CANTUS. MUSICA SACRA: TO Six Voices. Composed in the Italian tongue BY GIOVANNI CROCE. Newly Englished. IN LONDON PRINTED BY THOMAS ESTE, the assign of William Barley. 1608. To the virtuous Lovers of Music. THese Sonnets, composed first most exquisitely in Italian by Sⁱᵒʳ Francisco Bembo a Gentleman of Italy; were so admired of Giovan. Croce, one of the most excellent musicans of the world; as well for their Poesy, as Piety (the Substance of them being drawn from those seven notable Psalms called Penetentials; indicted by that Sweet Singer of Israel, inspired of the holy Spirit) as that he thought it worthy of his skill in Music, to apply them to this Harmony of Six parts; as well to honour their Author and his Composition, as to give a profitable Delight unto the virtuous. And myself often observing the general applause given these Songs when I have heard them song, (though sometimes without the words) thought it would be very grateful to many of our English lovers of Music, if they were translated, or imitated in our tongue: the rather, because through their want of understanding the Italian, they are deprived of a Chief part of their delight. For albeit that the very consent of the Note may sweetly strike the outward sense of the ear; yet it is the Ditty, which conveyed with the Music to the intellectual Soul, by the Organs of hearing, that doth touch the heart, and stir the affections either to jocondnes, or Sadness, Levity, or Gravity, according to the nature of the Composition: in which respect (especially) the articulate voice of man excelleth all other voices, and Instruments in the world. Besides I supposed, that the scarcity (not only in our tongue, but in all other vulgars') of Music in this kind, whereby men may be edified and God glorified, would make these the more acceptable; and peradventure be a motive to some of our excellent musicans to dedicate their divine skill to the Service of God, in Songs of this more Sanctified kind In which respects; and for that I was encouraged thereto by some, Skilful in this Art: I have adventured to publish these (otherwise destinate to privacy) unto the view of the world: Although I am not Ignorant that in this curious age, it is likely to run the ordinary fortune (even of more exact labours) upon the Shelves of ridged censure: But the Gentle, will wink at small faults where they spy them: As for the Supercilious Critic if (after he have compared them with the Original) he dislike them: he may please himself, and do them all better: But do Ye accept them with a Sèrene brow, and use them to the glory of God, and your Laudable and Christian delight. Far ye well. Your well-willer R. H. FIRST SONNET Ex Psal. 6. LOrd, in thy wrath reprove me not sevearly, Nor punish me in thy deserved displeasure: Have mercy on my Sins exceeding measure, For full of fears, my Soul is vexed drearly. Save it (O Lord) Almightie╌most Supernal, Save it (alas) from th'euer-neuer Dying: For who in deep Hell (and fierce Torments frying) Shall sing thy praise, or can extol th'eternal? Long have I Languished in my grievous Sorrow's, My bed and bosom, with my tears I water: My foe's Despite hath ploughd my face with furrows. But (now my Soul) let the ungodly Scatter: Hence ye wicked, sith God (so gracious for us) Hath heard my moan, and doth regard my matter. Of 6. voc. First part. CANTUS. Signior non mi riprender. LOrd in thy wrath reprove me not sevearly, (O) Lord, Lord in thy wrath reprove me not: Lord in thy wrath reprove me not sevearly: Nor punish me in thy deserved displeasure: Have mercy on my Sins exceeding mea╌sure: For full of fears, my Soul, my Soul is vex╌ed drearly. Save it O Lord Almighty: Save it O Lord Almightie╌most Supernal: Save it alas, from th'ever-never-ever Dying: For who in deep Hell, and fierce Tor╌mentss frying, Shall sing thy praise, Shall sing thy praise, or can extol th'eternal? or can extol th'eternal? Of 6. voc. Second part. CANTUS. Penato ho lungament. LOng have I Languished in my grievous Sorrow's: Long have I Languished in my grievous Sor╌row'ss: My Bed, and bosom, with my tear's I wa╌ter: My foe's Despite hath ploughed my face with furrow's, My foe's Despite hath ploughed my face, hath ploughed my face with furrow's. But now my Soul, my Soul: But now my Soul, But now my Soul let th'ungodly Scatter: Hence, hence ye wicked; Sith God so gracious for us, Sith God so gracious for us: Hath heard my moan, and doth regard my matter. and doth regard, regard my matter. SECOND SONNET Ex Psal. 32. BLessed are they, whose faults (so oft forbidden) Have free forgiveness, and a full remission: And they whose Sins (of Act and of Omission) Are not Imputed, but in mercy hidden. Therefore my Crime I have confessed before thee; Which graciously (my God) thou hast forgiven: The more therefore I Laud thee (King of Heaven) And all thy Saints shall in due time adore thee. O thou my Refuge, and my Consolation, Deliver me my God which art Almighty: From Enemies that envy my Salvation. A many Rods pursue the Sinner (rightly) But those that place in thee their expectation, Grace shall embrace. joy ye that walk uprightly. Of 6. voc. First part. CANTUS. Beati quei. BLessed are they, whose faults so oft forbidden, Have free forgiveness and a full remission: Have free forgiveness and full re╌missi'on: And a full remis╌si'on: And they whose Sins of Act, And they whose Sins, whose Sins of Act, and of Omissi'on, are not Imputed, but in mercy, in mercy hidden. Therefore my Crime I have confessed before thee, Which graci'ously (my God) thou hast forgiven: The more therefore I Laud thee (King of Heaven) And all thy Saints shall in due time a╌dore thee. And all thy Saints shall in due time adore thee. In due time adore thee adore thee. Of 6. voc. Second part. CANTUS. Tu mio Refugio. O Thou my Refuge, and my Conso╌la╌ti'on, O thou my Re╌fuge, and Conso╌la╌ti╌on, Deliver me my God which art Almighty; Deliver me my God, Deliver me my God which art Almighty, From Enemies, From Enemies that envy my Salua╌ti'on, my Sal╌uati'on. A many Rods pursue the Sinner right╌ly, But those that place in thee, their Expectati'on, Grace shall embrace. Grace shall embrace. Grace shall embrace. joy ye that walk uprightly. joy ye that walk uprightly. uprightly. joy ye that walk