To give Prudentius credit for this hymn is no
great favor to such an accomplished, learned and skillful poet. This hymn is
pieced together from various lines from Prudentius’ Peristephanon II with, one suspects, some tinkering from Dom
Anselmo’s team. The result is a very obscure and difficult to translate hymn.
However, Walpole’s suggestion (noted on a somewhat different centoization) is helpful: The first two lines are explained
by the preceding passage of the original, the sense of which is: the one glory
formerly lacking to Rome, now given up to Christ, was the final subjugation of
foul Jove, not by the turbulent might of Cossus, Camillus, or Caesar, but by
the not bloodless strife of the martyr Lawrence” (Early Latin Hymns p. 138). Would that this notion were more clearly
expressed in the office hymn.
In the not bloodless strife of the martyr Laurence,
armed with faith he fought, his own blood prodigally shed. He was the first of seven men, standing next
to the altar, a lofty deacon by rank, surpassing all the others. This most
courageous fighter girded no sword at his side, but taking the enemy’s sword in
his back, bore the torture with calm authority. Thus, O holy Laurence, we seek a passion like
yours; may, what each humble soul asks of you, succeed and prosper. Chosen a fellow-citizen of the city of ineffable
heaven, in height of the eternal court
you wear a civic crown. Honor to the Father with the Son and Spirit Paraclete,
who by your prayers, O Laurence, enriches us with eternal laurels. Amen.
We celebrate the triumph of a martyr of Christ,
who spurned the passing gifts of the world, brought help to the naked, handed
over to the needy food and money.
Tortured by fire, he stood strong, his heart enkindled, overcoming the
menacing flames of fire, for the sake of his love for abundant life. The choir
of angels receives his spirit, he wears well the victory laurels rightly given
by heaven to loosen the sins of men by praying to God almighty. Therefore, O
martyr, we humbly ask that you pray pardon for all, for fervent hearts,
tenacious faith, and strength. Let us all resound glory to the Father and sing
rightly of his Son, with whom the Spirit Creator rules. Amen.
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