Part 11

Felix o, sacros cui sic licet ire per artus; Felix, dum lavat hunc, ipsa lavatur aqua. Gutta quidem sacros quaecunque perambulat artus, Dum manet hic, gemma est; dum cadit hinc, lacryma.

_On the water of our Lord's baptisme._

Each blest drop on each blest limme Is washt itselfe in washing Him: 'Tis a gemme while it stayes here; While it falls hence 'tis a teare. CR.

ANOTHER VERSION.

Happy the water washt His sacred side; In washing Christ itself is purify'd. Each drop that trickled down His body, there Staying a gem, thence falling was a tear. B.

LXIX.

_Mulieri incurvatae medetur Dominus, indignante Archisynagogo._ Luc. xiii. 11.

In proprios replicata sinus quae repserat, et jam Daemonis, infelix, nil nisi nodus erat, Solvitur ad digitum Domini: sed strictior illo Unicus est nodus; cor, Pharisaee, tuum.

_The bowed-down woman healed by the Lord, the Synagogue-ruler is displeased._

Creeping and doubled erewhile in her woe, Lo, now she stands erect: Christ willed it so. Daemonic knots are loos'd beneath His hands; But thy heart, Pharisee, still rigid stands. G.

LXX.

_Neque ausus fuit quisquam ex illo die eum amplius interrogare._ Matt. xxii. 46.

Christe, malas fraudes, Pharisaica retia, fallis: Et miseros sacro discutis ore dolos. Ergo tacent tandem, atque invita silentia servant: Tam bene non aliter te potuere loqui.[56]

_Neither durst any man from that day forth ask Him any more questions._

Nets, frauds of Pharisees, the Lord beguiles; His sacred lips disperse the wretched wiles. So they were silent--enforc'd so to be: Such silence, Lord, their best address to Thee. G.

LXXI.

_S. Joannes matri suae._ Matt. xx. 20.

O mihi cur dextram, mater, cur, oro, sinistram Poscis, ab officio mater iniqua tuo? Nolo manum Christi dextram mihi, nolo sinistram: Tam procul a sacro non libet esse sinu.

_St. John and his mother._

Mother, why ask you right or left for me? The benefit would be an injury. Nor right nor left for me convenient are: From His sweet bosome either is too far. B.

LXXII.

_Si filius Dei es, dejice te._ Matt. iv. 6.

Ni se dejiciat Christus de vertice Templi, Non credes quod sit Filius ille Dei? At mox te humano de pectore dejicit: heus tu, Non credes quod sit Filius ille Dei?

_If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down._

Cast Thyself from the pinacle whereon I set Thee, or I think Thee not God's Son. No; but He'l cast thee from the hearts of men, Satan. Wilt not believe He's God's Son then? B.

LXXIII.

_Dominus flens ad Judaeos._ Luc. xix. 41.

Discite, vos miseri, venientes discite flammas; Nec facite o lacrymas sic periisse meas. Nec periisse tamen poterunt: mihi credite, vestras Vel reprimet flammas haec aqua, vel faciet.

_The Lord weeping over the Jews._

Think on the coming flames I would prevent; Let not My tears for you in vain be spent. And yet they can't be spent in vain; for sure This water flames will quench, or else procure. B.

LXXIV.

_Nec velut hic Publicanus._ Luc. xviii. 11.

Istum? vile caput! quantum mihi gratulor, inquis, Istum quod novi tam mihi dissimilem! Vilis at iste abiit sacris acceptior aris: I nunc, et jactes hunc tibi dissimilem.

_Nor even as this publican._

Him, 'vile wretch!' Ah, myself how much I pride That I am utterly unlike to him! The 'vile wretch' leaves God's altar justified: Now go and boast thou art unlike to him. G.

LXXV.

_In Saulum fulgore nimio excaecatum._ Act. ix. 3.

Quae lucis tenebrae? quae nox est ista dici? Nox nova, quam nimii luminis umbra facit. An Saulus fuerit caecus, vix dicere possum; Hoc scio, quod captus lumine Saulus erat.[57]

_On Saul blinded with too much light._

What darken'd noon is here? what mid-day night? It is the shadow cast by too much light. Saul may be blind or not; all I can say, Ta'en within Heaven's light earth's light fades away. R. WI.