uprightly. THIRD SONNET Ex Psal. 38. LOrd, in thine Anger do no more reprove me, Nor in thy Fury multiply my Sorrows; For in my flesh I Feel thy fearful Arrows: Thy heavy hand doth unto Goodness move me. Sick, in itself my Soul doth Sigh and Languish: Because my Sins so Wholly overcame me, Sorely afflicted, and all humbled am I; And in my plaint, my heart Roars out for Anguish. My Strength even fails me, and my Sight hath fled me, And every one Endeavours to undo me, But I as Deaf, the while with Dumbnes sped me. In thee I hope (my GOD) Ah listen to me: Ah, Leave me not (thou that canst best bestead me) Thou my Salvation, and Comfort sole unto me. Of 6. voc. First part. CANTUS. Signor nel tuo furor. LOrd in thine Anger do no more reprove me: Nor in thy Fury multiply my Sorrows: For in my flesh I Feel, For in my flesh I Feel thy fearful Arrows: Thy heavy hand doth unto Goodness move me. Sick in itself my Soul doth Sigh, doth Sigh and Languish: Because my Sins so wholly over╌came me: Sorely afflicted, afflicted and all humbled am I; and all humbled am I; And in my plaint my heart Roars out, Roars out for an╌guish. for an╌guish. Of 6 voc. Second part. CANTUS. Già la virtù mi lascia. MY Strength even fails, even fails me, My Strength even fails me: And my Sight, my Sight hath fled me, fled me, hath fled me, fled me: And every one Endeavours to un╌doo me: But I, as Deafened, the while with Dumbnes, Dumbnes sped me. In thee I hope (my GOD) Ah, Ah listen, to me. Ah! Ah Leave thou me not: Ah Leave thou me not, Thou, my Salua╌ti'on, thou my salvation, and Comfort sole, and Comfort sole unto me. and Comfort, Comfort sole unto me. and Comfort sole, and Comfort sole unto me. FOURTH SONNET Ex Psal. 51. Show mercy Lord on me most heinous Sinner, And mortify my Sin so grievous guilty; O cleanse me from it, Purify me Filthy; For in thy sight Lord I am only Sinner. In Sin (thou knowst) my Sinful mother bore me: But O thou Guide unto the heavenly City, Wash, wash my Soul in Laver of thy Pity, So shall no Snow in whiteness go before me. Give me a clean heart, an untainted Spirit; And of thy Grace, and Face bereave me never; So shall I more adore thy Name and fear it, And to thy Service more and more endeavour: Sith broken hearts (as doth thy Voice aver it) Are th'only Sacrifice thou Joyest in ever. Of 6. voc. First part. CANTUS. Habbi di me Signior. Show mercy Lord on me, on me, O Lord on me, most heinous Sinner; And mortify my Sin, my Sin so grievous guilty: and Purify me Filthy, and Purify me Filthy, and Purify me Filthy: For in thy sight O Lord I am only, only Sinner. In Sin thou knowest my Sinful Mother bore me: Thou Guide unto the heavenly City, thou Guide unto to the heavenly Cit╌tie: Wash, wash my Soul in Laver of thy pity; So shall no Snow, no Snow, So shall no Snow, no Snow in whiteness go be╌fore me. in whiteness go before me. In whiteness go before me. Of 6. voc. Second part. CANTUS. Dammi un cor mondo Give me a clean heart, an untainted Spirit: an untainted Spi╌rit, an untainted Spirit: And of thy Grace and Face, And of thy Grace and Face bereave me ne╌ver: never: bereave me never: So shall I more adore, So shall I more adore thy Name, and fear it: thy Name, and fear it: thy Name and fear it: thy Name and fear it: And to thy Service more and more, thy Service more and more, and more Endeavour: Sith broken hearts as doth thy voice aver it: Sith broken hearts as doth thy voice a╌uer it, Are th'only Sacrifice, thou joyest in E╌uer▪ thou joyest in E╌uer. FIFT SONNET Ex Psal. 102. hearken O Lord unto mine humble plainings, Hid not thy Face for ever in thine Anger: My Days do vade as Smoke, my heart in Langor, hies (Flies) to thee: why Shu'nst thou my complainings? Friends have I none; now from me All are flying: In stead of Bread I have been fed with Ashes, My Drink my Tears; while I have felt the Lashes Of thy fierce Wrath, for all mine often Crying. All Kings and nations shall admire thy Glory, When thou, the Sighs of humble Souls attendest; It shall be Writ in an Eternal Story. Ah! Leave me not, Thou, thou that All Defendest, That madest All (Heaven, Earth, and Ocean hoary) That never didst Begin, and never Endest. Of 6. voc. First part. CANTUS. Essaudisci Signior, gli humil miei preghi. hearken Lord unto mine humble Play╌ningss; Hid not thy face for ever in thine Anger: My Days do vade, do vade as Smoke, do vade as Smoke, My heart in Langor, hies (flies) to thee, hies (flies) to thee, why Shun'st thou my complainings? Friends have I none, Friends have I none, now from me All are flying: In stead of Bread, I have been fed, In stead of Bread, I have been fed with Ashes, My Drink my Tear's; while I have felt the Lashes Of thy fierce Wrath, for all mine often Cry. Of 6. voc. Second part. CANTUS. Sarà ogni Rè, ogni Popolo. ALL Kings and nations, shall admire, ad╌mi╌er thy Glo╌ry, When thou the Sighs of th'humble: When thou the Sighs of humble Souls attendest: It shall be Writ: It shall be Writ: It shall be Writ in an Eternal Story, in an Eternal Story. Ah Leave me not thou; Thou that All Defen╌dest, that all Defendest: That madest All, That madest All, That madest All (Heaven, Earth, and Oce'an and Oce'an hoary) That never didst Begin, and never Endest, and never En╌dest. sixth SONNET Ex Psal. 102. FRom profound CENTRE of my heart I cried To thee O Lord, LORD let thine EAR draw near me, To note my MOURNINGS, and quickly hear me, Hear my Sad GROANS, to thy Sweet GRACE applied. LORD, if thou look with RIGOUR down into US, To mark our SIN, O who shall then abide it? But, if with PARDON thou be pleased to hide it (If MERCY thou Vouchsafe) What shall Undo US? Upon thy WORD my SOUL hath firmly reared Her Tower of TRVST, there is my HOPE possessed; With thee is MERCY, that thou mayst be feared; MERCY, for those that are in soul depressed, ISRAEL'S Redeemer, Whom thou hast endeared Beecoms through thee, of SINNER, SAINT and BLESSED. Of 6. voc. First part. CANTUS. Dalinea profondo del core. FRom Profound Centre of my heart, of my heart: to thee I cried, to thee I cried O Lord, Lord let thine ear draw near me, To note my mourning; and quickly hear me, and quickly hear me: Hear my Sad Groans to thy Sweet Grace applied. to thy Sweet Grace apply'ed. Lord, if thou look with Rigour down into us, to mark our