p> +<p class="l">Multa divitis domo</p> +<p class="t">sita est per omnes angulos supellex.</p> +<p class="l"><em> 15</em>Fulget aureus scyphus,</p> +<p class="t">nec aere defit expolita pelvis:</p> +<p class="l">est et olla fictilis,</p> +<p class="t">gravisque et ampla argentea est parabsis.</p> +<p class="l">Sunt eburna quaepiam,</p> +<p class="t"><em> 20</em>nonnulla quercu sunt cavata et ulmo:</p> +<p class="l">omne vas fit utile,</p> +<p class="t">quod est ad usum congruens herilem,</p> +<p class="l">Instruunt enim domum</p> +<p class="t">ut empta magno, sic parata ligno.</p> +<p class="l"><em> 25</em>Me paterno in atrio</p> +<p class="t">ut obsoletum vasculum caducis</p> +<p class="l">Christus aptat usibus,</p> +<p class="t">sinitque parte in anguli manere.</p> +<p class="l">Munus ecce fictile</p> +<p class="t"><em> 30</em>inimus intra regiam salutis;</p> +<p class="l">attamen vel infimam</p> +<p class="t">Deo obsequelam praestitisse prodest.</p> +<p class="l">Quidquid illud accidit,</p> +<p class="t">iuvabit ore personasse Christum.</p> +</td></tr></table> + + +<h3><a id="p13t" name="p13t">EPILOGUE</a></h3> + +<table class="poem"><tr><td> +<p class="l">The pure and faithful saint, whose heart is whole,</p> +<p class="t">To God the Father makes his sacrifice</p> +<p class="l">From out the treasures of a stainless soul,</p> +<p class="t">Glad gifts of innocence, beyond all price:</p> +<p class="l">Another with free hand bestows his gold,</p> +<p class="t">Whereby his needy neighbour may be fed.</p> +<p class="l">No wealth of holiness my heart doth hold,</p> +<p class="t">No store have I to buy my brothers bread:</p> +<p class="l">So here I humbly dedicate to Thee</p> +<p class="t">The rolling trochee and iambus swift;</p> +<p class="l">Thou wilt approve my simple minstrelsy,</p> +<p class="t">Thine ear will listen to Thy servant's gift.</p> +<p class="l">The rich man's halls are nobly furnishèd;</p> +<p class="t">Therein no nook or corner empty seems;</p> +<p class="l">Here stands the brazen laver burnishèd,</p> +<p class="t">And there the golden goblet brightly gleams;</p> +<p class="l">Hard by some crock of clumsy earthen ware,</p> +<p class="t">Massive and ample lies a silver plate;</p> +<p class="l">And rough-hewn cups of oak or elm are there</p> +<p class="t">With vases carved of ivory delicate.</p> +<p class="l">Yet every vessel in its place is good,</p> +<p class="t">So be it for the Master's service meet;</p> +<p class="l">The priceless salver and the bowl of wood</p> +<p class="t">Alike He needs to make His home complete.</p> +<p class="l">Therefore within His Father's spacious hall</p> +<p class="t">Christ fits me for the service of a day,</p> +<p class="l">Mean though I be, a vessel poor and small,--</p> +<p class="t">And in some lowly corner lets me stay.</p> +<p class="l">Lo in the palace of the King of Kings</p> +<p class="t">I play the earthen pitcher's humble part;</p> +<p class="l">Yet to have done Him meanest service brings</p> +<p class="t">A thrill of rapture to my thankful heart:</p> +<p class="l">Whate'er the end, this thought will joy afford,</p> +<p class="t">My lips have sung the praises of my Lord.</p> +</td></tr></table> + +<hr /> + +<p><a id="not" name="not"><i>This edition of the</i> Cathemerinon of Prudentius</a> +<i>has been prepared for the +Temple Classics by</i> Rev. R. MARTIN POPE, M.A. (<i>St John's College, +Cambridge, translator of the</i> "Letters of John Hus"), <i>who has done the +translation of the</i> Praefatio <i>and</i> Hymns i., ii., iii., viii., xi., +xii., <i>with notes thereon and the note on</i> Prudentius. <i>For the rendering +of</i> Hymns iv., v., vi., vii., ix., x., <i>and the</i> Epilogus <i>with notes thereon,</i> +Mr R.F. DAVIS, M.A. (<i>St John's College, Cambridge</i>), <i>is responsible. +The text, with some minor alterations in orthography and punctuation, is +that of</i> Dressel (Lipsiae, 1860). <i>The frontispiece is due to the kind +suggestion of</i> Dr SANDYS, <i>Public Orator of Cambridge University, to +whom the thanks of the translators are hereby presented.</i></p> + + + +<h3><a id="trn" name="trn">TRANSLATOR'S NOTE</a></h3> + +<p>AURELIUS PRUDENTIUS CLEMENS (to give his full title) was born, probably +at Saragossa (Caesaraugusta), in Spain, in the year of our Lord 348. The +fourth century exercised a profound influence alike on the destiny of +the Roman Empire and of the Christian Church. After a long discipline, +strangely alternating between fiery persecution and contemptuous +toleration, the Church entered upon a new era, when in 323 Constantine, +the first Christian emperor, became master of the Roman world. Two +years later the Council of Nicaea met to utter its verdict on the +Arian controversy and to establish the terms of the orthodox symbol. A +generation later Julian took up the reins of empire and commenced his +quixotic and fruitless attempt to revive the glories of Paganism. +Athanasius died in 373: but fourteen years later Augustine, his successor +in the championship of the faith, was baptized, and in 395, at the death +of Theodosius, when the Empire was divided between Honorius and Arcadius, +he became Bishop of Hippo, and was marked out by his saintliness and +learning as the leader of the Western Church, which he shaped by his +splendid ideal of the <i>Civitas Dei</i> into unity and stability, when +the secular empire was falling into decay.</p> + +<p>We know little more of the life of Prudentius than he himself has +disclosed. The <i>Preface</i>, which stands as an introduction to his poems, +is a miniature autobiography of great interest. M. Boissier in his <i>Fin du +Paganisme</i> calls it <i>mélancolique</i>: though it is rather the retrospect +of a serious and awakened, but not morbid, conscience. Prudentius views +his past years in the light of that new spiritual truth to which he has +opened his soul. We gather that he received a liberal education and was +called to the bar. We need not misunderstand the allusion to the +deceitfulness of the barrister life, seeing that the ordinary arts of +rhetoric stand condemned by his recently adopted ethical standard. He held +two important judicial posts and was promoted to a high position, probably +in the civil service and not outside the limits of his native province, the +<i>provincia Tarraconensis</i>.</p> + +<p>He speaks of himself as having reached the age of fifty-seven, which +brings us down to 405, and as intending to consecrate his remaining years +to the poetic treatment of religious subjects. When and how he became a +Christian we do not know, and it were vain to guess, although the +suggestion that he may have owed his conversion to the influence of some +Christian family of his acquaintance is at least interesting. It is +unlikely that he took up poetry for the first time in his old age. His +mastery of all kinds of metre--heroic and lyric--prove the practised hand. +The probability is that in the years of repose after a busy career his +desire to redeem an unspiritual past suggested for the exercise of his +natural gifts a field hitherto unoccupied by any of the writers of his +age. Why not consecrate his powers to the task of interesting the literary +circles of the Empire in the evangel of Christ? Why not present the truths +of Christianity in a poetic guise, wrought into forms of beauty and set +forth in the classical metres of Roman literature? This became the passion +of his life, and however we may view the results of his toil, the spirit +in which he went to work, as described in the touching <i>Epilogue</i>, +cannot but evoke our profound admiration. He is but a vessel of earth, but +whatever the issue may be, it will be a lasting joy to have sounded forth +the praise of Christ in song.</p> + +<p>This then is how Prudentius becomes the first poet of the Christian Church, +or, as Bentley called him, "the Virgil and Horace of the Christians." +Doubtless there were other influences at work to determine the sphere to +which he was naturally attract. Ambrose, who was Bishop of Milan when +Prudentius was twenty-six years of age, had written the first Latin hymns +to be sung in church. Augustine in a familiar passage of the <i>Confessions</i> +(ix. 7.) describes how "the custom arose of singing hymns and psalms, after +the use of the Eastern provinces, to save the people from being utterly +worn out by their long and sorrowful vigils." "From that day to this," he +adds, "it has been retained and, many might say, all Thy flocks throughout +the rest of the world now follow our example." To Ambrose and Augustine the +Church of Christ is for ever indebted: to the latter for a devotional +treatise which is the most familiar of all the writings of the fourth +century: to the former for the hymns of praise which he composed and the +practice of singing which he thus inaugurated in the worship of the +Western Church. But the Church owes something also to Prudentius, a much +more gifted poet than Ambrose. The collection of hymns known as the +<i>Cathemerinon</i> or <i>Hymns for the day</i> is as little adapted for +ecclesiastical worship as Keble's <i>Christian Year</i>, although excerpts +from these poems have passed into the hymnology of the Church, just as +portions of Keble's work have passed into most hymn books. For example, +seven of these excerpts in the form of hymns are to be found in the Roman +Breviary, and thus for centuries the lyrics of Prudentius have been sung in +the daily services of the Church.</p> + +<p>Seeing that Prudentius must address himself to most English readers through +the imperfect medium of a translation, it may be well to remind those who +make their first acquaintance with him that a historical imagination is an +indispensable condition of interest and sympathy. If Prudentius has a habit +of leaving the main issue and making lengthy and tedious <i>détours</i> into +the picturesque parables and miraculous incidents of the Old Testament, +there is method in his digressiveness. He knows that one of the charms of +Paganism lies in its rich and variegated mythology. Yet Christianity +also can point to an even nobler inheritance of the supernatural and the +wonderful in the mysterious evolutions of its history. Hence the stories +of the early patriarchs, of the Israelites and Moses, of Daniel and Jonah, +are imported by the poet as pictorial illustrations of his theme. If +occasionally the details border on the grotesque, he certainly reveals a +striking knowledge of the Old Testament.</p> + +<p>The New Testament is also adequately represented. In one poem +(<a href="#p09t">ix.</a>) +the miracles of Christ in His earthly ministry and His descent into Hades are +narrated with considerable spirit and eloquence. Besides being a student +of the Bible, Prudentius is a theologian. His theology is that of the +Nicene Creed. The Fall of man, the personality of the Tempter, the mystery +of the Trinity and of the Incarnation, the Virgin-birth, the Death and +Resurrection of Christ, the pains of the lost and the bliss of the saints, +the resurrection of the Body and the life everlasting--these are the themes +of his pen, the themes too of the theology of his age. If the poet's +treatment of these truths occasionally appears antiquated and crude to +modern ideas, it is at least dignified and intelligent. His mind has +absorbed the Christian religion and the Christian theology, and he not +unfrequently rises to noble heights in the interpretation of their +mysteries. His didactic poems, the <i>Hamartigenia</i> or the <i>Origin of Evil</i> +and the <i>Apotheosis</i>, a treatise on the Person of Christ, prove him to be +a theologian of no mean calibre. He is also an allegorist, as is proved by +the <i>Psychomachia</i> or the <i>Battle of the Soul</i>, a kind of <i>Holy War</i> +which was very popular in the Middle Ages. He is a martyrologist: as +witness the <i>Peristephanon</i>, a series of poems on Christian, principally +Spanish, martyrs. Moreover, he is an undoubted patriot, and in the <i>Contra +Symmachum</i>, which he wrote on the famous affair of the Altar of Victory, +he proves that, while a Christian, he is also <i>civis Romanus</i>, loyal to +the Empire and the powers that be. He is a skilful versifier, and in this +connection the quatrains of the <i>Dittochaeon</i>, verses on themes of the Old +and New Testaments, may be mentioned in order to complete the list of his +works. His mastery of his very varied metres--hexameter, iambic, trochaic +and sapphic--is undoubted: everywhere we note the influence of Virgil and +Horace, even when these poets are not recalled by echoes of their diction +which are constantly greeting the reader of his poems.</p> + +<p>Reference has already been made to the influence of Ambrose of Milan upon +the thought and style of Prudentius. But there is a second and even more +powerful influence that deserves at least briefly to be noted--namely, the +Christian art of the Catacombs. Apart from such definite statements as +<i>e.g.</i> are found in <i>Peristephanon</i> xi., it is obvious that Prudentius +had a first-hand knowledge of Rome and particularly of the Catacombs. +Everywhere in his poems we find evidences of the deep impression made upon +his imagination by the paintings and sculptures of subterranean Rome. The +now familiar representations which decorate the remains of the Catacombs +suggested to him many of the allusions, the picturesque vignettes and +glowing descriptions to be found in his poetry. Thus, the story of Jonah--a +common theme typifying the Resurrection--the story of Daniel with its +obvious consolations for an age of martyrs, the Good Shepherd and the +denial of Peter may be mentioned among the numerous subjects which were +reproduced in early Christian art and transferred by the poet to his verse. +The symbolism of the Cock, the Dove, and the Lamb borne on the shoulders +of the Good Shepherd is a perpetually recurring feature in the lyrics and +martyr-hymns of Prudentius, who thus becomes one of our most valuable +authorities on the Christian art of the fourth century.</p> + +<p>The poems, of which a new English rendering is presented in this volume, +are acknowledged by most critics to illustrate some of his best qualities, +his brightness and dignity, his touches of nature-painting and his capacity +for sustained and well-wrought narrative. As we study these lyrics of the +early Church, we feel anew the mighty change that Christianity wrought in +Roman life by its doctrine of immortality, and we note the curious +fascination which the circumstances of the Nativity and especially the +Adoration of the Magi had for the Western world. Prudentius had a +great vogue in the Middle Ages, and the modern renewal of interest in +mediaevalism invests with fresh dignity a poet whose works at the Revival +of learning provoked the admiration of Erasmus<small><sup><a href="#ffn1">[1]</a></sup></small> and the researches of +numerous scholars and editors. But it is undoubtedly to the student of +ecclesiastical history and dogma and to the lovers of Christian art and +antiquities that Prudentius most truly appeals. He claims our interest, +not merely because he reflects the Christian environment of his days, but +because his poetry represents an attempt to preach Christ to a world still +fascinated by Paganism, while conscious that the old order was changing +and yielding place to new.</p> + +<p><small><sup><a id="ffn1" name="ffn1">[1]</a></sup></small><i>Prudentium, unum inter Christianos vere facundum poetam.</i></p> + +<hr /> +<h1>NOTES</h1> + +<h2>HYMNS</h2> + + +<h3><a id="ttn" name="ttn">THE TITLE</a></h3> +<p>The word <i>Cathemerinon</i> is taken from the Greek and is the genitive of +χαθημερινα +"daily things": the whole title <i>Liber Cathemerinon</i> +is equivalent to "Book of daily hymns," and may be rendered "Hymns for +the Christian's day."</p> + + +<h3><a id="prn" name="prn"></a>THE PREFACE</h3> +<p><a id="f00_0" name="f00_0"></a>In one or two of the MSS. this introductory poem is stated to be a preface +of the <i>Cathemerinon</i> only: but the great majority of the codices support +the view which is undoubtedly suggested by internal evidence, that the poem +is a general introduction to the whole of Prudentius' works. It is inserted +together with the <i>Epilogus</i> in this volume, because of the intrinsic +interest of both poems.</p> + +<table><tr><td>Line</td><td></td></tr> +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f00_8" name="f00_8" href="#p00_8">8</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The reference is to the <i>toga virilis</i>, the ordinary white-coloured garb +of a Roman citizen who at his sixteenth year laid aside the purple-edged +<i>toga praetexta</i>, which was worn during the days of boyhood.</td></tr> + + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f00_16" name="f00_16" href="#p00_16">16 ff.</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The cities referred to are unknown: but it is probable that they were two +<i>municipia</i> in Northern Spain, and that the office held by Prudentius +was that of duumvir or prefect. Provision was made by the twenty-fourth +clause of the law of Salpensa (a town in the <i>provincia Baetica</i> of +Spain) by which the emperor could be elected first magistrate of a +<i>municipium</i>, and could thereupon appoint a prefect to take his place. +This would explain the language of the text as to the semi-imperial nature +of the post. The phrase <i>militiae gradus</i> need only be taken to indicate +advancement in the <i>civil</i> service. But the words have been +interpreted in accordance with the more familiar and definite meaning of +<i>militia</i>, and understood to refer to a purely military post. Dressel +thinks that Prudentius was a <i>miles Palatinus</i>, that is, a member of the +best-paid and most highly-privileged imperial troops, who furnished +officers for some of the most lucrative posts in the provinces. Though +in the translation the usual meaning has been given to <i>militia</i>, it must +be regarded as uncertain in the absence of more definite information +regarding the office held by Prudentius.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f00_24" name="f00_24" href="#p00_24">24</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The consulship of Salia (or Salias) belongs to the year 348, the date of +the birth of Prudentius. An inscription (quoted by Migne from Muratorius, +<i>Nov. Thes. Inscrip.</i>, i. 379) has been found in the monastery of St. +Paul's outside the city bearing the words +<blockquote> +<p>FILIPPO · ET · SALLIA · COSS</p> +</blockquote></td> +</tr></table> + +<h3><a id="p01n" name="p01n">I</a></h3> + +<table><tr><td>Line</td><td></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f01_0" name="f01_0" href="#p01o">1</a></td> + +<td class="snt">Of this poem lines +<a href="#p01_0">1-8</a>, +<a href="#p01_81">81-84</a>, +<a href="#p01_97">97-100</a>, were included in the Roman Breviary +as a hymn to be sung at Lauds, on Tuesday.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f01_2" name="f01_2" href="#p01_2">2</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The allusions to the cock in this and the following poem (<a href="#p02_37">ii. 37-55</a>) were +doubtless inspired by the lines of Ambrose in his morning hymn beginning +<i>Aeterne rerum conditor</i>. Cf. ll. 5-8 and 16-24: + +<blockquote> +<p><i>"praeco diei iam sonat +<br />noctis profundae pervigil, +<br />nocturna lux viantibus +<br />a nocte noctem segregans.</i> +<br /> +<br /> * * + * * * +<br /> +<br /><i>surgamus ergo strenue: +<br />gallus iacentes excitat, +<br />et somnolentos increpat: +<br />gallus negantes arguit.</i> +<br /> +<br /><i>gallo canente spes redit, +<br />aegris salus refunditur, +<br />mucro latronis conditur, +<br />lapsis fides revertitur."</i></p> + +<h4><i>Translation.</i></h4> + +<p>"Dawn's herald now begins to cry, +<br />Lone watcher of the nightly sky: +<br />Light of the dark to pilgrims dear, +<br />Speeding successive midnights drear. +<br /> +<br /> * * + * * * +<br /> +<br />Brisk from our couch let us arise! +<br />Hark to the cock's arousing cries! +<br />He chides the sluggard's slumbrous ease, +<br />And shames his unconvincing pleas. +<br /> +<br />At cock-crow Hope revives again, +<br />Health banishes the stress of pain, +<br />Sheathed is the nightly robber's sword, +<br />And Faith to fallen hearts restored."</p> +</blockquote> + +<p>See also Ambrose, <i>Hexaem.</i>, v. 24, for an eloquent passage in the same +strain. The cock was the familiar Christian symbol of early rising or +vigilance, and numerous representations of it are found in the Catacombs. +Cf. the painting from the Catacomb of St. Priscilla reproduced in +Bottari's folio of 1754, where the Good Shepherd is depicted as feeding +the lambs, with a crowing cock on His right and left hand. It is also a +symbol of the Resurrection, our Lord being supposed to have risen from the +grave at the early cockcrowing: see <a href="#p01_65">l. 65 <i>et seq.</i></a> +In <a href="#p01_16">l. 16</a> the first +bird-notes are interpreted by the poet as a summons to the general +judgment. Cf. Mark xiii. 35: "Ye know not when the lord of the house +cometh, whether at even, or at midnight, or <i>at cockcrowing</i>, or in the +morning." This passage serves as a kind of text for Prudentius' first two +hymns, and perhaps explains why he has one for cockcrowing and another for +morning.</p></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f01_26" name="f01_26" href="#p01_26">26</a></td> + +<td class="snt">A common idea in all literatures. Cf. Virg., <i>Aen.</i>, vi. 278 (taken from +Homer), <i>tum consanguineus Leti Sopor</i>, and Tennyson's "Sleep, Death's +twin-brother" (<i>In Memoriam</i>, 68).</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f01_44" name="f01_44" href="#p01_44">44</a></td> + +<td class="snt">Cf. Augustine, <i>Serm.</i> 103: "These evil spirits seek to seduce the +soul: but when the sun has arisen, they take to flight."</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f01_59" name="f01_59" href="#p01_59">59</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The denial of Peter forms a subject of Christian casuistry in patristic +literature, and this passage recalls the famous classical parallel in +Euripides (<i>Hipp.</i> 612), "the tongue hath sworn: yet unsworn is the +heart." Cf. Augustine, <i>cont. mendacium</i>: "In that denial he held fast +the truth in his heart, while with his lips he uttered falsehood." For a +striking representation of Peter and the cock, on a sarcophagus discovered +in the Catacombs and now deposited in the Vatican library, see Maitland's +<i>Church in the Catacombs</i>, p. 347. The closing words of the passage in +Ambrose's <i>Hexaemeron</i>, already referred to under <a href="#f01_2">l. 2</a>, +may here be quoted: "As the cock peals forth his notes, the robber leaves his plots: +Lucifer himself awakes and lights up the sky: the distressful sailor lays +aside his gloom, and all the storms and tempests that have risen in fury +under the winds of the evening begin to die down: the soul of the saint +leaps to prayer and renews the study of the written word: and finally, the +very Rock of the Church is cleansed of the stain he had contracted by his +denials before the cock crew."</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f01_81" name="f01_81" href="#p01_81">81 ff.</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The best commentary on these words is to be found in the following passage +from the second epistle of Basil to Gregory Nazianzen: "What can be more +blessed than to imitate on earth the angelic host by giving oneself at the +peep of dawn to prayer and by turning at sunrise to work with hymns and +songs: yea, all the day through to make prayer the accompaniment of our +toils and to season them with praise as with salt? For the solace of hymns +changes the soul's sadness into mirth."</td> +</tr></table> + +<h3><a id="p02n" name="p02n">II</a></h3> + +<table><tr><td>Line</td><td></td></tr> +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f02_1" name="f02_1" href="#p02_1">1</a></td> + +<td class="snt">This poem furnishes two hymns to the Roman Breviary, one to be sung on +Wednesday at Lauds, and consisting of ll. +<a href="#p02_1">1-8</a>, +<a href="#p02_48">48-53</a> (omitting l. 50), +<a href="#p02_57">57, 59, 60</a>, +<a href="#p02_67">67</a> (<i>tu vera lux caelestium</i>) and 68: the other for Thursday +at Lauds, consisting of ll. <a href="#p02_25">25</a> (<i>lux ecce surgit aurea</i>), +<a href="#p02_93">93-108</a>.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f02_17" name="f02_17" href="#p02_17">17</a></td> + +<td class="snt">Cf. Ambrose, ii. 8, <i>de Cain et Abel</i>: "The thief shuns the day as +the witness of his crime: the adulterer is abashed by the dawn as the +accomplice of his adultery."</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f02_51" name="f02_51" href="#p02_51">51</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The practice of praying on bended knees is frequently +referred to in early +Christian writers. Cf. Clem., 1 Ad. Cor. cc. xlviii.: "Let us fall down +before the Lord," and Shepherd of Hermas, vis. 1. i.: "After I had crossed +that river I came unto the banks and there knelt down and began to pray." +Dressel quotes from Juvencus (iv. 648), a Spanish poet and Christian +contemporary of Prudentius, <i>genibus nixi regem dominumque salutant</i>, "on +bended knees they make obeisance unto their King and Lord."</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f02_63" name="f02_63" href="#p02_63">63</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The Jordan is a poetical figure for baptism, suggested +doubtless by the +baptism of our Lord in that river. Cf. <a href="#p07_73">vii. 73-75</a>.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f02_67" name="f02_67" href="#p02_67">67</a></td> + +<td class="snt">Cf. Milton, <i>Paradise Regained</i>, i. 293: +"So spake our Morning Star, then +in his rise." The figure is suggested by Rev. xxii. 16: "I am ... the +bright, the morning star."</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f02_105" name="f02_105" href="#p02_105">105</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The conception of God as <i>speculator</i> may be paralleled by a passage in +the epistle of Polycarp <i>ad Philipp.</i> iv., where God is described as the +Arch-critic (παντα + μωμοσχοπειται) +and subsequently (vii.) as +παντεποπτην +θεον, "the All-witnessing God." The last verse +contains a distinct echo of the closing words of the fourth chapter of +Polycarp: "None of the reasonings or thoughts, nor any of the hidden +things of the heart escape His notice."</td> +</tr></table> + +<h3><a id="p03n" name="p03n">III</a></h3> +<table><tr><td>Line</td><td></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f03_2" name="f03_2" href="#p03_2">2</a></td> + +<td class="snt"><i>Word-begot.</i> The original <i>verbigena</i>, on the analogy of such words (cf. +<i>terrigena</i>, <i>Martigena</i>, etc.), can only mean "begotten of the Word." It +is evident, therefore, the "Word" in this connection is not the Johannine +Logos or Second Person in the Trinity. Prudentius cannot be guilty of the +error which he expressly condemns (<i>Apoth.</i> 249) as <i>perquam ridiculum</i> +and regard the Logos as begetting Himself. Consequently, both in this +passage and in <a href="#p11_18">xi. 18</a> (<i>verbo editus</i>) the "Word" must be taken as +approximating rather to the Alexandrian conception of the Logos as the +Divine Reason. In this way Christ is expressly described as the offspring +of the <i>Intellectus Dei</i>, the immanent Intelligence of the Deity. If this +conception is considered to be beyond Prudentius, we can only suppose +that both here and in <a href="#p11_18">xi. 18</a>, his language is theologically loose. Some +excuse may be offered for this on the ground that the Latin language is +ill-adapted for expressing metaphysical truths. The late Bishop Westcott +remarked on the inadequacy of the Latin original of "the Word was made +flesh" (<i>verbum caro factum est</i>), both substantive and verb falling +short of the richness of their Greek equivalents. (<i>Vid.</i> also +<a href="#f04_15">note on iv. 15</a>.)</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f03_11" name="f03_11" href="#p03_11">11</a></td> + +<td class="snt">Cf. Ambrose, <i>Hymn</i> vii.:-- + +<blockquote> +<p><i>"Christusque nobis sit cibus +<br />Potusque noster sit fides; +<br />Laeti bibamus sobriam +<br />Ebrietatem Spiritus."</i></p> + +<h4><i>Translation.</i></h4> + +<p>"May Christ be now the Bread we eat, +<br />Be simple Faith our potion sweet: +<br />Let our intoxication be +<br />The Spirit's calm sobriety."</p> +</blockquote> + +The idea is familiar to readers of Herbert and Herrick, though it is +elaborated by them with quaint conceits somewhat foreign to the Latin +poet. Cf. Herbert, <i>The Banquet</i>:-- + +<blockquote> +<p class="l">"O what sweetnesse from the bowl</p> +<p class="t5">Fills my soul!</p> +<p> * * + * * *</p> +<p class="l">Is some starre (fled from the sphere)</p> +<p class="t5">Melted there,</p> +<p class="l">As we sugar melt in wine?</p> +<p> * * + * * * </p> +<p class="l">Doubtless neither starre nor flower</p> +<p class="t5">Hath the power</p> +<p class="l">Such a sweetnesse to impart:</p> +<p class="l">Only God, Who gives perfumes,</p> +<p class="t5">Flesh assumes,</p> +<p class="l">And with it perfumed my heart."</p> +</blockquote> +Also Herrick, <i>A Thanksgiving to God</i>:-- + +<blockquote> +<p class="l">"Lord, I confess too, when I dine,</p> +<p class="t5">The pulse is thine.</p> +<p> * * + * * *</p> +<p class="l">'Tis thou that crown'st my glittering hearth</p> +<p class="t5">With guiltless mirth,</p> +<p class="l">And giv'st me wassail bowls to drink,</p> +<p class="t5">Spiced to the brink."</p> +</blockquote></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f03_28" name="f03_28" href="#p03_28">28</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The original <i>dactylico</i> refers to the metre of the Latin of this +poem. For a rendering of ll. 1-65 in the metre of the original see Glover, +<i>Life and Letters in the Fourth Century</i>, pp. 267-269.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f03_58" name="f03_58" href="#p03_58">58</a></td> + +<td class="snt">This and the following lines should satisfy the most ardent vegetarian +who seeks to uphold his abstinence from animal food by the customs of the +early Church. In Christian circles, however, the abstinence was practised +on personal and spiritual grounds, <i>e.g.</i>, Jerome (<i>de Regul. Monach.</i>, +xi.) says, "The eating of flesh is the seed-plot of lust" (<i>seminarium +libidinis</i>): so also Augustine (<i>de moribus Ecc. Cath.</i>, i. 33), who +supports what doubtless was the view of Prudentius, namely that the +avoidance of animal flesh was a safe-guard but not a binding Christian +duty.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f03_75" name="f03_75" href="#p03_75">75</a></td> + +<td class="snt"><i>Unwed.</i> Prudentius thus adopts the view of the ancient world on the +question of the generation of bees. Cf. Virgil, <i>Geo.</i> iv. 198, and Pliny, +<i>Nat. Hist.</i>, xi. 16. Dryden's translation of Virgil (<i>l.c.</i>) is as +follows:-- + +<blockquote> +<p class="l">"But (what's more strange) their modest appetites,</p> +<p class="l">Averse from Venus, fly the nuptial rights;</p> +<p class="l">No lust enervates their heroic mind,</p> +<p class="l">Nor wastes their strength on wanton womankind,</p> +<p class="l">But in their mouths reside their genial powers,</p> +<p class="l">They gather children from the leaves and flowers."</p> +</blockquote></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f03_86" name="f03_86" href="#p03_86">86</a></td> + +<td class="snt">Cf. Ps. liv. 18, 19 (Vulg.): <i>Vespere et mane et meridie narrabo et +annuntiabo et exaudiet vocem meam.</i> "In the evening and morning and at noonday +will I pray, and that instantly and he shall hear my voice" (P. B. Version).</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f03_127" name="f03_127" href="#p03_127">127</a></td> + +<td class="snt">This is, strictly speaking, an error: it is the woman's seed which is to +bruise the serpent's head. The error was perpetuated in the Latin Church +by the Vulgate of Gen. iii. 15, <i>ipsa conteret caput tuum</i>, where <i>ipsa</i> +refers to the woman (= she herself).</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f03_157" name="f03_157" href="#p03_157">157</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The epithet "white-robed" refers to the newly-baptized converts who +received the white robe as a symbol of their new nature. Cf. <i>Perist.</i> +i. 67: <i>Christus illic candidatis praesidet cohortibus</i>, and Ambrose +(<i>de Mysteriis</i>, vii.): "Thou didst receive (that is, after baptism) +white garments as a sign that thou hast doffed the covering of thy sins +and put on the chaste raiment (<i>velamina</i>) of innocence, whereof the +prophet spake (Ps. li. 7), 'Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, and I shall +be clean: thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow'" (Vulg.).</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f03_199" name="f03_199" href="#p03_199">199</a></td> + +<td class="snt">Phlegethon (rendered "Hell"), one of the rivers of the Virgilian Hades, is +used to express the abode of the lost. Cf. Milton, <i>P. L.</i>, ii. 580:-- + +<blockquote> +<p class="t3">"... fierce Phlegethon,</p> +<p class="l">Whose waves of torrent fire inflame with rage."