Part 33 (1/2)

”Come rejoicing, Faithful men, with rapture singing Alleluya!

Monarch's Monarch, From a holy maiden springing, Mighty wonder!

Angel of the Counsel here, Sun from star, he doth appear, Born of maiden: He a sun who knows no night, She a star whose paler light Fadeth never.”

(Translation in ”The English Hymnal,” No. 22.)

[12]

”Lords, by Christmas and the host Of this mansion hear my toast-- Drink it well-- Each must drain his cup of wine, And I the first will toss off mine: Thus I advise.

Here then I bid you all _Wa.s.sail_, Cursed be he who will not say, _Drinkhail!_”

(Translation by F. Douce.)

[13] It is difficult to be sure of the authenticity of the verse attributed to Jacopone. Many of the poems in Tresatti's edition, from which the quotations in the text are taken, may be the work of his followers.

[14]

”Come and look upon her child Nestling in the hay!

See his fair arms opened wide, On her lap to play!

And she tucks him by her side, Cloaks him as she may!

Gives her paps unto his mouth, Where his lips are laid.

She with left hand cradling Rocked and hushed her boy, And with holy lullabies Quieted her toy....

Little angels all around Danced, and carols flung; Making verselets sweet and true, Still of love they sung.”

(Translation by John Addington Symonds in ”The Renaissance in Italy. Italian Literature” [1898 Edn.], Part I., 468.)

[15] ”In the worthy stable of the sweet baby the angels are singing round the little one; they sing and cry out, the beloved angels, quite reverent, timid and shy round the little baby Prince of the Elect who lies naked among the p.r.i.c.kly hay.... The Divine Verb, which is highest knowledge, this day seems as if He knew nothing of anything. Look at Him on the hay, crying and kicking as if He were not at all a divine man.”

(Translation by Vernon Lee in ”Renaissance Fancies and Studies,” 34.)

[16]

”Sweep hearth and floor; Be all your vessel's store s.h.i.+ning and clean.

Then bring the little guest And give Him of your best Of meat and drink. Yet more Ye owe than meat.

One gift at your King's feet Lay now. I mean A heart full to the brim Of love, and all for Him, And from all envy clean.”

(Translation by Miss Anne Macdonell, in ”Sons of Francis,” 372.)

[17]

”Full of beauty stood the Mother, By the Manger, blest o'er other, Where her little One she lays.

For her inmost soul's elation, In its fervid jubilation, Thrills with ecstasy of praise.”

(Translation by J. M. Neale.)

[18]