Sins, O who shall then abide it? O who shall then abide, abide it? But if thou be pleased, with pardon thou be pleased, be pleased to hide it, (if thou Mercy vouchsafe) if thou Mercy vouchsafe, if thou Mercy vouchsafe, What shall undo Us? undo Us? what shall undo Us? Of 6. voc. Second part. CANTUS. Ne la parola tua. Upon thy Word my Soul, hath firmly reared her Tower of Trust, there is my Hope possessed; for with thee, is Mercy that thou mayst be feared; thou mayst be feared: Mercy for those, Mercy for those, that are in Soul depressed, in Soul depres╌sed. is╌ra╌el's Redeemer, Whom thou hast endeared, endeared, becomes through thee, of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint, of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. seventh SONNET Ex Psal. 143. LIsten O LORD unto my Prostrate PRAYER, Nor into JUDGEMENT with thy Servant enter: For who is JUST? The foul infernal TEMPTER Pursues my SOUL with Terrors of DESPAIR. My heart's all inly Vexed. Yet I applied me To weigh thy Works, thy Wonders I observed, But to thy MERCY the Chief place reserved? Then Show my SIN, and in thy Service guide me. Secure me LORD, Save me with expedition, My SPIRIT fainteth: therefore mine affection, My MIND, my SOUL, I lift (with all Submission) To thee my LORD, my GOD, and my protection: Draw me from DANGER under thy Tuition, For I thy Servant am by thine Election. Of 6 voc. First part. CANTUS. Essaudisci Signor le mie. LIsten, Listen O Lord, Listen, Listen O Lord unto my Prostrate pray╌er: Nor into judgement with thy Servant enter: For who is Just? For who is Just? The foul In╌fernall Tempter pursues my Soul with terrors of De╌spay'r: My heart's all inly vexed, My heart's all inly vexed, all inly vex╌ed. Yet I applied me to weigh thy Works, thy Wonders I obser╌ued: But to thy Mercy, but to thy Mercy the Chief place reserved: the Chief place reserved: Then Show my Sin, my Sin, Then show my Sin, my Sin, Then show my Sin, and in thy Service guide me. Of 6. voc. Second part. CANTUS. Socorrimi Signor. SVccour me Lord, Save me with expediti'on, with expedi╌ti'on, My Spirit fainteth, therefore mine affec╌ti'on, My Spirit fainteth, therefore mine affec╌ti'on, My Mind, my Soul, My Mind my Soul I lift with all Submissi'on: To thee my Lord, my God, my God and my Protec╌ti'on: and my Protecti'on: Draw me from Danger under thy Tu╌i╌ti'on; For I thy Servant am, For I thy Servant am by thine election. by thine, by thine election. by thine election. FINIS. ALTUS. MUSICA SACRA: TO Six Voices. Composed in the Italian tongue BY GIOVANNI CROCE. Newly Englished. IN LONDON PRINTED BY THOMAS ESTE, the assign of William Barley. 1608. To the virtuous Lovers of Music. THese Sonnets, composed first most exquisitely in Italian by Sⁱᵒʳ Francisco Bembo a Gentleman of Italy; were so admired of Giovan. Croce, one of the most excellent musicans of the world; as well for their Poesy, as Piety (the Substance of them being drawn from those seven notable Psalms called Penetentials; indicted by that Sweet Singer of Israel, inspired of the holy Spirit) as that he thought it worthy of his skill in Music, to apply them to this Harmony of Six parts; as well to honour their Author and his Composition, as to give a profitable Delight unto the virtuous. And myself often observing the general applause given these Songs when I have heard them song, (though sometimes without the words) thought it would be very grateful to many of our English lovers of Music, if they were translated, or imitated in our tongue: the rather, because through their want of understanding the Italian, they are deprived of a Chief part of their delight. For albeit that the very consent of the Note may sweetly strike the outward sense of the ear; yet it is the Ditty, which conveyed with the Music to the intellectual Soul, by the Organs of hearing, that doth touch the heart, and stir the affections either to jocondnes, or Sadness, Levity, or Gravity, according to the nature of the Composition: in which respect (especially) the articulate voice of man excelleth all other voices, and Instruments in the world. Besides I supposed, that the scarcity (not only in our tongue, but in all other vulgars') of Music in this kind, whereby men may be edified and God glorified, would make these the more acceptable; and peradventure be a motive to some of our excellent musicans to dedicate their divine skill to the Service of God, in Songs of this more Sanctified kind. In which respects; and for that I was encouraged thereto by some, Skilful in this Art: I have adventured to publish these (otherwise destinate to privacy) unto the view of the world: Although I am not Ignorant that in this curious age, it is likely to run the ordinary fortune (even of more exact labours) upon the Shelves of ridged censure: But the Gentle, will wink at small faults where they spy them: As for the Supercilious Critic if (after he have compared them with the Original) he dislike them: he may please himself, and do them all better: But do Ye accept them with a Sèrene brow, and use them to the glory of God, and your Laudable and Christian delight. Far ye well. Your well-willer R. H. FIRST SONNET Ex Psal. 6. LOrd, in thy wrath reprove me not sevearly, Nor punish me in thy deserved displeasure: Have mercy on my Sins exceeding measure, For full of fears, my Soul is vexed drearly. Save it (O Lord) Almighty most Supernal, Save it (alas) from th'euer-neuer Dying: For who in deep Hell (and fierce torments frying) Shall sing thy praise, or can extol th'eternal? Long have I languished in my grievous Sorrow's, My bed and bosom, with my tears I water: My foe's despite hath ploughd my face with furrows. But (now my Soul) let the ungodly scatter: Hence ye wicked, sith God (so gracious for us) Hath heard my moan, and doth regard my matter. Of 6. voc. First part. ALTUS. Signior non mi riprender. LOrd in thy wrath reprove me not sevearly, not sevearly, Lord in thy wrath reprove me not sevearly, Nor punish me in thy deserved displea╌sure: Have mercy, Have mer╌cie on my sins exceeding measure: For full of fears, my Soul is vex╌ed drearly. Save it O Lord Almighty, Save it O Lord Almightie-most, supernal, Save it Lord, Save it, alas, from th'ever-never Dying: For who in deep Hell, and fierce tor╌mentss