</p> +</blockquote> +The subject of the <i>descensus ad inferos</i> was evidently a favourite +one with Prudentius and his contemporaries. It has been suggested that +apart from the scriptural basis of this conception Prudentius was +influenced by the so-called <i>Gospel of Nicodemus</i>, which embodies two +books, the <i>Acts of Pilate</i> and the <i>Descent into Hell</i>. The latter is +assigned by several critics to 400 or thereabouts, and gives a graphic +account of Christ's doings in Hades. Synesius deals with the subject in +one of his hymns (ix.), and Mrs Browning's translation (see the essay on +<i>The Greek Christian Poets</i>) of a passage in that poem may be quoted:-- + +<blockquote> +<p>"Down Thou earnest, low as earth, +<br />Bound to those of mortal birth; +<br />Down Thou earnest, low as hell, +<br />Where Shepherd-Death did tend and keep +<br />A thousand nations like to sheep, +<br />While weak with age old Hades fell +<br />Shivering through his dark to view Thee. +<br /> +<br /> * * + * * * +<br /> +<br />So, redeeming from their pain +<br />Chains of disembodied ones, +<br />Thou didst lead whom thou didst gather +<br />Upward in ascent again, +<br />With a great hymn to the Father, +<br />Upward to the pure white thrones!"</p> +</blockquote> +For a modern treatment of the theme see <i>Christ in Hades</i>, by Stephen +Phillips.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f03_202" name="f03_202" href="#p03_202">202</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The words suggest the Catacombs, and perhaps refer to the custom of placing +in the tomb a small cup or vase containing spices, of which myrrh (a symbol +of death, according to Gregory of Nyssa, cf. xii. 71) was most usually +employed. Or the allusion may be to the practice of embalming. (See +<a href="#f10_51">note on x. 51.</a>) +The body was placed not only in an actual sarcophagus or stone +coffin, as expressly mentioned in the text, but in hollow places cut out +of rock or earth (<i>loculus</i>). The <i>sarcophagus</i> method seems to have +been the earlier, but was superseded by that of the <i>loculus</i>, except +in the case of the very wealthy.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f03_205" name="f03_205" href="#p03_205">205</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The concluding line is beautifully illustrated by the epitaph on the +martyr Alexander, found over one of the graves in the cemetery of Callixtus +in the Catacombs:-- + +<blockquote> +<p class="l">ALEXANDER MORTVVS NON EST SED VIVIT</p> +<p class="l">SVPER ASTRA ET CORPVS IN HOC TVMVLO</p> +<p class="l">QVIESCIT ...</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote> +<p class="l">"Alexander is not dead, but lives above the stars</p> +<p class="t3">and his body rests in this tomb."</p> +</blockquote></td> +</tr></table> + +<h3><a id="p04n" name="p04n">IV</a></h3> + +<table><tr><td>Line</td><td></td></tr> +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f04_15" name="f04_15" href="#p04_15">15</a></td> + +<td class="snt">Prudentius here, as again in <a href="#p05_160">v. 160</a>, +emphasises his belief in the +procession of the Holy Ghost from the Father and the Son. The "filioque" +clause was not actually added to the Nicene Creed till the Council of +Toledo (589 A.D.), but the doctrine was expressly maintained by Augustine, +and occurs in a Confession of Faith of an earlier Synod of Toledo (447 +A.D.?), and in the words of Leo I. (<i>Ep. ad Turib.</i>, c. 1), "<i>de utroque +processit.</i>" The addition was not embodied into the Creed as used at +Rome as late as the beginning of the ninth century. (<i>Vid.</i> Harnack, +<i>Hist. of Dogma</i>, iv. 132.) Prudentius probably followed, as regards the +Trinity, the doctrine generally held by the Spanish Church of his day; in +many points it is difficult (cf. <a href="#f03_2">note on iii. 2</a>), but +appears to be derived partly from Tertullian and partly from Marcellus.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f04_59" name="f04_59" href="#p04_59">59</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The identification of the Habakkuk of this legend (<i>vid.</i> +the Apocryphal +"Bel and the Dragon") with the O. T. prophet is erroneous. This version +of the story of Daniel is sometimes represented in the frescoes of the +Catacombs, where the subject is a very favourite one, as is natural in +an age when the cry "<i>Christiani ad leones</i>" so often rang through the +streets of Rome. +</td></tr></table> + +<h3><a id="p05n" name="p05n">V</a></h3> +<table><tr><td>Line</td><td></td></tr> +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f05_1" name="f05_1" href="#p05_1">1</a></td> + +<td class="snt">There has been much doubt as to the title and scope of this hymn. Some +early editors (<i>e.g.</i>, Fabricius and Arevalus) adopt the title "<i>ad +incensum cerei Paschalis</i>," or "<i>de novo lumine Paschalis Sabbati</i>," and +confine its object to the ceremonial of Easter Eve, which is specially +alluded to in <a href="#p05_125">ll. 125</a> <i>et seq.</i> Others, following the best MSS., give the +simpler title used in this text, and regard it as a hymn for daily use. +This view is supported by the weight of evidence: the position of the +hymn among the first six (none of which are for special days), and the +fact that the Benediction of the Paschal Candle was not in use, at any +rate in Rome, in the pontificate of Zacharias (<i>ob.</i> 752 A.D.) point in +this direction. In the Spanish Church particularly the very ancient custom +of praying at the hour when the evening lamps were lighted had developed +into the regular office of the <i>lucernarium</i>, as distinct from Vespers. +The Mozarabic Breviary (seventh century) contains the prayers and +responses for this service, and the Rule of St. Isidore runs: "In the +evening offices, first the lucernarium, then two psalms, one responsory +and lauds, a hymn and prayer are to be said." St. Basil also writes: "It +seemed good to our fathers not to receive in silence the gift of the +evening light, but to give thanks as soon as it appeared." It is probable, +therefore, that Prudentius intended the hymn for daily use, and that after +speaking of God as the source of light, and His manifestations in the form +of fire to Moses and the Israelites, his thoughts pass naturally, though +somewhat abruptly, to the special festival--Easter Eve--on which the +sanctuaries were most brilliantly illuminated. The question is fully +discussed by Brockhaus (<i>A. Prudentius Clemens in seiner Bedeutung für +die Kirche seiner Zeit</i>), and Roesler (<i>Der catholische Dichter A. +Prudentius</i>). Part of this hymn is used in the Mozarabic Breviary for the +First Sunday after Epiphany, at Vespers, being stanzas +<a href="#p05_1">1</a>, <a href="#p05_25">7</a>, <a href="#p05_137">35</a>, +<a href="#p05_149">38-41</a>.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f05_7" name="f05_7" href="#p05_7">7</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The words <i>incussu silicis</i> are perhaps reminiscent of the Spanish +ceremonial of Easter Eve, when the bishop struck the flint, lighting from +it first a candle, then a lamp, from which the deacons lighted their +candles; these were blessed by the bishop, and the procession from the +<i>processus</i> into the church followed.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f05_21" name="f05_21" href="#p05_21">21</a></td> + +<td class="snt">Cf. Vaughan, <i>The Lampe</i>:-- + +<blockquote> +<p class="t5">"Then thou dost weepe</p> +<p class="l">Still as thou burn'st, and the warm droppings creepe</p> +<p class="l">To measure out thy length."</p> +</blockquote></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f05_119" name="f05_119" href="#p05_119">119</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The <i>folium</i> here is probably the ancient +<i>malobathrum</i>, generally +identified as the Indian cinnamon. The Arab traders who brought this +valuable product into the Western markets, surrounded its origin with +much mystery.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f05_125" name="f05_125" href="#p05_125">125</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The following stanzas, in which Prudentius elaborates the beautiful fancy +that the sufferings of lost spirits are alleviated at Eastertide, have +incurred the severe censure of some of the earlier editors. Fabricius +calls it "a Spanish fabrication," while others, as Cardinal Bellarmine, +declare that the author is speaking "poetically and not dogmatically." +That such a belief, however, was actually held by some section of the +ancient Church is evident from the words of St. Augustine (<i>Encheiridion</i>, +c. 112): <i>Paenas damnatorum certis temporum intervallis existiment, si +hoc eis placet, aliquatenus mitigari, dummodo intelligatur in eis manere +ira Dei, hoc est ipsa damnatio.</i> "Let men believe, if it so please them, +that at certain intervals the pains of the damned are somewhat alleviated, +provided that it be understood that the wrath of God, that is damnation +itself, abides upon them."</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f05_140" name="f05_140" href="#p05_140">140</a></td> + +<td class="snt">It is somewhat startling to find Prudentius speaking of the Holy Eucharist +in terms which would recall to his contemporary readers Virgilian +phraseology and the honeyed cake (<i>liba</i>) used in pagan sacrifice. It +must be remembered, however, that in the early days of the Church paganism +and Christianity flourished side by side for a considerable period; and we +find various pagan practices allowed to continue, where they were innocent. +Thus the bride-cake and the bridal-veil are of heathen origin; the mirth +of the Saturnalia survives, in a modified form, in some of the rejoicings +of Christmas; and the flowers, which had filled the pagan temples during +the Floralia, were employed to adorn God's House at the Easter festival.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f05_141" name="f05_141" href="#p05_141">141</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The brilliant illumination of churches on Easter Eve is very ancient. +According to Eusebius, Constantine "turned the mystical vigil into the +light of day by means of lamps suspended in every part, setting up also +great waxen tapers, as large as columns, throughout the city." Gregory +of Nyssa also speaks of "the cloud of fire mingling with the rays of the +rising sun, and making the eve and the festival one continuous day without +interval of darkness."</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f05_153" name="f05_153" href="#p05_153">153</a></td> + +<td class="snt">Cf. <i>Paradise Lost</i>, iii. 51:-- + +<blockquote> +<p>"So much the rather thou, Celestial Light, +<br />Shine inward, and the mind through all her powers +<br />Irradiate."</p> +</blockquote> +</td></tr></table> + +<h3><a id="p06n" name="p06n">VI</a></h3> + + +<table><tr><td>Line</td><td></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"> </td> + +<td class="snt"> <a id="f06o" name="f06o"></a>The +<a href="#p06_129">last seven stanzas</a> of this hymn are used in the Moz. Brev. at Compline +on Passion Sunday, and daily until Maundy Thursday.</td> </tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f06_56" name="f06_56" href="#p06_56">56</a></td> + +<td class="snt">Cf. Job. vii. 14: "Then Thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me +through visions."</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f06_95" name="f06_95" href="#p06_95">95</a></td> + +<td class="snt">In the translation of this stanza the explanation of Nebrissensis is +adopted, an early editor of Prudentius (1512) and one of the leaders of the +Renaissance in Spain. He considers that "the few of the impious who are +condemned to eternal death" are the incurable sinners, <i>immedicabiles</i>. +Others attempt to reconcile these words with the general belief of +the early Church by maintaining that <i>non pii</i> is not equivalent to +<i>impii</i>, but rather refers to the class that is neither decidedly +good nor definitely bad, and that the mercy of God is extended to the +majority of these. A third view is that the poet is speaking relatively, +and means that few are condemned in proportion to the number that deserve +condemnation. In whatever way the words are explained, it is interesting +to find an advocate of "the larger hope" in the fourth century.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f06_105" name="f06_105" href="#p06_105">105</a></td> + +<td class="snt">Cf. Rev. xvii. 8: "The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and is +about to come up out of the abyss, and to go into perdition."</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f06_109" name="f06_109" href="#p06_109">109</a></td> + +<td class="snt">Cf. 2 Thess. ii. 4: "The son of perdition, who opposeth and exalteth +himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that +he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God."</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f06_127" name="f06_127" href="#p06_127">127</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The phrase <i>rorem subisse sacrum</i> would suggest baptism by sprinkling, +except that Prudentius uses the word loosely elsewhere. Immersion was +undoubtedly the general practice of the early Church, "clinical" baptism +being allowed only in cases of necessity.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f06_128" name="f06_128" href="#p06_128">128</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The anointing with oil showed that the catechumen was enrolled among the +spiritual priesthood, and with the unction was joined the sign of the +Cross on the forehead. +</td></tr></table> + +<h3><a id="p07n" name="p07n">VII</a></h3> +<table><tr><td>Line</td><td></td></tr> +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f07_1" name="f07_1" href="#p07_1">1</a></td> + +<td class="snt">This entire hymn is used in the Moz. Brev., divided into fifteen portions +for use during Lent.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f07_27" name="f07_27" href="#p07_27">27</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The word <i>sacerdos</i> here, as in <a href="#p09_4">ix. 4</a>, +is used in the sense of "prophet"; +but in both passages there is some idea of the exercise of priestly +functions. Elijah may be called "priest" from his having offered sacrifice +on Mount Carmel, and David from his wearing the priestly ephod as he +danced before the Ark.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f07_69" name="f07_69" href="#p07_69">69</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The old editors discuss these lines with much gravity, and mostly come to +the conclusion that "locusts" were "a kind of bird, of the length of a +finger, with quick, short flight"; while the "wild honey" was not actual +honey at all, but "the tender leaves of certain trees, which, when crushed +by the fingers, had the pleasant savour of honey."</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f07_76" name="f07_76" href="#p07_76">76</a></td> + +<td class="snt">A gloss on one of the Vat. MSS. adds: "This is not authorised; for John +merely baptized with water, and not in the name of the Father, Son and +Holy Ghost; therefore his baptism was of no avail, save that it prepared +the way for Christ to baptize." Many of the Fathers, however, while +expressly affirming that John's baptism differed from that of Christ, +allowed that the stains of sin were washed away by the former. St. +Chrysostom draws this distinction: "There was in John's baptism pardon, +but not without repentance; remission of sins, but only attained by grief."</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f07_100" name="f07_100" href="#p07_100">100</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The story of Jonah, as a type of the Resurrection, is one of the most +frequent subjects of the frescoes of the Catacombs. In one very ancient +picture, a man in a small boat is depicted in the act of placing the +prophet in the very jaws of the whale.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f07_115" name="f07_115" href="#p07_115">115</a></td> + +<td class="snt">Two stanzas are omitted in the text, which depict the sufferings of Jonah +with a wealth of detail not in accordance with modern taste. For the +sake of giving a complete text, we append them here:-- + +<blockquote> +<p>"<i>Transmissa raptim praeda cassos dentium +<br />eludit ictus incruentam transvolans +<br />inpune linguam, ne retentam mordicus +<br />offam molares dissecarent uvidi, +<br />os omne transit et palatum praeterit.</i> +<br /> +<br /><i>Ternis dierum ac noctium processibus +<br />mansit ferino devoratus gutture, +<br />errabat illic per latebras viscerum, +<br />ventris recessus circumibat tortiles +<br />anhelus extis intus aestuantibus.</i>"</p> +</blockquote></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f07_194" name="f07_194" href="#p07_194">194</a></td> + +<td class="snt">Prudentius appears to have believed that the mystery of the Incarnation +was concealed from Satan, and that the Temptation was an endeavour to +ascertain whether Jesus was the Son of God or no. Cf. Milton, <i>Par. +Reg.</i> i.:-- + +<blockquote> +<p>"Who this is we must learn, for Man he seems +<br />In all his lineaments, though in his face +<br />The glimpses of his Father's glory shine."</p> +</blockquote></td> +</tr></table> + +<h3><a id="p08n" name="p08n">VIII</a></h3> +<table><tr><td>Line</td><td></td></tr> +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f08_9" name="f08_9" href="#p08_9">9</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The day of twelve hours appears to have been adopted by the Romans about +B.C. 291. Ambrose (<i>de virginibus</i>, iii. 4), commenting on Ps. cxix. and +the words "Seven times a day do I praise thee," declares that prayers are +to be offered up with thanksgiving when we rise from sleep, when we go +forth, when we prepare to take food, when we have taken it, at the hour +of incense, and lastly, when we retire to rest. He probably alludes to +private prayer. The stanza here indicates that the second hour after +midday has arrived, when the fasting ended and the midday meal was taken.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f08_14" name="f08_14" href="#p08_14">14</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The word <i>festum</i>, as in <a href="#p07_4">vii. 4</a>, +indicates a special fast day. Until the +sixth century, fasting was simply a penitential discipline and was not +used as a particular mode of penance. In the fourth century it was a +fairly common practice as a preparation for Holy Communion. Fasting +before Baptism was a much earlier practice. The stated fasts of the +Western Church were (1) <i>annual</i>, that is, ante-paschal or Lent; (2) +<i>monthly</i>, or the fasts of the four seasons in the 1st, 4th, 7th and +10th months; (3) <i>weekly</i>, on Wednesday and Friday. There was also the +fast of the Rogations and the Vigils or Eves of holy days. It is doubtful +whether all these were in vogue as early as Prudentius.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f08_33" name="f08_33" href="#p08_33">33</a></td> + +<td class="snt">This passage on the Shepherd reminds us of one of the most common pictorial +representations of the Catacombs. Christian art owed something to paganism +in this matter; ancient sculptures represent the god Pan with a goat +thrown across his shoulders and a Pan's pipe in his hand; while the poets +Calpurnius and Tibullus both refer to the custom of carrying a stray or +neglected lamb on the shoulders of the shepherd. Going further back, the +figure is common in the O. T. to express God's care over His people. Our +Lord therefore used for His own purpose and transfigured with new meaning +a familiar figure. The gradual transition from paganism to Christianity +is curiously illustrated by the fact that in several of the Catacomb +bas-reliefs and paintings the Good Shepherd holds in His outstretched +hand a Pan's pipe. See Maitland's <i>Church in the Catacombs</i>, p. 315, +for a woodcut of the Good Shepherd with a lamb over His shoulders, two +sheep at His feet, a palm tree (or poplar) on either side, and a Pan's +pipe in His right hand; and also the frontispiece for a reproduction from +the Cemetery of St. Peter and St. Marcellinus. +</td></tr></table> + +<h3><a id="p09n" name="p09n">IX</a></h3> + +<table><tr><td>Line</td><td></td></tr> +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f09_1" name="f09_1" href="#p09_1">1</a></td> + +<td class="snt">This hymn, which first introduced into sacred song the trochaic metre +familiar in Greek Tragedy and the Latin adaptations of it, supplies the +Moz. Brev. with some stanzas for use during Holy Week. The lines selected +are <a href="#p09_22">22-24</a>, <a href="#p09_1">1-21</a>.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f09_11" name="f09_11" href="#p09_11">11</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The use of the symbol Ω, (pronounced here as a single syllable), +appears to indicate that the names Omega and Omikron came into use at a +later date than Prudentius' time. In Rev. i. 8, the best MSS. read +εγω ειμι το +αλφα και το ω.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f09_33" name="f09_33" href="#p09_33">33</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The words <i>vulnerum piamina</i> are generally supposed to refer to the "gifts +which Moses commanded" to be offered by those healed of leprosy (Lev. +xiv. 2). If so, Prudentius' language may imply that the cure was not +actually complete until the offering of these gifts, and is at variance +with St. Matthew, viii. 43, "and forthwith his leprosy was cleansed." +Probably, however, his idea is rather that the gifts to the priest formally +marked the leper as a clean man.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f09_71" name="f09_71" href="#p09_71">71</a></td> + +<td class="snt">Cf. <a href="#f03_199">note on iii. 199</a>. +</td></tr></table> + +<h3><a id="p10n" name="p10n">X</a></h3> +<table><tr><td>Line</td><td></td></tr> +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f10_1" name="f10_1" href="#p10_1">1</a></td> + +<td class="snt">Parts of this hymn are used in the Moz. Brev. in the Office of the Dead, +being ll. <a href="#p10_1">1-16</a>, <a href="#p10_45">45-48</a>, +<a href="#p10_57">57-68</a>, <a href="#p10_157">157-168</a>. + +<p>The burial rites of the primitive Church were simple, and marked by an +absence of the ostentatious expression of grief which the pagan peoples +displayed. The general practice of cremation was rejected, partly owing +to the new belief in the resurrection of the body, and partly from a +desire to imitate the burial of the Lord. At Rome, during the first +three centuries, the dead were laid in the Catacombs, in which Prudentius +took conspicuous interest (see Translator's Note), but after 338 A.D. +this practice became less frequent, and was completely abandoned after +410 A.D. Elsewhere, from the earliest times, the Christians purchased +special enclosures (<i>areae</i>), which were often attacked and rifled by +angry mobs in the days of persecution. The body was frequently embalmed +(<i>cf.</i> <a href="#p10_51">ll. 51, 52</a>), swathed in white linen +(<a href="#p10_49">l. 49</a>), and placed in +a coffin; vigils and hymns continued for three or four days, but hired +mourners were forbidden (<a href="#p10_113">l. 113</a>), and instead of the dirges of the +heathens, chants expressive of triumphant faith were sung as the body was +carried to the grave, where a simple service was held, and evergreens +and flowers were strewn about the tomb (<a href="#p10_169">ll. 169, 170</a>). The earliest +inscriptions are often roughly scratched on plaster, and consist merely +of a name and age, or simple words like--</p> + +<blockquote> +<p>GEMELLA DORMIT IN PACE</p> +</blockquote> + +<p>but later (cf. <a href="#p10_171">l. 171</a>), they were engraved on small marble slabs.</p></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f10_25" name="f10_25" href="#p10_25">25</a></td> + +<td class="snt">In both thought and language this stanza, as +<a href="#p07_16">vii. 16</a> <i>et seq.</i>, +is evidently reminiscent of Horace (<i>Sat.</i> 2, ii. 77): <i>Quin corpus +onustum</i>, etc. + +<blockquote> +<p class="l">"The Body, too, with Yesterday's excess</p> +<p class="l">Burthened and tired, shall the pure Soul depress,</p> +<p class="l">Weigh down this Portion of celestial Birth,</p> +<p class="l">This Breath of God, and fix it to the Earth."</p> +<p class="t5">(Francis).</p> +</blockquote></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f10_51" name="f10_51" href="#p10_51">51</a></td> + +<td class="snt">Boldetti, in his work on the Catacombs (lib. i. cap. 59), says that on +many occasions, when he was present at the opening of a grave, the +assembled company were conscious of a spicy odour diffusing itself from +the tomb. Cf. Tertullian (<i>Apol.</i> 42): "The Arabs and Sabaeans knew well +that we consume more of their precious merchandise for our dead than do +the heathen for their gods."</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f10_57" name="f10_57" href="#p10_57">57</a></td> + +<td class="snt">Prudentius' firm faith in the resurrection of the body is also nobly +expressed in the <i>Apotheosis</i> (ll. 1063 <i>et seq.</i>):-- + +<blockquote> +<p>"<i>Nosco meum in Christo corpus resurgere; quid me +<br />Desperare iubes? veniam, quibus ille revenit +<br />Calcata de morte viis: quod credimus hoc est.</i> +<br /> +<br /> * * + * * * +<br /> +<br /><i>Pellite corde metum, mea membra, et credite vosmet +<br />Cum Christo reditura Deo; nam vos gerit ille +<br />Et secum revocat: morbos ridete minaces: +<br />Inflictos casus contemnite; tetra sepulcra +<br />Despuite; exsurgens quo Christus provocat, ite.</i>"</p> + +<h4><i>Translation.</i></h4> + +<p>"I know in Christ my body shall arise; + <br />Why bid me, then, despair? for I shall go + <br />By that same path whereby my Lord returned, +<br />Death trodden 'neath His feet: this is my creed. +<br />Banish, my limbs, all terror; and believe +<br />That ye with Christ our God shall yet return; +<br />He beareth you and with Himself recalls. +<br />Laugh at the threats of sickness; scorn the blows +<br />Of fate; despise the horrors of the tomb; +<br />And fare ye where the risen Christ doth call."</p> +</blockquote></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f10_61" name="f10_61" href="#p10_61">61</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The poet expresses as a duty owed to Christ Himself the heathen obligation +of casting three handfuls of earth upon a body discovered dead.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f10_69" name="f10_69" href="#p10_69">69</a></td> + +<td class="snt">For the incident referred to in these lines, see the Apocryphal book of +Tobias, cc. ii. and xi. Tobit, a pious Israelite captive in Nineveh, was +reduced to beggary as the result of his zeal in burying those of his +countrymen who had been killed and exposed by royal command. He also +lost his sight, which was eventually restored by the application of the +gall of a fish which attacked his son Tobias, and was killed by him. The +"fish" of the legend is probably the crocodile, whose gall was credited +with medicinal properties by various Greek and Latin writers. Cf. Pliny, +<i>N. H.</i> xxviii. 8: "They say that nothing avails more against cataract +than to anoint the eyes with its gall mixed with honey."</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f10_113" name="f10_113" href="#p10_113">113</a></td> + +<td class="snt">Cf. Cyprian (<i>De Mortal.</i> 20): "We must not lament our brethren whom the +Lord's summons has freed from the world, for we know that they are not +lost, but gone before. We may not wear the black robes of mourning while +they have put on the white raiment of joy. Nor may we grieve for those as +lost whom we know to be living with God."</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f10_171" name="f10_171" href="#p10_171">171</a></td> + +<td class="snt">Cf. <i>Perist.</i> vii.:-- + +<blockquote> +<p class="l">"<i>Nos pio fletu, date, perluamus</i></p> +<p class="l"><i>Marmorum sulcos.</i>"</p> +</blockquote> + +The early Christian epitaphs, of which many thousands exist, are instinct +with a faith which is in striking contrast to the unrelieved gloom or +sullen resignation of paganism. We may compare with the common + +<blockquote> +<p>AVE ATQVE VALE</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote> +<p>"Hail and farewell"</p> +</blockquote> +or inscriptions like + +<blockquote> +<p>INFANTI DVLCISSIMO QVEM DI IRATI AETERNO SOMNO DEDERUNT</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote> +<p>"To a very sweet babe, whom the angry gods gave to unending sleep."</p> +</blockquote> +the Christian + +<blockquote> +<p>DVLCIS ET INNOCENS HIC DORMIT SEVERIANVS SOMNO PACIS CVIVS + SPIRITVS IN LVCE DOMINI SVSCEPTVS EST (A.D. 393)</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote> +<p>"Here slumbers in the sleep of peace the sweet and innocent + Severianus, whose spirit is received in the light of the Lord"</p> +</blockquote> +or + +<blockquote> +<p>NATVS EST LAVRENTIVS IN ETERNVM ANN. XX. DORMIT IN PACE (A.D. 329)</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote> +<p>"Laurentius was born into eternity in his twentieth year. He + sleeps in peace."</p> +</blockquote> + +See also <a href="#f03_205">note on iii. 205</a>. +</td></tr></table> + +<h3><a id="p11n" name="p11n">XI</a></h3> + +<table><tr><td>Line</td><td></td></tr> +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f11_1" name="f11_1" href="#p11_1">1</a></td> + +<td class="snt">Virgil's Fourth Eclogue known as the "Pollio" has undoubtedly influenced +the thought and style of this poem: the more noticeable parallels will be +pointed out as they occur. In Milton's ode <i>On the Morning of Christ's +Nativity</i> there are several passages which recall Prudentius' treatment +of the theme in this and the succeeding hymn; but curiously enough, +the Puritan poet in alluding to the season of the Nativity takes an +opposite line of thought, and regards the diminished sunshine of winter +as a veiling of an inferior flame before the light of "a greater Sun." +Prudentius proclaims the increase of the sun's light, which begins after +the winter solstice, as symbolic of the ever-widening influence of the +True Light. The idea is given in a terse form by St. Peter Chrysologus, +<i>Serm.</i> 159: <i>Crescere dies coepit, quia verus dies illuxit</i>. "The day +begins to lengthen out, inasmuch as the true Day hath shone forth."</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f11_18" name="f11_18" href="#p11_18">18</a></td> + +<td class="snt">For the somewhat obscure phrase <i>verbo editus</i>, see <a href="#f03_2">note on iii. 2</a>.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f11_20" name="f11_20" href="#p11_20">20</a></td> + +<td class="snt">For "Sophia" or the Divine Creative Wisdom, see Prov. iii. 19, 20, and +especially viii. 27-31, where the language "has been of signal importance +in the history of thought, helping, as it does, to make a bridge between +Eastern and Greek ideas, and to prepare the way for the Incarnation" +(Davison, <i>Wisdom-Literature of the O. T.</i>, pp. 5, 6). In Alexandrian +theology the conception of God's transcendence gave rise to the doctrine +of an intermediate power or <i>logos</i>, by which creation was effected. In +the Prologue of the fourth Gospel the idea was set forth in its purely +Christian form. See 1, 3, where the Logos or the pre-incarnate Christ is +described as the maker of all things--an idea which is also illustrated +by the language of St. Paul in such passages as Col. i. 6.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f11_59" name="f11_59" href="#p11_59">59</a></td> + +<td class="snt">Cf. for the conception of a golden age, Virg., <i>Ecl.</i>, iv. 5 <i>et seq.</i>: +<i>Magnus ab integro saeclorum nascitur ordo</i>, etc.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f11_65" name="f11_65" href="#p11_65">65</a></td> + +<td class="snt">Reminiscences of ancient prophecy appear to be embodied in this and +following lines. Cf. Joel iii. 18: "And it shall come to pass in that +day that the mountains shall drop down sweet wine and the hills shall +flow with milk." Amos ix. 13: "The mountains shall drop sweet wine and +all the hills shall melt." But cf. especially Virg., <i>Ecl.</i>, iv. 18-30: +<i>At tibi prima, puer, nullo munuscula cultu</i>, etc. + +<blockquote> +<p class="l">"Unbidden earth shall wreathing ivy bring,</p> +<p class="l">And fragrant herbs (the promises of spring)</p> +<p class="l">As her first off'rings to her infant king.</p> +<p> * * + * * *</p> +<p class="l">Unlaboured harvest shall the fields adorn,</p> +<p class="l">And clustered grapes shall blush on every thorn;</p> +<p class="l">The knotted oaks shall showers of honey weep,</p> +<p class="l">And through the matted grass the liquid gold shall creep."</p> +<p class="t5">(Dryden's Trans.)