Cor Arca Legem Continens

The following is a new modern translation of traditional Latin poetry.

It is intended to be as literal as possible within the constraint of

of the metrical form and rhyming sequence. By this publishing, I

explicitly place it in the public domain.



Cor Arca Legem Continens:

Lauds Hymn for the Feast of the Sacred Heart

Unknown Composer (18th Century)

Translated by Jeffrey C. Kalb, Jr.


Cor, arca legem continens                         O Heart, Thou Ark of Law divine,

Non servitutis veteris,                              Not that of former slavery,

Sed gratiae, sed veniae,                            But mercy, grace, and clemency,

Sed et misericordiae.                               That now with justice do combine,

Cor, Sanctuarium novi                              O Heart, Thou Sanctuary pure

Intemeratum foederis,                               Of new and lasting Covenant,

Templum vetusto sanctius,                       With fitter veil than that was rent,

Velumque scisso utilius.                          A Fane more holy to endure,

Te vulneratum caritas                              Thy Charity was ever keen

Ictu patenti voluit;                                    For piercing by an open blow,

Amoris invisibilis                                    That, venerating, we might know

Ut veneremur vulnera.                              The wounds afflicting Love unseen.

Hoc sub amoris symbolo                          Within this Icon of His Love,

Passus cruenta et mystica,                        A bloody, mystic Sacrifice,

Utrumque sacrificium                               To offer each did Christ suffice

Christus Sacerdos obtulit.                         As Priest and Victim from above.

Quis non amantem redamet?                     And who would neither love requite,

Quis non redemptus diligat,                      Redeemed, the Lover yet reject,

Et Corde in isto seligat                             Nor in that Sacred Heart select

Aeterna tabernacula?                                Eternal dwellings filled with Light?

Jesu, tibi sit gloria,                                  Dear Jesus, from Thy Heart replete

Qui Corde fundis gratiam,                        Diffusing grace and sanctity,

Cum Patre et almo Spiritu                        Eternal glory be to Thee

In sempiterna saecula.                             With Father and the Paraclete!

or

Decus Parenti et Filio,                             So honor in supernal strain

Sanctoque sit Spiritui,                             The Parent, Son, and Spirit sage,

Quibus potestas, gloria                            To Whom belong in every age

Regnumque in omne est saeculum.           Unbounded glory, might, and reign.