frying, Shall sing thy praise, or can extol th'eternal? or can extol th'eternal? ex╌tol th'eternal? Of 6. voc. Second part. ALTUS. Penato ho lungament. LOng have I Languished in my grievous Sorrow's, my grie╌uous Sorrow's, My bed, and bosom, with my tear's I wa╌ter: My foe's Despite hath ploughed my face, My foe's Despite hath ploughed my face, My foe's Despite, My foe's Despite hath ploughed my face with furrow's. But now my Soul: But now my Soul let th'ungodly Scatter: Hence, hence ye wicked, Sith God so gracious for us, Sith God so gracious, God so gracious for us: hath heard my moan, and doth regard my matter. and doth regard, regard my matter. SECOND SONNET Ex Psal. 32. BLessed are they, whose faults (so oft forbidden) Have free forgiveness, and a full remission: And they whose Sins (of Act and of Omission) Are not Imputed, but in mercy hidden. Therefore my Crime I have confessed before thee; Which graciously (my God) thou hast forgiven: The more therefore I Laud thee (King of Heaven) And all thy Saints shall in due time adore thee. O thou my Refuge, and my Consolation, Deliver me my God which art Almighty: From Enemies that envy my Salvation. A many Rods pursue the Sinner (rightly) But those that place in thee their expectation, Grace shall embrace. joy ye that walk uprightly. Of 6. voc. First part. ALTUS. Beati quei. BLessed are they, whose faults so oft for╌bidden, whose faults so oft for╌bid╌den, Have free forgiveness and full remission: Have free forgiveness and a full remission: And they whose Sins of Act, And they whose sins, whose sins of Act, and of Omissi'on are not imputed, but in mercy hidden. Therefore my crime I have confessed before thee, which graci'ously (my God) thou hast for╌gi╌uen: The more therefore I Laud thee (King of Heaven) And all thy Saints, thy Saints, And all thy Saints shall in due time: All thy Saints shall in due time adore thee. Of 6. voc. Second part. ALTUS. Tu mio Refugio. O Thou my Refuge and my Conso╌la╌ti'on, and Conso╌la╌ti'on, and Conso╌lati'on, Deliver me my God, Deliver me my God, Deliver me my God which art Almighty: Almighty: From Enemies that envy my salvation. my Sal╌uati'on. A many Rods pursue the Sinner right╌ly; But those that place in thee their Expectati'on, Grace shall embrace. Grace shall embrace. Grace shall embrace. joy ye that walk uprightly. uprightly. joy ye that walk uprightly. joy ye that walk up╌rightly. THIRD SONNET Ex Psal. 38. LOrd, in thine Anger do no more reprove me, Nor in thy Fury multiply my Sorrows; For in my flesh I Feel thy fearful Arrows: Thy heavy hand doth unto Goodness move me. Sick, in itself my Soul doth Sigh and Languish: Because my Sins so Wholly overcame me, Sorely afflicted, and all humbled am I; And in my plaint, my heart Roars out for Anguish. My Strength even fails me, and my Sight hath fled me, And every one Endeavours to undo me, But I, as Deaf, the while with Dumbnes sped me. In thee I hope (my GOD) Ah listen to me: Ah, Leave me not (thou that canst best bestead me) Thou my Salvation, and Comfort sole unto me. Of 6. voc. First part. ALTUS. Signor nel tuo furor. LOrd in thine Anger do no more reprove me: Nor in thy Fury multiply my Sor╌row'ss: For in my Flesh, I feel; For in my Flesh I feel thy fearful Arrows; Thy heavy hand doth unto goodness move me. Sick, in itself my Soul doth Sigh and Languish: doth Sigh and Lan╌guish: Because my Sins so wholly overcame me: Sorely afflicted, afflicted, and all humbled am I: and all humbled am I: And in my plaint my heart Roars out, Roars out, Roars out, Roars out, for an╌guish. for an╌guish. Of 6 voc. Second part. ALTUS. Già la virtù mi lascia. MY Strength even fails, even fails me: And my Sight, my Sight hath fled me, hath fled me, fled me, hath fled me, fled me, And every one Endeavours to un╌doo me: But I, as Deafened, the while with Dumbnes, Dumbnes sped me. In thee I hope (my GOD) Ah listen, listen, Ah listen to me. Ah, Ah leave thou me not: Ah leave thou me not, Thou, my Saluati╌on: thou my Salvation, and Comfort sole unto me: and Comfort sole: and Comfort sole un╌to me: and Comfort sole unto me. FOURTH SONNET Ex Psal. 51. Show mercy Lord on me most heinous Sinner, And mortify my Sin so grievous guilty; O cleanse me from it, Purify me Filthy; For in thy sight Lord I am only Sinner. In Sin (thou knowst) my Sinful mother bore me: But O thou Guide unto the heavenly City, Wash, wash my Soul in Laver of thy Pity, So shall no Snow in whiteness go before me. Give me a clean heart, an untainted Spirit; And of thy Grace, and Face bereave me never; So shall I more adore thy Name and fear it, And to thy Service more and more endeavour: Sith broken hearts (as doth thy Voice aver it) Are th'only Sacrifice thou Joyest in ever. Of 6. voc. First part. ALTUS. Habbi di me Signior. Show mercy O Lord on me, most heinous Sinner; And mortify my Sin, my Sin so grievous guilty: O cleanse me from it, and Purify me Filthy, and Purify me, Purify me Filthy: For in thy sight O Lord, I am only Sinner. In Sin thou knowest my Sinful Mother bore me: But O thou Guide, thou Guide, thou Guide unto the heavenly, heavenly City, Wash, wash my Soul in Laver of thy pity; So shall no Snow, no Snow in whiteness go before me. So shall no Snow, no Snow, So shall no Snow, no Snow in whiteness go before me. In whiteness go before me. Of 6. voc. Second part. ALTUS. Dammi un cor mondo Give me a clean heart, an untainted Spirit: an untainted an untainted Spirit: And of thy Grace and Face bereare me never: And of thy Grace and Face bereave me never; So shall I more adore, So shall I more adore thy name, thy name and fear it: thy name, thy name and fear it: thy name and fear it: And to, And to thy Service more and more Endeavour: Sith broken hearts, as doth thy voice aver it: Sith broken hearts as doth thy voice aver it, Are th'only Sacrifice, thou joyest in E╌uer. thou joyest in ever. FIFT SONNET Ex Psal. 102. hearken O Lord unto mine humble plainings, Hid not thy Face for ever in thine Anger: My Days do vade as Smoke, my heart in Langor: hies (Flies) to thee: why Shu'nst thou my complainings? Friends have I none; now from me All are flying: In stead of Bread I have been fed with Ashes, My Drink my Tears; while I have felt the Lashes Of thy fierce Wrath, for all mine often Crying. All Kings and