</p> +</blockquote></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f11_81" name="f11_81" href="#p11_81">81</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The legend of the ox and ass adoring our Lord arose from an allegorical +interpretation of Isa. i. 3: "The ox knoweth his owner, the ass his +master's crib." Origen (<i>Homilies on St. Luke</i> xiii.) is the first to +allegorise on the passage in Isaiah, where the word for "crib" in the +Greek translation of the O. T. is identical with St. Luke's word for +"manger" (φατνη). After referring to the circumstances of the +Nativity, Origen proceeds to say: "That was what the prophet foretold, +saying, 'The ox knoweth,' etc. The Ox is a clean animal: the Ass an unclean one. +The Ass knew his master's crib (<i>praesepe domini sui</i>): not the people +of Israel, but the unclean animal out of pagan nations knew its master's +crib. 'But Israel hath not known me: and my people hath not understood.' +Let us understand this and press forward to the crib, recognise the Master +and be made worthy of his knowledge." The thought that the Ox = the Jews +and the Ass = Pagans, reappears in Gregory Nazianzen, Ambrose and Jerome. +See an interesting article by Mr. Austin West (<i>Ox and Ass Legend of the +Nativity</i>. <i>Cont. Review</i>, Dec. 1903), who notes the further impetus +given to the legend by the Latin rendering of Habb. iii. 2 (LXX.) which +in the <i>Vetus Itala</i> version appears as "in medio duorum animalium in +notesceris," "in the midst of two animals shalt thou be known" (R.V., <i>in +the midst of the years make it known</i>). The legend does not appear +in apocryphal Christian literature earlier than in the <i>Pseudo-Matthew +Gospel</i>, which belongs to the later fifth century. It is interesting +to note that with St. Francis and the Franciscans the ox and the ass are +merely animals: the allegorical interpretation of Origen had vanished +from Christendom: and in its place we find St. Francis (see <i>Life of St. +Francis</i> by St. Bonaventura, "Temple Classics" edition, p. 111) making +a <i>presepio</i> at Greccio, to which a living ox and ass are brought, in +order that a visible representation of the manger-scene might kindle the +devotion of the Brethren and the assembled townsfolk. This act of St. +Francis inaugurated the custom, still observed in the Roman Church, +of representing by means of waxen images the whole of the Nativity +manger-scene, Mother and Child together with the adoring animals.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f11_97" name="f11_97" href="#p11_97">97</a></td> + +<td class="snt">For the <i>obstetrix</i>, cf. <i>Proto-Evangelium of the Pseudo-James</i> (a +Greek romance of the fourth century), § 18 <i>et seq.</i>, where Joseph is +represented as seeking and finding a Hebrew midwife.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f11_100" name="f11_100" href="#p11_100">100</a></td> + +<td class="snt">Cf. Milton's <i>Ode on the Nativity</i>, ll. 157-164:-- + +<blockquote> +<p class="l">"With such a horrid clang</p> +<p class="l">As on Mount Sinai rang</p> +<p class="t3">While the red fire and smould'ring clouds outbrake:</p> +<p class="l">The aged earth aghast</p> +<p class="l">With terror of that blast,</p> +<p class="t3">Shall from the surface to the centre shake;</p> +<p class="l">When at the world's last session</p> +<p class="l">The dreadful Judge in middle air shall spread his throne."</p> +</blockquote></td> +</tr></table> + +<h3><a id="p12n" name="p12n">XII</a></h3> + +<table><tr><td>Line</td><td></td></tr> +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f12_1" name="f12_1" href="#p12_1">1</a></td> + +<td class="snt">This poem has given four hymns to the Roman Breviary:-- + +<dl> +<dt>(1) For the Feast of the Transfiguration, Vespers and Matins consisting +of ll. <a href="#p12_1">1-4</a>, <a href="#p12_37">37-40, 41-44</a>, <a href="#p12_85">85-88</a>.</dt> + +<dt>(2) For the Epiphany at Lauds, beginning <i>O sola magnarum urbium</i>, +ll. <a href="#p12_77">77-80</a>, <a href="#p12_5">5-8</a>, <a href="#p12_61">61-72</a>.</dt> + +<dt>(3) For the Feast of Holy Innocents at Matins, beginning <i>Audit tyrannus +anxius</i>, ll. <a href="#p12_93">93-100</a>, <a href="#p12_133">133-136</a>.</dt> + +<dt>(4) Also the Feast of Holy Innocents at Lauds, beginning <i>Salvete +flores martyrum</i>, <a href="#p12_125">ll. 125-132</a>.</dt> +</dl></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f12_5" name="f12_5" href="#p12_5">5</a></td> + +<td class="snt">For a curious parallel to these opening lines see Henry Vaughan's <i>Pious +Thoughts and Ejaculations</i> (the Nativity):-- + +<blockquote> +<p class="l">"But stay! what light is that doth stream</p> +<p class="l">And drop here in a gilded beam?</p> +<p class="l">It is Thy star runs Page and brings</p> +<p class="l">Thy tributary Eastern kings.</p> +<p class="l">Lord! grant some light to us that we</p> +<p class="l">May find with them the way to Thee!"</p> +</blockquote></td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f12_12" name="f12_12" href="#p12_12">12</a></td> + +<td class="snt">Cf. Ignatius, <i>Ep. ad Ephes. xix.</i>: "All the other stars, together +with the Sun and Moon, became a chorus to the Star, which in its light +excelled them all."</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f12_15" name="f12_15" href="#p12_15">15</a></td> + +<td class="snt">Prudentius mentions the constellations of Ursa Major and Ursa Minor (to +which latter the Pole Star belongs) as examples of stars in constant +apparition. All the Little Bear stars are within about 24° from the Pole; +hence, if viewed from Saragossa, the birthplace of Prudentius, the lowest +altitude of any of them would be 18° above the north horizon. The same +applies to the majority of the stars in the Great Bear. Some few would +sink below the horizon for a brief time in each twenty-four hours; but +the greater number, especially the seven principal stars known as the +"Plough," would be sufficiently high up at their lowest northern altitudes +to be in perpetual apparition. [My friend, Rev. R. Killip, F.R.A.S., has +kindly furnished me with these particulars.] Allusions to the Bears are +constantly recurring in the classical poets (cf. <i>e.g.</i> Ovid., <i>Met.</i> +xiii. 293, <i>immunemque aequoris Arcton</i>, "the Bear that never touches +the sea"). The idea that these stars are mostly hidden by clouds, though +perpetually in view, is a poetic hyperbole intended to enhance the +uniqueness of the Star of Bethlehem.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f12_49" name="f12_49" href="#p12_49">49</a></td> + +<td class="snt">Jerome (<i>ad Eustoch.</i> Ep. 22) commenting on the passage in Isa. xi. 1, +"And there shall come forth a rod out of the root of Jesse, and a flower +shall rise up out of his root" (Vulg.), remarks: "The rod (<i>virga</i>) is +the mother of the Lord, simple, pure, sincere ... the flower of the rod is +Christ, who saith, 'I am the flower of the field and the lily of the +valleys.'"</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f12_69" name="f12_69" href="#p12_69">69</a></td> + +<td class="snt">This symbolism of the gifts of the Magi is also found in Juvencus (I. +250): "Frankincense, gold and myrrh they bring as gifts to a King, a Man +and a God," and is again alluded to by Prudentius in <i>Apoth.</i> 631 <i>et +seq.</i> The idea is expressed in the hymn of Jacopone da Todi, beginning +<i>Verbum caro factum est</i> (Mone, <i>Hymni Latini</i>, Vol. 2): + +<blockquote> +<p class="l">"Gold to the kingly,</p> +<p class="l">Incense to the priestly,</p> +<p class="l">Myrrh to the mortal:"</p> +</blockquote> + +and it has passed into the Office for Epiphany in the Roman Breviary: +"There are three precious gifts which the Magi offered to their Lord that +day, and they contain in themselves sacred mysteries: in the gold, that +the power of a king may be displayed: in the frankincense, consider the +great high priest: in the myrrh, the burial of the Lord" <i>et passim</i>.</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f12_172" name="f12_172" href="#p12_172">172</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The idea that Moses defeated the Amalekites because his arms were +outstretched in the form of a cross is found also in one of the hymns +(lxi.) of Gregory Nazianzen. The symbol of the Christian religion, the +cross, "was fancifully traced by the Fathers throughout the universe: the +four points of the compass, the 'height, breadth, length and depth' of +the Apostle expressed, or were expressed by, the cross.... The cross +explained everything" (Maitland, <i>Church in the Catacombs</i>, p. 202).</td></tr> + +<tr><td class="sn"><a id="f12_193" name="f12_193" href="#p12_193">193</a></td> + +<td class="snt">The discomfiture of the heathen gods wrought by the Incarnation is +elaborated by Milton, whose lines recall this and similar passages in +Prudentius:-- + +<blockquote> +<p class="l">"Peor, and Baälim</p> +<p class="l">Forsake their temples dim</p> +<p> * * + * * *</p> +<p class="l">And sullen Moloch fled,</p> +<p class="l">Hath left in shadows dread,</p> +<p class="t">His burning idol all of blackest hue.</p> +<p class="l"> </p> +<p class="l">Our Babe, to show his Godhead true,</p> +<p class="l">Can in his swaddling bands control the damned crew."</p> +</blockquote> +</td></tr></table> + +<p class="center">FINIS</p> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Hymns of Prudentius +by Aurelius Clemens Prudentius + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HYMNS OF PRUDENTIUS *** + +***** This file should be named 14959-h.htm or 14959-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/4/9/5/14959/ + +Produced by Ted Garvin, Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team. + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Hymns of Prudentius + +Author: Aurelius Clemens Prudentius + +Release Date: February 7, 2005 [EBook #14959] + +Language: Latin and English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HYMNS OF PRUDENTIUS *** + + + + +Produced by Ted Garvin, Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team. + + + + + + THE HYMNS of PRUDENTIUS + + TRANSLATED by R. MARTIN POPE. + + MDCCCCV PUBLISHED BY J.M. DENT + AND CO: ALDINE HOUSE LONDON W C + + + + CATHEMERINON LIBER + OF + PRUDENTIUS + + HYMNS FOR THE CHRISTIAN'S DAY + + NEWLY TRANSLATED INTO + ENGLISH VERSE + + + + + PRAEFATIO + + + Per quinquennia iam decem, + ni fallor, fuimus: septimus insuper + annum cardo rotat, dum fruimur sole volubili. + Instat terminus et diem + vicinum senio iam Deus adplicat. 5 + Quid nos utile tanti spatio temporis egimus? + Aetas prima crepantibus + flevit sub ferulis: mox docuit toga + infectum vitiis falsa loqui, non sine crimine. + Tum lasciva protervitas, 10 + et luxus petulans (heu pudet ac piget) + foedavit iuvenem nequitiae sordibus ac luto. + Exin iurgia turbidos + armarunt animos et male pertinax + vincendi studium subiacuit casibus asperis. 15 + Bis legum moderamine + frenos nobilium reximus urbium, + ius civile bonis reddidimus, terruimus reos. + Tandem militiae gradu + evectum pietas principis extulit 20 + adsumptum propius stare iubens ordine proximo. + Haec dum vita volans agit, + inrepsit subito canities seni + oblitum veteris me Saliae consulis arguens: + ex quo prima dies mihi 25 + quam multas hiemes volverit et rosas + pratis post glaciem reddiderit, nix capitis probat. + Numquid talia proderunt + carnis post obitum vel bona vel mala, + cum iam, quidquid id est, quod fueram, mors aboleverit? 30 + Dicendum mihi; Quisquis es, + mundum, quem coluit, mens tua perdidit: + non sunt illa Dei, quae studuit, cuius habeberis. + Atqui fine sub ultimo + peccatrix anima stultitiam exuat: 35 + saltem voce Deum concelebret, si meritis nequit: + hymnis continuet dies, + nec nox ulla vacet, quin Dominum canat: + pugnet contra hereses, catholicam discutiat fidem, + conculcet sacra gentium, 40 + labem, Roma, tuis inferat idolis, + carmen martyribus devoveat, laudet apostolos. + Haec dum scribo vel eloquor, + vinclis o utinam corporis emicem + liber, quo tulerit lingua sono mobilis ultimo. 45 + + + + + PREFACE + + + Full fifty years my span of life hath run, + Unless I err, and seven revolving years + Have further sped while I the sun enjoy. + Yet now the end draws nigh, and by God's will + Old age's bound is reached: how have I spent + And with what fruit so wide a tract of days? + I wept in boyhood 'neath the sounding rod: + Youth's toga donned, the rhetorician's arts + I plied and with deceitful pleadings sinned: + Anon a wanton life and dalliance gross + (Alas! the recollection stings to shame!) + Fouled and polluted manhood's opening bloom: + And then the forum's strife my restless wits + Enthralled, and the keen lust of victory + Drove me to many a bitterness and fall. + Twice held I in fair cities of renown + The reins of office, and administered + To good men justice and to guilty doom. + At length the Emperor's will beneficent + Exalted me to military power + And to the rank that borders on the throne. + The years are speeding onward, and gray hairs + Of old have mantled o'er my brows + And Salia's consulship from memory dies. + What frost-bound winters since that natal year + Have fled, what vernal suns reclothed + The meads with roses,--this white crown declares. + Yet what avail the prizes or the blows + Of fortune, when the body's spark is quenched + And death annuls whatever state I held? + This sentence I must hear: "Whate'er thou art, + Thy mind hath lost the world it loved: not God's + The things thou soughtest, Whose thou now shalt be." + Yet now, ere hence I pass, my sinning soul + Shall doff its folly and shall praise my Lord + If not by deeds, at least with humble lips. + Let each day link itself with grateful hymns + And every night re-echo songs of God: + Yea, be it mine to fight all heresies, + Unfold the meanings of the Catholic faith, + Trample on Gentile rites, thy gods, O Rome, + Dethrone, the Martyrs laud, th' Apostles sing. + O while such themes my pen and tongue employ, + May death strike off these fetters of the flesh + And bear me whither my last breath shall rise! + + + + + I. HYMNUS AD GALLI CANTUM + + + Ales diei nuntius + lucem propinquam praecinit; + nos excitator mentium + iam Christus ad vitam vocat. + + Auferte, clamat, lectulos 5 + aegros, soporos, desides: + castique recti ac sobrii + vigilate, iam sum proximus. + + Post solis ortum fulgidi + serum est cubile spernere, 10 + ni parte noctis addita + tempus labori adieceris. + + Vox ista, qua strepunt aves + stantes sub ipso culmine + paulo ante quam lux emicet, 15 + nostri figura est iudicis. + + Tectos tenebris horridis + stratisque opertos segnibus + suadet quietem linquere + iam iamque venturo die. 20 + + Ut, cum coruscis flatibus + aurora caelum sparserit, + omnes labore exercitos + confirmet ad spem luminis. + + Hic somnus ad tempus datus 25 + est forma mortis perpetis, + peccata ceu nox horrida + cogunt iacere ac stertere. + + Sed vox ab alto culmine + Christi docentis praemonet, 30 + adesse iam lucem prope, + ne mens sopori serviat: + + Ne somnus usque ad terminos + vitae socordis opprimat + pectus sepultum crimine 35 + et lucis oblitum suae. + + Ferunt vagantes daemonas + laetos tenebris noctium, + gallo canente exterritos + sparsim timere et cedere. 40 + + Invisa nam vicinitas + lucis, salutis, numinis + rupto tenebrarum situ + noctis fugat satellites. + + Hoc esse signum praescii 45 + norunt repromissae spei, + qua nos soporis liberi + speramus adventum Dei. + + Quae vis sit huius alitis, + salvator ostendit Petro, 50 + ter antequam gallus canat + sese negandum praedicans. + + Fit namque peccatum prius, + quam praeco lucis proximae + inlustret humanum genus 55 + finemque peccandi ferat. + + Flevit negator denique + ex ore prolapsum nefas, + cum mens maneret innocens, + animusque servaret fidem. 60 + + Nec tale quidquam postea + linguae locutus lubrico est, + cantuque galli cognito + peccare iustus destitit. + + Inde est quod omnes credimus, 65 + illo quietis tempore + quo gallus exsultans canit + Christum redisse ex inferis. + + Tunc mortis oppressus vigor, + tunc lex subacta est tartari, 70 + tunc vis diei fortior + noctem coegit cedere. + + Iam iam quiescant inproba, + iam culpa furva obdormiat, + iam noxa letalis suum 75 + perpessa somnum marceat. + + Vigil vicissim spiritus + quodcumque restat temporis, + dum meta noctis clauditur, + stans ac laborans excubet. 80 + + Iesum ciamus vocibus + flentes, precantes, sobrii: + intenta supplicatio + dormire cor mundum vetat. + + Sat convolutis artubus 85 + sensum profunda oblivio + pressit, gravavit, obruit + vanis vagantem somniis. + + Sunt nempe falsa et frivola, + quae mundiali gloria 90 + ceu dormientes egimus: + vigilemus, hic est veritas. + + Aurum, voluptas, gaudium, + opes, honores, prospera, + quaecumque nos inflant mala, 95 + fit mane, nil sunt omnia. + + Tu, Christe, somnum dissice, + tu rumpe noctis vincula, + tu solve peccatum vetus + novumque lumen ingere. 100 + + + + + I. HYMN AT COCK-CROW + + + Awake! the shining day is born! + The herald cock proclaims the morn: + And Christ, the soul's Awakener, cries, + Bidding us back to life arise. + + Away the sluggard's bed! away + The slumber of the soul's decay! + Ye chaste and just and temperate, + Watch! I am standing at the gate. + + After the sun hath risen red + 'Tis late for men to scorn their bed, + Unless a portion of the night + They seize for labours of the light. + + Mark ye, what time the dawn draws nigh, + How 'neath the eaves the swallows cry? + Know that by true similitude + Their notes our Judge's voice prelude. + + When hid by shades of dark malign + On beds of softness we recline, + They call us forth with music clear + Warning us that the day is near. + + When breezes bright of orient morn + With rosy hues the heavens adorn, + They cheer with hope of gladdening light + The hearts that spend in toil their might. + + Though sleep be but a passing guest + 'Tis type of death's perpetual rest: + Our sins are as a ghastly night, + And seal with slumbers deep our sight. + + But from the wide roof of the sky + Christ's voice peals forth with urgent cry, + Calling our sleep-bound hearts to rise + And greet the dawn with wakeful eyes. + + He bids us fear lest sensual ease + Unto life's end the spirit seize + And in the tomb of shame us bind, + Till we are to the true light blind. + + 'Tis said that baleful spirits roam + Abroad beneath the dark's vast dome; + But, when the cock crows, take their flight + Sudden dispersed in sore affright. + + For the foul votaries of the night + Abhor the coming of the light, + And shamed before salvation's grace + The hosts of darkness hide their face. + + They know the cock doth prophesy + Of Hope's long-promised morning sky, + When comes the Majesty Divine + Upon awakened worlds to shine. + + The Lord to Peter once foretold + What meaning that shrill strain should hold, + How he before cock-crow would lie + And thrice his Master dear deny. + + For 'tis a law that sin is done + Before the herald of the sun + To humankind the dawn proclaims + And with his cry the sinner shames. + + Then wept he bitter tears aghast + That from his lips the words had passed, + Though guileless he his soul possessed + And faith still reigned within his breast. + + Nor ever reckless word he said + Thereafter, by his tongue betrayed, + But at the cock's familiar cry + Humbled he turned from vanity. + + Therefore it is we hold to-day + That, as the world in stillness lay, + What hour the cock doth greet the skies, + Christ from deep Hades did arise. + + Lo! then the bands of death were burst, + Shattered the sway of hell accurst: + Then did the Day's superior might + Swiftly dispel the hosts of Night. + + Now let base deeds to silence fall, + Black thoughts be stilled beyond recall: + Now let sin's opiate spell retire + To that deep sleep it doth inspire. + + For all the hours that still remain + Until the dark his goal attain, + Alert for duty's stern command + Let every soul a sentry stand. + + With sober prayer on Jesus call; + Let tears with our strong crying fall; + Sleep cannot on the pure soul steal + That supplicates with fervent zeal. + + Too long did dull oblivion cloud + Our motions and our senses shroud: + Lulled by her numbing touch, we stray + In dreamland's ineffectual way. + + Bound by the dazzling world's soft chain + 'Tis false and fleeting gauds we gain, + Like those who in deep slumbers lie:-- + Let us awake! the truth is nigh. + + Gold, honours, pleasure, wealth and ease, + And all the joys that mortals please, + Joys with a fatal glamour fraught-- + When morning comes, lo! all are nought. + + But thou, O Christ, put sleep to flight + And break the iron bands of night, + Free us from burden of past sin + And shed Thy morning rays within. + + + + + II. HYMNUS MATUTINUS + + + Nox et tenebrae et nubila, + confusa mundi et turbida, + lux intrat, albescit polus, + Christus venit, discedite. + + Caligo terrae scinditur 5 + percussa solis spiculo, + rebusque iam color redit + vultu nitentis sideris. + + Sic nostra mox obscuritas + fraudisque pectus conscium 10 + ruptis retectum nubibus + regnante pallescit Deo. + + Tunc non licebit claudere + quod quisque fuscum cogitat, + sed mane clarescent novo 15 + secreta mentis prodita. + + Fur ante lucem squalido + inpune peccat tempore, + sed lux dolis contraria + latere furtum non sinit. 20 + + Versuta fraus et callida + amat tenebris obtegi, + aptamque noctem turpibus + adulter occultus fovet. + + Sol ecce surgit igneus, 25 + piget, pudescit, paenitet, + nec teste quisquam lumine + peccare constanter potest. + + Quis mane sumptis nequiter + non erubescit poculis, 30 + cum fit libido temperans + castumque nugator sapit? + + Nunc, nunc severum vivitur, + nunc nemo tentat ludicrum, + inepta nunc omnes sua 35 + vultu colorant serio. + + Haec hora cunctis utilis, + qua quisque, quod studet, gerat, + miles, togatus, navita, + opifex, arator, institor. 40 + + Illum forensis gloria, + hunc triste raptat classicum, + mercator hinc ac rusticus + avara suspirant lucra. + + At nos lucelli ac faenoris 45 + fandique prorsus nescii, + nec arte fortes bellica, + te, Christe, solum novimus. + + Te mente pura et simplici, + te voce, te cantu pio 50 + rogare curvato genu + flendo et canendo discimus. + + His nos lucramur quaestibus, + hac arte tantum vivimus, + haec inchoamus munera, 55 + cum sol resurgens emicat. + + Intende nostris sensibus, + vitamque totam dispice, + sunt multa fucis inlita, + quae luce purgentur tua. 60 + + Durare nos tales iube, + quales, remotis sordibus + nitere pridem iusseras, + Iordane tinctos flumine. + + Quodcumque nox mundi dehinc 65 + infecit atris nubibus, + tu, rex Eoi sideris, + vultu sereno inlumina. + + Tu sancte, qui taetram picem + candore tingis lacteo 70 + ebenoque crystallum facis, + delicta terge livida. + + Sub nocte Iacob caerula + luctator audax angeli, + eo usque dum lux surgeret, 75 + sudavit inpar praelium. + + Sed cum iubar claresceret, + lapsante claudus poplite + femurque victus debile + culpae vigorem perdidit. 80 + + Nutabat inguen saucium, + quae corporis pars vilior + longeque sub cordis loco + diram fovet libidinem. + + Hae nos docent imagines, 85 + hominem tenebris obsitum, + si forte non cedat Deo, + vires rebellis perdere. + + Erit tamen beatior, + intemperans membrum cui 90 + luctando claudum et tabidum + dies oborta invenerit. + + Tandem facessat caecitas, + quae nosmet in praeceps diu + lapsos sinistris gressibus 95 + errore traxit devio. + + Haec lux serenum conferat + purosque nos praestet sibi: + nihil loquamur subdolum, + volvamus obscurum nihil. 100 + + Sic tota decurrat dies, + ne lingua mendax, ne manus, + oculive peccent lubrici, + ne noxa corpus inquinet. + + Speculator adstat desuper, 105 + qui nos diebus omnibus + actusque nostros prospicit + a luce prima in vesperum. + + Hic testis, hic est arbiter, + his intuetur quidquid est, 110 + humana quod mens concipit; + hunc nemo fallit iudicem. + + + + + II. MORNING HYMN + + + Ye clouds and darkness, hosts of night + That breed confusion and affright, + Begone! o'erhead the dawn shines clear, + The light breaks in and Christ is here. + + Earth's gloom flees broken and dispersed, + By the sun's piercing shafts coerced: + The daystar's eyes rain influence bright + And colours glimmer back to sight. + + So shall our guilty midnight fade, + The sin-stained heart's gross dusky shade: + So shall the King's All-radiant Face + Sudden unveil our deep disgrace. + + No longer then may we disguise + Our dark intents from those clear eyes: + Yea, at the dayspring's advent blest + Our inmost thoughts will stand confest. + + The thief his hidden traffic plies + Unmarked before the dawn doth rise: + But light, the foe of guile concealed, + Lets no ill craft lie unrevealed. + + Fraud and Deceit love only night, + Their wiles they practise out of sight; + Curtained by dark, Adultery too + Doth his foul treachery pursue, + + But slinks abashed and shamed away + Soon as the sun rekindles day, + For none can damning light resist + And 'neath its rays in sin persist. + + Who doth not blush o'ertook by morn + And his long night's carousal scorn? + For day subdues the lustful soul, + And doth all foul desires control. + + Now each to earnest life awakes, + Now each his wanton sport forsakes; + Now foolish things are put away + And gravity resumes her sway. + + It is the hour for duty's deeds, + The path to which our labour leads, + Be it the forum, army, sea, + The mart or field or factory. + + One seeks the plaudits of the bar, + One the stern trumpet calls to war: + Those bent on trade and husbandry + At greed's behest for lucre sigh. + + Mine is no rhetorician's fame, + No petty usury I claim; + Nor am I skilled to face the foe: + 'Tis Thou, O Christ, alone I know. + + Yea, I have learnt to wait on Thee + With heart and lips of purity, + Humbly my knees in prayer to bend, + And tears with songs of praise to blend. + + These are the gains I hold in view + And these the arts that I pursue: + These are the offices I ply + When the bright sun mounts up the sky. + + Prove Thou my heart, my every thought, + Search into all that I have wrought: + Though I be stained with blots within, + Thy quickening rays shall purge my sin. + + O may I ever spotless be + As when my stains were cleansed by Thee, + Who bad'st me 'neath the Jordan's wave + Of yore my soiled spirit lave. + + If e'er since then the world's gross night + Hath cast its curtain o'er my sight, + Dispel the cloud, O King of grace, + Star of the East! with thy pure face. + + Since Thou canst change, O holy Light, + The blackest hue to milky white, + Ebon to clearness crystalline, + Wash my foul stains and make me clean. + + 'Twas 'neath the lonely star-blue night + That Jacob waged the unequal fight, + Stoutly he wrestled with the Man + In darkness, till the day began. + + And when the sun rose in the sky + He halted on his shrivelled thigh: + His natural might had ebbed away, + Vanquished in that tremendous fray. + + Not wounded he in nobler part + Nor smitten in life's fount, the heart: + But lust was shaken from his throne + And his foul empire overthrown. + + Whereby we clearly learn aright + That man is whelmed by deadly night, + Unless he own God conqueror + And strive against His will no more. + + Yet happier he whom rising morn + Shall find of nature's strength forlorn, + Whose warring flesh hath shrunk away, + Palsied by virtue's puissant sway. + + And then at length let darkness flee, + Which all too long held us in fee, + 'Mid wildering shadows made us stray + And led in devious tracks our way. + + We pray Thee, Rising Light serene, + E'en as Thyself our hearts make clean: + Let no deceit our lips defile + Nor let our souls be vexed by guile. + + O keep us, as the hours proceed, + From lying word and evil deed, + Our roving eyes from sin set free, + Our body from impurity. + + For thou dost from above survey + The converse of each fleeting day: + Thou dost foresee from morning light + Our every deed, until the night. + + Justice and judgment dwell with Thee, + Whatever is, Thine eye doth see: + Thou know'st what human hearts conceive + And none Thy wisdom may deceive. + + + + + III. HYMNUS ANTE CIBUM + + + O crucifer bone, lucisator, + omniparens, pie, verbigena, + edite corpore virgineo, + sed prius in genitore potens, + astra, solum, mare quam fierent: 5 + + Huc nitido precor intuitu + flecte salutiferam faciem, + fronte serenus et inradia, + nominis ut sub honore tui + has epulas liceat capere. 10 + + Te sine dulce nihil, Domine, + nec iuvat ore quid adpetere, + pocula ni prius atque cibos, + Christe, tuus favor inbuerit + omnia sanctificante fide. 15 + + Fercula nostra Deum sapiant, + Christus et influat in pateras: + seria, ludicra, verba, iocos, + denique quod sumus aut agimus, + trina superne regat pietas. 20 + + Hic mihi nulla rosae spolia, + nullus aromate fragrat odor, + sed liquor influit ambrosius + nectareamque fidem redolet + fusus ab usque Patris gremio. 25 + + Sperne camena leves hederas, + cingere tempora quis solita es, + sertaque mystica dactylico + texere docta liga strophio, + laude Dei redimita comas. 30 + + Quod generosa potest anima, + lucis et aetheris indigena, + solvere dignius obsequium, + quam data munera si recinat + artificem modulata suum? 35 + + Ipse homini quia cuncta dedit, + quae capimus dominante manu, + quae polus aut humus aut pelagus + aere, gurgite, rure creant, + haec mihi subdidit et sibi me. 40 + + Callidus inlaqueat volucres + aut pedicis dolus aut maculis, + inlita glutine corticeo + vimina plumigeram seriem + inpediunt et abire vetant. 45 + + Ecce per aequora fluctivagos + texta greges sinuosa trahunt: + piscis item sequitur calamum + raptus acumine vulnifico + credula saucius ora cibo. 50 + + Fundit opes ager ingenuas + dives aristiferae segetis: + his ubi vitea pampineo + brachia palmite luxuriant, + pacis alumna ubi baca viret. 55 + + Haec opulentia Christicolis + servit et omnia suppeditat: + absit enim procul ilia fames, + caedibus ut pecudum libeat + sanguineas lacerare dapes. 60 + + Sint fera gentibus indomitis + prandia de nece quadrupedum: + nos oleris coma, nos siliqua + feta legumine multimodo + paverit innocuis epulis. 65 + + Spumea mulctra gerunt niveos + ubere de gemino latices, + perque coagula densa liquor + in solidum coit et fragili + lac tenerum premitur calatho. 70 + + Mella recens mihi Cecropia + nectare sudat olente favus: + haec opifex apis aerio + rore liquat tenuique thymo, + nexilis inscia connubii. 75 + + Hinc quoque pomiferi nemoris + munera mitia proveniunt, + arbor onus tremefacta suum + deciduo gravis imbre pluit + puniceosque iacit cumulos. 80 + + Quae veterum tuba, quaeve lyra + flatibus inclita vel fidibus + divitis omnipotentis opus, + quaeque fruenda patent homini + laudibus aequiparare queat? 85 + + Te Pater optime mane novo, + solis et orbita cum media est, + te quoque luce sub occidua + sumere cum monet hora cibum, + nostra Deus canet harmonia. 90 + + Quod calet halitus interior, + corde quod abdita vena tremit, + pulsat et incita quod resonam + lingua sub ore latens caveam, + laus superi Patris esto mihi. 95 + + Nos igitur tua sancte manus + caespite conposuit madido + effigiem meditata suam, + utque foret rata materies + flavit et indidit ore animam. 100 + + Tunc per amoena vireta iubet + frondicomis habitare locis, + ver ubi perpetuum redolet + prataque multicolora latex + quadrifluo celer amne rigat. 105 + + Haec tibi nunc famulentur, ait, + usibus omnia dedo tuis: + sed tamen aspera mortifero + stipite carpere poma veto, + qui medio viret in nemore. 110 + + Hic draco perfidus indocile + virginis inlicit ingenium, + ut socium malesuada virum + mandere cogeret ex vetitis + ipsa pari peritura modo. 115 + + Corpora mutua--nosse nefas-- + post epulas inoperta vident, + lubricus error et erubuit: + tegmina suta parant foliis, + dedecus ut pudor occuleret. 120 + + Conscia culpa Deum pavitans + sede pia procul exigitur. + innuba fernina quae fuerat, + coniugis excipit inperium, + foedera tristia iussa pati. 125 + + Auctor et ipse doli coluber + plectitur inprobus, ut mulier + colla trilinguia calce terat: + sic coluber muliebre solum + suspicit atque virum mulier. 130 + + His ducibus vitiosa dehinc + posteritas ruit in facinus, + dumque rudes imitatur avos, + fasque nefasque simul glomerans + inpia crimina morte luit. 135 + + Ecce venit nova progenies, + aethere proditus alter homo, + non luteus, velut ille prior: + sed Deus ipse gerens hominem, + corporeisque carens vitiis. 140 + + Fit caro vivida sermo Patris, + numine quam rutilante gravis + non thalamo, neque iure tori, + nec genialibus inlecebris + intemerata puella parit. 145 + + Hoc odium vetus illud erat, + hoc erat aspidis atque hominis + digladiabile discidium, + quod modo cernua femineis + vipera proteritur pedibus. 150 + + Edere namque Deum merita + omnia virgo venena domat: + tractibus anguis inexplicitis + virus inerme piger revomit, + gramine concolor in viridi. 155 + + Quae feritas modo non trepidat, + territa de grege candidulo? + inpavidas lupus inter oves + tristis obambulat et rabidum + sanguinis inmemor os cohibet. 160 + + Agnus enim vice mirifica + ecce leonibus inperitat: + exagitansque truces aquilas + per vaga nubila, perque notos + sidere lapsa columba fugat. 165 + + Tu mihi Christe columba potens, + sanguine pasta cui cedit avis, + tu niveus per ovile tuum + agnus hiare lupum prohibes, + sub iuga tigridis ora premens. 170 + + Da locuples Deus hoc famulis + rite precantibus, ut tenui + membra cibo recreata levent, + neu piger inmodicis dapibus + viscera tenta gravet stomachus. 175 + + Haustus amarus abesto procul, + ne libeat tetigisse manu + exitiale quid aut vetitum: + gustus et ipse modum teneat, + sospitet ut iecur incolume. 