Hymn to the virgin
Benjamin Britten
Of one that is so fair and bright
Velut maris stella,
Brighter than the day is light,
Parens et puella:
I cry to thee, thou see to me,
Lady pray thy Son for me,
Tam pia,
That I may come to thee.
Maria!
All this world was forlorn
Eva peccatrice,
Till our Lord was yborn
De te genetrice.
With ave it went away
Darkest night, and comes the day
Salutis;
The well springeth out of thee.
Virtutis.
Lady, flower of everything,
Rosa sine spina,
Thou bear Jesu, Heaven’s King,
Gratia divina:
Of all thou bear’st the prize,
Lady, queen of paradise
Electa:
Maid mild, mother es
Effecta.
Words: Anon, c. 1300
Other songs by this Composer:
- Rejoice in the Lamb Benjamin Britten
- O be joyful Benjamin Britten
- The Ballad of Little Musgrave and Lady Barnard Benjamin Britten
- Hymn to St Cecilia Benjamin Britten
- A Boy was born Benjamin Britten