nations shall admire thy Glory, When thou, the Sighs of humble Souls attendest; It shall be Writ in an Eternal Story. Ah! Leave me not, Thou, thou that All Defendest, That madest All; (Heaven, Earth, and Ocean hoary;) That never didst Begin, and never Endest. Of 6. voc. First part. ALTUS. Essaudisci Signior. gli humil miei preghi. hearken Lord unto mine humble plainings; Hid not thy face for ever in thine Anger: My Days do vade, do vade as Smoke, do vade as Smoke, My heart in Langor, hies (flies) to thee, hies (flies) to thee, why Shun'st thou my complainings? Friends have I none, Friends have I none, now from me All are flying: In stead of Bread, of Bread, In stead of Bread, I have been fed, I have been fed with A╌sheses, My Drink my Tear's; while I have felt the Lashes Of thy fierce Wrath, while I have felt the Lashes Of thy fierce Wrath, for all, for all mine often Cry. Of 6. voc. Second part. ALTUS. Sarà ogni Rè, ogni Popolo. ALL Kings and nations shall admire, admi╌er thy Glo╌ry, When thou the Sighs of humble Souls attendest; When thou the Sighs of humble Souls attendest; It shall be Writ in an Eternal Story. It shall be Writ, It shall be Writ in an Eternal Story. in an Eternal Story. Ah! Leave me not thou, Thou that All Defendest, that All Defendest, That madest All (Heaven, Earth, and Oce'an) That madest All (Heaven, Earth, and Oce'an hoa╌rie) That never didst begin, and never Endest. and ne╌ver En╌dest. sixth SONNET Ex Psal. 102. FRom profound CENTRE of my heart I cried To thee O Lord, LORD let thine EAR draw near me, To note my MOURNINGS, and quickly hear me; Hear my Sad GROANS, to thy Sweet GRACE applied. LORD, if thou look with RIGOUR down into US, To mark our SIN, O who shall then abide it? But, if with PARDON thou be pleased to hide it (If MERCY thou Vouchsafe) What shall Undo US? Upon thy WORD my SOUL hath firmly reared Her Tower of TRVST, there is my HOPE possessed; With thee is MERCY, that thou mayst be feared; MERCY, for those that are in soul depressed, ISRAEL'S Redeemer, Whom thou hast endeared Beecoms through thee, of SINNER, SAINT and BLESSEDS. Of 6. voc. First part. ALTUS. Dalinea profondo del core. FRom Profound Centre of my heart, of my heart to thee I cried, I cried, to thee I cried O Lord, Lord let thine ear draw near me, To note my mourning, to note my mourning; and quickly hear me: and quickly hear me: Hear my Sad Groaning to thy Sweet Grace, to thy Sweet Grace apply╌ed: to thy Sweet Grace applied. Lord if thou look with Rigour down into Us, to mark our Sin, our Sin, O who shall then abide it? Who shall then abide it? But if with pardon thou be pleased to hide it, be pleased to hide it. (If thou Mercy vouchsafe) what shall undo Us? what shall undo Us? if thou Mercy vouchsafe, if thou Mercy vouchsafest, what shall undo, undo us? what shall un╌doo Us? Of 6. voc. Second part. ALTUS. Ne la parola tua. Upon thy Word my Soul, upon thy Word my Soul hath firmly Rea╌red her Tower of Trust, there is my Hope possessed; for with thee, with thee is Mercy that thou mayst be feared; Mercy, for those that are in Soul depres╌sed, in Soul depres╌sed. is╌ra╌el's Redeemer, Whom thou hast endeared, Whom thou hast endeared, whom thou hast endeared, becomes through thee, of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Bles╌sed. of Sinner, Saint and Bles╌sed. seventh SONNET Ex Psal. 143 LIsten O LORD unto my Prostrate PRAYER, Nor into JUDGEMENT with thy Servant enter: For who is JUST? The soul infernal TEMPTER Pursues my SOUL with Terrors of DESPAIR. My heart's all inly Vexed. Yet I applied me To weigh thy Works, thy Wonders I observed, But to thy MERCY the Chief place reserved? Then Show my SIN, and in thy Service guide me. Secure me LORD, Save me with expedition, My SPIRIT fainteth: therefore mine affection, My MIND, my SOUL, I lift (with all Submission) To thee my LORD, my GOD, and my protection: Draw me from DANGER under thy Tuition, For I thy Servant am by thine Election. Of 6 voc. First part. ALTUS. Essaudisci Signor le miei LIsten, Listen O Lord unto my Prostrate prayer: unto my Prostrate prayer: Nor into judgement with thy Servant enter: For who, O who is Just? For who, O who is Just? The foul In╌fernall Tempter, The foul infernal Tempter pursues my Soul with terrors of Despay'r: My heart's all inly vexed, inly vexed. Yet I applied me to weigh thy works, thy wonders I observed: But to thy Mercy, but to thy Mercy the Chief place reserved: the chief place reserved: Then Show my Sin, then show my Sin, my Sin, then show my Sin, and in thy Service guide me. thy Service guide me. Of 6. voc. Second part. ALTUS. Socorrimi Signor. SVccour me Lord, Save me with expediti'on, with expediti'on, My Spirit fainteth: therefore mine affecti'on, My Spirit fainteth, fainteth, My Spirit fainteth, fainteth: therefore mine affec╌ti'on, My Mind, my Soul I lift with all Submis╌si'on, with all Submissi'on, To thee my Lord, my God, my God▪ and my Protecti'on: and my Protec╌ti'on: Draw me from Danger, Draw me from Danger under thy Tuiti'on; For I thy Servant am, For I thy Servant am by thine election. by thine Elec╌ti'on. FINIS TENOR. MUSICA SACRA: TO Six Voices. Composed in the Italian tongue BY GIOVANNI CROCE. Newly Englished. IN LONDON PRINTED BY THOMAS ESTE, the assign of William Barley. 1608. To the virtuous Lovers of Music. THese Sonnets, composed first most exquisitely in Italian by Sⁱᵒʳ Francisco Bembo a Gentleman of Italy; were so admired of Giovan. Croce, one of the most excellent musicans of the world; as well for their Poesy, as Piety (the Substance of them being drawn from those seven notable Psalms called Penetentials; indicted by that Sweet Singer of Israel, inspired of the holy Spirit) as that he thought it worthy of his skill in Music, to apply them to this Harmony of Six parts; as well to honour their Author and his Composition, as to give a profitable Delight unto the virtuous. And myself often observing the general applause given these Songs when I have heard them song, (though sometimes without the words) thought it would be very grateful to many of our English lovers of Music, if they were translated, or imitated in our tongue: the rather, because through their want of understanding the Italian, they are deprived of a Chief part of their delight. For albeit that