180 + + Sit satis anguibus horrificis, + liba quod inpia corporibus + ah miseram peperere necem, + sufficiat semel ob facinus + plasma Dei potuisse mori. 185 + + Oris opus, vigor igneolus + non moritur, quia flante Deo + conpositus superoque fluens + de solio Patris artificis + vim liquidae rationis habet. 190 + + Viscera mortua quin etiam + post obitum reparare datur, + eque suis iterum tumulis + prisca renascitur effigies + pulvereo coeunte situ. 195 + + Credo equidem, neque vana fides, + corpora vivere more animae: + nam modo corporeum memini + de Phlegethonte gradu facili + ad superos remeasse Deum. 200 + + Spes eadem mea membra manet, + quae redolentia funereo + iussa quiescere sarcophago + dux parili redivivus humo + ignea Christus ad astra vocat. 205 + + + + + III. HYMN BEFORE MEAT + + + Blest Cross-bearer, Source of good, + Light-creating, Word-begot, + Gracious child of maidenhood, + Bosomed in the Fatherhood, + When earth, sea and stars were not. + + With Thy cloudless, healing gaze + Shine upon me from above: + Let Thine all-enlightening rays + Bless this meal and quicken praise, + Praise unto Thy name of Love. + + Lord, without Thee nought is sweet, + Nought my life can satisfy, + If Thy favour make not meet + What I drink and what I eat; + Let faith all things sanctify! + + O'er this bread God's grace be poured, + Christ's sweet fragrance fill the bowl! + Rule my converse, Triune Lord, + Sober thought and sportive word, + All my acts and all my soul. + + Spoils of rose-trees are not spent, + Nor rich unguents on my board: + But ambrosial sweets are sent, + Of faith's nectar redolent, + From the bosom of my Lord. + + Scorn, my Muse, light ivy-leaves + Wherewith custom wreathed thy brow: + Love a mystic crown conceives + And a rhythmic garland weaves: + Bind on thee God's praises now. + + What more worthy gift can I, + Child of light and aether, bring + Than for boons the Maker high + From His bounty doth supply + Lovingly my thanks to sing? + + He hath set 'neath our command + All that ever rose to be, + All that sky and sea and land + Breed in air, in glebe and sand, + Made my slaves, His own made me. + + Fowler's craft with gin and net + Feathered tribes of heaven ensnares: + Osier twigs with lime o'erset + That their airy flight may let + His relentless guile prepares. + + Lo! with woven mesh the seine + Swimming shoals draws from the wave: + Nor do fish the bait disdain + Till they feel the barb's swift pain, + Captives of the food they crave. + + Native wealth that knows no fail, + Golden wheat springs from the field: + Tendrils lush o'er vineyards trail, + Nursed of Peace the olives pale + Berries green unbidden yield. + + Christ's grace fills His people's need + With these mercies ever fresh: + Far from us be that foul greed, + Gluttony that loves to feed + On slain oxen's bloodstained flesh. + + Leave to the barbarian brood + Banquet of the slaughtered beast: + Ours the homely, garden food, + Greenstuff manifold and good + And the lentils' harmless feast. + + Foaming milkpails bubble o'er + With the udders' snowy stream, + Which in thickening churns we pour + Or in wicker baskets store, + As the cheese is pressed from cream. + + Honey's nectar for our use + From the new-made comb is shed: + Which the skilful bee imbues + With thyme's scent and airy dews, + Plying lonely toils unwed. + + Orchard-groves now mellowed o'er + Bounteously their fruitage shed: + See! like rain on forest floor + Shaken trees their riches pour, + High-heaped apples, ripe and red. + + What great trumpet voice or lyre + Famed of yore could fitly praise + Gifts of the Almighty Sire, + Blessings that His own require, + Richly lavished through their days? + + When morn breaks upon our sight, + Hymns, O Lord, to Thee shall ring: + Thee, when streams the midday light, + Thee, when shadows of the night + Bid us sup, our voices sing. + + For my body's vital heat, + For my heart-blood's pulsing vein, + For my tongue and speech complete + Unto Thee, Most High, 'tis meet + That I raise my grateful strain. + + 'Twas, O Holy One, Thy care + Wrought us from the plastic clay, + Made us Thine own image bear, + And for our perfection fair + Did Thy Breath to man convey. + + On the twain Thou didst bestow + Leafy bowers in pleasaunce fair: + Where spring's scents for aye did blow, + And four stately streams did flow + O'er meads pied with blossoms rare. + + "All this realm ye now shall sway:" + (Saidst Thou) "use it at your will, + Yet 'tis death your hands to lay + On the Tree, whose verdant sway + Doth the midmost garden fill." + + Then the Serpent's guileful hate + Would not innocency spare: + Bade the maiden urge her mate + With the fruit his lips to sate, + Nor 'scaped she the self-same snare. + + Each their nakedness perceives + When the feast they once partook: + Smit with shame their conscience grieves: + Wove they coverings of leaves + Shielding from lascivious look. + + Far they both in terror fled + Thrust from dwelling of the pure: + She who erst had dwelt unwed + Subject to her spouse was led, + Bidden Hymen's bonds endure. + + On the Serpent, too, His seal + God hath set, Who guile abhorred, + Doomed in triple neck to feel + Impress of the woman's heel, + Fearing her, who feared her lord. + + Thus sin in our parents sown + Brought forth ruin for the race; + Good and evil having grown + From that primal root alone, + Nought but death could guilt efface. + + But the Second Man behold + Come to re-create our kin: + Not formed after common mould + But our God (O Love untold!) + Made in flesh that knows not sin. + + Word of God incarnated, + By His awful power conceived, + Whom a maiden yet unwed, + Innocent of marriage-bed, + In her virgin womb received. + + Now we see the Serpent lewd + 'Neath the woman's heel downtrod: + Whence there sprang the deadly feud, + Strife for ages unsubdued, + 'Twixt mankind and foe of God. + + Yet God's mother, Maid adored, + Robbed sin's poison of its bane, + And the Snake, his green coils lowered, + Writhing on the sod, outpoured + Harmless now his venom's stain. + + What fierce brute that doth not flee + Lambs of Christ, white-robed and clean? + 'Midst the flock from fear set free, + Slinks the drear wolf sullenly, + Checked his maw and tamed his mien. + + Wondrous change! restrained by love + Lions the mild lamb obey: + Eagles wild, before the dove + Fluttering from the stars above, + Speed o'er cloudy winds away. + + Thou, O Christ, my Dove dost reign + Where the vulture gnaws no more: + Thou dost, snow-white Lamb, enchain + Tigers fierce, and wolves restrain + Gaping at the sheepfold's door. + + God of Love, Thy servants we + Pray Thee now to grant our prayer + That our feast may frugal be, + Nor that we dishonour Thee + By coarse surfeit of rich fare. + + May we taste no bitter gall + In our cup, nor handle we + Aught of death or harm at all, + Nor intemperately fall + Into gross debauchery. + + Be the powers of Hell content + With their primal fraud, whereby + Death into this world was sent, + And that, for sin's chastisement, + God's own creatures once should die. + + But in us God's Breath of fire + Cannot lose its vital force: + Never can its might expire, + Flowing from the Eternal Sire, + Who of Reason's strength is source. + + Nay, from out death's chilling tomb + Mortal atoms shall arise: + Man from earth's vast, hidden womb + Other, yet the same, shall bloom, + Dust re-made in glorious guise. + + 'Tis my faith--and faith not vain-- + Bodies live e'en as the soul: + Since I hold in memory plain + God as man uprose again, + Loosed from Hell, to His true goal. + + Whence from Him the hope I reap + That these limbs the same shall rise, + Which enwrapped in balmy sleep + Christ the Risen safe shall keep + Till He call me to the skies. + + + + + IV. HYMNUS POST CIBUM + + + Pastis visceribus ciboque sumpto, + quem lex corporis inbecilla poscit, + laudem lingua Deo patri rependat; + Patri, qui Cherubin sedile sacrum, + nec non et Seraphin suum supremo 5 + subnixus solio tenet regitque. + + Hic est, quem Sabaoth Deum vocamus, + expers principii carensque fine, + rerum conditor et repertor orbis: + fons vitae liquida fluens ab arce, 10 + infusor fidei, sator pudoris, + mortis perdomitor, salutis auctor. + + Omnes quod sumus aut vigemus, inde est: + regnat Spiritus ille sempiternus + a Christo simul et Parente missus. 15 + Intrat pectora candidus pudica, + quae templi vice consecrata rident, + postquam conbiberint Deum medullis. + + Sed si quid vitii dolive nasci + inter viscera iam dicata sensit, 20 + ceu spurcum refugit celer sacellum. + Taetrum flagrat enim vapore crasso + horror conscius aestuante culpa + offensumque bonum niger repellit. + + Nec solus pudor innocensve votum 25 + templum constituunt perenne Christo + in cordis medii sum ac recessu: + sed ne crapula ferveat cavendum est, + quae sedem fidei cibis refertam + usque ad congeriem coartet intus. 30 + + Parcis victibus expedita corda + infusum melius Deum receptant. + Hic pastus animae est, saporque verus: + sed nos tu gemino fovens paratu + artus atque animas utroque pastu 35 + confirmas Pater ac vigore conples. + + Sic olim tua praecluens potestas + inter raucisonos situm leones, + inlapsis dapibus virum refovit. + Illum fusile numen execrantem 40 + et curvare caput sub expolita + aeris materia nefas putantem + + Plebs dirae Babylonis ac tyrannus + morti subdiderant, feris dicarant + saevis protinus haustibus vorandum. 45 + O semper pietas fidesque tuta! + lambunt indomiti virum leones + intactumque Dei tremunt alumnum. + + Adstant cominus et iubas reponunt, + mansuescit rabies fameque blanda 50 + praedam rictibus ambit incruentis. + Sed cum tenderet ad superna palmas + expertumque sibi Deum rogaret, + clausus iugiter indigensque victu: + + Iussus nuntius advolare terris, 55 + qui pastum famulo daret probato, + raptim desilit obsequente mundo. + Cernit forte procul dapes inemptas, + quas messoribus Abbacuc propheta + agresti bonus exhibebat arte. 60 + + Huius caesarie manu prehensa + plenis, sicut erat, gravem canistris + suspensum rapit et vehit per auras. + Tum raptus simul ipse prandiumque + sensim labitur in lacum leonum, 65 + et, quas tunc epulas gerebat, offert: + + Sumas laetus, ait, libensque carpas, + quae summus Pater, angelusque Christi + mittunt liba tibi sub hoc periclo. + His sumptis Danielus excitavit 70 + in caelum faciem ciboque fortis + Amen reddidit, Halleluia dixit. + + Sic nos muneribus tuis refecti, + largitor Deus omnium bonorum, + grates reddimus et sacramus hymnos. 75 + Tu nos tristifico velut tyranno + mundi scilicet inpotentis actu + conclusos regis et feram repellis, + + Quae circumfremit ac vorare temptat + insanos acuens furore dentes, 80 + cur te, summe Deus, precemur unum. + Vexamur, premimur, malis rotamur; + oderunt, lacerant, trahunt, lacessunt, + iuncta est suppliciis fides iniquis. + + Nec defit tamen anxiis medela; 85 + nam languente trucis leonis ira + inlapsae superingeruntur escae. + Quas si quis sitienter hauriendo + non gustu tenui, sed ore pleno + internis velit inplicare venis, 90 + + Hic sancto satiatus ex propheta, + iustorum capiet cibos virorum, + qui fructum domino metunt perenni. + Nil est dulcius ac magis saporum, + nil quod plus hominem iuvare possit, 95 + quam vatis pia praecinentis orsa. + + His sumptis licet insolens potestas + pravum iudicet, inrogetque mortem, + inpasti licet inruant leones, + nos semper Dominum patrem fatentes 100 + in te, Christe Deus, loquemur unum + constanterque tuam crucem feremus. + + + + + IV. HYMN AFTER MEAT + + Refreshed we rise, and for this bread that feeds, + By law of man's weak flesh, our daily needs, + Let every tongue, the Father's praises sing; + The Father Who on His exalted throne, + O'er Cherubim and Seraphim, alone + Reigns in His majesty, Eternal King. + + God of Sabaoth is His name: 'tis He + Who ne'er began and ne'er shall cease to be, + Builder of worlds created at His word; + Fountain of Life that flows from out the sky, + He breathes within us Faith and Purity, + Great Conqueror of Death, Salvation's Lord. + + From Him each creature life and vigour gains, + And over all the Eternal Spirit reigns + Who cometh from the Father and the Son: + When, dovelike, on pure hearts the heavenly Guest + Descends, they are by God's own presence blest, + As temples where His holy work is done. + + But if the taint of vice or guile arise + Within the consecrated shrine, He flies + With speed from out the sin-defiled cell; + For, driven forth by guilt's black, surging tide, + The offended Godhead may not there abide + Where conscious sin and noisome foulness dwell. + + Not chastity nor childlike faith alone + Build up for Christ an everlasting throne + Deep in the inmost heart, devoid of shame: + But watchful ever must His servants be, + Lest the dark power of sated gluttony + Should bind about the abode of faith its chain. + + Yet simple saints, content with frugal fare, + More surely find the Spirit present there, + Who is our soul's true strength and heavenly food: + Thy love for us a twofold feast supplies, + O Father, whence the soul may strengthened rise + And eke the body gain new hardihood. + + Thus, fed and sheltered by Thy matchless might, + The lions' hideous roar could not affright + Thy loyal servant in the days of old: + He boldly cursed the molten deity + And stood with stubborn head uplifted high + That scorned to bow before a god of gold. + + Then Babylon's vile mob with fury glows; + Death is his doom; and straight the tyrant throws + The youth to be his savage lions' prey: + But faith and piety Thou still dost save, + For lo! the untamed brutes no longer rave, + But round God's unscathed child they gently play. + + Close by his side they stand with drooping mane, + The grisly, gaping jaws from blood refrain + And with rough tongues their whilom prey caress: + But when in prayer he raised his hands to heaven + And called the God, from Whom such help was given, + Close-prisoned, hungry, and in sore distress, + + A winged messenger to earth He sends, + Who swiftly through the parting clouds descends + To feed His servant, proven by the test: + By chance he sees from far the unbought fare + Which the good seer Habakkuk's kindly care + With rustic art had for the reapers dressed: + + Then, grasping in strong hand the prophet's hair, + He bears him gently through the rushing air, + Still burdened with the platter's savoury load, + Till o'er the lions' den at last they stayed + And straightway to the starving youth displayed + The food thus brought, by God's good grace bestowed. + + "Take this with joy," he said, "and thankful feed, + The bread that in thy hour of direst need, + By the great Father sent, Christ's angel brings." + Then Daniel lifts his eyes to heaven above + And, strengthened by the wondrous gift of love, + "Amen!" he cries, and Alleluia sings. + + Thus, therefore, by Thy bounties now restored, + Giver of all things good, Almighty Lord, + We render thanks and sing glad hymns to Thee: + Though prisoned in an evil world we dwell + Where sin's grim tyrant rules, Thou dost repel + With sovran power our mortal enemy. + + He roars around us, and would fain devour, + Grinding his angry teeth when 'gainst his power + In Thee alone, O God, we still confide: + By evil things we are beset and vexed, + Tormented, hated, harassed and perplexed, + Our faith by cruel suffering sorely tried, + + Yet help ne'er fails us in our time of need, + For Thou canst quell the lions' rage, and feed + Our hungry spirits with celestial fare: + And if some soul no meagre taste would gain + Of that repast, but thirstily is fain + Full measure of the heavenly sweets to share, + + He by the holy seers of old is fed, + And shall partake the loyal reapers' bread + Who labour in the eternal Master's field: + For nothing sweeter than the Word can be + That fell from righteous lips, once touched by Thee, + And nought can richer grace to mortals yield. + + With this sustained, though vaunting tyranny + By unjust judgment doom us straight to die, + And starved lions rush these limbs to tear; + Confessing ever Thine Eternal Son, + With Thee, Almighty Father, ever one, + His cross with faith unshaken will we bear. + + + + + V. HYMNUS AD INCENSUM LUCERNAE + + + Inventor rutili, dux bone, luminis, + qui certis vicibus tempora dividis, + merso sole chaos ingruit horridum, + lucem redde tuis Christe fidelibus. + + Quamvis innumero sidere regiam 5 + lunarique polum lampade pinxeris, + incussu silicis lumina nos tamen + monstras saxigeno semine quaerere: + + Ne nesciret homo spem sibi luminis + in Christi solido corpore conditam, 10 + qui dici stabilem se voluit petram, + nostris igniculis unde genus venit. + + Pinguis quos olei rore madentibus + lychnis aut facibus pascimus aridis: + quin et fila favis scirpea floreis 15 + presso melle prius conlita fingimus. + + Vivax flamma viget, seu cava testula + sucum linteolo suggerit ebrio, + seu pinus piceam fert alimoniam, + seu ceram teretem stuppa calens bibit. 20 + + Nectar de liquido vertice fervidum + guttatim lacrimis stillat olentibus, + ambustum quoniam vis facit ignea + imbrem de madido flere cacumine. + + Splendent ergo tuis muneribus, Pater, 25 + flammis mobilibus scilicet atria, + absentemque diem lux agit aemula, + quam nox cum lacero victa fugit peplo. + + Sed quis non rapidi luminis arduam + manantemque Deo cernat originem? 30 + Moyses nempe Deum spinifera in rubo + vidit conspicuo lumine flammeum. + + Felix, qui meruit sentibus in sacris + caelestis solii visere principem, + iussus nexa pedum vincula solvere, 35 + ne sanctum involucris pollueret locum. + + Hunc ignem populus sanguinis incliti + maiorum meritis tutus et inpotens, + suetus sub dominis vivere barbaris, + iam liber sequitur longa per avia: 40 + + qua gressum tulerant castraque caerulae + noctis per medium concita moverant, + plebem pervigilem fulgure praevio + ducebat radius sole micantior. + + Sed rex Niliaci littoris invido 45 + fervens felle iubet praevalidam manum + in bellum rapidis ire cohortibus + ferratasque acies clangere classicum. + + Sumunt arma viri seque minacibus + accingunt gladiis, triste canit tuba: 50 + hic fidit iaculis, ille volantia + praefigit calamis spicula Gnosiis. + + Densetur cuneis turba pedestribus, + currus pars et equos et volucres rotas + conscendunt celeres signaque bellica 55 + praetendunt tumidis clara draconibus. + + Hic iam servitii nescia pristini + gens Pelusiacis usta vaporibus + tandem purpurei gurgitis hospita + rubris littoribus fessa resederat. 60 + + Hostis dirus adest cum duce perfido, + infert et validis praelia viribus: + Moyses porro suos in mare praecipit + constans intrepidis tendere gressibus: + + praebent rupta locum stagna viantibus 65 + riparum in faciem pervia, sistitur + circumstans vitreis unda liquoribus, + dum plebs sub bifido permeat aequore. + + Pubes quin etiam decolor asperis + inritata odiis rege sub inpio 70 + Hebraeum sitiens fundere sanguinem + audet se pelago credere concavo: + + ibant praecipiti turbine percita + fluctus per medios agmina regia, + sed confusa dehinc unda revolvitur 75 + in semet revolans gurgite confluo. + + Currus tunc et equos telaque naufraga + ipsos et proceres et vaga corpora + nigrorum videas nare satellitum, + arcis iustitium triste tyrannicae. 80 + + Quae tandem poterit lingua retexere + laudes Christe tuas? qui domitam Pharon + plagis multimodis cedere praesuli + cogis iustitiae vindice dextera. + + Qui pontum rapidis aestibus invium 85 + persultare vetas, ut refluo in salo + securus pateat te duce transitus, + et mox unda rapax devoret inpios. + + Cui ieiuna eremi saxa loquacibus + exundant scatebris, et latices novos 90 + fundit scissa silex, quae sitientibus + dat potum populis axe sub igneo. + + Instar fellis aqua tristifico in lacu + fit ligni venia mel velut Atticum: + lignum est, quo sapiunt aspera dulcius; 95 + uam praefixa cruci spes hominum viget. + + Inplet castra cibus tunc quoque ninguidus, + inlabens gelida grandine densius: + his mensas epulis, hac dape construunt, + quam dat sidereo Christus ab aethere. 100 + + Nec non imbrifero ventus anhelitu + crassa nube leves invehit alites, + quae conflata in humum, cum semel agmina + fluxerunt, reduci non revolant fuga. + + Haec olim patribus praemia contulit 105 + insignis pietas numinis unici, + cuius subsidio nos quoque vescimur + pascentes dapibus pectora mysticis. + + Fessos ille vocat per freta seculi + discissis populum turbinibus regens 110 + iactatasque animas mille laboribus + iustorum in patriam scandere praecipit. + + Illic purpureis tecta rosariis + omnis fragrat humus calthaque pinguia + et molles violas et tenues crocos 115 + fundit fonticulis uda fugacibus. + + Illic et gracili balsama surculo + desudata fluunt, raraque cinnama + spirant et folium, fonte quod abdito + praelambens fluvius portat in exitum. 120 + + Felices animae prata per herbida + concentu parili suave sonantibus + hymnorum modulis dulce canunt melos, + calcant et pedibus lilia candidis. + + Sunt et spiritibus saepe nocentibus 125 + paenarum celebres sub Styge feriae + illa nocte, sacer qua rediit Deus + stagnis ad superos ex Acheronticis. + + Non sicut tenebras de face fulgida + surgens oceano Lucifer inbuit, 130 + sed terris Domini de cruce tristibus + maior sole novum restituens diem. + + Marcent suppliciis tartara mitibus, + exultatque sui carceris otio + functorum populus liber ab ignibus, 135 + nec fervent solito flumina sulphure. + + Nos festis trahimus per pia gaudia + noctem conciliis votaque prospera + certatim vigili congerimus prece + extructoque agimus liba sacrario. 140 + + Pendent mobilibus lumina funibus, + quae suffixa micant per laquearia, + et de languidulis fota natatibus + lucem perspicuo flamma iacit vitro. + + Credas stelligeram desuper aream 145 + ornatam geminis stare trionibus, + et qua bosporeum temo regit iugum, + passim purpureos spargier hesperos. + + O res digna, Pater, quam tibi roscidae + noctis principio grex tuus offerat, 150 + lucem, qua tribuis nil pretiosius, + lucem, qua reliqua praemia cernimus. + + Tu lux vera oculis, lux quoque sensibus, + intus tu speculum, tu speculum foris, + lumen, quod famulans offero, suscipe, 155 + tinctum pacifici chrismatis unguine. + + Per Christum genitum, summe Pater, tuum, + in quo visibilis stat tibi gloria, + qui noster Dominus, qui tuus unicus + spirat de patrio corde paraclitum. 160 + + Per quem splendor, honos, laus, sapientia, + maiestas, bonitas, et pietas tua + regnum continuat numine triplici + texens perpetuis secula seculis. + + + + + V. HYMN FOR THE LIGHTING OF THE LAMPS + + + Blest Lord, Creator of the glowing light, + At Whose behest the hours successive move, + The sun has set: black darkness broods above: + Christ! light Thy faithful through the coming night. + + Thy courts are lit with stars unnumbered, + And in the cloudless vault the pale moon rides; + Yet Thou dost bid us seek the fire that hides + Till swift we strike it from its flinty bed. + + So man may learn that in Christ's body came + The hidden hope of light to mortals given: + He is the Rock--'tis His own word--that riven + Sends forth to all our race the eternal flame. + + From lamps that brim with rich and fragrant oil, + Or torches dry this heaven-sent fire we feed; + Or make us rushlights from the flowering reed + And wax, whereon the bees have spent their toil. + + Bright glows the light, whether the resin thick + Of pine-brand flares, or waxen tapers burn + With melting radiance, or the hollow urn + Yields its stored sweetness to the thirsty wick. + + Beneath the might of fire, in slow decay + The scented tears of glowing nectar fall; + Lower and lower droops the candle tall + And ever dwindling weeps itself away. + + So by Thy gifts, great Father, hearth and hall + Are all ablaze with points of twinkling light + That vie with daylight spent; and vanquished Night + Rends, as she flies away, her sable pall. + + Who knoweth not that from high Heaven first came + Our light, from God Himself the rushing fire? + For Moses erst, amid the prickly brier, + Saw God made manifest in lambent flame. + + Ah, happy he! deemed worthy face to face + To see heaven's Lord within that sacred brake; + Bidden the sandals from his feet to take, + Nor with his shoon defile that holy place. + + The mighty children of the chosen name, + Saved by the merits of their sires, and free + After long years of savage tyranny, + Through the drear desert followed still that flame. + + Striking their camp beneath the silent night + Where'er they went, to lead their darkling way, + The cloud of glory lent its guiding ray + And shone more splendid than the noonday light. + + But, mad with jealous fury, Egypt's king + Calls his great host to battle for their lord: + Swiftly the cohorts gather at his word, + And down the mail-clad lines the clarions ring. + + Girding their trusty swords the warriors go + To fill the ranks; hoarse bugles rend the air; + These seize their massy javelins, these prepare + The death-winged arrow and the Cretan bow. + + The footmen throng in close battalions pressed; + The chariots thunder; to the saddle spring + The riders of the Nile, as forth they fling + Egypt's proud banner with the serpent crest. + + And now, forgetful of the bondage past, + Thy children, tortured by the desert heat, + Drag to the Red Sea's brink their weary feet, + And on its sandy margin rest at last. + + See! with their forsworn king the savage foe + Draws nigh: the threatening squadrons nearer ride; + But ever onward urged the intrepid guide + And through the waves bade Israel fearless go. + + Before that steadfast march the billows fall, + Then raise on either hand their crystal mass, + While through the sundered deep Thy people pass + And ocean guards them with a liquid wall. + + But, mad with baffled rage, the dusky horde + Of Egypt, by their impious despot led, + Athirst the hated Hebrews' blood to shed + Pursued, all reckless of the o'er-arching flood. + + Swift as the wind the royal squadrons ride, + But swifter yet the crystal barriers break, + The waves exultantly their bounds forsake + And roll together in a roaring tide. + + 'Mid steeds and chariots and drifting mail + The drowned lords of Egypt found a grave + With all their swart retainers 'neath the wave; + And in their haughty courts the mourners wail. + + What tongue, O Christ, Thy glories can unfold? + Thine was the arm, outstretched in wrath, that made + The stricken land of Pharaoh, sore afraid, + Bow down before Thy minister of old. + + Thy pathless deep did at the voice restrain + Its surging billows, till with Thee for guide + Thy host passed scathless, and the refluent tide + Swept down the wicked to the engulfing main. + + At Thy command the desert, parched and dry, + Breaks into laughing rills, and water clear + Wells from the smitten rock Thy flock to cheer + And quench their thirst beneath that brazen sky. + + Then Marah's bitterness grew passing sweet, + Touched by the mystic tree; so by the grace + Of Thine own Tree, O Christ, our sinful race + Regains its lost hopes at Thy pierced feet. + + Faster than icy hail the manna falls, + Like snow down drifting from a wintry sky; + The feast is set: they heap the tables high + With that rich food from Thy celestial halls. + + Fresh blow the breezes from the distant shore + And bear a fluttering cloud that hides the light, + Till the frail pinions, faltering in their flight, + Sink in the wilderness to rise no more. + + How great the love of God's own Son, that shed + Such wondrous bounty on His chosen race! + And still to us He proffers in His grace + The mystic Feast, wherewith our souls are fed. + + Through the world's raging sea He bids us come, + And 'twixt the sundered billows guides our path, + Till, spent and wearied with the ocean's wrath, + He calls His storm-tossed saints to Heaven and home. + + There in His paradise red roses blow, + With golden daffodils and lilies pale + And gentle violets, and down the vale + The murmuring rivulets for ever flow. + + Sweet balsams, welling from the slender tree, + And precious spices fill the fragrant air, + And, hiding by the stream, that blossom rare + Whose leaves the river hurries to the sea. + + There the blest souls with one accord unite + To hymn in dulcet song their Saviour's praise, + And as the chanting quire their voices raise + They tread with shining feet the lilies bright. + + Yea, e'en the spirits of the lost, that dwell + Where the black stream of sullen Acheron flows, + Rest on that holy night when Christ arose, + And for a while 'tis holiday in Hell. + + No sun from ocean rising drives away + Their darkness, with his flaming shafts far-hurled, + But from the cross of Christ o'er that wan world + There streams the radiance of a new-born day. + + The sulphurous floods with lessened fury glow, + The aching limbs find respite from their pain, + While, in glad freedom from the galling chain, + The tortured ghosts a short-lived solace know. + + In holy gladness let this night be sped, + As here we gather, Lord, to watch and pray; + To Thee with one consent our vows we pay + And on Thy altar set the sacred Bread. + + From pendent chains the lamps of crystal blaze; + By fragrant oil sustained the clear flame glows + With strength undimmed, and through the darkness throws + High o'er the fretted roof a golden haze, + + As 'twere Heaven's starry floor our wondering eye + Beheld, wherein the Bears their light display, + Where Phosphor heralds the approach of day + And Hesper's radiance floods the evening sky. + + Meet is the gift we offer here to Thee, + Father of all, as falls the dewy night; + Thine own most precious gift we bring--the light + Whereby mankind Thy other bounties see. + + Thou art the Light indeed; on our dull eyes + And on our inmost souls Thy rays are poured; + To Thee we light our lamps: receive them, Lord, + Filled with the oil of peace and sacrifice. + + O hear us, Father, through Thine only Son, + Our Lord and Saviour, by Whose love bequeathed + The Paraclete upon our hearts has breathed, + With Him and Thee through endless ages one. + + Through Christ Thy Kingdom shall for ever be, + Thy grace, might, wisdom, glory ever shine, + As in the Triune majesty benign + He reigns for all eternity with Thee. + + + + + VI. HYMNUS ANTE SOMNUM + + + Ades Pater supreme, + quem nemo vidit unquam, + Patrisque sermo Christe, + et Spiritus benigne. + + O Trinitatis huius 5 + vis una, lumen unum, + Deus ex Deo perennis, + Deus ex utroque missus. + + Fluxit labor diei, + redit et quietis hora, 10 + blandus sopor vicissim + fessos relaxat artus. + + Mens aestuans procellis + curisque sauciata + totis bibit medullis 15 + obliviale poclum. + + Serpit per omne corpus + Lethaea vis, nec ullum + miseris doloris aegri + patitur manere sensum. 20 + + Lex haec data est caducis + Deo iubente membris, + ut temperet laborem + medicabilis voluptas. + + Sed dum pererrat omnes 25 + quies amica venas, + pectusque feriatum + placat rigante somno: + + Liber vagat per auras + rapido vigore sensus, 30 + variasque per figuras, + quae sunt operta, cernit. + + Quia mens soluta curis, + cui est origo caelum, + purusque fons ab aethra 35 + iners iacere nescit. + + Imitata multiformes + facies sibi ipsa fingit, + per quas repente currens + tenui fruatur actu. 40 + + Sed sensa somniantum + dispar fatigat horror, + nunc splendor intererrat + qui dat futura nosse. + + Plerumque dissipatis 45 + mendax imago veris + animos pavore maestos + ambage fallit atra. + + Quem rara culpa morum + non polluit frequenter, 50 + nunc lux serena vibrans + res edocet latentes. + + At qui coinquinatum + vitiis cor inpiavit, + lusus pavore multo 55 + species videt tremendas. + + Hoc patriarcha noster + sub carceris catena + geminis simul ministris + interpres adprobavit. 60 + + Quorum reversus unus + dat poculum tyranno, + ast alterum rapaces + fixum vorant volucres. + + Ipsum deinde regem 65 + perplexa somniantem + monuit famem futuram + clausis cavere acervis. + + Mox praesul ac tetrarches + regnum per omne iussus 70 + sociam tenere virgam + dominae resedit aulae. + + O quam profunda iustis + arcana per soporem + aperit tuenda Christus, 75 + quam clara! quam tacenda! + + Evangelista summi + fidissimus magistri + signata quae latebant + nebulis videt remotis: 80 + + ipsum tonantis agnum + de caede purpurantem, + qui conscium futuri + librum resignat unus. + + Huius manum potentem 85 + gladius perarmat anceps + et fulgurans utrimque + duplicem minatur ictum. + + Quaesitor ille solus + animaeque corporisque 90 + ensisque bis timendus + prima ac secunda mors est. + + idem tamen benignus + ultor retundit iram + paucosque non piorum 95 + patitur perire in aevum. + + Huic inclitus perenne + tribuit Pater tribunal, + hunc obtinere iussit + nomen supra omne nomen. 100 + + Hic praepotens cruenti + extinctor antichristi, + qui de furente monstro + pulchrum refert tropaeum. + + Quam bestiam capacem 105 + populosque devorantem, + quam sanguinis charybdem + Ioannis execratur. + + Haec nempe, quae sacratum + praeferre nomen ausa est, 110 + imam petit gehennam + Christo perempta vero. + + Tali sopore iustus + mentem relaxat heros, + ut spiritu sagaci 115 + caelum peragret omne. + + Nos nil meremur horum, + quos creber inplet error, + concreta quos malarum + vitiat cupido rerum. 