SUMME LARGITOR PREMII: yet another hymn for Compline during Lent.

 

SUMME LARGITOR PREMII: yet another hymn for Compline during Lent.

 

The Durham Hymnal appoints this hymn for Lent, as does the Cistercian Hymnal. In the Sarum usage it was sung at Matins.

 

SUMME LARGITOR PREMII,

spes qui es unica mundi,

preces intende servorum

ad te devota clamantum.

 

Nostra te conscientia

grave offendisse monstrat

quam emundes, supplicamus,

ab omnibus piaculis.

 

Si rennuis, quis tribuet?

Indulge, quia potens es.

Si corde rogamus mundo,

certe debes ex promissio.

 

Ergo acceptare nostrum,

qui  sacrasti,  ieiunium,

quo mystice paschalia

caplamus sacramenta.

 

Summa nobis hoc conferat

in deitate trinitas,

 in qua gloriatur unus

per cuncta secula deus.

Amen.

 

Most high giver of reward, you who are the one hope of the world, attend to the prayers of your servants, calling to you with devotion. Our conscience shows that we have gravely offended you, which we pray you will cleanse from all sin.  If you refuse, who will grant it? Forgive us, for you are powerful. If we ask with a clean heart, certainly you must grant it as you promised.  Therefore, receive our fast, which you consecrated we may take spiritually the Paschal sacrament. May the most high Trinity in godliness confer this, by which the one God is glorified through all ages. Amen.