the very consent of the Note may sweetly strike the outward sense of the ear; yet it is the Ditty, which conveyed with the Music to the intellectual Soul, by the Organs of hearing, that doth touch the heart, and stir the affections either to jocondnes, or Sadness, Levity, or Gravity, according to the nature of the Composition: in which respect (especially) the articulate voice of man excelleth all other voices, and Instruments in the world. Besides I supposed, that the scarcity (not only in our tongue, but in all other vulgars') of Music in this kind, whereby men may be edified and God glorified, would make these the more acceptable; and peradventure be a motive to some of our excellent musicans to dedicate their divine skill to the Service of God, in Songs of this more Sanctified kind In which respects; and for that I was encouraged thereto by some, Skilful in this Art: I have adventured to publish these (otherwise destinate to privacy) unto the view of the world: Although I am not Ignorant that in this curious age, it is likely to run the ordinary fortune (even of more exact labours) upon the Shelves of ridged censure: But the Gentle, will wink at small faults where they spy them: As for the Supercilious Critic if (after he have compared them with the Original) he dislike them: he may please himself, and do them all better: But do Ye accept them with a Sèrene brow, and use them to the glory of God, and your Laudable and Christian delight. Far ye well. Your well-willer R. H. FIRST SONNET Ex Psal. 6 LOrd, in thy wrath reprove me not sevearly, Nor punish me in thy deserved displeasure: Have mercy on my Sins exceeding measure, For full of fears, my Soul is vexed drearly. Save it (O Lord) Almightie-most Supernal, Save it (alas) from th'euer-neuer Dying: For who in deep Hell (and fierce Torments frying) Shall sing thy praise, or can extol th'eternal? Long have I Languished in my grievous Sorrow's, My Bed and bosom, with my tears I water: My foe's Despite hath ploughd my face with furrows. But (now my Soul) let the ungodly Scatter: Hence ye wicked, sith God (so gracious for us). Hath heard my moan, and doth regard my matter. Of 6. voc. First part. TENOR. Signior non mi riprender. LOrd, in thy wrath reprove me not sevearly, Lord in thy wrath reprove me not: Lord in thy wrath reprove me not sevearly, Nor punish me in thy deserved displeasure: Have mercy on my Sins exceeding mea╌sure: For full of fears, my Soul is vex╌ed drear╌ly. Save it O Lord Almighty most Supernal, Save it O Lord Almighty: Save it, alas, from th'ever ne╌uer Dying: For who in deep Hell, and fierce Tor╌mentss frying, Shall sing thy praise, or can extol th'eternal? or can extol, or can extol th'eternal? Of 6. voc. Second part. TENOR. Penato ho lungament. LOng have I Lan╌guisht, Long have I Languished in my grievous Sor╌row'ss: My Bed and bosom, with my tear's I water: My foe's Despite hath ploughed my face with furrow's: My foe's Despite hath ploughed my face with furrow's: hath ploughed my face, hath ploughed my face with furrow's: But now my Soul, my Soul, let th'ungodly Scat╌ter: Hence, hence ye wicked; Sith God so gracious, Sith God so gracious; God so gracious, God so gracio'us for us: Hath heard my moan, and doth regard my mat╌ter. and doth regard, regard my mat╌ter. SECOND SONNET Ex Psal. 32 BLessed are they, whose faults (so oft forbidden) Have free forgiveness, and a full remission: And they whose Sins (of Act and of Omission) Are not Imputed, but in mercy hidden. Therefore my Crime I have confessed before thee; Which graciously (my God) thou hast forgiven: The more therefore I Laud thee (King of Heaven) And all thy Saints shall in due time adore thee. O thou my Refuge, and my Consolation, Deliver me my God which art Almighty: From Enemies that envy my Salvation. A many Rods pursue the Sinner (rightly) But those that place in thee their expectation, Grace shall embrace. joy ye that walk uprightly. Of 6. voc. First part. TENOR. Beati quei. BLessed are they, whose faults so oft forbidden, whose faults so oft forbidden, Have free forgiveness and a full remission: Have free forgiveness, and a full remission: And they whose Sins, And they whose Sins, whose Sins of Act, and of Omissi'on, Are not Imputed, but in mercy hidden. Therefore my Crime, Therefore my Crime I have confessed before thee, Which graci'ously (my God) thou hast forgiven: The more therefore I Laud, thee (King of Heaven) And all thy Saints shall in due time, all thy Saints shall in due time, And all thy Saints shall in due time adore thee. Of 6. voc. Second part. TENOR. Tu mio Refugio. O Thou my Refuge and my Conso╌la╌ti'on, my Conso╌la╌ti'on, Deliver me my God, which art Almighty: which art Almighty: From E╌nemieses that en╌uie my salvation. my Sal╌uati'on. A many Rods pursue the Sin╌ner rightly; But those that place in thee their Expectati'on, Grace shall embrace. Grace shall embrace. Grace shall embrace. joy ye that walk uprightly. uprightly. joy ye that walk uprightly. joy ye that walk uprightly. THIRD SONNET Ex Psal. 38 LOrd, in thine Anger do no more reprove me, Nor in thy Fury multiply my Sorrows; For in my flesh I Feel thy fearful Arrows: Thy heavy hand doth unto Goodness move me. Sick, in itself my Soul doth Sigh and Languish: Because my Sins so Wholly overcame me, Sorely afflicted, and all humbled am I; And in my plaint, my heart Roars out for Anguish. My Strength even fails me, and my Sight hath fled me, And every one Endeavours to undo me, But I as Deaf, the while with Dumbnes sped me. In thee I hope (my GOD) Ah listen to me: Ah, Leave me not (thou that canst best bestead me) Thou my Salvation, and Comfort sole unto me. Of 6. voc. First part. TENOR. Signor nel tuo furor. LOrd in thine Anger do no more reprove me: Nor in thy Fury multiply my Sorrow's: For in my flesh I Feel; in my Flesh I feel thy fearful Arrows; Thy heavy hand doth unto Goodness move me. Sick, in itself my Soul doth Sigh and Languish; doth Sigh and Lan╌guish: Because my Sins so wholly, because my Sins so wholly overcame me: Sorely afflicted, afflicted, and all humbled am I: And in my plaint my heart Roars out, Roars out, Roars out, for an╌guish. for an╌guish. Of 6 voc. Second part. TENOR. Già la virtù mi lascia. MY Strength even fails, even fails me, And my Sight, my