The Canterbury Hymnal: Hymn for Vespers in Lent

 

The Canterbury Hymnal: Hymn for Vespers in Lent

 

Vespers, first and second Sundays in Lent: Gernot B. Wieland, The Canterbury Hymnal

 

YMNUS AD VESPERAM

             

SIC TER QUATERNIS TRAHITUR

horis dies ad vesperum,

occasum sol pronuntians

noctis redire tempora.

 

nos ergo signo domini

tutemus claustra pectorum,

ne serpens ille callidus

intrandi temptet aditum

 

sed armis pudicitie

mens fulta vigil libere

sobrietare comite

hostem repellat inprobum.

 

sed nec ciborum crapula

tandem distentet corpora,

ne vi per sompnum animam

glorificatam pulluat.

 

Gloria tibi, trinitas

 

Thus, in three times four hours day is dragged into evening, the sun announces its setting, the time of night returns. Therefore, let us guard the enclosure of the hearts with the sign of the Lord lest that crafty serpent should try to enter. But let the vigilant mind freely depend on the weapons of modesty and with its companion, sobriety, repel the wicked enemy.  But may the drunkenness of food not bloat our bodies lest by force it should pollute the glory-filled soul.