LXXVI.

_Beati oculi qui vident._ Luc. x. 23.

Cum Christus nostris ibat mitissimus oris, Atque novum caecos jussit habere diem, Felices, oculos qui tunc habuere, vocantur? Felices, et qui non habuere, voco.

_Blessed are the eyes which see._

When Christ with us on Earth did sympathize, And to the poor blind men restor'd their eyes, Happy they who had eyes. Not they alone; I call them also happy who had none. B.

ANOTHER VERSION.

When Christ on earth moved on His pitying way, And bade the blind look up and find new day, Was eyesight then such bliss to every one? Yet I will deem them happy who had none. G.

LXXVII.

_Filius e feretro matri redditur._ Luc. vii. 15.

Ergone tam subita potuit vice flebilis horror In natalitia candidus ire toga? Quos vidi, matris gemitus hos esse dolentis Credideram; gemitus parturientis erant.

_Her son is delivered to his mother from the bier._

With such quick change could tear-bedew'd Dismay Give birthday smiles, and walk in white array? Heard I bereaved mother's wailings wild? No; the blest cries of one who bears a child! R. WI.

LXXVIII.

_In seculi sapientes._ Matt. xi. 25.

Ergone delicias facit, et sibi plaudit ab alto Stultitia, ut velit hac ambitione peti? Difficilisne adeo facta est, et seria tandem? Ergo et in hanc etiam quis sapuisse potest? Tantum erat, ut possit tibi doctior esse ruina? Tanti igitur cerebri res, periisse, fuit? Nil opus ingenio; nihil hac opus arte furoris: Simplicius poteris scilicet esse miser.

_On the wise of this world._

With such complacent joys is Folly fraught, That with this trouble she must needs be sought? So difficult and grave is she turn'd now, Can any one for her be wise enow? Must Ruin to be deeper taught aspire? To perish, does it so much brain require? Genius and skill in madness who would see? Forsooth, more simply you may wretched be! R. WI.

LXXIX.

_In Judaeos Christum praecipitare conantes._ Luc. iv. 29.

Dicite, quae tanta est sceleris fiducia vestri, Quod nequiit daemon, id voluisse scelus? Quod nequiit daemon scelus, id voluisse patrare: Hoc tentare ipsum daemona, credo, fuit.

_The Jews seeking to cast Christ headlong from a precipice._

What daring leads you on, ungodly crew, To that which ev'n the Devil durst not do? Ye dare what he dares not? If truth be told, Ye tempt the Devil's self to be more bold. G.

LXXX.

_In draconem praecipitem._ Rev. xii. 9.

I, frustra truculente; tuas procul aurea rident Astra minas, coelo jam bene tuta suo. Tune igitur coelum super ire atque astra parabas? Ascensu tanto non opus ad barathrum.

_The casting-down of the dragon._

Go, Dragon! the fair stars smile at thy threat, Secure, serene, in native skies a-glow. Thy throne o'er sky and stars thou fain would'st set; Thou need'st not vault so high to plunge so low. G.

LXXXI.

_Beatae Virgini credenti._ Luc. ii. 19.

Miraris, quid enim faceres? sed et haec quoque credis: Haec uteri credis dulcia monstra tui. En fidei, Regina, tuae dignissima merces: Fida Dei fueras filia; mater eris.

_The blessed Virgin believing._

Thou wondered'st! how else could'st thou so guarded? Yet thou believ'dst the mighty coming birth; Queen! thy faith's working is full well rewarded; God's daughter, thou God's mother art on earth. G.

LXXXII.

_Licetne Caesari censum dare?_ Marc. xii. 14.

Post tot Scribarum, Christe, in te proelia, tandem Ipse venit Caesar; Caesar in arma venit. Pugnant terribiles non Caesaris ense, sed ense Caesare: quin Caesar vinceris ipse tamen. Hoc quoque tu conscribe tuis, Auguste, triumphis. Sic vinci dignus quis nisi Caesar erat?

_Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar?_

After so many battles with the Scribes, O Lord, Caesar himself comes; Caesar with his sword. They fight not arm'd with Caesar's sword indeed; But Caesar as their sword with craft they plead. Conquer'd thyself, O Caesar, make it known-- Who save thee, worthy so to be o'erthrown. G.

LXXXIII.

_In tibicines et turbam tumultuantem circa defunctam._ Matt. ix. 23.

Vani, quid strepitis? nam quamvis dormiat illa,[58] Non tamen e somno est sic revocanda suo. Expectat solos Christi sopor iste susurros: Dormit enim; sed non omnibus illa tamen.

_The minstrels and crowd making a noise about the dead._

Vain mourning this; why make ye such loud noise? She sleeps indeed, but so will not awake. Her sleep waits for the whisper of His voice Who a great promise to her father spake. G.

LXXXIV.

_Piscatores vocati._ Matt. iv. 19.

Ludite jam, pisces, secura per aequora: pisces Nos quoque, sed varia sub ratione, sumus. Non potuisse capi, vobis spes una salutis: Una salus nobis est, potuisse capi.

_The fishermen called._

Play, fishes, in your waters, safely play: We become fishes too, another way. Not to be taken, to you safety brought: But we are then most safe when we are caught. B.

ANOTHER RENDERING.

Careless, aneath the waves, ye fishes, play: We too are fishes, in a different way; Ye die, we live, being caught; and that for aye. G.

ANOTHER.

Sport, fishes, now, within the secure sea: Lo, fishes too, in different kind, are we. In shunning nets your hope of safety lay; Our safety is to be the netter's prey. A.

LXXXV.

_Date Caesari._ Marc. xii. 17.

Cuncta Deo debentur: habet tamen et sua Caesar; Nec minus inde Deo est, si sua Caesar habet. Non minus inde Deo est, solio si caetera dantur Caesareo, Caesar cum datur ipse Deo.

_Give to Caesar ... and to God...._

All we have is God's, and yet Caesar challenges a debt; Nor hath God a thinner share, Whatever Caesar's payments are. All is God's; and yet 'tis true All we have is Caesar's too. All is Caesar's; and what ods, So long as Caesar's selfe is God's? CR.

ANOTHER RENDERING.

All things belong to God, yet Caesar has his all; Not due the less to God that they to Caesar fall. Not less they're God's because they're giv'n to Caesar's throne; For Caesar's throne itself belongs to God alone. G.

LXXXVI.

_Dominus asino vehitur._ Matt. xxi. 7.

Ille igitur vilem te, te dignatur asellum, O non vectura non bene digne tua! Heu, quibus haud pugnat Christi patientia monstris! Hoc quod sic fertur, hoc quoque ferre fuit.

_The Lord borne on the ass._

Does He, base ass, thus deign to honour thee, Unworthy thus to bear th' incarnate God? Alas, Thy patience strangely tried I see, Thee carried thus who bear'st sin's awful load! B.

ANOTHER RENDERING.

A common ass does the Lord dignify? O, how unworthy such a burden high! With the Lord's patience, ah, what can compare? So to be borne, this also was to bear. R. WI.

LXXXVII.

_Videbunt Filium hominis venientem in nube._ Luc. xxi. 27.

Immo, veni: aerios, o Christe, accingere currus, Inque triumphali nube coruscus ades. Nubem quaeris? erunt nostra, ah! suspiria nubes: Aut sol in nubem se dabit ipse tuam.

_They shall see the Son of Man coming in a cloud._

Come, yoke Thy chariots of the air, O Lord; Triumphal honours let bright clouds afford. Dost seek a cloud? Our sighs a cloud will be, Or the sun melt into a cloud for Thee. G.

LXXXVIII.

_Nisi digitum immisero, &c._ Joan. xx. 25.

Impius ergo iterum clavos? iterum impius hastam? Et totum digitus triste revolvet opus? Tune igitur Christum, Thoma, quo vivere credas, In Christum faceres, ah truculente! mori?

CHRIST TO THOMAS.