Sight hath fled me, fled me, hath fled me, fled me: And every one Endeavours, Endeavours to undo me: But I as Deafened, the while with Dumbnes, Dumbnes sped me. In thee I hope (my GOD) Ah listen, listen to me. Ah! Ah Leave thou me not: Ah Leave thou me not, Thou, my salvation, thou my salvation, and Comfort sole, and Comfort sole, and Comfort sole, and Comfort sole unto me, and Comfort sole unto me. unto me. FOURTH SONNET Ex Psal. 51 Show mercy Lord on me most heinous Sinner, And mortify my Sin so grievous guilty; O cleanse me from it, Purify me Filthy; For in thy sight Lord I am only Sinner. In Sin (thou knowst) my Sinful mother bore me: But O thou Guide unto the heavenly City, Wash, wash my Soul in Laver of thy Pity, So shall no Snow in whiteness go before me. Give me a clean heart, an untainted Spirit; And of thy Grace, and Face bereave me never; So shall I more adore thy Name and fear it, And to thy Service more and more endeavour: Sith broken hearts (as doth thy Voice aver it) Are th'only Sacrifice thou Joyest in ever. Of 6. voc. First part. TENOR. Habbi di me Signior. Show mercy Lord on me, O Lord on me, most heinous Sinner; And mortify my Sin, my Sin so grievous guilty: so grievous guilty: O cleanse me from it, And Purify me Fil╌thy, me Filthy, and Purify me Filthy, me Filthy: For in thy Sight Lord I am only, only Sinner. In Sin thou knowest my Sinful Mother bore me: Thou Guide unto the heavenly Cit╌tie: Wash, O wash my Soul in Laver of thy pity; So shall no Snow, no Snow, So shall no Snow in whiteness go before me. So shall no Snow, no Snow: So shall no Snow, no Snow in whiteness go before me. Of 6. voc. Second part. TENOR. Dammi un cor mondo. Give me a clean heart, an untainted Spirit, an untainted Spirit: And of thy Grace and Face bereave me never: And of thy Grace and Face, And of thy Grace and Face bereave me never: So shall I more adore thy Name, and fear it: thy Name and fear it: thy Name and fear, thy Name and fear it: And to thy Service more and more, and more Endeavour: Are th'only Sa╌crifice thou Joyest in E╌uer. Are th'only Sacrifice thou joyest in Ever. thou joyest in Ever. FIFT SONNET Ex Psal. 102 hearken O Lord unto mine humble plainings, Hid not thy Face for ever in thine Anger: My Days do vade as Smoke, my heart in Langor, hies (Flies) to thee: why Shu'nst thou my complainings? Friends have I none; now from me All are flying: In stead of Bread I have been fed with Ashes, My Drink my Tears; while I have felt the Lashes Of thy fierce Wrath, for all mine often Crying. All Kings and nations shall admire thy Glory, When thou, the Sighs of humble Souls attendest; It shall be Writ in an Eternal Story. Ah! Leave me not, Thou, thou that All Defendest, That madest All (Heaven, Earth, and Ocean hoary) That never didst Begin, and never Endest. Of 6. voc. First part. TENOR. Essaudisci Signior, gli'humil miei preghi. hearken Lord unto mine humble Play╌ningss, Hid not thy face for ever in thine Anger: My Days do vade, do vade as Smoke, do vade as Smoke, My heart in Lan╌gor, hies (flies) to thee, why Shun'st thou my complainings? my complainings? Friends have I none, Friends have I none, now from me All are flying: In stead of Bread, I have been fed with Ashes: In stead of Bread I have been fed with Ashes: My Drink my Tear's; While I have felt the Lashes, Of thy fierce Wrath, While I have felt the Lashes, For all, for all mine often Cry. Of 6. voc. Second part. TENOR. Sarà ogni Rè, ogni Popolo. ALL Kings and nations shall admire, admire thy Glo╌ry, When thou the Sighs of th'umble, When thou the Sighs of humble Souls atten╌dest; It shall be Writ in an Eternal Story. It shall be Writ, It shall be Writ, in an Eternal Story. in an Eternal Story. Ah! Leave me not thou, Thou that All Defendest, That madest All, That madest All (Heaven, Earth, and Oce'an, Heaven, Earth, and Oce'an hoary) That never didst Begin, and never En╌dest. and never Endest. sixth SONNET Ex Psal. 102 FRom profound CENTRE of my heart I cried To thee O Lord, LORD let thine EAR draw near me, To note my MOURNINGS, and quickly hear me; Hear my Sad GROANS, to thy Sweet GRACE applied. LORD, if thou look with RIGOUR down into US, To mark our SIN, O who shall then abide it? But, if with PARDON thou be pleased to hide it (If MERCY thou Vouchsafe) What shall Undo US? Upon thy WORD my SOUL hath firmly reared Her Tower of TRVST, there is my HOPE possessed; With thee is MERCY, that thou mayst be feared; MERCY, for those that are in soul depressed. ISRAEL'S Redeemer, Whom thou hast endeared Beecoms through thee, of SINNER, SAINT, and BLESSED. Of 6. voc. First part. TENOR. Dalinea profondo del core. FRom Profound Centre of my heart, to thee I cried, I cried: to thee I cried O Lord, O Lord, Lord let thine ear draw near me, To note my mourning; To note my mourning; and quickly hear me: and quickly hear me: Hear my Sad Groans to thy Sweet Grace, To thy Sweet Grace: To thy Sweet Grace apply'ed: Lord, if thou look with Rigour down into Us, to mark our Sins, O who shall then abide it? who shall abide it? But if thou be pleased: But if with pardon thou be pleased to hide it, (If thou Mercy vouchsafe) what shall undo Us? (if thou Mercy vouchsafe, What shall undo Us? What shall undo Us? What shall undo Us? Of 6. voc. Second part. TENOR. Ne la parola tua. Upon thy Word my Soul, hath firmly reared: hath firmly reared her Tower of Trust; There is my Hope possessed; for with thee is Mercy, that thou mayst be fea╌red; Mercy, for those, that are depressed, in Soul depressed. is╌ra╌el's Redeemer, Is╌ra╌els Redeemer: Whom thou hast endeared, becomes through thee, of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. and Blessed. seventh SONNET Ex Psal. 143 LIsten O LORD unto my Prostrate PRAYER, Nor into JUDGEMENT with thy Servant enter: For who is JUST? The foul infernal TEMPTER Pursues my SOUL with Terrors of DESPAIR. My heart's all inly Vexed. Yet I applied me To weigh thy Works, thy Wonders I observed, But to thy MERCY the Chief place reserved; Then Show my SIN, and in thy Service guide me. Secure me LORD, Save me with expedition; My SPIRIT fainteth: therefore mine affection, My MIND, my SOUL, I lift (with all Submission) To thee my LORD, my GOD, and my protection: Draw me from DANGER under thy Tuition, For I thy Servant am by