120 + + Sat est quiete dulci + fessum fovere corpus: + sat, si nihil sinistrum + vanae minentur umbrae. + + Cultor Dei memento 125 + te fontis et lavacri + rorem subisse sanctum, + te chrismate innotatum. + + Fac, cum vocante somno + castum petis cubile, 130 + frontem locumque cordis + crucis figura signet. + + Crux pellit omne crimen, + fugiunt crucem tenebrae: + tali dicata signo 135 + mens fluctuare nescit. + + Procul, o procul vagantum + portenta somniorum, + procul esto pervicaci + praestigiator astu! 140 + + O tortuose serpens, + qui mille per Maeandros + fraudesque flexuosas + agitas quieta corda, + + Discede, Christus hic est, 145 + hic Christus est, liquesce: + signum quod ipse nosti + damnat tuam catervam. + + Corpus licet fatiscens + iaceat recline paullum, 150 + Christum tamen sub ipso + meditabimur sopore. + + + + + VI. HYMN BEFORE SLEEP + + + Draw near, Almighty Father, + Ne'er seen by mortal eye; + Come, O Thou Word eternal, + O Spirit blest, be nigh. + + One light of threefold Godhead, + One power that all transcends; + God is of God begotten, + And God from both descends. + + The hour of rest approaches, + The toils of day are past, + And o'er our tired bodies + Sleep's gentle charm is cast. + + The mind, by cares tormented + Amid life's storm and stress, + Drinks deep the wondrous potion + That brings forgetfulness. + + O'er weary, toil-worn mortals + The spells of Lethe steal; + Sad hearts lose all their sorrow, + Nor pain nor anguish feel. + + For to His frail creation + God gave this law to keep, + That labour should be lightened + By soft and healing sleep. + + But while sweet languor wanders + Through all the pulsing veins, + And, wrapt in dewy slumber, + The heart at rest remains, + + The soul, in wakeful vigour, + Aloft in freedom flies, + And sees in many a semblance + The hidden mysteries. + + For, freed from care, the spirit + That came from out the sky, + Born of the stainless aether, + Can never idle lie. + + A thousand changing phantoms + She fashions through the night, + And 'midst a world of fancy + Pursues her rapid flight. + + But divers are the visions + That night to dreamers shows; + Rare gleams of straying splendour + The future may disclose; + + More oft the truth is darkened, + And lying fantasy + Deceives the affrighted sleeper + With cunning treachery. + + To him whose life is holy + The things that are concealed + Lie open to his spirit + In radiant light revealed; + + But he whose heart is blackened, + With many a sin imbued, + Sees phantoms grim and ghastly + That beckon and delude. + + So in the Egyptian dungeon + The patriarch of old + Unto the king's two servants + Their fateful visions told: + + And one is brought from prison + The monarch's wine to pour, + One, on the gibbet hanging, + Foul birds of prey devour, + + He warned the king, distracted + By riddles of the night, + To hoard the plenteous harvests + Against the years of blight. + + Soon, lord of half a kingdom, + A mighty potentate, + He shares the royal sceptre + And dwells in princely state. + + But ah! how deep the secrets + The holy sleeper sees + To whom Christ shows His highest, + Most sacred mysteries. + + For God's most faithful servant + The clouds were rolled away, + And John beheld the wonders + That sealed from mortals lay. + + The Lamb of God, encrimsoned + With sacrificial stains, + Alone the Book can open + That destiny contains. + + By His strong hand is wielded + A keen, two-edged brand + That, flashing like the lightning, + Smites swift on either hand. + + Before His bar of judgment + Both soul and body lie; + He whom that dread sword smiteth + The second death shall die. + + Yet mercy tempers justice, + And few the Avenger sends + (Whose guilt is past all pardon) + To death that never ends. + + To Him the Father yieldeth + The judgment-seat of Heaven; + To Him a Name excelling + All other names is given. + + For by His strength transcendent + Shall Antichrist be slain, + And from that raging monster + Fair trophies shall He gain: + + That all-devouring Dragon, + With blood of martyrs red, + On whose abhorred power + John's solemn curse is laid. + + And thus the proud usurper + Of His high name is cast + By Him, the true Christ, vanquished + To deepest hell at last. + + Upon the saint heroic + Such wondrous slumber falls + That, in the spirit roaming, + He treads heaven's highest halls. + + We may not, in our weakness, + To dreams like these aspire, + Whose souls are steeped in error + And evil things desire. + + Enough, if weary bodies + In peaceful sleep may rest; + Enough, if no dark powers + Our slumbering souls molest. + + Christian! the font remember, + The sacramental vow, + The holy water sprinkled, + The oil that marked thy brow! + + When at sleep's call thou seekest + To rest in slumber chaste, + Let first the sacred emblem + On breast and brow be traced. + + The Cross dispels all darkness, + All sin before it flies, + And by that sign protected + The mind all fear defies. + + Avaunt! ye fleeting phantoms + That mock our midnight hours; + Avaunt! thou great Deceiver + With all thy guileful powers. + + Thou Serpent, old and crafty, + Who by a thousand arts + And manifold temptations + Dost vex our sleeping hearts, + + Vanish! for Christ is with us; + Away! 'tis Christ the Lord: + The sign thou must acknowledge + Condemns thy hellish horde. + + And, though the weary body + Relaxed in sleep may be, + Our hearts, Lord, e'en in slumber, + Shall meditate on Thee. + + + + + VII. HYMNUS IEIUNANTIUM + + + + O Nazarene, lux Bethlem, verbum Patris, + quem partus alvi virginalis protulit, + adesto castis Christe parsimoniis, + festumque nostrum rex serenus adspice, + ieiuniorum dum litamus victimam. 5 + + Nil hoc profecto purius mysterio, + quo fibra cordis expiatur uvidi, + intemperata quo domantur viscera, + arvina putrem ne resudans crapulam + obstrangulatae mentis ingenium premat. 10 + + Hinc subiugatur luxus et turpis gula, + vini atque somni degener socordia, + libido sordens, inverecundus lepos, + variaeque pestes languidorum sensuum + parcam subactae disciplinam sentiunt. 15 + + Nam si licenter diffluens potu et cibo + ieiuna rite membra non coerceas, + sequitur frequenti marcida oblectamine + scintilla mentis ut tepescat nobilis, + animusque pigris stertat in praecordiis. 20 + + Frenentur ergo corporum cupidines, + detersa et intus emicet prudentia: + sic excitato perspicax acumine + liberque flatu laxiore spiritus + rerum parentem rectius precabitur. 25 + + Elia tali crevit observantia, + vetus sacerdos, ruris hospes aridi: + fragore ab omni quem remotum et segregem + sprevisse tradunt criminum frequentiam, + casto fruentem syrtium silentio. 30 + + Sed mox in auras igneis iugalibus + curruque raptus evolavit praepete, + ne de propinquo sordium contagio + dirus quietum mundus adflaret virum, + olim probatis inclitum ieiuniis. 35 + + Non ante caeli principem septemplicis + Moyses tremendi fidus interpres throni + potuit videre, quam decem recursibus + quater volutis sol peragrans sidera + omni carentem cerneret substantia. 40 + + Victus precanti solus in lacrimis fuit: + nam flendo pernox inrigatum pulverem + humi madentis ore pressit cernuo, + donec loquentis voce praestrictus Dei + expavit ignem non ferendum visibus. 45 + + Ioannis huius artis hand minus potens, + Dei perennis praecucurrit filium, + curvos viarum qui retorsit tramites + et flexuosa conrigens dispendia + dedit sequendam calle recto lineam. 50 + + Hanc obsequelam praeparabat nuntius + mox adfuturo construens iter Deo, + clivosa planis, confragosa ut lenibus + converterentur, neve quidquam devium + inlapsa terris inveniret veritas. 55 + + Non usitatis ortus his natalibus + oblita lactis iam vieto in pectore + matris tetendit serus infans ubera: + nec ante partu de senili effusus est, + quam praedicaret virginem plenam Deo. 60 + + Post in patentes ille solitudines + amictus hirtis bestiarum pellibus + setisve tectus hispida et lanugine + secessit, horrens inquinari et pollui + contaminatis oppidorum moribus. 65 + + Illic dicata parcus abstinentia + potum cibumque vir severae industriae + in usque serum respuebat vesperum, + parvum locustis et favorum agrestium + liquore pastum corpori suetus dare. 70 + + Hortator ille primus et doctor novae + fuit salutis, nam sacrato in flumine + veterum piatas lavit errorum notas: + sed tincta postquam membra defaecaverat, + caelo refulgens influebat spiritus. 75 + + Hoc ex lavacro labe dempta criminum + ibant renati non secus, quam si rudis + auri recocta vena pulchrum splendeat, + micet metalli sive lux argentei, + sudum polito praenitens purgamine. 80 + + Referre prisci stemma mine ieiunii + libet fideli proditum volumine, + ut diruendae civitatis incolis + fulmen benigni mansuefactum Patris + pie repressis ignibus pepercerit. 85 + + Gens insolenti praepotens iactantia + pollebat olim, quam fluentem nequiter + conrupta vulgo solverat lascivia, + et inde bruto contumax fastidio + cultum superni negligebat numinis. 90 + + Offensa tandem iugis indulgentiae + censura iustis excitatur motibus, + dextram perarmat rhompheali incendio + nimbos crepantes et fragosos turbines + vibrans tonantum nube flammarum quatit. 95 + + Sed paenitendi dum datur diecula, + si forte vellent inprobam libidinem + veteresque nugas condomare ac frangere, + suspendit ictum terror exorabilis + paullumque dicta substitit sententia. 100 + + Ionam prophetam mitis ultor excitat, + paenae inminentis iret ut praenuntius, + sed nosset ille qui minacem iudicem + servare malle, quam ferire ac plectere, + tectam latenter vertit in Tharsos fugam. 105 + + Celsam paratis pontibus scandit ratem, + udo revincta fune puppis solvitur, + itur per altum, fit procellosum mare: + tum causa tanti quaeritur periculi, + sors in fugacem missa vatem decidit. 110 + + Iussus perire solus e cunctis reus, + cuius voluta crimen urna expresserat, + praeceps rotatur et profundo inmergitur: + exceptus inde beluinis faucibus + alvi capacis vivus hauritur specu. 115 + + * * * * * + + Intactus exin tertiae noctis vice + monstri vomentis pellitur singultibus, + qua murmuranti fine fluctus frangitur, + salsosque candens spuma tundit pumices, + ructatus exit seque servatum stupet. 130 + + In Ninivitas se coactus percito + gressu reflectit, quos ut increpaverat + pudenda censor inputans opprobria; + Inpendet, inquit, ira summi vindicis, + urbemque flamma mox cremabit, credite. 135 + + Apicem deinceps ardui montis petit + visurus inde conglobatum turbidae + fumum ruinae cladis et dirae struem, + tectus flagellis multinodis germinis, + nato et repente perfruens umbraculo. 140 + + Sed maesta postquam civitas vulnus novi + hausit doloris, heu supremum palpitat: + cursant per ampla congregatim moenia + plebs et senatus, omnis aetas civium, + pallens iuventus, eiulantes feminae. 145 + + Placet frementem publicis ieiuniis + placare Christum, mos edendi spernitur, + glaucos amictus induit monilibus + matrona demptis, proque gemma et serico + crinem fluentem sordidus spargit cinis. 150 + + Squalent recincta veste bullati patres, + setasque plangens turba sumit textiles, + inpexa villis virgo bestialibus + nigrante vultum contegit velamine, + iacens arenis et puer provolvitur. 155 + + Rex ipse Coos aestuantem murices + laenam revulsa dissipabat fibula, + gemmas virentes et lapillos sutiles, + insigne frontis exuebat vinculum + turpi capillos inpeditus pulvere. 160 + + Nullus bibendi, nemo vescendi memor, + ieiuna mensas pubis omnis liquerat, + quin et negato lacte vagientium + fletu madescunt parvulorum cunulae, + sucum papillae parca nutrix derogat. 165 + + Greges et ipsos claudit armentalium + sollers virorum cura, ne vagum pecus + contingat ore rorulenta gramina, + potum strepentis neve fontis hauriant, + vacuis querelae personant praesepibus. 170 + + Mollitus his et talibus brevem Deus + iram refrenat temperans oraculum + prosper sinistrum, prona nam clementia + haud difficulter supplicem mortalium + solvit reatum fitque fautrix flentium. 175 + + Sed cur vetustae gentis exemplum oquor? + pridem caducis cum gravatus artubus + Iesus dicato corde ieiunaverit, + praenuncupatus ore qui prophetico + Emanuel est, sive NOBISCUM DEUS. 180 + + Qui corpus istud molle naturaliter + captumque laxo sub voluptatum iugo + virtutis arta lege fecit liberum: + emancipator servientis plasmatis + regnantis ante victor et cupidinis. 185 + + Inhospitali namque secretus loco + quinis diebus octies labentibus + nullam ciborum vindicavit gratiam, + firmans salubri scilicet ieiunio + vas adpetendis inbecillum gaudiis. 190 + + Miratus hostis posse limum tabidum + tantum laboris sustinere ac perpeti, + explorat arte sciscitator callida, + Deusne membris sit receptus terreis, + sed increpata fraude post tergum ruit. 195 + + Hoc nos sequamur quisque nunc pro viribus, + quod consecrati tu magister dogmatis + tuis dedisti Christe sectatoribus, + ut, cum vorandi vicerit libidinem, + late triumphet inperator spiritus. 200 + + Hoc est, quod atri livor hostis invidet, + mundi polique quod gubernator probat, + altaris aram quod facit placabilem, + quod dormientis excitat cordis fidem, + quod limat aegram pectoris rubiginem. 205 + + Perfusa non sic amne flamma extinguitur, + nec sic calente sole tabescunt nives, + ut turbidarum scabra culparum seges + vanescit almo trita sub ieiunio, + si blanda semper misceatur largitas. 210 + + Est quippe et illud grande virtutis genus + operire nudos, indigentes pascere, + opem benignam ferre supplicantibus, + unam paremque sortis humanae vicem + inter potentes atque egenos ducere. 215 + + Satis beatus quisque dextram porrigit, + laudis rapacem, prodigam pecuniae, + cuius sinistra dulce factum nesciat: + illum perennes protinus conplent opes, + ditatque fructus faenerantem centuplex. 220 + + + + + VII. HYMN FOR THOSE WHO FAST + + + O Jesus, Light of Bethlehem, + True Son of God, Incarnate Word; + Thou offspring of a Virgin's womb, + Be present at our frugal board; + Accept our fast, our sacrifice, + And smile upon us, gracious Lord. + + For by this holiest mystery + The inward parts are cleansed from stain, + And, taming all the unbridled lusts, + Our sinful flesh we thus restrain, + Lest gluttony and drunkenness + Should choke the soul and cloud the brain. + + Hence appetite and luxury + Are forced their empire to resign; + The wanton sport, the jest obscene, + The ignoble sway of sleep and wine, + And all the plagues of languid sense + Feel the strict bonds of discipline. + + For if, full fed with meat and drink, + The flesh thou ne'er dost mortify, + The mind, that spark of sacred flame, + By pleasure dulled, must fail and die, + And pent in its gross prison-house + The soul in shameful torpor lie. + + So be thy carnal lusts controlled, + So be thy judgment clear and bright; + Then shall thy spirit, swift and free, + Be gifted with a keener sight, + And breathing in an ampler air + To the All-Father pray aright. + + Elias by such abstinence, + Seer of the desert, grew in grace, + Who left the madding haunts of men + And found a peaceful resting-place, + Where, far from sinful crowds, he trod + The pure and silent wilderness. + + Till by those fiery coursers drawn + The swift car bore him through the air, + Lest earth's defiling touch should mar + The holiness it might not share, + Or some polluting breath disturb + The peace attained by fast and prayer. + + Moses, through whom from His dread throne + The will of God to man was told, + No food might touch till through the sky + The sun full forty times had rolled, + Ere God before him stood revealed, + Lord of the heavens sevenfold. + + Tears were his meat, while bent in prayer + Through the long night he bowed his head + E'en to the thirsty dust, that drank + The drops in bitter weeping shed; + Till, at God's call, he saw the flame + No eye may bear, and was afraid. + + The Baptist, too, was strong in fast-- + Forerunner in a later day + Of God's Eternal Son--who made + The byepaths plain, the crooked way + A road direct, wherein His feet + Might travel on without delay. + + This was the messenger's great task + Who for God's advent zealously + Prepared the way, the rough made smooth, + The mountain levelled to the sea; + That, when Truth came from heaven to earth, + All fair and straight His path should be. + + He was not born in common wise, + For dry and wrinkled was the breast + Of her that bare him late in years, + Nor found she from her labour rest, + Till she had hailed with lips inspired + The Maid with unborn Godhead blest. + + For him the hairy skins of beasts + Furnished a raiment rude and wild, + As forth into the lonely waste + He fared, an unbefriended child, + Who dwelt apart, lest he should be + By evil city-life defiled. + + There, vowed to abstinence, he grew + To manhood, and with stern disdain + He turned from meat and drink, until + He saw night's shadow fall again; + And locusts and the wild bees' store + Sufficed his vigour to sustain. + + The first was he to testify + Of that new life which man might win; + In Jordan's consecrating stream + He purged the stains of ancient sin, + And, as he made the body clean, + The radiant Spirit entered in. + + Forth from the holy tide they came + Reborn, from guilt's pollution free, + As bright from out the cleansing fire + Flows the rough gold, or as we see + The glittering silver, purged of dross, + Flash into polished purity. + + Now let us tell, from Holy Writ, + Of olden fasts the fairest crown; + How God in pity stayed His hand, + And spared a doomed and guilty town, + In clemency the flames withheld + And laid His vengeful lightnings down. + + A mighty race of ancient time + Waxed arrogant in boastful pride; + Debauched were they, and borne along + On foul corruption's loathsome tide, + Till in their stiff-necked self-conceit + They e'en the God of Heaven denied. + + At last Eternal Mercy turns + To righteous judgment, swift and dire; + He shakes the clouds; the mighty sword + Flames in His hand, and in His ire + He wields the roaring hurricane + 'Mid murky gloom and flashing fire. + + Yet in His clemency He grants + To penitence a brief delay, + That they might burst the bonds of lust + And put their vanities away; + His sentence given, He waits awhile + And stays the hand upraised to slay. + + To warn them of the wrath to come + The Avenger in His mercy sent + Jonah the seer; but,--though he knew + The threatening Judge would fain relent + Nor wished to strike,--towards Tarshish town + The prophet's furtive course was bent. + + As up the galley's side he climbed, + They loosed the dripping rope, and passed + The harbour bar: then on them burst + The sudden fury of the blast; + And when their peril's cause they sought, + The lot was on the recreant cast. + + The man whose guilt the urn declares + Alone must die, the rest to save; + Hurled headlong from the deck, he falls + And sinks beneath the engulfing wave, + Then, seized by monstrous jaws, is plunged + Into a vast and living grave. + + * * * * * + + At last the monster hurls him forth, + As the third night had rolled away; + Before its roar the billows break + And lash the cliffs with briny spray; + Unhurt the wondering prophet stands + And hails the unexpected day. + + Thus turned again to duty's path + To Nineveh he swiftly came, + Their lusts rebuked and boldly preached + God's judgment on their sin and shame; + "Believe!" he cried, "the Judge draws nigh + Whose wrath shall wrap your streets in flame." + + Thence to the lofty mount withdrew, + Where he might watch the smoke-cloud lower + O'er blasted homes and ruined halls, + And rest beneath the shady bower + Upspringing in swift luxury + Of twining tendril, leaf and flower. + + But when the guilty burghers heard + The impending doom, a dull despair + Possessed their souls; proud senators, + Poor craftsmen, throng the highways fair; + Pale youth with tottering age unites, + And women's wailing rends the air. + + A public fast they now decree, + If they may thus Christ's anger stay: + No food they touch: each haughty dame + Puts silken robes and gems away, + In sable garbed, and ashes casts + Upon her tresses' disarray. + + In dark and squalid vesture clad + The Fathers go: the mourning crowd + Dons rough attire: in shaggy skins + Enwrapped, fair maids their faces shroud + With dusky veils, and boyish heads + E'en to the very dust are bowed. + + The King tears off his jewelled brooch + And rends the robe of Coan hue; + Bright emeralds and lustrous pearls + Are flung aside, and ashes strew + The royal head, discrowned and bent, + As low he kneels God's grace to sue. + + None thought to drink, none thought to eat; + All from the table turned aside, + And in their cradles wet with tears + Starved babes in bitter anguish cried, + For e'en the foster-mother stern + To little lips the breast denied. + + The very flocks are closely penned + By careful hands, lest they should gain + Sweet water from the babbling stream + Or wandering crop the dewy plain; + And bleating sheep and lowing kine + Within their barren stalls complain. + + Moved by such penitence, full soon + God's grace repealed the stern decree + And curbed His righteous wrath; for aye, + When man repents, His clemency + Is swift to pardon and to hear + His children weeping bitterly. + + Yet wherefore of that bygone race + Should we anew the story tell? + For Christ's pure soul by fasting long + The clogging bonds of flesh did quell; + He Whom the prophet's voice foretold + As GOD WITH US, Emmanuel. + + Man's body--frail by nature's law + And bound by pleasure's easy chain-- + He freed by virtue's strong restraint, + And gave it liberty again: + He broke the bonds of flesh, and Lust + Was driven from his old domain. + + Deep in the inhospitable wild + For forty days He dwelt alone + Nor tasted food, till, thus prepared, + All human weakness overthrown + By fasting's power, His mortal frame + Rejoiced the spirit's sway to own. + + The Adversary, marvelling + To see this creature of a day + Endure such toil, spent all his guile + To learn if God in human clay + Had come indeed; but soon rebuked + Behind His back fled shamed away. + + Therefore let each with all his might + Follow the way the Master taught, + The law of consecrated life + Which Christ unto His servants brought; + Till, with the lusts of flesh subdued, + The spirit reigns o'er act and thought. + + 'Tis this our jealous foe abhors, + 'Tis this the Lord of earth and sky + Approves; by this the soul is made + Thy holy altar, God Most High: + Faith stirs within the slumbering heart + And sin's corroding power must fly. + + Swifter than water quenches fire, + Swifter than sunshine melts the snow, + Crushed out by soul-restoring fast + Vanish the sins that rankly grow, + If hand in hand with Abstinence + Sweet Charity doth ever go. + + This too is Virtue's noble task, + To clothe the naked, and to feed + The destitute, with kindly care + To visit sufferers in their need; + For king and beggar each must bear + The lot by changeless Fate decreed. + + Happy the man whose good right hand + Seeks but God's praise, and flings his gold + Broadcast, nor lets his left hand know + The gracious deed; for wealth untold + Shall crown him through eternal years + With usury an hundredfold. + + + + + VIII. HYMNUS POST IEIUNIUM + + + Christe servorum regimen tuorum, + mollibus qui nos moderans habenis + leniter frenas facilique septos + lege coerces: + + ipse cum portans onus inpeditum 5 + corporis duros tuleris labores, + maior exemplis famulos remisso + dogmate palpas. + + Nona submissum rotat hora solem + partibus vixdum tribus evolutis, 10 + quarta devexo superest in axe + portio lucis. + + Nos brevis voti dape vindicata + solvimus festum fruimurque mensis + adfatim plenis, quibus inbuatur 15 + prona voluptas. + + Tantus aeterni favor est magistri, + doctor indulgens ita nos amico + lactat hortatu, levis obsequela ut + mulceat artus. 20 + + Addit et, ne quis velit invenusto + sordidus cultu lacerare frontem, + sed decus vultus capitisque pexum + comat honorem. + + Terge ieiunans, ait, omne corpus, 25 + neve subducto faciem rubore + luteus tinguat color aut notetur + pallor in ore. + + Rectius laeto tegimus pudore, + quidquid ad cultum Patris exhibemus: 30 + cernit occultum Deus et latentem + munere donat. + + Ille ovem morbo residem gregique + perditam sano male dissipantem + vellus adfixis vepribus per hirtae 35 + devia silvae. + + Inpiger pastor revocat lupisque + gestat exclusis humeros gravatus, + inde purgatam revehens aprico + reddit ovili: 40 + + Reddit et pratis viridique campo, + vibrat inpexis ubi nulla lappis + spina, nec germen sudibus perarmat + carduus horrens: + + Sed frequens palmis nemus et reflexa 45 + vernat herbarum coma, tum perennis + gurgitem vivis vitreum fluentis + laurus obumbrat. + + Hisce pro donis tibi, fide pastor, + servitus quaenam poterit rependi? 50 + nulla conpensant pretium salutis + vota precantum. + + Quamlibet spreto sine more pastu + sponte confectos tenuemus artus, + teque contemptis epulis rogemus 55 + nocte dieque; + + Vincitur semper minor obsequentum + cura, nec munus genitoris aequat, + frangit et cratem luteam laboris + grandior usus. 60 + + Ergo ne limum fragilem solutae + deserant vires et aquosus albis + humor in venis dominetur aegrum + corpus inervans, + + Laxus ac liber modus abstinendi 65 + ponitur cunctis, neque nos severus + terror inpellit, sua quemque cogit + velle potestas. + + Sufficit, quidquid facias, vocato + numinis nutu prius, inchoare, 70 + sive tu mensam renuas cibumve + sumere temptes. + + Adnuit dexter Deus et secundo + prosperat vultu, velut hoc salubre + fidimus nobis fore, quod dicatas 75 + carpimus escas. + + Sit bonum, supplex precor et medelam + conferat membris, animumque pascat + sparsus in venas cibus obsecrantum + christicolarum. 80 + + + + + VIII. HYMN AFTER FASTING + + + O Christ, of all Thy servants Guide, + Mild is the yoke Thou mak'st us bear, + Leading us gently by Thy side + With gracious care. + + Thy love took up our life's hard load + And spent in grievous toils its might: + Thy bond-slaves tread the easier road + Led by Thy light. + + Nine hours have run their course away, + The sun sped three parts of its race: + And what remains of the short day + Fadeth apace. + + The holy fast hath reached its end; + Our table now Thou loadest, Lord: + With all Thy gifts true gladness send + To grace our board. + + Such is our Master's gentle sway, + So kind the teaching in His school, + That all find rest who will obey + His easy rule. + + Thou would'st not have us scorn the grace + Of cleanliness and vesture fair: + Thou lovest not a soiled face + And unkempt hair. + + Let him that fasts, Thou saidst, be clean, + Nor lose health's fair and ruddy glow: + Let no wan sallowness be seen + Upon his brow. + + 'Tis better in glad modesty + Of our good works to shun display: + God sees what 'scapes our neighbour's eye + And will repay. + + That Shepherd keen seeks one lost sheep + Sickly and weak, strayed from the fold, + Fleece torn with briers of thickets deep, + Foolishly bold. + + He drives the wolves far from the track: + And found He brings on shoulders borne + To sunlit pen the wanderer back, + No more forlorn: + + Yea, to the meads and grassy fields + The lamb restores, where no thorn balks, + No rough burrs tear, no thistle yields + Its bristling stalks: + + But leaves of green herbs brightly glance + And in the grove the palm-trees dream, + And laurels shade the eddying dance + Of crystal stream. + + For all these gifts, O Shepherd dear, + What service can I render Thee? + No grateful vows my debt shall clear + For love so free. + + Though by self-chosen fasts severe + Our strength of limb we waste away: + Though, spurning food, we Thee revere + By night and day: + + Yet our works never can o'ertake + Thy love or with Thy gifts compare: + Our toils this earthen vessel break, + The more we dare. + + Therefore lest failing powers consume + Our fragile life and shrivelled veins + Pale 'neath the tyranny of rheum + And weakening pains: + + Thou dost not rule perpetual Lent + For man, nor modest fare deny: + Fearless may each unto his bent + His wants supply. + + Enough that all our acts by prayer + Be sanctified unto Thy will, + Whether we fast, or with due care + Our needs fulfil. + + Then shall God bless us for our good + And lead us to our soul's true wealth; + For, if but consecrated, food + Shall bring us health. + + O Lord, grant that our feast may spread + Marrow and strength throughout our flesh: + And may all Christly souls be fed + With vigour fresh. + + + + + IX. HYMNUS OMNIS HORAE + + + Da puer plectrum, choreis ut canam fidelibus + dulce carmen et melodum, gesta Christi insignia: + hunc camena nostra solum pangat, hunc laudet lyra. + + Christus est, quem rex sacerdos adfuturum protinus + infulatus concinebat voce, chorda et tympano, 5 + spiritum caelo influentem per medullas hauriens. + + Facta nos et iam probata pangimus miracula, + testis orbis est, nec ipsa terra, quod vidit, negat, + cominus Deum docendis proditum mortalibus. + + Corde natus ex parentis, ante mundi exordium 10 + alpha et _O_ cognominatus, ipse fons et clausula + omnium, quae sunt, fuerunt quaeque post futura sunt. + + Ipse iussit et creata, dixit ipse, et facta sunt + terra, caelum, fossa ponti, trina rerum machina, + quaeque in his vigent sub alto solis et lunae globo. 15 + + Corporis formam caduci, membra morti obnoxia + induit, ne gens periret primoplasti ex germine, + merserat quam lex profundo noxialis tartaro. + + O beatus ortus ille, virgo cum puerpera + edidit nostram salutem feta sancto spiritu, 20 + et puer redemptor orbis os sacratum protulit. + + Psallat altitudo caeli, psallite omnes angeli, + quidquid est virtutis usquam psallat in laudem Dei: + nulla linguarum silescat, vox et omnis consonet. + + Ecce quem vates vetustis concinebant seculis, 25 + quem prophetarum fideles paginae spoponderant, + emicat promissus olim: cuncta conlaudent eum. + + Cantharis infusa lympha fit Falernum nobile, + nuntiat vinum minister esse promptum ex hydria, + ipse rex sapore tinctis obstupescit poculis. 30 + + Membra morbis ulcerosa, viscerum putredines + mando, ut abluantur, inquit; fit ratum, quod iusserat, + turgidam cutem repurgant vulnerum piamina. + + Tu perennibus tenebris iam sepulta lumina + inlinis limo salubri, sacri et oris nectare, 35 + mox apertis hac medela lux reducta est orbibus. + + Increpas ventum furentem, quod procellis tristibus + vertat aequor fundo ab imo, vexet et vagam ratem: + ille iussis obsecundat, mitis unda sternitur. + + Extimum vestis sacratae furtim mulier attigit, 40 + protinus salus secuta est, ora pallor deserit, + sistitur rivus, cruore qui fluebat perpeti. + + Exitu dulcis iuventae raptum ephebum viderat, + orba quem mater supremis funerabat fletibus: + surge, dixit: ille surgit, matri et adstans redditur. 45 + + Sole iam quarto carentem, iam sepulcro absconditum + Lazarum iubet vigere reddito spiramine: + fetidum iecur reductus rursus intrat halitus. + + Ambulat per stagna ponti, summa calcat fluctuum, + mobilis liquor profundi pendulam praestat viam, 50 + nec fatiscit unda sanctis pressa sub vestigiis. + + Suetus antro bustuali sub catenis frendere, + mentis inpos efferatis percitus furoribus + prosilit ruitque supplex, Christum adesse ut senserat. + + Pulsa pestis lubricorum milleformis daemonum 55 + conripit gregis suilli sordida spurcamina, + seque nigris mergit undis et pecus lymphaticum. + + Quinque panibus peresis et gemellis piscibus + adfatim refecta iam sunt adcubantum milia, + fertque qualus ter quaternus ferculorum fragmina. 60 + + Tu cibus panisque noster, tu perennis suavitas; + nescit esurire in aevum, qui tuam sumit dapem, + nec lacunam ventris inplet, sed fovet vitalia. + + Clausus aurium meatus et sonorum nescius + purgat ad praecepta Christi crassa quaeque obstacula, 65 + vocibus capax fruendis ac susurris pervius. + + Omnis aegritudo cedit, languor omnis pellitur, + lingua fatur, quam veterna vinxerant silentia, + gestat et suum per urbem laetus aeger lectulum. + + Quin et ipsum, ne salutis inferi expertes forent, 70 + tartarum benignus intrat, fracta cedit ianua, + vectibus cadit revulsis cardo indissolubilis. + + Illa prompta ad inruentes, ad revertentes tenax, + obice extrorsum repulso porta reddit mortuos: + lege versa et limen atrum iam recalcandum patet. 75 + + Sed Deus dum luce fulva mortis antra inluminat, + dum stupentibus tenebris candidum praestat diem, + tristia squalentis aethrae palluerunt sidera. + + Sol refugit et lugubri sordidus ferrugine + igneum reliquit axem seque maerens abdidit: 80 + fertur horruisse mundus noctis aeternae chaos. + + Solve vocem mens sonoram, solve linguam mobilem, + dic tropaeum passionis, dic triumphalem crucem, + pange vexillum, notatis quod refulget frontibus. + + O novum caede stupenda vulneris miraculum! 85 + hinc cruoris fluxit unda, lympha parte ex altera: + lympha nempe dat lavacrum, tum corona ex sanguine est. + + Vidit anguis inmolatam corporis sacri hostiam, + vidit et fellis perusti mox venenum perdidit, + saucius dolore multo colla fractus sibilat. 90 + + Quid tibi, profane serpens, profuit, rebus novis + plasma primum perculisse versipelli hortamine? + diluit culpam recepto forma mortalis Deo. + + Ad brevem se mortis usum dux salutis dedidit, + mortuos olim sepultos ut redire insuesceret, 95 + dissolutis pristinorum vinculis peccaminum. + + Tunc patres sanctique multi conditorem praevium + iam revertentem secuti tertio demum die + carnis indumenta sumunt, eque bustis prodeunt. + + Cerneres coire membra de favillis aridis, 100 + frigidum venis resumptis pulverem tepescere, + ossa, nervos, ac medullas glutino cutis tegi. + + Post, ut occasum resolvit vitae et hominem reddidit, + arduum tribunal victor adscendit Patris, + inclitam caelo reportans passionis gloriam. 