Presulem Ephebeatum (Petrus Wilhelmi de Grudencz)

Latin text



Presulem ephebeatum
trabeatum radiatum
venustemus sedulo
Martinum cum preconio

Quiterrena parvi pendens
et ad alta se extendens
mundo abrenunciat
in quo crebro militat.

O Martini, olim mundi
miles demum verna Christi
salvatoris pisticus
stirpe tu eugenius.

Claustrum cito mancipasti
in quo Christo clentasti
sua nusquam stigmata
ignorans letalia.

Quam devote sistis rogans
oblectamenta dire negans
mundi simul hiis denegans
tue nutum anime.

Quare calles poli isti
enti deneganti scisti
sertum quia capere
ergo nos protegens

Qui fuisti mire negans
fasce perge timida
atque nimis denegans
saporis fastidia

Quia cluit mitem mos te
mitem pro te venerantibus
Christum roga ut ab hoste
tueamur protinus

Hosque de miseria
duc ad celi culmina
ubi eve sedulo
celi fruamur bravio.
Amen.

English translation

Note: This translation was executed for the purpose of fitting to the existing musical structure. It is not intended to be a "pure" translation.

Blessed in youth, this bishop we praise,
radiantly armored,
let everyone diligently beautify
Martin with most entreating praise.

He who, for the earthly children,
extended himself up to Heaven
while renouncing the world
in which he often fought.

O Martin, once a soldier of the world,
at last the windlass of Christ,
from whom
you draw nobility.

How quickly you consecrated the cloister,
and attended,
taking on the holy stigmata
with the joy of one

whose devotion
pleasures always refused delightfully,
and did refuse the world —
these things denying, this was your soul's will.

Wherefore, your denying being,
knowing heaven,
brought us all together,
thereby shielding us.

You who were steadfast,
glad to refuse to go on in fearfulness,
also excessively driving off
that fearfulness.

Whereas you were so mild of manner,
mildly we reverence your name:
We ask you to beseech Christ
to protect us now and forever.

Lead these people from misery
to heaven's heights,
where with great diligence
they may enjoy their true reward.
Amen.