Stabat Mater

by Jacapone da Todi (12281306)

By the cross of expiation The Mother stood, and kept her station, Weeping for her Son and Lord: With the nails his hands were riven; Through her heart the sword was driven, Simeons dread, predicted sword. Those five wounds of Jesus smitten, Mother, in my heart be written Deeply as in thine they be; Thou my Saviors cross who bearest, Thou thy Sons rebuke who sharest, Let me share them both with thee.

In the passion of my maker Oh, that blessed one grief-laden, Be my sinful soul partaker; Blessed Mother, blessed Maiden, Let me weep till death with thee: Mother of the All-holy One; Unto me this boon be given, Oh, that silent, ceaseless mourning, By thy side, like thee bereaven, Oh, those dim eyes never turning To stand beneath the atoning tree. From that wondrous, suffering Son. Virgin holiest, Virgin purest, Who is he of nature human Of that anguish thou endurest Tearless that could watch that Make me bear with thee my part; Woman? Of his passion bear the token In a spirit bowed and broken, Hear unmoved that Mothers moan? Bear his death within my heart. Who, unchanged in shape and colour, May his wounds both wound and heal me; Who could mark that Mothers His blood enkindle, cleanse, anneal dolour, me; Weeping with her Son alone? Be his cross my hope and stay: For his peoples sins the All-holy Virgin, when the mountains quiver, From that flame which burns for ever, There she saw, a victim lowly, Shield me on the judgment-day. Bleed in torments, bleed and die: Saw the Lords Anointed taken; Christ, when he that shaped me calls Saw her Child in death forsaken; me, Heard his last expiring cry. When advancing death appals me, Through her prayer the storm make Fount of love and sacred sorrow, calm: Mother, may my spirit borrow When to dust my dust returneth Sadness from thy holy woe; Save a soul to thee that yearneth; May it loveon fire within me Grant it thou the crown and palm. Christ, my God, till great love win me Grace to please him here below.

From the Latin by A. de Vere