105 + + Macte index mortuorum, macte rex viventium, + dexter in parentis arce qui cluis virtutibus + omnium venturus inde iustus ultor criminum. + + Te senes et te iuventus, parvulorum te chorus, + turba matrum virginumque simplices puellulae, 110 + voce concordes pudicis perstrepant concentibus. + + Fluminum lapsus et undae, littorum crepidines, + imber, aestus, nix, pruina, silva, et aura, nox, dies, + omnibus te concelebrent seculorum seculis. + + + + + IX. HYMN FOR ALL HOURS + + + Let me chant in sacred numbers, as I strike each sounding string, + Chant in sweet, melodious anthems, glorious deeds of Christ our King; + He, my Muse, shall be thy story; with His praise my lyre shall ring. + + When the king in priestly raiment sang the Christ that was to be, + Voice and lute and clashing cymbal joined in joyous harmony, + While the Spirit, heaven-descended, touched his lips to prophecy. + + Sing we now the works sure proven, wrought of God in mystic wise; + Heaven is witness; earth confesses how she saw with wondering eyes + God Himself with mortals mingling, man to teach in human guise. + + Of the Father's heart begotten, ere the world from chaos rose, + He is Alpha; from that Fountain all that is and hath been flows; + He is Omega, of all things yet to come the mystic Close. + + By His word was all created; He commands and lo! 'tis done; + Earth and sky and boundless ocean, universe of three in one, + All that sees the moon's soft radiance, all that breathes beneath the sun. + + He assumed this mortal body, frail and feeble, doomed to die, + That the race from dust created might not perish utterly, + Which the dreadful Law had sentenced in the depths of Hell to lie. + + O how blest that wondrous birthday, when the Maid the curse retrieved, + Brought to birth mankind's salvation, by the Holy Ghost conceived; + And the sacred Babe, Redeemer of the world, her arms received. + + Sing, ye heights of heaven, His praises; angels and archangels, sing! + Wheresoe'er ye be, ye faithful, let your joyous anthems ring, + Every tongue His name confessing, countless voices answering. + + This is He whom seer and sibyl sang in ages long gone by; + This is He of old revealed in the page of prophecy; + Lo! He comes, the promised Saviour; let the world His praises cry! + + In the urns the clear, cold water turns to juice of noblest vine, + And the servant, drawing from them, starts to see the generous wine, + While the host, its savour tasting, wonders at the draught divine. + + To the leper worn and wasted, white with many a loathsome sore, + "Be thou cleansed," He said; "I bid it!" swift 'tis done, His words restore; + To the priest the gift he offers, clean and healthful as of yore. + + On the eyes long sealed in darkness, buried in unbroken night, + Thou didst spread Thy lips' sweet nectar, mixed with clay: then came the sight, + As Thy gracious touch all-healing brought to those dark orbs the light. + + Thou didst chide the raging tempest, when the waves with foaming crest + Leaped about the fragile vessel, buffeted and sore distressed; + Wind and wave, their fury stilling, sank to calm at Thy behest. + + Once a woman's timid fingers touched Thy garment's lowest braid, + And the pallor left her visage, healing power the touch conveyed, + For the years of pain were ended and the flow of blood was stayed. + + Thou didst see men bear to burial one struck down in youth's glad tide, + While a widowed mother followed, wailing for her boy that died; + "Rise!" Thou saidst, and led him gently to his weeping mother's side. + + Lazarus, who lay in darkness till three nights had passed away, + At Thy voice awoke to soundness, rising to the light of day, + As the breath his frame re-entered touched already with decay. + + See, He walks upon the waters, treads the billow's rolling crest; + O'er the shifting depths of ocean firm and sure His footsteps rest, + And the wave parts not asunder where those holy feet are pressed. + + And the madman, chained and tortured by dark powers, from whom all fly, + As the tombs, that were his dwelling, echo to his savage cry, + Rushes forth and falls adoring, when he sees that Christ is nigh. + + Then the legion of foul spirits, driven from their human prey, + Seize the noisome swine, that feeding high upon the hillside stray, + And the herd, in sudden frenzy, plunges in the waters grey. + + "Gather in twelve woven baskets all the fragments that remain:" + He hath fed the weary thousands, resting o'er the grassy plain, + And His power hath stayed their hunger with five loaves and fishes twain. + + Thine, O Christ, is endless sweetness; Thou art our celestial Bread: + Nevermore he knoweth hunger, who upon Thy grace hath fed, + Grace whereby no mortal body but the soul is nourished. + + They that knew not speech nor language, closed to every sound their ears, + To the Master's call responding break the barriers of years; + Now the deaf holds joyous converse and the lightest whisper hears. + + Sickness at His word departed, pain and pallid languor fled, + Many a tongue, long chained in silence, words of praise and blessing said; + And the palsied man rejoicing through the city bore his bed. + + Yea, that they might know salvation who in Hades' prison were pent, + In His mercy condescending through Hell's gloomy gates He went; + Bolt and massy hinge were shattered, adamantine portals rent. + + For the door that all receiveth, but releaseth nevermore, + Opens now and, slowly turning, doth the ghosts to light restore, + Who, the eternal laws suspended, tread again its dusky floor. + + But, while God with golden glory floods the murky realms of night, + And upon the startled shadows dawns a day serene and bright, + In the darkened vault of heaven stars forlorn refuse their light. + + For the sun in garb of mourning veiled his radiant orb and passed + From his flaming path in sorrow, hiding till mankind aghast + Deemed that o'er a world of chaos Night's eternal pall was cast. + + Now, my soul, in liquid measures let the sounding numbers flow; + Sing the trophy of His passion, sing the Cross triumphant now; + Sing the ensign of Christ's glory, marked on every faithful brow. + + Ah! how wondrous was the fountain flowing from His pierced side, + Whence the blood and water mingled in a strange and sacred tide,-- + Water, sign of mystic cleansing; blood, the martyr's crown of pride. + + In that hour the ancient Serpent saw the holy Victim slain, + Saw, and shed his hate envenomed, all his malice spent in vain; + See! the hissing neck is broken as he writhes in sullen pain. + + Aye, what boots it, cursed Serpent, that the man God made from clay, + Victim of thy baleful cunning, by thy lies was led astray? + God hath ta'en a mortal body and hath washed the guilt away. + + Christ, our Captain, for a season deigned to dwell in Death's domain, + That the dead, long time imprisoned, might return to life again, + Breaking by His great example ancient sins' enthralling chain. + + Thus, upon the third glad morning, patriarchs and saints of yore, + As the risen Lord ascended, followed Him who went before, + From forgotten graves proceeding, habited in flesh once more. + + Limb to limb unites and rises from the ashes dry and cold, + And the life-blood courses warmly through the frames long turned to mould, + Skin and flesh, anew created, muscle, bone and nerve enfold. + + Then, mankind to life restoring, Death downtrodden 'neath His feet, + Lo! the Victor mounts triumphant to the Father's judgment-seat, + Bringing back to heaven the glory by His passion made complete. + + Hail! Thou Judge of souls departed: hail! of all the living King! + On the Father's right hand throned, through His courts Thy praises ring, + Till at last for all offences righteous judgment Thou shalt bring. + + Now let old and young uniting chant to Thee harmonious lays, + Maid and matron hymn Thy glory, infant lips their anthem raise, + Boys and girls together singing with pure heart their song of praise. + + Let the storm and summer sunshine, gliding stream and sounding shore, + Sea and forest, frost and zephyr, day and night their Lord adore; + Let creation join to laud Thee through the ages evermore. + + + + + X. HYMNUS AD EXEQUIAS DEFUNCTI + + + Deus ignee fons animarum, + duo qui socians elementa + vivum simul ac moribundum + hominem Pater effigiasti: + + Tua sunt, tua rector utraque, 5 + tibi copula iungitur horum, + tibi, dum vegetata cohaerent, + et spiritus et caro servit. + + Rescissa sed ista seorsum + solvunt hominera perimuntque, 10 + humus excipit arida corpus, + animae rapit aura liquorem. + + Quia cuncta creata necesse est + labefacta senescere tandem, + conpactaque dissociari, 15 + et dissona texta retexi. + + Hanc tu, Deus optime, mortem + famulis abolere paratus + iter inviolabile monstras, + quo perdita membra resurgant: 20 + + Ut, dum generosa caducis + ceu carcere clausa ligantur, + pars illa potentior extet, + quae germen ab aethere traxit. + + Si terrea forte voluntas 25 + luteum sapit et grave captat, + animus quoque pondere victus + sequitur sua membra deorsum. + + At si generis memor ignis + contagia pigra recuset, 30 + vehit hospita viscera secum, + pariterque reportat ad astra. + + Nam quod requiescere corpus + vacuum sine mente videmus, + spatium breve restat, ut alti 35 + repetat conlegia sensus. + + Venient cito secula, cum iam + socius calor ossa revisat + animataque sanguine vivo + habitacula pristina gestet. 40 + + Quae pigra cadavera pridem + tumulis putrefacta iacebant, + volucres rapientur in auras + animas comitata priores. + + Hinc maxima cura sepulcris 45 + inpenditur: hinc resolutos + honor ultimus accipit artus + et funeris ambitus ornat. + + Candore nitentia claro + praetendere lintea mos est, 50 + adspersaque myrrha Sabaeo + corpus medicamine servat. + + Quidnam sibi saxa cavata, + quid pulchra volunt monumenta, + nisi quod res creditur illis 55 + non mortua, sed data somno? + + Hoc provida Christicolarum + pietas studet, utpote credens + fore protinus omnia viva, + quae nunc gelidus sopor urget. 60 + + Qui iacta cadavera passim + miserans tegit aggere terrae, + opus exhibet ille benignum + Christo pius omnipotenti: + + Quin lex eadem monet omnes 65 + gemitum dare sorte sub una, + cognataque funera nobis + aliena in morte dolere. + + Sancti sator ille Tobiae + sacer ac venerabilis heros, 70 + dapibus iam rite paratis + ius praetulit exequiarum. + + Iam stantibus ille ministris + cyathos et fercula liquit, + studioque accinctus humandi 75 + fleto dedit ossa sepulcro. + + Veniunt mox praemia caelo + pretiumque rependitur ingens: + nam lumina nescia solis + Deus inlita felle serenat. 80 + + Iam tunc docuit Pater orbis, + quam sit rationis egenis + mordax et amara medela, + cum lux animum nova vexat. + + Docuit quoque non prius ullum 85 + caelestia cernere regna, + quam nocte et vulnere tristi + toleraverit aspera mundi. + + Mors ipsa beatior inde est, + quod per cruciamina leti 90 + via panditur ardua iustis + et ad astra doloribus itur. + + Sic corpora mortificata + redeunt melioribus annis, + nec post obitum recalescens 95 + conpago fatiscere novit. + + Haec, quae modo pallida tabo + color albidus inficit ora, + tunc flore venustior omni + sanguis cute tinget amoena. 100 + + Iam nulla deinde senectus + frontis decus invida carpet, + macies neque sicca lacertos + suco tenuabit adeso. + + Morbus quoque pestifer, artus 105 + qui nunc populatur anhelos, + sua tunc tormenta resudans + luet inter vincula mille. + + Hunc eminus aere ab alto + victrix caro iamque perennis 110 + cernet sine fine gementem + quos moverat ipse dolores. + + Quid turba superstes inepta + clangens ululamina miscet, + cur tam bene condita iura 115 + luctu dolor arguit amens? + + Iam maesta quiesce querela, + lacrimas suspendite matres, + nullus sua pignora plangat, + mors haec reparatio vitae est. 120 + + Sic semina sicca virescunt + iam mortua iamque sepulta, + quae reddita caespite ab imo + veteres meditantur aristas. + + Nunc suscipe terra fovendum, 125 + gremioque hunc concipe molli: + hominis tibi membra sequestro + generosa et fragmina credo. + + Animae fuit haec domus olim + factoris ab ore creatae, 130 + fervens habitavit in istis + sapientia principe Christo. + + Tu depositum tege corpus, + non inmemor illa requiret + sua munera fictor et auctor 135 + propriique aenigmata vultus. + + Veniant modo tempora iusta, + cum spem Deus inpleat omnem; + reddas patefacta necesse est, + qualem tibi trado figuram. 140 + + Non, si cariosa vetustas + dissolverit ossa favillis, + fueritque cinisculus arens + minimi mensura pugilli. + + Nec, si vaga flamina et aurae 145 + vacuum per inane volantes + tulerint cum pulvere nervos, + hominem periisse licebit. + + Sed dum resolubile corpus + revocas, Deus, atque reformas, 150 + quanam regione iubebis + animam requiescere puram? + + Gremio senis addita sancti + recubabit, ut est Eleazar, + quem floribus undique septum 155 + Dives procul adspicit ardens. + + Sequimur tua dicta redemptor, + quibus atra morte triumphans + tua per vestigia mandas + socium crucis ire latronem. 160 + + Patet ecce fidelibus ampli + via lucida iam paradisi, + licet et nemus illud adire, + homini quod ademerat anguis. + + Illic precor, optime ductor, 165 + famulam tibi praecipe mentem + genitali in sede sacrari, + quam liquerat exul et errans. + + Nos tecta fovebimus ossa + violis et fronde frequenti, 170 + titulumque et frigida saxa + liquido spargemus odore. + + + + + X. HYMN FOR THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD + + + Fountain of life, supernal Fire, + Who didst unite in wondrous wise + The soul that lives, the clay that dies, + And mad'st them Man: eternal Sire, + + Both elements Thy will obey, + Thine is the bond that joins the twain, + And, while united they remain, + Spirit and body own Thy sway. + + Yet they must one day disunite, + Sunder in death this mortal frame; + Dust to the dust from whence it came, + The spirit to its heavenward flight. + + For all created things must wane, + And age must break the bond at last; + The diverse web that Life held fast + Death's fingers shall unweave again. + + Yet, gracious God, Thou dost devise + The death of Death for all Thine own; + The path of safety Thou hast shown + Whereby the doomed limbs may rise: + + So that, while fragile bonds of earth + Man's noblest essence still enfold, + That part may yet the sceptre hold + Which from pure aether hath its birth. + + For if the earthy will hold sway, + By gross desires and aims possessed, + The soul, too, by the weight oppressed, + Follows the body's downward way. + + But if she scorn the guilt that mars-- + Still mindful of her fiery sphere-- + She bears the flesh, her comrade here, + Back to her home beyond the stars. + + The lifeless body we restore + To earth, must slumber free from pain + A little while, that it may gain + The spirit's fellowship once more. + + The years will pass with rapid pace + Till through these limbs the life shall flow, + And the long-parted spirit go + To seek her olden dwelling-place. + + Then shall the body, that hath lain + And turned to dust in slow decay, + On airy wings be borne away + And join its ancient soul again. + + Therefore our tenderest care we spend + Upon the grave: and mourners go + With solemn dirge and footstep slow-- + Love's last sad tribute to a friend. + + With fair white linen we enfold + The dear dead limbs, and richest store + Of Eastern unguents duly pour + Upon the body still and cold. + + Why hew the rocky tomb so deep, + Why raise the monument so fair, + Save that the form we cherish there + Is no dead thing, but laid to sleep? + + This is the faithful ministry + Of Christian men, who hold it true + That all shall one day live anew + Who now in icy slumber lie. + + And he whose pitying hand shall lay + Some friendless outcast 'neath the sod, + E'en to the almighty Son of God + Doth that benignant service pay. + + For this same law doth bid us mourn + Man's common fate, when strangers die, + And pay the tribute of a sigh, + As when our kin to rest are borne. + + Of holy Tobit ye have read, + (Grave father of a pious son), + Who, though the feast was set, would run + To do his duty by the dead. + + Though waiting servants stood around, + From meat and drink he turned away + And girt himself in haste to lay + The bones with weeping in the ground. + + Soon Heaven his righteous zeal repays + With rich reward; the eyes long blind + In bitter gall strange virtue find + And open to the sun's clear rays. + + Thus hath our Heavenly Father shown + How sharp and bitter is the smart + When sudden on the purblind heart + The Daystar's healing light is thrown. + + He taught us, too, that none may gaze + Upon the heavenly demesne + Ere that in darkness and in pain + His feet have trod the world's rough ways. + + So unto death itself is given + Strange bliss, when mortal agony + Opens the way that leads on high + And pain is but the path to Heaven. + + Thus to a far serener day + Our body from the grave returns; + Eternal life within it burns + That knows nor languor nor decay. + + These faces now so pinched and pale, + That marks of lingering sickness show, + Then fairer than the rose shall glow + And bloom with youth that ne'er shall fail. + + Ne'er shall crabbed age their beauty dim + With wrinkled brow and tresses grey, + Nor arid leanness eat away + The vigour of the rounded limb. + + Racked with his own destroying pains + Shall fell Disease, who now attacks + Our aching frames, his force relax + Fast fettered in a thousand chains: + + While from its far celestial throne + The immortal body, victor now, + Shall watch its old tormentor bow + And in eternal tortures groan. + + Why do the clamorous mourners wail + In bootless sorrow murmuring? + And why doth grief unreasoning + God's righteous ordinance assail? + + Hushed be your voices, ye that mourn; + Ye weeping mothers, dry the tear; + Let none lament for children dear, + For man through Death to Life is born. + + So do dry seeds grow green again, + Now dead and buried in the earth, + And rising to a second birth + Clothe as of old the verdant plain. + + Take now, O earth, the load we bear, + And cherish in thy gentle breast + This mortal frame we lay to rest, + The poor remains that were so fair. + + For they were once the soul's abode, + That by God's breath created came; + And in them, like a living flame, + Christ's precious gift of wisdom glowed. + + Guard thou the body we have laid + Within thy care, till He demand + The creature fashioned by His hand + And after His own image made. + + The appointed time soon may we see + When God shall all our hopes fulfil, + And thou must render to His will + Unchanged the charge we give to thee. + + For though consumed by mould and rust + Man's body slowly fades away, + And years of lingering decay + Leave but a handful of dry dust; + + Though wandering winds, that idly fly, + Should his disparted ashes bear + Through all the wide expanse of air, + Man may not perish utterly. + + Yet till Thou dost build up again + This mortal structure by Thy hand, + In what far world wilt Thou command + The soul to rest, now free from stain? + + In Abraham's bosom it shall dwell + 'Mid verdant bowers, as Lazarus lies + Whom Dives sees with longing eyes + From out the far-off fires of hell. + + We trust the words our Saviour said + When, victor o'er grim Death, he cried + To him who suffered at His side + "In Mine own footsteps shalt thou tread." + + See, open to the faithful soul, + The shining paths of Paradise; + Now may they to that garden rise + Which from mankind the Serpent stole. + + Guide him, we pray, to that blest bourn, + Who served Thee truly here below; + May he the bliss of Eden know, + Who strayed in banishment forlorn. + + But we will honour our dear dead + With violets and garlands strown, + And o'er the cold and graven stone + Shall fragrant odours still be shed. + + + + + XI. HYMNUS VIII. KALENDAS IANUARIAS + + + Quid est, quod artum circulum + sol iam recurrens deserit? + Christusne terris nascitur, + qui lucis auget tramitem? + + Heu quam fugacem gratiam 5 + festina volvebat dies, + quam pene subductam facem + sensim recisa extinxerat! + + Caelum nitescat laetius, + gratetur et gaudens humus, 10 + scandit gradatim denuo + iubar priores lineas. + + Emerge dulcis pusio, + quem mater edit castitas, + parens et expers coniugis, 15 + mediator et duplex genus. + + Ex ore quamlibet Patris + sis ortus et verbo editus, + tamen paterno in pectore + sophia callebas prius. 20 + + Quae prompta caelum condidit, + caelum diemque et cetera, + virtute verbi effecta sunt + haec cuncta: nam verbum Deus. + + Sed ordinatis seculis, 25 + rerumque digesto statu + fundator ipse et artifex + permansit in Patris sinu, + + donec rotata annalium + transvolverentur milia, 30 + atque ipse peccantem diu + dignatus orbera viseret. + + Nam caeca vis mortalium + venerans inanes nenias + vel aera vel saxa algida, 35 + vel ligna credebat Deum. + + Haec dum sequuntur, perfidi + praedonis in ius venerant, + et mancipatam fumido + vitam barathro inmerserant: 40 + + Stragem sed istam non tulit + Christus cadentum gentium + inpune ne forsan sui + Patris periret fabrica. + + Mortale corpus induit, 45 + ut excitato corpore + mortis catenam frangeret + hominemque portaret Patri. + + Hic ille natalis dies, + quo te creator arduus 50 + spiravit et limo indidit + sermone carnem glutinans. + + Sentisne, virgo nobilis, + matura per fastidia + pudoris intactum decus 55 + honore partus crescere? + + O quanta rerum gaudia + alvus pudica continet, + ex qua novellum seculum + procedit et lux aurea! 60 + + Vagitus ille exordium + vernantis orbis prodidit, + nam tunc renatus sordidum + mundus veternum depulit. + + Sparsisse tellurem reor 65 + rus omne densis floribus, + ipsasque arenas syrtium + fragrasse nardo et nectare. + + Te cuncta nascentem puer + sensere dura et barbara, 70 + victusque saxorum rigor + obduxit herbam cotibus. + + Iam mella de scopulis fluunt, + iam stillat ilex arido + sudans amomum stipite, 75 + iam sunt myricis balsama. + + O sancta praesepis tui, + aeterne rex, cunabula, + populisque per seclum sacra + mutis et ipsis credita. 80 + + Adorat haec brutum pecus + indocta turba scilicet, + adorat excors natio, + vis cuius in pastu sita est. + + Sed cum fideli spiritu 85 + concurrat ad praesepia + pagana gens et quadrupes, + sapiatque quod brutum fuit: + + Negat patrum prosapia + perosa praesentem Deum: 90 + credas venenis ebriam + furiisve lymphatam rapi. + + Quid prona per scelus ruis? + agnosce, si quidquam tibi + mentis resedit integrae, 95 + ducem tuorum principum. + + Hunc, quem latebra et obstetrix, + et virgo feta, et cunulae + et inbecilla infantia + regem dederunt gentibus, 100 + + peccator intueberis + celsum coruscis nubibus, + deiectus ipse et inritus + plangens reatum fletibus: + + Cum vasta signum bucina 105 + terris cremandis miserit, + et scissus axis cardinem + mundi ruentis solverit: + + Insignis ipse et praeminens + meritis rependet congrua, 110 + his lucis usum perpetis, + illis gehennam et tartarum. + + Iudaea tunc fulmen crucis + experta, qui sit, senties, + quem te furoris praesule 115 + mors hausit et mox reddidit. + + + + + XI. HYMN FOR CHRISTMAS-DAY + + + Why doth the sun re-orient take + A wider range, his limits break? + Lo! Christ is born, and o'er earth's night + Shineth from more to more the light! + + Too swiftly did the radiant day + Her brief course run and pass away: + She scarce her kindly torch had fired + Ere slowly fading it expired. + + Now let the sky more brightly beam, + The earth take up the joyous theme: + The orb a broadening pathway gains + And with its erstwhile splendour reigns. + + Sweet babe, of chastity the flower, + A virgin's blest mysterious dower! + Rise in Thy twofold nature's might: + Rise, God and man to reunite! + + Though by the Father's will above + Thou wert begot, the Son of Love, + Yet in His bosom Thou didst dwell, + Of Wisdom the eternal Well; + + Wisdom, whereby the heavens were made + And light's foundations first were laid: + Creative Word! all flows from Thee! + The Word is God eternally. + + For though with process of the suns + The ordered whole harmonious runs, + Still the Artificer Divine + Leaves not the Father's inmost shrine. + + The rolling wheels of Time had passed + O'er their millennial journey vast, + Before in judgment clad He came + Unto the world long steeped in shame. + + The purblind souls of mortals crass + Had trusted gods of stone and brass, + To things of nought their worship paid + And senseless blocks of wood obeyed. + + And thus employed, they fell below + The sway of man's perfidious foe: + Plunged in the smoky sheer abyss + They sank bereft of their true bliss. + + But that sore plight of ruined man + Christ's pity could not lightly scan: + Nor let God's building nobly wrought + Ingloriously be brought to nought. + + He wrapped Him in our fleshly guise, + That from the tomb He might arise, + And man released from death's grim snare + Home to His Father's bosom bear. + + This is the day of Thy dear birth, + The bridal of the heaven and earth, + When the Creator breathed on Thee + The breath of pure humanity. + + Ah! glorious Maid, dost thou not guess + What guerdon thy chaste soul shall bless, + How by thy ripening pangs is bought + An honour greater than all thought? + + O what a load of joy untold + Thy womb inviolate doth hold! + Of thee a golden age is born, + The brightness of the earth's new morn! + + Hearken! doth not the infant's wail + The universal springtide hail? + For now the world re-born lays by + Its gloomy, frost-bound apathy. + + Methinks in all her rustic bowers + The earth is spread with clustering flowers: + Odours of nard and nectar sweet + E'en o'er the sands of Syrtes fleet. + + All places rough and deserts wild + Have felt from far Thy coming, Child: + Rocks to Thy gentle empire bow + And verdure clothes the mountain brow. + + Sweet honey from the boulder leaps: + The sere and leafless oak-bough weeps + A strange rich attar: tamarisks too + Of balsam pure distil the dew. + + Blessed for ever, cradle dear, + The lowly stall, the cavern drear! + Men to this shrine, Eternal King, + With dumb brutes adoration bring. + + The ox and ass in homage low + Obedient to their Maker bow: + Bows too the unlearn'd heartless crowd + Whose minds the sensual feast doth cloud. + + Though, by the faithful Spirit impelled, + Shepherds and brutes, unreasoning held, + Yea, folk that did in darkness dwell + Discern their God in His poor cell: + + Yet children of the sacred race + Blindly abhor the Incarnate grace: + By philtres you might deem them lulled + Or by some bacchic phrenzy dulled. + + Why headlong thus to ruin stride? + If aught of soundness in you bide, + Behold in Him the Lord divine + Of all your patriarchal line. + + Mark you the dim-lit cave, the Maid, + The humble nurse, the cradle laid, + The helpless infancy forlorn: + Yet thus the Gentiles' King was born! + + Ah sinner, thou shalt one day see + This Child in dreadful majesty, + See Him in glorious clouds descend, + While thou thy guilty heart shalt rend. + + Vain all thy tears, when loud shall sound + The trump, when flames shall scorch the ground, + When from its hinge the cloven world + Is loosed, in horrid tumult hurled. + + Then throned on high, the Judge of all + Shall mortals to their reckoning call: + To these shall grant the prize of light, + To those Gehenna's gloomy night. + + Then, Israel, shalt thou learn at length + The Cross hath, as the lightning, strength: + Doomed by thy wrath, He now is Lord, + Whom Death once grasped but soon restored. + + + + + XII. HYMNUS EPIPHANIAE + + + Quicumque Christum quaeritis, + oculos in altum tollite, + illic licebit visere + signum perennis gloriae. + + Haec stella, quae solis rotam 5 + vincit decore ac lumine, + venisse terris nuntiat + cum carne terrestri Deum. + + Non illa servit noctibus + secuta lunam menstruam, 10 + sed sola caelum possidens + cursum dierum temperat. + + Arctoa quamvis sidera + in se retortis motibus + obire nolint, attamen 15 + plerumque sub nimbis latent. + + Hoc sidus aeternum manet, + haec stella nunquam mergitur, + nec nubis occursu abdita + obumbrat obductam facem. 20 + + Tristis cometa intercidat, + et si quod astrum Sirio + fervet vapore, iam Dei + sub luce destructum cadat. + + En Persici ex orbis sinu, 25 + sol unde sumit ianuam, + cernunt periti interpretes + regale vexillum Magi. + + Quod ut refulsit, ceteri + cessere signorum globi, 30 + nec pulcher est ausus suam + conferre formam Lucifer. + + Quis iste tantus, inquiunt, + regnator astris inperans, + quem sic tremunt caelestia, 35 + cui lux et aethra inserviunt. + + Inlustre quiddam cernimus, + quod nesciat finem pati, + sublime, celsum, interminum, + antiquius caelo et chao. 40 + + Hic ille rex est gentium + populique rex Iudaici, + promissus Abrahae patri + eiusque in aevum semini. + + Aequanda nam stellis sua 45 + cognovit olim germina + primus sator credentium, + nati inmolator unici. + + Iam flos subit Davidicus + radice Iesse editus, 50 + sceptrique per virgam virens + rerum cacumen occupat. + + Exin sequuntur perciti + fixis in altum vultibus, + qua stella sulcum traxerat 55 + claramque signabat viam. + + Sed verticem pueri supra + signum pependit inminens, + pronaque submissum face + caput sacratum prodidit. 60 + + Videre quod postquam Magi, + eoa promunt munera, + stratique votis offerunt + tus, myrrham, et aurum regium. + + Agnosce clara insignia 65 + virtutis ac regni tui, + puer o, cui trinam Pater + praedestinavit indolem. + + Regem Deumque adnuntiant + thesaurus et fragrans odor 70 + turis Sabaei, ac myrrheus + pulvis sepulcrum praedocet. + + Hoc est sepulcrum, quo Deus, + dum corpus extingui sinit + atque id sepultum suscitat, 75 + mortis refregit carcerem. + + O sola magnarum urbium + maior Bethlem, cui contigit + ducem salutis caelitus + incorporatum gignere. 80 + + Altrice te summo Patri + haeres creatur unicus, + homo ex tonantis spiritu + idemque sub membris Deus. + + Hunc et prophetis testibus 85 + isdemque signatoribus, + testator et sator iubet + adire regnum et cernere: + + Regnum, quod ambit omnia + diva et marina et terrea 90 + a solis ortu ad exitum + et tartara et caelum supra. + + Audit tyrannus anxius + adesse regum principem, + qui nomen Israel regat 95 + teneatque David regiam. + + Exclamat amens nuntio, + successor instat, pellimur; + satelles i, ferrum rape, + perfunde cunas sanguine. 100 + + Mas omnis infans occidat, + scrutare nutricum sinus, + interque materna ubera + ensem cruentet pusio. + + Suspecta per Bethlem mihi 105 + puerperarum est omnium + fraus, ne qua furtim subtrahat + prolem virilis indolis. + + Transfigit ergo carnifex + mucrone destricto furens 110 + effusa nuper corpora, + animasque rimatur novas. + + Locum minutis artubus + vix interemptor invenit, + quo plaga descendat patens 115 + iuguloque maior pugio est. + + O barbarum spectaculum! + inlisa cervix cautibus + spargit cerebrum lacteum + oculosque per vulnus vomit. 120 + + Aut in profundum palpitans + mersatur infans gurgitem, + cui subter artis faucibus + singultat unda et halitus. + + Salvete flores martyrum, 125 + quos lucis ipso in limine + Christi insecutor sustulit, + ceu turbo nascentes rosas. + + Vos prima Christi victima, + grex inmolatorum tener, 130 + aram ante ipsam simplices + palma et coronis luditis. + + Quid proficit tantum nefas, + quid crimen Herodem iuvat? + unus tot inter funera 135 + inpune Christus tollitur. + + Inter coaevi sanguinis + fluenta solus integer + ferrum, quod orbabat nurus, + partus fefellit virginis. 140 + + Sic stulta Pharaonis mali + edicta quondam fugerat + Christi figuram praeferens + Moyses, receptor civium. + + Cautum et statutum ius erat, 145 + quo non liceret matribus, + cum pondus alvi absolverent, + puerile pignus tollere. + + Mens obstetricis sedulae + pie in tyrannum contumax 150 + ad spem potentis gloriae + furata servat parvulum: + + Quem mox sacerdotem sibi + adsumpsit orbis conditor, + per quem notatam saxeis 155 + legem tabellis traderet. + + Licetne Christum noscere + tanti per exemplum viri? + dux ille caeso Aegyptio + absolvit Israel iugo. 160 + + At nos subactos iugiter + erroris inperio gravi + dux noster hoste saucio + mortis tenebris liberat. + + Hic expiatam fluctibus 165 + plebem marino in transitu + repurgat undis dulcibus, + lucis columnam praeferens: + + Hic praeliante exercitu, + pansis in altum brachiis, 170 + sublimis Amalech premit, + crucis quod instar tunc fuit. + + Hic nempe Iesus verior, + qui longa post dispendia + victor suis tribulibus 175 + promissa solvit iugera. + + Qui ter quaternas denique + refluentis amnis alveo + fundavit et fixit petras, + apostolorum stemmata. 180 + + Iure ergo se Iudae ducem + vidisse testantur Magi, + cum facta priscorum ducum + Christi figuram finxerint. + + Hic rex priorum iudicum, 185 + rexere qui Iacob genus, + dominaeque rex ecclesiae, + templi et novelli et pristini. + + Hunc posteri Efrem colunt, + hunc sancta Manasse domus 190 + omnesque suspiciunt tribus + bis sena fratrum semina. + + Quin et propago degener + ritum secuta inconditum, + quaecumque dirum fervidis 195 + Baal caminis coxerat, + + fumosa avorum numina + saxum, metallum, stipitem, + rasum, dolatum, sectile, + in Christi honorem deserit. 