_Except I shall put my finger, &c._

Thy impious finger, would it, then, re-borrow The nails, the spear, each circumstance of sorrow? That on a living Christ thou mayst rely, Cruel, wouldst thou thy Christ re-crucify? G.

LXXXIX.

_Ad Judaeos mactatores S. Stephani._ Act. vi. 9-12.

Quid datis, ah miseri! saxis nolentibus iras? Quid nimis in tragicum praecipitatis opus? In mortem Stephani se dant invita: sed illi Occiso faciunt sponte sua tumulum.

_To the Jews stoning St. Stephen._

Wretches, do ye put rage into cold stones? Why rush so eagerly to work so vile? Your stones unwilling add to Stephen's moans, But gladly heap a tomb for him the while. G.

XC.

_Sancto Joanni dilecto discipulo._

Tu fruere, augustoque sinu caput abde, quod o tum Nollet in aeterna se posuisse rosa. Tu fruere; et sacro dum te sic pectore portat, O sat erit tergo me potuisse vehi.

_To St. John the beloved disciple._

Upon His breast thy happy head reposes, Nor would that pillow change for Heaven's own roses: While thus His bosom bears up happy thee, To press His shoulders were enough for me. G.

XCI.

_In lactentes martyres._ Matt. ii. 16, 17.

Vulnera natorum qui vidit et ubera matrum, Per pueros fluviis, ah! simul ire suis: Sic pueros quisquis vidit, dubitavit an illos Lilia coelorum diceret, anne rosas.

_Upon the infant martyrs._

To see both blended in one flood, The mothers' milk, the childrens' blood, Makes me doubt if Heaven will gather Roses hence, or lillies rather. CR.

ANOTHER RENDERING.

Who saw the infants' blood and milk of mother Flowing, alas, in a commingl'd tide, Doubtingly ask'd, and gaz'd from one to other, Whether Heav'n's rose or lily they espy'd. G.

XCII.

_Deus nobiscum._ Matt. i. 23.

Nobiscum Deus est? vestrum hoc est, hei mihi! vestrum: Vobiscum Deus est, o asini atque boves. Nobiscum non est; nam nos domus aurea sumit: Nobiscum Deus est, et jacet in stabulo? Hoc igitur nostrum ut fiat, dulcissime Jesu, Nos dandi stabulis, vel tibi danda domus.

_God with us._

Is God with us? Woe's me, God is with you, ye beasts, I see. God is with you, ye beasts; God comes not to our golden feasts. That God may be with us, We must provide a lowly house. God comes to the humble manger, While to the great house a stranger. G.

XCIII.

_Christus circumcisus ad Patrem._

Has en primitias nostrae, Pater, accipe mortis; Vitam ex quo sumpsi, vivere dedidici. Ira, Pater, tua de pluvia gustaverit ista: Olim ibit fluviis hoc latus omne suis. Tunc sitiat licet et sitiat, bibet et bibet usque: Tunc poterit toto fonte superba frui. Nunc hastae interea possit praeludere culter: Indolis in poenas spes erit ista meae.[59]

XCIV.

_In Epiphaniam Domini._ Matt. ii. 2.

Non solita contenta dies face lucis Eoae, Ecce micat radiis caesariata novis. Persa sagax, propera: discurre per ardua regum Tecta, per auratas marmoreasque domus: Quaere o, quae intepuit Reginae purpura partu; Principe vagitu quae domus insonuit. Audin' Persa sagax? Qui tanta negotia coelo Fecit, Bethlemiis vagiit in stabulis.

_The Epiphany of our Lord._

Scorning her wonted herald, lo, the Day Now decks her forehead with a brighter ray. Sage Persian, haste; ask where high roofs unfold Their royal wealth of marble and of gold; In what rich couch an Empress-mother lies; What halls have heard a new-born Prince's cries. Wouldst know, sage Persian? He for whom Heaven keeps Such festival, in Bethlehem's manger weeps. CL.

XCV.

_Ecce quaerebamus te, &c._ Luc. ii. 49.

