Reges Tharsis

This text, from Psalm 71:10-11(Vulgate), is proper to the Epiphany and occurs both as a Matins Respond in the Roman and Sarum Rites (the latter as set by Sheppard) and as the Offertory at Mass (as set by Byrd and Palestrina). Slight differences between the two are indicated below: bracketed text occurs only in the Respond, bold text only in the Offertory.

Musical settings at CPDL

William Byrd AATB Josef von Eybler SATB Max Filke SATB

Wilhelm Meyer Lutz SSTB Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina SATTB John Sheppard SATTBB or SSAATB

Texts and translations

Latin text Reges Tharsis et insulae munera offerent, reges Arabum et Saba dona (domino Deo) adducent. Et adorabunt eum omnes reges terrae, omnes gentes servient ei. (Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancto.)

English translation The kings of Tharsis and the isle offer their gifts, the kings of Arabia and Sheba bring gifts (to the Lord God.) And all the kings of the earth worship him, all peoples bow before him. (Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost.) (translation by Mick Swithinbank)