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.
Auctor Beate Saeculi: Matins Hymn for the Feast of the Sacred Heart
Unknown Composer (18th Century)
Translated by Jeffrey C. Kalb, Jr.Auctor beate saeculi, O Christ, the age’s Author blest,
Christe
Redemptor omnium: Redeemer
setting man aright,
Lumen
Patris de Lumine The
Light from Father’s very Light,Deusque verus de Deo. True God from God by Faith confessed,
Amor coegit te tuus Thy Love immortal bade Thee take
Mortale corpus sumere A mortal body, made Thee yearn
Ut Novus Adam redderes As Second Adam to return
Quod vetus ille abstulerat. What former Adam did forsake.
Ille amor almus artifex O Love divine, Thou Framer kind
Terrae marisque, et siderum Of earth and sea, and starry vault,
Errata patrum miserans Who, pitying our fathers’ fault,
Et nostra rumpens vincula. Broke loose the chains that us did bind,
Non corde discedat tuo Let not that pulse of Love renowned
Vis illa amoris inclyti Within Thy Heart remit its force;
Hoc fonte gentes hauriant For peoples drawing from this Source,
Remissionis gratiam. May grace of pardon yet abound.
Percussum ad hoc est lancea, For this the lance transfixed our Lord,
Passumque ad hoc est vulnera: For this His wounds He did endure:
Ut nos lavaret sordibus, That, washing, He might make us pure
Unda fluente, et sanguine. By flowing wave and Blood outpoured.
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.