Te quaero misera, et quaero: tu nunc quoque tractas Res Patris; Pater est unica cura tibi. Quippe quod ad poenas tantum et tot nomina mortis, Ad luctum et lacrymas, hei mihi! mater ego.

_Lo, we have sought Thee, &c._

I seek Thee mourning, and I seek again: Thou still Thy Father's business dost attend; And me, alas, sad mother of all pain, Of grief and tears, Thou surely wilt befriend. G.

XCVI.

_Aquae in vinum versae._ Joan. ii. 1-11.

Unde rubor vestris, et non sua purpura lymphis? Quae rosa mirantes tam nova mutat aquas? Numen, convivae, praesens agnoscite Numen: Nympha pudica Deum vidit, et erubuit.[60]

_Water turned into wine._

Whence that blush upon thy brow, Fair Nymph of the waters, now? Mark the glow all rosy-red Of the stream astonied. All the guests in tumult rush'd: The shy Nymph saw her God, and blush'd. G.

ANOTHER VERSION.

Whence to your waters comes the glow of wine? What strange new rose their mazed streams hath flush'd? Haste, guests, and own your Visitant divine; For the chaste Nymph hath seen her God, and blush'd. CL.

ANOTHER.

Whence comes this rose, this ruddy colour strange? What blushes new the wondering water change? Mark, mark, gay guests, a present Deity! The conscious water blush'd its God to see. A.

XCVII.

_Absenti Centurionis filio Dominus absens medetur._ Matt. viii. 13.

Quam tacitis inopina salus illabitur alis! Alis quas illi vox tua, Christe, dedit. Quam longas vox ista manus habet! haec medicina Absens et praesens haec medicina fuit.

_The Lord at a distance heals the absent servant of the Centurion._

Safety unlook'd-for! silent 'light the wings Wherewith Thy voice, O Christ, swift-healing brings: Far-reaching hand Thy word has, and Thou healest Absent and present, even as Thou willest. G.

XCVIII.

_Quid timidi estis?_ Marc. iv. 40.

Tanquam illi insanus faceret sua fulmina ventus; Tanquam illi scopulos norit habere fretum. Vos vestri scopuli, vos estis ventus et unda: Naufragium cum illo qui metuit, meruit.

_Why are ye so fearful?_

As if to Him the winds their thunder threw; As if to Him hard rocks the water knew. Ye are your rocks, ye are your wind and wave: Shiprack with Him who fear, deserve to have. B.

XCIX.

_Nunc dimittis._ Luc. ii. 29.

Ite mei, quid enim ulterius, quid vultis, ocelli? Leniter obductis ite superciliis. Immo et adhuc et adhuc, iterumque iterumque videte; Accipite haec totis lumina luminibus. Jamque ite; et tutis o vos bene claudite vallis: Servate haec totis lumina luminibus. Primum est, quod potui te, Christe, videre: secundum, Te viso, recta jam potuisse mori.[61]

_Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace._

Begone, mine eyes; what would ye see beside? Go now in peace 'neath darkening brows to hide. Once and again, and yet again; behold; With one long gaze His beams in yours enfold. Then go, and guard your treasure safe from foes, And fast in yours those beams of His enclose. To look on Thee, O Christ, this first have I; Then, having look'd on Thee, straightway to die. CL.

C.

_In segetem sacram._ Matt. xiii. 24.

Ecce suam implorat, demisso vertice, falcem: Tu segeti falcem da, Pater alme, suam. Tu falcem non das? messem tu, Christe, moraris? Hoc ipsum falx est; haec mora messis erit.

_Good seed in the field._

Its sickle it implores with head bow'd low; Its sickle on the corn-field, Lord, bestow. Refusest Thou? The harvest dost delay? The sickle this--hence fuller harvest-day. G.

CI.

_Coepit lacrymis rigare pedes ejus, et capillis extergebat._ Luc. vii. 37.

Unda sacras sordes lambit placidissima: flavae Lambit et hanc undam lucida flamma comae. Illa per has sordes it purior unda; simulque Ille per has lucet purior ignis aquas.

