Christi matrem si videret
In tanto supplicio?
Quis posset non contristari,
Piam matrem contemplari,
Dolentem cum filio?
III
Who is he his tears concealing,
Could have seen such anguish stealing
Through the Saviour-mother’s breast?
Who his deepest groans could smother,
Had he seen the holy Mother
By her Son with grief oppressed!
IV
Pro peccatis suæ gentis
Vidit Jesum in tormentis,
Et flagellis subditum;
Vidit suum dulcem natum
Morientem, desolatum,
Dum emisit spiritum.
IV
Christ for Israel’s transgression
Saw she suffer thus oppression,
Torment, and the cruel blow:
Saw Him desolate and dying;
Him she loved, beheld Him sighing
Forth His soul in deepest woe.
V
Eja mater, fons amoris,
Me sentire vim doloris
Fac, ut tecum lugeam.
Fac ut ardeat cor meum,
In amando Christum Deum,
Ut sibi complaceam.
V
Source of love, thy grief, O Mother,
Grant with thee to share another—
Grant that I with thee may weep:
May my heart with love be glowing,
All on Christ my God bestowing,
In His favor ever keep.
VI
Saneta mater, istud agas,
Crucifixi fige plagas
Cordi meo valide:
Tui nati vulnerati,
Jam dignati pro me pati,
Pœnas mecum divide.
VI
This, oh holy Mother! granting,
In my heart the wounds implanting
Of His cross, oh let me bear:
Pangs with which thy Son when wounded
Deigned for me to be surrounded,
Grant, oh grant that I may share.
VII
Fac me vere tecum flere,
Crucifixo condolere,
Donec ego vixero:
Juxta crucem tecum stare,
Te libenter sociare
In planctu desidero.
VII
Be my eyes with tears o’erflowing,
For the crucified bestowing,
Till my eyes shall close in death:
Ever by that cross be standing,
Willingly with thee demanding
But to share each mournful breath.
VIII
Virgo virginum præclara,
Mihi jam non sis amara
Fac me tecum plangere;
Fadut portem Christi mortem,
Passionis ejus sortem,
Et plagas recolere.
VIII
Thou of virgins blest forever,
Oh deny I pray thee never