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.
Salve Latus Salvatoris
Salve Latus Salvatoris
Unknown Composer
Translated by Jeffrey C. Kalb, Jr.
Salve, latus Salvatóris, Hail, dear side of dearest Savior,
Salve, latus Salvatóris, Hail, dear side of dearest Savior,
In
quo latet mel dulcóris, In
which hides a honeyed flavor,
In
quo patet vis amóris, In
which force of Love is rushing,
In
quo scatet fons cruóris In
which font of Blood is gushing
Qui corda luit sórdibus. That cleanses hearts of filth for Thee.O Cor Jesu, miserére! Heart of Jesus, have Thou Mercy!
O Cor Jesu perforátum, Heart of Jesus pierced and riven,
Refúgium
dulce datum, Refuge
sweet to sinners given,
Ut
possit quisque salútem Through
this pious medication
Hinc
hauríre et virtútem Let
each soul its own salvation
Tam pio medicámine. And
strength of Spirit draw from Thee.
O Cor Jesu, miserére! Heart of Jesus, have Thou Mercy!Corde passus tam amáre, How in love Thy Heart was broken!
Fac me, Jesu, te amáre; Make me love Thee as a token.
In te meum cor intíngam, Jesus, mine in Thy Heart steeping,
Te ardénter ad me stringam, Bind me fast in Thy safe-keeping
Me totum in te trájice. And hurl me wholly into Thee.
O Cor Jesu, miserére! Heart of Jesus, have Thou Mercy!
Hora mortis, meus flatus Jesus, at my hour of dying,
Intret, Jesu, tuum latus; Breath of mine to Thy breast flying,
Hic expírans, in te vadat, Here expiring, let it hurry.
Nec hunc leo trux invádat, Guard it from the lion’s fury
Sed apud te permáneat. And let it ever dwell with Thee.
O Cor Jesu, miserére! Heart of Jesus, have Thou Mercy!