_She began to wash His feet with teares, and wipe them with the haires of her head._

Her eyes' flood lickes His feets' faire staine; Her hair's flame lickes up that againe. This flame thus quencht hath brighter beames; This flood thus stained fairer streames. CR.

ANOTHER RENDERING.

With placid force the gentle wave That consecrated dust doth lave, And a bright flame of golden hair Doth lave in light those waters fair. Purer the trickling waters shine Through contact with that dust divine; And purer through the waters' flow That flame of lucent fire doth glow. CL.

CII.

_Quid vis tibi faciam?_ Luc. xviii. 41.

Quid volo, Christe, rogas? quippe ah volo, Christe, videre: Quippe ad te, dulcis Christe, videre volo. At video, fideique oculis te nunc quoque figo: Est mihi, quae nunquam est non oculata, fides. Sed quamvis videam, tamen ah volo, Christe, videre: Sed quoniam video, Christe, videre volo.

_What seekest that I do to thee?_

Askest, O Christ, my wish? My Christ I wish to see: To see Thee, O my sweet Christ, to see Thee. But, lo, I see; for now on Thee I fix faith's eye, And gazing so, dimness and darkness fly. But though I see, yet, ah, my Christ I wish to see; And since I see, O Christ, I would see Thee. G.

CIII.

_Christus mulieri Canaaneae difficilior._ Matt. xv. 21.

Ut pretium facias dono, donare recusas: Usque rogat supplex, tutamen usque negas. Hoc etiam donare fuit, donare negare. Saepe dedit quisquis saepe negata dedit.

_The silence of Christ to the woman of Canaan._

That He a gift more precious might bestow, While she implor'd, discouragements He used. This was to give thus not to give; for, lo, He giveth oft who gives what's oft refused.[62] G.

CIV.

_Beatus venter et ubera, &c._ Luc. ii. 27.

Et quid si biberet Jesus vel ab ubere vestro? Quid facit ad vestram, quod bibit ille, sitim? Ubera mox sua et hic, o quam non lactea! pandet; E nato mater tum bibet ipsa suo.

_Blessed be the paps which Thou hast sucked._

Suppose He had been tabled at thy teates, Thy hunger feeles not what He eates: He'l have His teat ere long--a bloody one; The mother then must suck the Son. CR.

CV.

_In Christum vitem._ Joan. xv. 1.

Ulmum vitis amat, quippe est et in arbore flamma, Quam fovet in viridi pectore blandus amor: Illam ex arboribus cunctis tu, vitis, amasti; Illam, quaecunque est, quae crucis arbor erat.

_Christ the true Vine (including the branches)._

The vine clings lovingly unto the elm; Love's flame draws thus a tree within its realm: But most, O vine, thou lov'st, whate'er its name, That tree from which the cross of Calvary came. G.

CVI.

_Vos flebitis et lamentabimini._ Joan. xvi. 20.

Ergo mihi salvete mei, mea gaudia, luctus: Quam charum, o Deus, est hoc mihi flere meum! Flerem, ni flerem: solus tu, dulcis Jesu, Laetitiam donas tunc quoque quando negas.

_Verily I say unto you, Yee shall weep and lament._

Welcome, my griefe, my joy; how deare's To me my legacy of teares! I'll weepe and weepe, and will therefore Weepe 'cause I can weepe no more. Thou, Thou, deare Lord, even Thou alone, Giv'st joy, even when Thou givest none. CR.

CVII.

_In gregem Christi Pastoris._ Joan. x. 11.

O grex, o nimium tanto Pastore beatus; O ubi sunt tanto pascua digna grege? Ne non digna forent tanto grege pascua, Christus Ipse suo est Pastor, pascuum et ipse gregi.

_Christ the good Shepherd._

O flock, O too much in thy Sheepherd blest, Where are fields worthy thee to feed and rest? Lest worthy pastures nowhere should be found, Christ is to thee the Sheepherd and the ground. B.

ANOTHER VERSION.

O flock, in your great Shepherd all too blest, Where shall fit pasturage be found for you? That His fair flock may ne'er want food or rest, Christ is the Pastor and the pasture too. CL.

CVIII.