200 + + Gaudete quidquid gentium est, + Iudaea, Roma, et Graecia, + Aegypte, Thrax, Persa, Scytha, + rex unus omnes possidet. + + Laudate vestrum principem 205 + omnes beati, ac perditi, + vivi, inbecilli ac mortui: + iam nemo posthac mortuus. + + + + + XII. HYMN FOR THE EPIPHANY + + + Lift up your eyes, whoe'er ye be + That fare the new-born Christ to see: + For yonder is the shining sign + Of grace perennial and divine. + + What means this star, whose piercing rays + Outshine the sun's resplendent blaze? + 'Tis token sure that God is come + In mortal flesh to make His home. + + No courtier of the realms of night + Nor monthly moon's bright acolyte, + This star directs the course of day, + Sole sovereign of the heavenly way. + + Although the Bears their track retrace, + Nor wholly their clear beams efface, + Yet ofttimes 'neath the dun cloud's haze + They hide themselves from mortal gaze. + + But yon Star's glory hath no end, + Nor to the depths can it descend: + It ne'er is whelmed by envious cloud + That seeks its beauty to enshroud. + + Now let the baleful comet die, + The brood of blazing Sirius fly: + God's orb shall quench their sultry heats + And drive them from their haughty seats. + + Lo! from the regions of the morn + Wherein the radiant sun is born, + The Persian sages see on high + God's ensign shining in the sky. + + Soon as its rising beams prevail + The starry hosts in order pale: + E'en Lucifer durst not upraise + The silvery splendours of his face. + + Who is this sovereign (they enquire) + That lords it o'er the ethereal choir? + 'Fore whom the heavens bow down afraid, + Of all the worlds of light obeyed? + + Sure 'tis the sign most reverend + Of Being that doth know no end: + Of One in state sublime arrayed + Ere sky and chaos yet were made. + + This is the King of Israel, + Of all in Gentile lands that dwell: + The King to Abram and his seed + Throughout all ages erst decreed. + + To him 'twas given his progeny + As stars innumerous to see: + First of believers! moved to slay + His only son, so God to obey. + + Behold the Flower of David shine, + Of Jesse's root the Branch benign: + The sceptre spread with blossoms rare + Wields o'er the world its lordship fair. + + Roused by the portent of the sky + The sages fix their gaze on high, + And speed them 'neath the furrowed way + Marked by the star's effulgent ray. + + At length its flaming steps it stayed + Poised over where the Child was laid: + Straightway with downcast mien it shed + Its splendours on the sacred Head. + + Whereat the travellers outpour + Of Eastern gifts their treasure-store, + Myrrh and sweet-smelling frankincense, + Gold meet for regal opulence. + + Behold herein the triple sign + Of Thy pure being, King divine: + Seeing the Father willed in Thee + To plant a threefold majesty. + + The gift of gold thee King proclaims: + Thee God the fragrant incense names: + The myrrh declares that Death shall thrust + Within the tomb Thy body's dust. + + Ah! that dark sepulchre, whose fold + God's body quenched in death doth hold: + Yet shall He from that durance wake + And Death's strong prison-fetters break. + + O Bethlehem! no longer thou + The least of cities: all shall vow + That thou art greatest on the earth: + For thou man's King didst bring to birth. + + Yea thou didst on thy bosom bear + The All-loving Father's only heir: + Man of the Thunderer's Spirit made + And God in human flesh arrayed. + + The prophets witnessed to the bond + Which sealed to Him the realm profound: + The Father's Kingdom He received + And the vast legacy perceived. + + All things are His in sea and sky, + In hell beneath, in heaven on high: + From East to setting sun, in fee + He holds the earth's immensity. + + Distraught, the tyrant base doth hear + That now the King of Kings draws near + To reign in David's seat of state + And Israel's empire dominate. + + "Betrayed are we," he maddened cries, + "Our throne's usurper doth arise: + Go, soldiers, go with sword in hand + And slay all babes within my land. + + "Spare no male child: each nurse's robe + Your scrutinizing steel must probe: + Spare not the suckling infant, though + O'er mother's breast its life-blood flow. + + "On Bethlehem our suspicion falls, + On every hearth within its walls: + Lest mothers with love's tender zeal + Some manly scion may conceal." + + With daggers drawn the infuriate crew + Upon their murderous errand flew: + Each latest offspring of the womb + To bloody death they foully doom. + + Ah tiny limbs! 'twas hard to know + How best to strike the fatal blow: + Too wide the sword-blades are to smite + Those throats so silken-fragile, slight. + + O horrid sight! the tender bones + Are dashed against the jagged stones: + Sightless and mangled there they lie, + Poor babes! untimely doomed to die. + + Perchance the still deep river laves + Their bodies thrust into the waves: + The current with their sighing sighs, + Sobs with their latest, broken cries. + + Ye flowers of martyrdom, all hail! + Of rising morn pure blossoms frail! + By Jesu's foe were ye downcast, + Like budding roses by the blast. + + Lambs of the flock too early slain, + Ye first fruits of Christ's bitter pain! + Close to His very altar, gay + With palms and crowns, ye now do play. + + Of what avail is deed so vile? + Doth Herod gain by murderous guile? + Of all to death so foully done + Escapes triumphant Christ alone. + + Amidst that tide of infant gore + Alone He wins the sheltering shore: + The virgin's Child survives the stroke, + When every mother's heart was broke. + + Thus Moses 'scaped the mad decree + Of evil Pharaoh and set free + The flock of God, prefiguring so + Christ spared from fate's malignant blow. + + Vain too the king's hostility + Who framed the pitiless decree + That Israel's mothers should not rear + To manhood's strength their offspring dear. + + Quickened by love, a woman's mind + Found means to thwart that law unkind, + And, falsely true, the child concealed + Destined to be his people's Shield. + + On him it was that God did place + The august priesthood's holy grace, + The law on stony tablets writ + Did to his trembling hands commit. + + And may we not with prophet's eye + In such a hero Christ descry? + The proud Egyptian's might he broke + And freed his kinsmen from the yoke. + + So we by Error's might hemmed round + Were by our Captain's strength unbound: + His foe He wounded in the fight + And saved us from Death's horrid night. + + Cheering by sign of flame their feet, + Moses renewed with waters sweet + His folk, albeit purified + From stain, what time they crossed the tide. + + And he, remote on peaceful height, + Amalek's banded hosts did smite: + He prayed with arms stretched out above, + Foreshadowing the Cross of Love. + + Yet truer Jesus surely he, + Who after many a victory + And labours long the tribes' renown + With promised heritage did crown; + + Who when the waters rose on high + And now the Jordan's bed was dry, + Set up twelve stones of memory, + Types of apostles yet to be. + + Rightly the Wise Men said, I ween, + That they Judaea's King had seen, + Since noble deeds of other days + Prophetic chant the Saviour's praise. + + Of those old rulers He is King + Who did to Jacob judgment bring, + King of the Mother Church divine, + God's ancient and God's present Shrine. + + Of Ephraim's sons He is adored: + Manasseh's sacred house as Lord + Reveres Him: to His might the seed + Of brethren twelve their fealty plead. + + Nay, each degenerate race hath fled + Its shameful rites and orgies dread: + Grim Baal in glowing furnace cast + Sinks to the earth, forsook at last. + + Idols smoke-blackened, wooden-hewn, + Of brass and stone, in dust are strewn: + The chiselled deities downtrod: + For all confess in Christ their God. + + Rejoice all peoples, Jewry, Rome, + Fair Hellas, Thrace, Aegyptus' home: + Persians and Scythian land forlorn, + Rejoice: the world's great King is born! + + Behold your Chief! His praise forth tell: + Ye sick, ye hale, all heaven and hell: + Ay, you whose vital spark hath sped: + For lo! in Him e'en Death is dead. + + + + + EPILOGUS + + + Inmolat Deo Patri + pius, fidelis, innocens, pudicus + dona conscientiae, + quibus beata mens abundat intus: + alter et pecuniam 5 + recidit, unde victitent egeni. + Nos citos iambicos + sacramus et rotatiles trochaeos, + sanctitatis indigi + nec ad levamen pauperum potentes; 10 + adprobat tamen Deus + pedestre carmen, et benignus audit. + Multa divitis domo + sita est per omnes angulos supellex. + Fulget aureus scyphus, 15 + nec aere defit expolita pelvis: + est et olla fictilis, + gravisque et ampla argentea est parabsis. + Sunt eburna quaepiam, + nonnulla quercu sunt cavata et ulmo: 20 + omne vas fit utile, + quod est ad usum congruens herilem, + Instruunt enim domum + ut empta magno, sic parata ligno. + Me paterno in atrio 25 + ut obsoletum vasculum caducis + Christus aptat usibus, + sinitque parte in anguli manere. + Munus ecce fictile + inimus intra regiam salutis; 30 + attamen vel infimam + Deo obsequelam praestitisse prodest. + Quidquid illud accidit, + iuvabit ore personasse Christum. + + + + + EPILOGUE + + + The pure and faithful saint, whose heart is whole, + To God the Father makes his sacrifice + From out the treasures of a stainless soul, + Glad gifts of innocence, beyond all price: + Another with free hand bestows his gold, + Whereby his needy neighbour may be fed. + No wealth of holiness my heart doth hold, + No store have I to buy my brothers bread: + So here I humbly dedicate to Thee + The rolling trochee and iambus swift; + Thou wilt approve my simple minstrelsy, + Thine ear will listen to Thy servant's gift. + The rich man's halls are nobly furnished; + Therein no nook or corner empty seems; + Here stands the brazen laver burnished, + And there the golden goblet brightly gleams; + Hard by some crock of clumsy earthen ware, + Massive and ample lies a silver plate; + And rough-hewn cups of oak or elm are there + With vases carved of ivory delicate. + Yet every vessel in its place is good, + So be it for the Master's service meet; + The priceless salver and the bowl of wood + Alike He needs to make His home complete. + Therefore within His Father's spacious hall + Christ fits me for the service of a day, + Mean though I be, a vessel poor and small,-- + And in some lowly corner lets me stay. + Lo in the palace of the King of Kings + I play the earthen pitcher's humble part; + Yet to have done Him meanest service brings + A thrill of rapture to my thankful heart: + Whate'er the end, this thought will joy afford, + My lips have sung the praises of my Lord. + + + + +_This edition of the_ Cathemerinon of Prudentius _has been prepared for +the Temple Classics by_ Rev. R. MARTIN POPE, M.A. (_St John's College, +Cambridge, translator of the_ "Letters of John Hus"), _who has done the +translation of the_ Praefatio _and_ Hymns i., ii., iii., viii., xi., +xii., _with notes thereon and the note on_ Prudentius. _For the rendering +of_ Hymns iv., v., vi., vii., ix., x., _and the_ Epilogus _with notes +thereon,_ Mr R.F. DAVIS, M.A. (_St John's College, Cambridge_), _is +responsible. The text, with some minor alterations in orthography and +punctuation, is that of_ Dressel (Lipsiae, 1860). _The frontispiece is +due to the kind suggestion of_ Dr SANDYS, _Public Orator of Cambridge +University, to whom the thanks of the translators are hereby presented._ + + + + + TRANSLATOR'S NOTE + + +AURELIUS PRUDENTIUS CLEMENS (to give his full title) was born, probably +at Saragossa (Caesaraugusta), in Spain, in the year of our Lord 348. The +fourth century exercised a profound influence alike on the destiny of +the Roman Empire and of the Christian Church. After a long discipline, +strangely alternating between fiery persecution and contemptuous +toleration, the Church entered upon a new era, when in 323 Constantine, +the first Christian emperor, became master of the Roman world. Two +years later the Council of Nicaea met to utter its verdict on the +Arian controversy and to establish the terms of the orthodox symbol. A +generation later Julian took up the reins of empire and commenced his +quixotic and fruitless attempt to revive the glories of Paganism. +Athanasius died in 373: but fourteen years later Augustine, his successor +in the championship of the faith, was baptized, and in 395, at the death +of Theodosius, when the Empire was divided between Honorius and Arcadius, +he became Bishop of Hippo, and was marked out by his saintliness and +learning as the leader of the Western Church, which he shaped by his +splendid ideal of the _Civitas Dei_ into unity and stability, when +the secular empire was falling into decay. + +We know little more of the life of Prudentius than he himself has +disclosed. The _Preface_, which stands as an introduction to his poems, +is a miniature autobiography of great interest. M. Boissier in his _Fin du +Paganisme_ calls it _melancolique_: though it is rather the retrospect +of a serious and awakened, but not morbid, conscience. Prudentius views +his past years in the light of that new spiritual truth to which he has +opened his soul. We gather that he received a liberal education and was +called to the bar. We need not misunderstand the allusion to the +deceitfulness of the barrister life, seeing that the ordinary arts of +rhetoric stand condemned by his recently adopted ethical standard. He held +two important judicial posts and was promoted to a high position, probably +in the civil service and not outside the limits of his native province, the +_provincia Tarraconensis_. + +He speaks of himself as having reached the age of fifty-seven, which +brings us down to 405, and as intending to consecrate his remaining years +to the poetic treatment of religious subjects. When and how he became a +Christian we do not know, and it were vain to guess, although the +suggestion that he may have owed his conversion to the influence of some +Christian family of his acquaintance is at least interesting. It is +unlikely that he took up poetry for the first time in his old age. His +mastery of all kinds of metre--heroic and lyric--prove the practised hand. +The probability is that in the years of repose after a busy career his +desire to redeem an unspiritual past suggested for the exercise of his +natural gifts a field hitherto unoccupied by any of the writers of his +age. Why not consecrate his powers to the task of interesting the literary +circles of the Empire in the evangel of Christ? Why not present the truths +of Christianity in a poetic guise, wrought into forms of beauty and set +forth in the classical metres of Roman literature? This became the passion +of his life, and however we may view the results of his toil, the spirit +in which he went to work, as described in the touching _Epilogue_, +cannot but evoke our profound admiration. He is but a vessel of earth, but +whatever the issue may be, it will be a lasting joy to have sounded forth +the praise of Christ in song. + +This then is how Prudentius becomes the first poet of the Christian Church, +or, as Bentley called him, "the Virgil and Horace of the Christians." +Doubtless there were other influences at work to determine the sphere to +which he was naturally attract. Ambrose, who was Bishop of Milan when +Prudentius was twenty-six years of age, had written the first Latin hymns +to be sung in church. Augustine in a familiar passage of the _Confessions_ +(ix. 7.) describes how "the custom arose of singing hymns and psalms, after +the use of the Eastern provinces, to save the people from being utterly +worn out by their long and sorrowful vigils." "From that day to this," he +adds, "it has been retained and, many might say, all Thy flocks throughout +the rest of the world now follow our example." To Ambrose and Augustine the +Church of Christ is for ever indebted: to the latter for a devotional +treatise which is the most familiar of all the writings of the fourth +century: to the former for the hymns of praise which he composed and the +practice of singing which he thus inaugurated in the worship of the +Western Church. But the Church owes something also to Prudentius, a much +more gifted poet than Ambrose. The collection of hymns known as the +_Cathemerinon_ or _Hymns for the day_ is as little adapted for +ecclesiastical worship as Keble's _Christian Year_, although excerpts +from these poems have passed into the hymnology of the Church, just as +portions of Keble's work have passed into most hymn books. For example, +seven of these excerpts in the form of hymns are to be found in the Roman +Breviary, and thus for centuries the lyrics of Prudentius have been sung in +the daily services of the Church. + +Seeing that Prudentius must address himself to most English readers through +the imperfect medium of a translation, it may be well to remind those who +make their first acquaintance with him that a historical imagination is an +indispensable condition of interest and sympathy. If Prudentius has a habit +of leaving the main issue and making lengthy and tedious _detours_ into +the picturesque parables and miraculous incidents of the Old Testament, +there is method in his digressiveness. He knows that one of the charms of +Paganism lies in its rich and variegated mythology. Yet Christianity +also can point to an even nobler inheritance of the supernatural and the +wonderful in the mysterious evolutions of its history. Hence the stories +of the early patriarchs, of the Israelites and Moses, of Daniel and Jonah, +are imported by the poet as pictorial illustrations of his theme. If +occasionally the details border on the grotesque, he certainly reveals a +striking knowledge of the Old Testament. + +The New Testament is also adequately represented. In one poem (ix.) the +miracles of Christ in His earthly ministry and His descent into Hades are +narrated with considerable spirit and eloquence. Besides being a student +of the Bible, Prudentius is a theologian. His theology is that of the +Nicene Creed. The Fall of man, the personality of the Tempter, the mystery +of the Trinity and of the Incarnation, the Virgin-birth, the Death and +Resurrection of Christ, the pains of the lost and the bliss of the saints, +the resurrection of the Body and the life everlasting--these are the themes +of his pen, the themes too of the theology of his age. If the poet's +treatment of these truths occasionally appears antiquated and crude to +modern ideas, it is at least dignified and intelligent. His mind has +absorbed the Christian religion and the Christian theology, and he not +unfrequently rises to noble heights in the interpretation of their +mysteries. His didactic poems, the _Hamartigenia_ or the _Origin of Evil_ +and the _Apotheosis_, a treatise on the Person of Christ, prove him to be +a theologian of no mean calibre. He is also an allegorist, as is proved by +the _Psychomachia_ or the _Battle of the Soul_, a kind of _Holy War_ +which was very popular in the Middle Ages. He is a martyrologist: as +witness the _Peristephanon_, a series of poems on Christian, principally +Spanish, martyrs. Moreover, he is an undoubted patriot, and in the _Contra +Symmachum_, which he wrote on the famous affair of the Altar of Victory, +he proves that, while a Christian, he is also _civis Romanus_, loyal to +the Empire and the powers that be. He is a skilful versifier, and in this +connection the quatrains of the _Dittochaeon_, verses on themes of the Old +and New Testaments, may be mentioned in order to complete the list of his +works. His mastery of his very varied metres--hexameter, iambic, trochaic +and sapphic--is undoubted: everywhere we note the influence of Virgil and +Horace, even when these poets are not recalled by echoes of their diction +which are constantly greeting the reader of his poems. + +Reference has already been made to the influence of Ambrose of Milan upon +the thought and style of Prudentius. But there is a second and even more +powerful influence that deserves at least briefly to be noted--namely, the +Christian art of the Catacombs. Apart from such definite statements as +_e.g._ are found in _Peristephanon_ xi., it is obvious that Prudentius +had a first-hand knowledge of Rome and particularly of the Catacombs. +Everywhere in his poems we find evidences of the deep impression made upon +his imagination by the paintings and sculptures of subterranean Rome. The +now familiar representations which decorate the remains of the Catacombs +suggested to him many of the allusions, the picturesque vignettes and +glowing descriptions to be found in his poetry. Thus, the story of Jonah--a +common theme typifying the Resurrection--the story of Daniel with its +obvious consolations for an age of martyrs, the Good Shepherd and the +denial of Peter may be mentioned among the numerous subjects which were +reproduced in early Christian art and transferred by the poet to his verse. +The symbolism of the Cock, the Dove, and the Lamb borne on the shoulders +of the Good Shepherd is a perpetually recurring feature in the lyrics and +martyr-hymns of Prudentius, who thus becomes one of our most valuable +authorities on the Christian art of the fourth century. + +The poems, of which a new English rendering is presented in this volume, +are acknowledged by most critics to illustrate some of his best qualities, +his brightness and dignity, his touches of nature-painting and his capacity +for sustained and well-wrought narrative. As we study these lyrics of the +early Church, we feel anew the mighty change that Christianity wrought in +Roman life by its doctrine of immortality, and we note the curious +fascination which the circumstances of the Nativity and especially the +Adoration of the Magi had for the Western world. Prudentius had a +great vogue in the Middle Ages, and the modern renewal of interest in +mediaevalism invests with fresh dignity a poet whose works at the Revival +of learning provoked the admiration of Erasmus[1] and the researches of +numerous scholars and editors. But it is undoubtedly to the student of +ecclesiastical history and dogma and to the lovers of Christian art and +antiquities that Prudentius most truly appeals. He claims our interest, +not merely because he reflects the Christian environment of his days, but +because his poetry represents an attempt to preach Christ to a world still +fascinated by Paganism, while conscious that the old order was changing +and yielding place to new. + +[1] _Prudentium, unum inter Christianos vere facundum poetam._ + + + + + + NOTES + + HYMNS + + + + THE TITLE + +The word _Cathemerinon_ is taken from the Greek and is the genitive of +_chathemerina_ "daily things": the whole title _Liber Cathemerinon_ +is equivalent to "Book of daily hymns," and may be rendered "Hymns for +the Christian's day." + + + + THE PREFACE + +In one or two of the MSS. this introductory poem is stated to be a preface +of the _Cathemerinon_ only: but the great majority of the codices support +the view which is undoubtedly suggested by internal evidence, that the poem +is a general introduction to the whole of Prudentius' works. It is inserted +together with the _Epilogus_ in this volume, because of the intrinsic +interest of both poems. + +Line + +8 The reference is to the _toga virilis_, the ordinary + white-coloured garb of a Roman citizen who at his sixteenth year + laid aside the purple-edged _toga praetexta_, which was worn + during the days of boyhood. + +16 ff. The cities referred to are unknown: but it is probable that + they were two _municipia_ in Northern Spain, and that the office + held by Prudentius was that of duumvir or prefect. Provision was made + by the twenty-fourth clause of the law of Salpensa (a town in the + _provincia Baetica_ of Spain) by which the emperor could be elected + first magistrate of a _municipium_, and could thereupon appoint a + prefect to take his place. This would explain the language of the + text as to the semi-imperial nature of the post. The phrase + _militiae gradus_ need only be taken to indicate advancement in the + _civil_ service. But the words have been interpreted in accordance + with the more familiar and definite meaning of _militia_, and + understood to refer to a purely military post. Dressel thinks that + Prudentius was a _miles Palatinus_, that is, a member of the + best-paid and most highly-privileged imperial troops, who furnished + officers for some of the most lucrative posts in the provinces. + Though in the translation the usual meaning has been given to + _militia_, it must be regarded as uncertain in the absence of + more definite information regarding the office held by Prudentius. + +24 The consulship of Salia (or Salias) belongs to the year 348, the + date of the birth of Prudentius. An inscription (quoted by Migne from + Muratorius, _Nov. Thes. Inscrip._, i. 379) has been found in the + monastery of St. Paul's outside the city bearing the words + + FILIPPO . ET . SALLIA . COSS + + + + I + +1 Of this poem lines 1-8, 81-84, 97-100, were included in the Roman + Breviary as a hymn to be sung at Lauds, on Tuesday. + +2 The allusions to the cock in this and the following poem (ii. 37-55) + were doubtless inspired by the lines of Ambrose in his morning hymn + beginning _Aeterne rerum conditor_. Cf. ll. 5-8 and 16-24: + + _"praeco diei iam sonat + noctis profundae pervigil, + nocturna lux viantibus + a nocte noctem segregans._ + + * * * * * + + _surgamus ergo strenue: + gallus iacentes excitat, + et somnolentos increpat: + gallus negantes arguit._ + + _gallo canente spes redit, + aegris salus refunditur, + mucro latronis conditur, + lapsis fides revertitur."_ + + _Translation._ + + "Dawn's herald now begins to cry, + Lone watcher of the nightly sky: + Light of the dark to pilgrims dear, + Speeding successive midnights drear. + + * * * * * + + Brisk from our couch let us arise! + Hark to the cock's arousing cries! + He chides the sluggard's slumbrous ease, + And shames his unconvincing pleas. + + At cock-crow Hope revives again, + Health banishes the stress of pain, + Sheathed is the nightly robber's sword, + And Faith to fallen hearts restored." + + See also Ambrose, _Hexaem._, v. 24, for an eloquent passage in + the same strain. The cock was the familiar Christian symbol of early + rising or vigilance, and numerous representations of it are found in + the Catacombs. Cf. the painting from the Catacomb of St. Priscilla + reproduced in Bottari's folio of 1754, where the Good Shepherd is + depicted as feeding the lambs, with a crowing cock on His right and + left hand. It is also a symbol of the Resurrection, our Lord being + supposed to have risen from the grave at the early cockcrowing: see + l. 65 _et seq._ In l. 16 the first bird-notes are interpreted + by the poet as a summons to the general judgment. Cf. Mark xiii. 35: + "Ye know not when the lord of the house cometh, whether at even, or + at midnight, or _at cockcrowing_, or in the morning." This + passage serves as a kind of text for Prudentius' first two hymns, + and perhaps explains why he has one for cockcrowing and another for + morning. + +26 A common idea in all literatures. Cf. Virg., _Aen._, vi. 278 + (taken from Homer), _tum consanguineus Leti Sopor_, and Tennyson's + "Sleep, Death's twin-brother" (_In Memoriam_, 68). + +44 Cf. Augustine, _Serm._ 103: "These evil spirits seek to seduce + the soul: but when the sun has arisen, they take to flight." + +59 The denial of Peter forms a subject of Christian casuistry in + patristic literature, and this passage recalls the famous classical + parallel in Euripides (_Hipp._ 612), "the tongue hath sworn: yet + unsworn is the heart." Cf. Augustine, _cont. mendacium_: "In that + denial he held fast the truth in his heart, while with his lips he + uttered falsehood." For a striking representation of Peter and the + cock, on a sarcophagus discovered in the Catacombs and now deposited + in the Vatican library, see Maitland's _Church in the Catacombs_, + p. 347. The closing words of the passage in Ambrose's _Hexaemeron_, + already referred to under l. 2, may here be quoted: "As the cock + peals forth his notes, the robber leaves his plots: Lucifer himself + awakes and lights up the sky: the distressful sailor lays aside his + gloom, and all the storms and tempests that have risen in fury under + the winds of the evening begin to die down: the soul of the saint + leaps to prayer and renews the study of the written word: and + finally, the very Rock of the Church is cleansed of the stain he had + contracted by his denials before the cock crew." + +81 ff. The best commentary on these words is to be found in the + following passage from the second epistle of Basil to Gregory + Nazianzen: "What can be more blessed than to imitate on earth the + angelic host by giving oneself at the peep of dawn to prayer and by + turning at sunrise to work with hymns and songs: yea, all the day + through to make prayer the accompaniment of our toils and to season + them with praise as with salt? For the solace of hymns changes the + soul's sadness into mirth." + + + + II + +1 This poem furnishes two hymns to the Roman Breviary, one to be sung + on Wednesday at Lauds, and consisting of ll. 1-8, 48-53 (omitting l. + 50), 57, 59, 60, 67 (_tu vera lux caelestium_) and 68: the other + for Thursday at Lauds, consisting of ll. 25 (_lux ecce surgit + aurea_), 93-108. + +17 Cf. Ambrose, ii. 8, _de Cain et Abel_: "The thief shuns the day + as the witness of his crime: the adulterer is abashed by the dawn + as the accomplice of his adultery." + +51 The practice of praying on bended knees is frequently referred to + in early Christian writers. Cf. Clem., 1 Ad. Cor. cc. xlviii.: "Let + us fall down before the Lord," and Shepherd of Hermas, vis. 1. i.: + "After I had crossed that river I came unto the banks and there + knelt down and began to pray." Dressel quotes from Juvencus (iv. + 648), a Spanish poet and Christian contemporary of Prudentius, + _genibus nixi regem dominumque salutant_, "on bended knees they + make obeisance unto their King and Lord." + +63 The Jordan is a poetical figure for baptism, suggested doubtless +by the baptism of our Lord in that river. Cf. vii. 73-75. + +67 Cf. Milton, _Paradise Regained_, i. 293: "So spake our Morning + Star, then in his rise." The figure is suggested by Rev. xxii. 16: + "I am ... the bright, the morning star." + +105 The conception of God as _speculator_ may be paralleled by a + passage in the epistle of Polycarp _ad Philipp._ iv., where God is + described as the Arch-critic (_panta momoschopeitai_) and subsequently + (vii.) as _ton pantepopten theon_, "the All-witnessing God." The + last verse contains a distinct echo of the closing words of the + fourth chapter of Polycarp: "None of the reasonings or thoughts, + nor any of the hidden things of the heart escape His notice." + + + + III + +2 _Word-begot._ The original _verbigena_, on the analogy of such + words (cf. _terrigena_, _Martigena_, etc.), can only mean "begotten + of the Word." It is evident, therefore, the "Word" in this connection + is not the Johannine Logos or Second Person in the Trinity. + Prudentius cannot be guilty of the error which he expressly + condemns (_Apoth._ 249) as _perquam ridiculum_ and regard the + Logos as begetting Himself. Consequently, both in this passage and + in xi. 18 (_verbo editus_) the "Word" must be taken as approximating + rather to the Alexandrian conception of the Logos as the Divine + Reason. In this way Christ is expressly described as the offspring + of the _Intellectus Dei_, the immanent Intelligence of the Deity. + If this conception is considered to be beyond Prudentius, we can only + suppose that both here and in xi. 18, his language is theologically + loose. Some excuse may be offered for this on the ground that the + Latin language is ill-adapted for expressing metaphysical truths. + The late Bishop Westcott remarked on the inadequacy of the Latin + original of "the Word was made flesh" (_verbum caro factum est_), + both substantive and verb falling short of the richness of their + Greek equivalents. (_Vid._ also note on iv. 15.) + +11 Cf. Ambrose, _Hymn_ vii.:-- + + _"Christusque nobis sit cibus + Potusque noster sit fides; + Laeti bibamus sobriam + Ebrietatem Spiritus."