Description: Motet for Christmas from Sacrarum Cantionum (book 1), Milan, 1608.
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Original text and translations
Latin text
Enquid videmus fratres, claritas magna circumdat et gregem nostrum.
Boni pastores mittite timorem quia vobis hodie annunciatur gaudium magnum.
Hodie de Maria virgine natus est Salvator mundi.
Dicite ubi natus est Salvator mundi.
In Bethlehem civitate David.
In Bethlehem eamus ergo videre natum.
Laeti pastores parva de parvis ferte munera regi.
Vidimus natum pannis involutum.
Alacres igitur cantemus omnes: "Gloria altissimis Deo,
Et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis".
English translation
For now we brothers see a great brightness and it surrounds our flock.
Good shepherds, put fear aside, for unto you this day is announced a great joy.
Today the Saviour of the world is born of Mary, a virgin.
Tell us where the Saviour of the world is born.
In Bethlehem, in the city of David.
Let us therefore go to Bethlehem to see the new-born.
Joyful shepherds, bear the smallest of small presents to the king.
We shall see the babe wrapped in swaddling cloths.
Let us all therefore sing lustily: Glory to God on high,
And in earth peace, goodwill to all men".