_ + + _Translation._ + + "May Christ be now the Bread we eat, + Be simple Faith our potion sweet: + Let our intoxication be + The Spirit's calm sobriety." + + The idea is familiar to readers of Herbert and Herrick, though it + is elaborated by them with quaint conceits somewhat foreign to the + Latin poet. Cf. Herbert, _The Banquet_:-- + + "O what sweetnesse from the bowl + Fills my soul! + + * * * * * + + Is some starre (fled from the sphere) + Melted there, + As we sugar melt in wine? + + * * * * * + + Doubtless neither starre nor flower + Hath the power + Such a sweetnesse to impart: + Only God, Who gives perfumes, + Flesh assumes, + And with it perfumed my heart." + + Also Herrick, _A Thanksgiving to God_:-- + + "Lord, I confess too, when I dine, + The pulse is thine. + + * * * * * + + 'Tis thou that crown'st my glittering hearth + With guiltless mirth, + And giv'st me wassail bowls to drink, + Spiced to the brink." + +28 The original _dactylico_ refers to the metre of the Latin of this + poem. For a rendering of ll. 1-65 in the metre of the original see + Glover, _Life and Letters in the Fourth Century_, pp. 267-269. + +58 This and the following lines should satisfy the most ardent + vegetarian who seeks to uphold his abstinence from animal food by + the customs of the early Church. In Christian circles, however, the + abstinence was practised on personal and spiritual grounds, _e.g._, + Jerome (_de Regul. Monach._, xi.) says, "The eating of flesh is the + seed-plot of lust" (_seminarium libidinis_): so also Augustine (_de + moribus Ecc. Cath._, i. 33), who supports what doubtless was the + view of Prudentius, namely that the avoidance of animal flesh was a + safe-guard but not a binding Christian duty. + +75 _Unwed._ Prudentius thus adopts the view of the ancient world on + the question of the generation of bees. Cf. Virgil, _Geo._ iv. 198, + and Pliny, _Nat. Hist._, xi. 16. Dryden's translation of Virgil + (_l.c._) is as follows:-- + + "But (what's more strange) their modest appetites, + Averse from Venus, fly the nuptial rights; + No lust enervates their heroic mind, + Nor wastes their strength on wanton womankind, + But in their mouths reside their genial powers, + They gather children from the leaves and flowers." + +86 Cf. Ps. liv. 18, 19 (Vulg.): _Vespere et mane et meridie narrabo + et annuntiabo et exaudiet vocem meam._ "In the evening and morning + and at noonday will I pray, and that instantly and he shall hear my + voice" (P. B. Version). + +127 This is, strictly speaking, an error: it is the woman's seed + which is to bruise the serpent's head. The error was perpetuated + in the Latin Church by the Vulgate of Gen. iii. 15, _ipsa conteret + caput tuum_, where _ipsa_ refers to the woman (= she herself). + +157 The epithet "white-robed" refers to the newly-baptized converts + who received the white robe as a symbol of their new nature. Cf. + _Perist._ i. 67: _Christus illic candidatis praesidet cohortibus_, + and Ambrose (_de Mysteriis_, vii.): "Thou didst receive (that is, + after baptism) white garments as a sign that thou hast doffed the + covering of thy sins and put on the chaste raiment (_velamina_) of + innocence, whereof the prophet spake (Ps. li. 7), 'Thou shalt purge + me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: thou shalt wash me, and I + shall be whiter than snow'" (Vulg.). + +199 Phlegethon (rendered "Hell"), one of the rivers of the Virgilian + Hades, is used to express the abode of the lost. Cf. Milton, _P. L._, + ii. 580:-- + + "... fierce Phlegethon, + Whose waves of torrent fire inflame with rage." + + The subject of the _descensus ad inferos_ was evidently a favourite + one with Prudentius and his contemporaries. It has been suggested + that apart from the scriptural basis of this conception Prudentius + was influenced by the so-called _Gospel of Nicodemus_, which embodies + two books, the _Acts of Pilate_ and the _Descent into Hell_. The + latter is assigned by several critics to 400 or thereabouts, and + gives a graphic account of Christ's doings in Hades. Synesius deals + with the subject in one of his hymns (ix.), and Mrs Browning's + translation (see the essay on _The Greek Christian Poets_) of a + passage in that poem may be quoted:-- + + "Down Thou earnest, low as earth, + Bound to those of mortal birth; + Down Thou earnest, low as hell, + Where Shepherd-Death did tend and keep + A thousand nations like to sheep, + While weak with age old Hades fell + Shivering through his dark to view Thee. + + * * * * * + + So, redeeming from their pain + Chains of disembodied ones, + Thou didst lead whom thou didst gather + Upward in ascent again, + With a great hymn to the Father, + Upward to the pure white thrones!" + + For a modern treatment of the theme see _Christ in Hades_, by + Stephen Phillips. + +202 The words suggest the Catacombs, and perhaps refer to the custom + of placing in the tomb a small cup or vase containing spices, of + which myrrh (a symbol of death, according to Gregory of Nyssa, cf. + xii. 71) was most usually employed. Or the allusion may be to the + practice of embalming. (See note on x. 51.) The body was placed + not only in an actual sarcophagus or stone coffin, as expressly + mentioned in the text, but in hollow places cut out of rock or + earth (_loculus_). The _sarcophagus_ method seems to have been the + earlier, but was superseded by that of the _loculus_, except in the + case of the very wealthy. + +205 The concluding line is beautifully illustrated by the epitaph + on the martyr Alexander, found over one of the graves in the cemetery + of Callixtus in the Catacombs:-- + + ALEXANDER MORTVVS NON EST SED VIVIT + SVPER ASTRA ET CORPVS IN HOC TVMVLO + QVIESCIT ... + + "Alexander is not dead, but lives above the stars + and his body rests in this tomb." + + + + IV + +15 Prudentius here, as again in v. 160, emphasises his belief in + the procession of the Holy Ghost from the Father and the Son. The + "filioque" clause was not actually added to the Nicene Creed till + the Council of Toledo (589 A.D.), but the doctrine was expressly + maintained by Augustine, and occurs in a Confession of Faith of an + earlier Synod of Toledo (447 A.D.?), and in the words of Leo I. + (_Ep. ad Turib._, c. 1), "_de utroque processit._" The addition + was not embodied into the Creed as used at Rome as late as the + beginning of the ninth century. (_Vid._ Harnack, _Hist. of Dogma_, + iv. 132.) Prudentius probably followed, as regards the Trinity, + the doctrine generally held by the Spanish Church of his day; in + many points it is difficult (cf. note on iii. 2), but appears to be + derived partly from Tertullian and partly from Marcellus. + +59 The identification of the Habakkuk of this legend (_vid._ the + Apocryphal "Bel and the Dragon") with the O. T. prophet is erroneous. + This version of the story of Daniel is sometimes represented in the + frescoes of the Catacombs, where the subject is a very favourite + one, as is natural in an age when the cry "_Christiani ad leones_" + so often rang through the streets of Rome. + + + + V + +1 There has been much doubt as to the title and scope of this hymn. + Some early editors (_e.g._, Fabricius and Arevalus) adopt the title + "_ad incensum cerei Paschalis_," or "_de novo lumine Paschalis + Sabbati_," and confine its object to the ceremonial of Easter Eve, + which is specially alluded to in ll. 125 _et seq._ Others, following + the best MSS., give the simpler title used in this text, and regard + it as a hymn for daily use. This view is supported by the weight + of evidence: the position of the hymn among the first six (none of + which are for special days), and the fact that the Benediction of + the Paschal Candle was not in use, at any rate in Rome, in the + pontificate of Zacharias (_ob._ 752 A.D.) point in this direction. + In the Spanish Church particularly the very ancient custom of + praying at the hour when the evening lamps were lighted had developed + into the regular office of the _lucernarium_, as distinct from + Vespers. The Mozarabic Breviary (seventh century) contains the + prayers and responses for this service, and the Rule of St. Isidore + runs: "In the evening offices, first the lucernarium, then two + psalms, one responsory and lauds, a hymn and prayer are to be + said." St. Basil also writes: "It seemed good to our fathers not + to receive in silence the gift of the evening light, but to give + thanks as soon as it appeared." It is probable, therefore, that + Prudentius intended the hymn for daily use, and that after speaking + of God as the source of light, and His manifestations in the form + of fire to Moses and the Israelites, his thoughts pass naturally, + though somewhat abruptly, to the special festival--Easter Eve--on + which the sanctuaries were most brilliantly illuminated. The + question is fully discussed by Brockhaus (_A. Prudentius Clemens + in seiner Bedeutung fuer die Kirche seiner Zeit_), and Roesler (_Der + catholische Dichter A. Prudentius_). Part of this hymn is used in + the Mozarabic Breviary for the First Sunday after Epiphany, at + Vespers, being stanzas 1, 7, 35, 38-41. + +7 The words _incussu silicis_ are perhaps reminiscent of the Spanish + ceremonial of Easter Eve, when the bishop struck the flint, lighting + from it first a candle, then a lamp, from which the deacons lighted + their candles; these were blessed by the bishop, and the procession + from the _processus_ into the church followed. + +21 Cf. Vaughan, _The Lampe_:-- + + "Then thou dost weepe + Still as thou burn'st, and the warm droppings creepe + To measure out thy length." + +119 The _folium_ here is probably the ancient _malobathrum_, generally + identified as the Indian cinnamon. The Arab traders who brought this + valuable product into the Western markets, surrounded its origin with + much mystery. + +125 The following stanzas, in which Prudentius elaborates the + beautiful fancy that the sufferings of lost spirits are alleviated + at Eastertide, have incurred the severe censure of some of the + earlier editors. Fabricius calls it "a Spanish fabrication," while + others, as Cardinal Bellarmine, declare that the author is speaking + "poetically and not dogmatically." That such a belief, however, was + actually held by some section of the ancient Church is evident from + the words of St. Augustine (_Encheiridion_, c. 112): _Paenas + damnatorum certis temporum intervallis existiment, si hoc eis placet, + aliquatenus mitigari, dummodo intelligatur in eis manere ira Dei, hoc + est ipsa damnatio._ "Let men believe, if it so please them, that at + certain intervals the pains of the damned are somewhat alleviated, + provided that it be understood that the wrath of God, that is + damnation itself, abides upon them." + +140 It is somewhat startling to find Prudentius speaking of the Holy + Eucharist in terms which would recall to his contemporary readers + Virgilian phraseology and the honeyed cake (_liba_) used in pagan + sacrifice. It must be remembered, however, that in the early days of + the Church paganism and Christianity flourished side by side for a + considerable period; and we find various pagan practices allowed + to continue, where they were innocent. Thus the bride-cake and the + bridal-veil are of heathen origin; the mirth of the Saturnalia + survives, in a modified form, in some of the rejoicings of Christmas; + and the flowers, which had filled the pagan temples during the + Floralia, were employed to adorn God's House at the Easter festival. + +141 The brilliant illumination of churches on Easter Eve is very + ancient. According to Eusebius, Constantine "turned the mystical + vigil into the light of day by means of lamps suspended in every + part, setting up also great waxen tapers, as large as columns, + throughout the city." Gregory of Nyssa also speaks of "the cloud + of fire mingling with the rays of the rising sun, and making the eve + and the festival one continuous day without interval of darkness." + +153 Cf. _Paradise Lost_, iii. 51:-- + + "So much the rather thou, Celestial Light, + Shine inward, and the mind through all her powers + Irradiate." + + + VI + + The last seven stanzas of this hymn are used in the Moz. Brev. at + Compline on Passion Sunday, and daily until Maundy Thursday. + +56 Cf. Job. vii. 14: "Then Thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest + me through visions." + +95 In the translation of this stanza the explanation of Nebrissensis + is adopted, an early editor of Prudentius (1512) and one of the + leaders of the Renaissance in Spain. He considers that "the few of + the impious who are condemned to eternal death" are the incurable + sinners, _immedicabiles_. Others attempt to reconcile these words + with the general belief of the early Church by maintaining that + _non pii_ is not equivalent to _impii_, but rather refers to the + class that is neither decidedly good nor definitely bad, and that + the mercy of God is extended to the majority of these. A third view + is that the poet is speaking relatively, and means that few are + condemned in proportion to the number that deserve condemnation. + In whatever way the words are explained, it is interesting to find + an advocate of "the larger hope" in the fourth century. + +105 Cf. Rev. xvii. 8: "The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; + and is about to come up out of the abyss, and to go into perdition." + +109 Cf. 2 Thess. ii. 4: "The son of perdition, who opposeth and + exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; + so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that + he is God." + +127 The phrase _rorem subisse sacrum_ would suggest baptism by + sprinkling, except that Prudentius uses the word loosely elsewhere. + Immersion was undoubtedly the general practice of the early Church, + "clinical" baptism being allowed only in cases of necessity. + +128 The anointing with oil showed that the catechumen was enrolled + among the spiritual priesthood, and with the unction was joined the + sign of the Cross on the forehead. + + + + VII + +1 This entire hymn is used in the Moz. Brev., divided into fifteen + portions for use during Lent. + +27 The word _sacerdos_ here, as in ix. 4, is used in the sense of + "prophet"; but in both passages there is some idea of the exercise + of priestly functions. Elijah may be called "priest" from his having + offered sacrifice on Mount Carmel, and David from his wearing the + priestly ephod as he danced before the Ark. + +69 The old editors discuss these lines with much gravity, and mostly + come to the conclusion that "locusts" were "a kind of bird, of + the length of a finger, with quick, short flight"; while the "wild + honey" was not actual honey at all, but "the tender leaves of + certain trees, which, when crushed by the fingers, had the pleasant + savour of honey." + +76 A gloss on one of the Vat. MSS. adds: "This is not authorised; for + John merely baptized with water, and not in the name of the Father, + Son and Holy Ghost; therefore his baptism was of no avail, save that + it prepared the way for Christ to baptize." Many of the Fathers, + however, while expressly affirming that John's baptism differed + from that of Christ, allowed that the stains of sin were washed + away by the former. St. Chrysostom draws this distinction: "There + was in John's baptism pardon, but not without repentance; remission + of sins, but only attained by grief." + +100 The story of Jonah, as a type of the Resurrection, is one of the + most frequent subjects of the frescoes of the Catacombs. In one very + ancient picture, a man in a small boat is depicted in the act of + placing the prophet in the very jaws of the whale. + +115 Two stanzas are omitted in the text, which depict the sufferings + of Jonah with a wealth of detail not in accordance with modern + taste. For the sake of giving a complete text, we append them here:-- + + "_Transmissa raptim praeda cassos dentium + eludit ictus incruentam transvolans + inpune linguam, ne retentam mordicus + offam molares dissecarent uvidi, + os omne transit et palatum praeterit._ + + _Ternis dierum ac noctium processibus + mansit ferino devoratus gutture, + errabat illic per latebras viscerum, + ventris recessus circumibat tortiles + anhelus extis intus aestuantibus._" + +194 Prudentius appears to have believed that the mystery of the + Incarnation was concealed from Satan, and that the Temptation + was an endeavour to ascertain whether Jesus was the Son of God + or no. Cf. Milton, _Par. Reg._ i.:-- + + "Who this is we must learn, for Man he seems + In all his lineaments, though in his face + The glimpses of his Father's glory shine." + + + + VIII + +9 The day of twelve hours appears to have been adopted by the + Romans about B.C. 291. Ambrose (_de virginibus_, iii. 4), commenting + on Ps. cxix. and the words "Seven times a day do I praise thee," + declares that prayers are to be offered up with thanksgiving when + we rise from sleep, when we go forth, when we prepare to take food, + when we have taken it, at the hour of incense, and lastly, when we + retire to rest. He probably alludes to private prayer. The stanza + here indicates that the second hour after midday has arrived, when + the fasting ended and the midday meal was taken. + +14 The word _festum_, as in vii. 4, indicates a special fast day. + Until the sixth century, fasting was simply a penitential discipline + and was not used as a particular mode of penance. In the fourth + century it was a fairly common practice as a preparation for Holy + Communion. Fasting before Baptism was a much earlier practice. + The stated fasts of the Western Church were (1) _annual_, that + is, ante-paschal or Lent; (2) _monthly_, or the fasts of the four + seasons in the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th months; (3) _weekly_, on + Wednesday and Friday. There was also the fast of the Rogations and + the Vigils or Eves of holy days. It is doubtful whether all these + were in vogue as early as Prudentius. + +33 This passage on the Shepherd reminds us of one of the most common + pictorial representations of the Catacombs. Christian art owed + something to paganism in this matter; ancient sculptures represent + the god Pan with a goat thrown across his shoulders and a Pan's + pipe in his hand; while the poets Calpurnius and Tibullus both + refer to the custom of carrying a stray or neglected lamb on the + shoulders of the shepherd. Going further back, the figure is common + in the O. T. to express God's care over His people. Our Lord + therefore used for His own purpose and transfigured with new + meaning a familiar figure. The gradual transition from paganism + to Christianity is curiously illustrated by the fact that in several + of the Catacomb bas-reliefs and paintings the Good Shepherd holds in + His outstretched hand a Pan's pipe. See Maitland's _Church in the + Catacombs_, p. 315, for a woodcut of the Good Shepherd with a lamb + over His shoulders, two sheep at His feet, a palm tree (or poplar) + on either side, and a Pan's pipe in His right hand; and also the + frontispiece for a reproduction from the Cemetery of St. Peter and + St. Marcellinus. + + + IX + +1 This hymn, which first introduced into sacred song the trochaic + metre familiar in Greek Tragedy and the Latin adaptations of it, + supplies the Moz. Brev. with some stanzas for use during Holy Week. + The lines selected are 22-24, 1-21. + +11 The use of the symbol _O_, (pronounced here as a single + syllable), appears to indicate that the names Omega and Omikron + came into use at a later date than Prudentius' time. In Rev. i. 8, + the best MSS. read _ego eimi to alpha kai to o_. + +33 The words _vulnerum piamina_ are generally supposed to refer to + the "gifts which Moses commanded" to be offered by those healed of + leprosy (Lev. xiv. 2). If so, Prudentius' language may imply that + the cure was not actually complete until the offering of these gifts, + and is at variance with St. Matthew, viii. 43, "and forthwith his + leprosy was cleansed." Probably, however, his idea is rather that + the gifts to the priest formally marked the leper as a clean man. + +71 Cf. note on iii. 199. + + + X + +1 Parts of this hymn are used in the Moz. Brev. in the Office of the + Dead, being ll. 1-16, 45-48, 57-68, 157-168. + + The burial rites of the primitive Church were simple, and marked by + an absence of the ostentatious expression of grief which the pagan + peoples displayed. The general practice of cremation was rejected, + partly owing to the new belief in the resurrection of the body, and + partly from a desire to imitate the burial of the Lord. At Rome, + during the first three centuries, the dead were laid in the + Catacombs, in which Prudentius took conspicuous interest (see + Translator's Note), but after 338 A.D. this practice became less + frequent, and was completely abandoned after 410 A.D. Elsewhere, + from the earliest times, the Christians purchased special enclosures + (_areae_), which were often attacked and rifled by angry mobs in the + days of persecution. The body was frequently embalmed (_cf._ ll. 51, + 52), swathed in white linen (l. 49), and placed in a coffin; vigils + and hymns continued for three or four days, but hired mourners were + forbidden (l. 113), and instead of the dirges of the heathens, + chants expressive of triumphant faith were sung as the body was + carried to the grave, where a simple service was held, and evergreens + and flowers were strewn about the tomb (ll. 169, 170). The earliest + inscriptions are often roughly scratched on plaster, and consist + merely of a name and age, or simple words like-- + + GEMELLA DORMIT IN PACE + + but later (cf. l. 171), they were engraved on small marble slabs. + +25 In both thought and language this stanza, as vii. 16 _et seq._, is + evidently reminiscent of Horace (_Sat._ 2, ii. 77): _Quin corpus + onustum_, etc. + + "The Body, too, with Yesterday's excess + Burthened and tired, shall the pure Soul depress, + Weigh down this Portion of celestial Birth, + This Breath of God, and fix it to the Earth." + (Francis). + +51 Boldetti, in his work on the Catacombs (lib. i. cap. 59), says + that on many occasions, when he was present at the opening of a + grave, the assembled company were conscious of a spicy odour + diffusing itself from the tomb. Cf. Tertullian (_Apol._ 42): "The + Arabs and Sabaeans knew well that we consume more of their precious + merchandise for our dead than do the heathen for their gods." + +57 Prudentius' firm faith in the resurrection of the body is also + nobly expressed in the _Apotheosis_ (ll. 1063 _et seq._):-- + + "_Nosco meum in Christo corpus resurgere; quid me + Desperare iubes? veniam, quibus ille revenit + Calcata de morte viis: quod credimus hoc est._ + + * * * * * + + _Pellite corde metum, mea membra, et credite vosmet + Cum Christo reditura Deo; nam vos gerit ille + Et secum revocat: morbos ridete minaces: + Inflictos casus contemnite; tetra sepulcra + Despuite; exsurgens quo Christus provocat, ite._" + + _Translation._ + + "I know in Christ my body shall arise; + Why bid me, then, despair? for I shall go + By that same path whereby my Lord returned, + Death trodden 'neath His feet: this is my creed. + Banish, my limbs, all terror; and believe + That ye with Christ our God shall yet return; + He beareth you and with Himself recalls. + Laugh at the threats of sickness; scorn the blows + Of fate; despise the horrors of the tomb; + And fare ye where the risen Christ doth call." + +61 The poet expresses as a duty owed to Christ Himself the heathen + obligation of casting three handfuls of earth upon a body discovered + dead. + +69 For the incident referred to in these lines, see the Apocryphal + book of Tobias, cc. ii. and xi. Tobit, a pious Israelite captive + in Nineveh, was reduced to beggary as the result of his zeal in + burying those of his countrymen who had been killed and exposed by + royal command. He also lost his sight, which was eventually restored + by the application of the gall of a fish which attacked his son + Tobias, and was killed by him. The "fish" of the legend is probably + the crocodile, whose gall was credited with medicinal properties by + various Greek and Latin writers. Cf. Pliny, _N. H._ xxviii. 8: "They + say that nothing avails more against cataract than to anoint the eyes + with its gall mixed with honey." + +113 Cf. Cyprian (_De Mortal._ 20): "We must not lament our brethren + whom the Lord's summons has freed from the world, for we know that + they are not lost, but gone before. We may not wear the black robes + of mourning while they have put on the white raiment of joy. Nor + may we grieve for those as lost whom we know to be living with God." + +171 Cf. _Perist._ vii.:-- + + "_Nos pio fletu, date, perluamus + Marmorum sulcos._" + + The early Christian epitaphs, of which many thousands exist, are + instinct with a faith which is in striking contrast to the unrelieved + gloom or sullen resignation of paganism. We may compare with the + common + + AVE ATQVE VALE + + "Hail and farewell" + + or inscriptions like + + INFANTI DVLCISSIMO QVEM DI IRATI AETERNO SOMNO DEDERUNT + + "To a very sweet babe, whom the angry gods gave to unending + sleep." + + the Christian + + DVLCIS ET INNOCENS HIC DORMIT SEVERIANVS SOMNO PACIS CVIVS + SPIRITVS IN LVCE DOMINI SVSCEPTVS EST (A.D. 393) + + "Here slumbers in the sleep of peace the sweet and innocent + Severianus, whose spirit is received in the light of the Lord" + + or + + NATVS EST LAVRENTIVS IN ETERNVM ANN. XX. DORMIT IN PACE (A.D. 329) + + "Laurentius was born into eternity in his twentieth year. He + sleeps in peace." + + See also note on iii. 205. + + + XI + +1 Virgil's Fourth Eclogue known as the "Pollio" has undoubtedly + influenced the thought and style of this poem: the more noticeable + parallels will be pointed out as they occur. In Milton's ode _On + the Morning of Christ's Nativity_ there are several passages which + recall Prudentius' treatment of the theme in this and the succeeding + hymn; but curiously enough, the Puritan poet in alluding to the + season of the Nativity takes an opposite line of thought, and + regards the diminished sunshine of winter as a veiling of an inferior + flame before the light of "a greater Sun." Prudentius proclaims the + increase of the sun's light, which begins after the winter solstice, + as symbolic of the ever-widening influence of the True Light. The + idea is given in a terse form by St. Peter Chrysologus, _Serm._ 159: + _Crescere dies coepit, quia verus dies illuxit_. "The day begins to + lengthen out, inasmuch as the true Day hath shone forth." + +18 For the somewhat obscure phrase _verbo editus_, see note on iii. 2. + +20 For "Sophia" or the Divine Creative Wisdom, see Prov. iii. 19, 20, + and especially viii. 27-31, where the language "has been of signal + importance in the history of thought, helping, as it does, to make + a bridge between Eastern and Greek ideas, and to prepare the way + for the Incarnation" (Davison, _Wisdom-Literature of the O. T._, pp. + 5, 6). In Alexandrian theology the conception of God's transcendence + gave rise to the doctrine of an intermediate power or _logos_, by + which creation was effected. In the Prologue of the fourth Gospel + the idea was set forth in its purely Christian form. See 1, 3, where + the Logos or the pre-incarnate Christ is described as the maker of + all things--an idea which is also illustrated by the language of St. + Paul in such passages as Col. i. 6. + +59 Cf. for the conception of a golden age, Virg., _Ecl._, iv. 5 + _et seq._: _Magnus ab integro saeclorum nascitur ordo_, etc. + +65 Reminiscences of ancient prophecy appear to be embodied in this + and following lines. Cf. Joel iii. 18: "And it shall come to pass + in that day that the mountains shall drop down sweet wine and the + hills shall flow with milk." Amos ix. 13: "The mountains shall drop + sweet wine and all the hills shall melt." But cf. especially Virg., + _Ecl._, iv. 18-30: _At tibi prima, puer, nullo munuscula cultu_, etc. + + "Unbidden earth shall wreathing ivy bring, + And fragrant herbs (the promises of spring) + As her first off'rings to her infant king. + + * * * * * + + Unlaboured harvest shall the fields adorn, + And clustered grapes shall blush on every thorn; + The knotted oaks shall showers of honey weep, + And through the matted grass the liquid gold shall creep." + (Dryden's Trans.) + +81 The legend of the ox and ass adoring our Lord arose from an + allegorical interpretation of Isa. i. 3: "The ox knoweth his owner, + the ass his master's crib." Origen (_Homilies on St. Luke_ xiii.) + is the first to allegorise on the passage in Isaiah, where the word + for "crib" in the Greek translation of the O. T. is identical with + St. Luke's word for "manger" (_phatne_). After referring to the + circumstances of the Nativity, Origen proceeds to say: "That was + what the prophet foretold, saying, 'The ox knoweth,' etc. The Ox is + a clean animal: the Ass an unclean one. The Ass knew his master's + crib (_praesepe domini sui_): not the people of Israel, but the + unclean animal out of pagan nations knew its master's crib. 'But + Israel hath not known me: and my people hath not understood.' Let us + understand this and press forward to the crib, recognise the Master + and be made worthy of his knowledge." The thought that the Ox = the + Jews and the Ass = Pagans, reappears in Gregory Nazianzen, Ambrose + and Jerome. See an interesting article by Mr. Austin West (_Ox and + Ass Legend of the Nativity_. _Cont. Review_, Dec. 1903), who notes + the further impetus given to the legend by the Latin rendering of + Habb. iii. 2 (LXX.) which in the _Vetus Itala_ version appears as + "in medio duorum animalium in notesceris," "in the midst of two + animals shalt thou be known" (R.V., _in the midst of the years make + it known_). The legend does not appear in apocryphal Christian + literature earlier than in the _Pseudo-Matthew Gospel_, which + belongs to the later fifth century. It is interesting to note that + with St. Francis and the Franciscans the ox and the ass are merely + animals: the allegorical interpretation of Origen had vanished from + Christendom: and in its place we find St. Francis (see _Life of St. + Francis_ by St. Bonaventura, "Temple Classics" edition, p. 111) + making a _presepio_ at Greccio, to which a living ox and ass are + brought, in order that a visible representation of the manger-scene + might kindle the devotion of the Brethren and the assembled + townsfolk. This act of St. Francis inaugurated the custom, still + observed in the Roman Church, of representing by means of waxen + images the whole of the Nativity manger-scene, Mother and Child + together with the adoring animals. + +97 For the _obstetrix_, cf. _Proto-Evangelium of the Pseudo-James_ (a + Greek romance of the fourth century), Sec. 18 _et seq._, where Joseph + is represented as seeking and finding a Hebrew midwife. + +100 Cf. Milton's _Ode on the Nativity_, ll. 157-164:-- + + "With such a horrid clang + As on Mount Sinai rang + While the red fire and smould'ring clouds outbrake: + The aged earth aghast + With terror of that blast, + Shall from the surface to the centre shake; + When at the world's last session + The dreadful Judge in middle air shall spread his throne." + + + XII + +1 This poem has given four hymns to the Roman Breviary:-- + (1) For the Feast of the Transfiguration, Vespers and Matins + consisting of ll. 1-4, 37-40, 41-44, 85-88. + (2) For the Epiphany at Lauds, beginning _O sola magnarum urbium_, + ll. 77-80, 5-8, 61-72. + (3) For the Feast of Holy Innocents at Matins, beginning _Audit + tyrannus anxius_, ll. 93-100, 133-136. + (4) Also the Feast of Holy Innocents at Lauds, beginning _Salvete + flores martyrum_, ll. 125-132. + +5 For a curious parallel to these opening lines see Henry Vaughan's + _Pious Thoughts and Ejaculations_ (the Nativity):-- + + "But stay! what light is that doth stream + And drop here in a gilded beam? + It is Thy star runs Page and brings + Thy tributary Eastern kings. + Lord! grant some light to us that we + May find with them the way to Thee!" + +12 Cf. Ignatius, _Ep. ad Ephes. xix._: "All the other stars, together + with the Sun and Moon, became a chorus to the Star, which in its + light excelled them all." + +15 Prudentius mentions the constellations of Ursa Major and Ursa + Minor (to which latter the Pole Star belongs) as examples of stars + in constant apparition. All the Little Bear stars are within about + 24 deg. from the Pole; hence, if viewed from Saragossa, the birthplace + of Prudentius, the lowest altitude of any of them would be 18 deg. + above the north horizon. The same applies to the majority of the + stars in the Great Bear. Some few would sink below the horizon + for a brief time in each twenty-four hours; but the greater number, + especially the seven principal stars known as the "Plough," would + be sufficiently high up at their lowest northern altitudes to be in + perpetual apparition. [My friend, Rev. R. Killip, F.R.A.S., has + kindly furnished me with these particulars.] Allusions to the Bears + are constantly recurring in the classical poets (cf. _e.g._ Ovid., + _Met._ xiii. 293, _immunemque aequoris Arcton_, "the Bear that never + touches the sea"). The idea that these stars are mostly hidden by + clouds, though perpetually in view, is a poetic hyperbole intended + to enhance the uniqueness of the Star of Bethlehem. + +49 Jerome (_ad Eustoch._ Ep. 22) commenting on the passage in Isa. + xi. 1, "And there shall come forth a rod out of the root of Jesse, + and a flower shall rise up out of his root" (Vulg.), remarks: "The + rod (_virga_) is the mother of the Lord, simple, pure, sincere ... + the flower of the rod is Christ, who saith, 'I am the flower of the + field and the lily of the valleys.'" + +69 This symbolism of the gifts of the Magi is also found in Juvencus + (I. 250): "Frankincense, gold and myrrh they bring as gifts to a + King, a Man and a God," and is again alluded to by Prudentius in + _Apoth._ 631 _et seq._ The idea is expressed in the hymn of Jacopone + da Todi, beginning _Verbum caro factum est_ (Mone, _Hymni Latini_, + Vol. 2): + + "Gold to the kingly, + Incense to the priestly, + Myrrh to the mortal:" + + and it has passed into the Office for Epiphany in the Roman Breviary: + "There are three precious gifts which the Magi offered to their Lord + that day, and they contain in themselves sacred mysteries: in the + gold, that the power of a king may be displayed: in the frankincense, + consider the great high priest: in the myrrh, the burial of the Lord" + _et passim_. + +172 The idea that Moses defeated the Amalekites because his arms were + outstretched in the form of a cross is found also in one of the hymns + (lxi.) of Gregory Nazianzen. The symbol of the Christian religion, + the cross, "was fancifully traced by the Fathers throughout the + universe: the four points of the compass, the 'height, breadth, + length and depth' of the Apostle expressed, or were expressed by, + the cross.... The cross explained everything" (Maitland, _Church in + the Catacombs_, p. 202). + +193 The discomfiture of the heathen gods wrought by the Incarnation + is elaborated by Milton, whose lines recall this and similar passages + in Prudentius:-- + + "Peor, and Baaelim + Forsake their temples dim + + * * * * * + + And sullen Moloch fled, + Hath left in shadows dread, + His burning idol all of blackest hue. + + Our Babe, to show his Godhead true, + Can in his swaddling bands control the damned crew." + + + + FINIS + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Hymns of Prudentius +by Aurelius Clemens Prudentius + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HYMNS OF PRUDENTIUS *** + +***** This file should be named 14959.txt or 14959.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/4/9/5/14959/ + +Produced by Ted Garvin, Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team. + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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