thine Election. Of 6 voc. First part. TENOR. Essaudisci Signor le mie. LIsten, Listen O Lord unto my Prostrate prayer, Prostrate prayer, Nor into judgement with thy Servant enter: For who, O who is Just? For who, is Just? The foul In╌fernall Tempter pursues my Soul with terrors, with terrors of Despay'r. My heart's all inly vexed: My heart's all inly vexed: all inly vexed: Yet I applied me to weigh thy Works, thy Wonders I ob╌serued, But to thy Mercy, But to thy Mercy the Chief place reserved: the Chief place reserved: Then Show my Sin, and in thy Service guide me. Then show my Sin, Then show my Sin, Then show my Sin, and in thy Service guide me. Of 6. voc. Second part. TENOR. Socorrimi Signor. SVccour me Lord, Save me, save me with expe╌di╌ti'on, with expe╌di╌ti'on, with expe╌di╌ti╌on, My Spirit fainteth, My Spirit fainteth, therefore mine affec╌ti'on, My Mind, my Soul I lift, my Mind my Soul I lift with all Submissi'on, To thee my Lord, my God, my God, and my Protecti'on: my God, and my Protecti'on: Draw me from Danger under thy Tu╌i╌ti'on; Draw me from Danger, draw me from Danger under thy Tu╌i╌ti'on; For I thy Servant am, For I thy Servant am by thine by thine election. by thine election. by thine election. FINIS. QVINTUS. MUSICA SACRA: TO Six Voices. Composed in the Italian tongue BY GIOVANNI CROCE. Newly Englished. IN LONDON PRINTED BY THOMAS ESTE, the assign of William Barley. 1608. To the virtuous Lovers of Music. THese Sonnets, composed first most exquisitely in Italian by Sⁱᵒʳ Francisco Bembo a Gentleman of Italy; were so admired of Giovan. Croce, one of the most excellent musicans of the world; as well for their Poesy, as Piety (the Substance of them being drawn from those seven notable Psalms called Penetentials; indicted by that Sweet Singer of Israel, inspired of the holy Spirit) as that he thought it worthy of his skill in Music, to apply them to this Harmony of Six parts; as well to honour their Author and his Composition, as to give a profitable Delight unto the virtuous. And myself often observing the general applause given these Songs when I have heard them song, (though sometimes without the words) thought it would be very grateful to many of our English lovers of Music, if they were translated, or imitated in our tongue: the rather, because through their want of understanding the Italian, they are deprived of a Chief part of their delight. For albeit that the very consent of the Note may sweetly strike the outward sense of the ear; yet it is the Ditty, which conveyed with the Music to the intellectual Soul, by the Organs of hearing, that doth touch the heart, and stir the affections either to jocondnes, or Sadness, Levity, or Gravity, according to the nature of the Composition: in which respect (especially) the articulate voice of man excelleth all other voices, and Instruments in the world. Besides I supposed, that the scarcity (not only in our tongue, but in all other vulgars') of Music in this kind, whereby men may be edified and God glorified, would make these the more acceptable; and peradventure be a motive to some of our excellent musicans to dedicate their divine skill to the Service of God, in Songs of this more Sanctified kind In which respects; and for that I was encouraged thereto by some, Skilful in this Art: I have adventured to publish these (otherwise destinate to privacy) unto the view of the world: Although I am not Ignorant that in this curious age, it is likely to run the ordinary fortune (even of more exact labours) upon the Shelves of ridged censure: But the Gentle, will wink at small faults where they spy them: As for the Supercilious Critic if (after he have compared them with the Original) he dislike them: he may please himself, and do them all better: But do Ye accept them with a Sèrene brow, and use them to the glory of God, and your Laudable and Christian delight. Far ye well. Your well-willer R. H. FIRST SONNET Ex Psal. 6 LOrd, in thy wrath reprove me not sevearly, Nor punish me in thy deserved displeasure: Have mercy on my Sins exceeding measure, For full of fears, my Soul is vexed drearly. Save it (O Lord) Almightie-most Supernal, Save it (alas) from th'euer-neuer Dying: For who in deep Hell (and fierce Torments frying) Shall sing thy praise, or can extol th'eternal? Long have I Languished in my grievous Sorrow's, My bed and bosom, with my tears I water: My foe's Despite hath ploughd my face with furrows. But (now my Soul) let the ungodly Scatter: Hence ye wicked, sith God (so gracious for us) Hath heard my moan, and doth regard my matter. Of 6. voc. First part. QVINTUS. Signior non mi riprender. LOrd in thy wrath reprove me not sevearly, in thy wrath reprove me not: Lord in thy wrath reprove me not sevearly: not sevearly: Nor punish me in thy deserved displeasure: Have mercy, Have mercy on my Sins exceeding measure: For full of fears, my Soul, is vexed drear╌ly. Save it O Lord Almighty: Save it O Lord Almighty, Save it O Lord Almightie-most Supernal: Save it alas, from th'ever-never Dy╌ing: For who in deep Hell, deep Hell, and fierce Tor╌mentss frying, Shall sing thy praise, or can extol th'eternal? or can extol th'eternal? th'eternal? Of 6. voc. Second part. QVINTUS. Penato ho lungament. LOng have I Languished in my grievous Sorrow's: Long have I Languished in my grievous Sorrow's: in my grievous. Sorrow's: My Bed and bosom, with my tear's I water: My foe's Despite, hath ploughed my face: My foe's Despite hath ploughed my face with furrow's: My foe's Despite hath ploughed my face with furrow's. But now my Soul, my Soul, But now my Soul let th'ungodly, th'ungodly. Seat╌ter: Hence, hence ye wicked; Sith God so gracious for us, Sith God so gracious for us: Hath heard my moan, and doth regard my matter. and doth regard, regard my matter. SECOND SONNET Ex Psal. 32 BLessed are they, whose faults (so oft forbidden) Have free forgiveness, and a full remission: And they whose Sins (of Act and of Omission) Are not Imputed, but in mercy hidden. Therefore my Crime I have confessed before thee; Which graciously (my God) thou hast forgiven: The more therefore I Laud thee (King of Heaven) And all thy Saints shall in due time adore thee. O thou my Refuge, and my Consolation, Deliver me my God which art Almighty: From Enemies that envy my Salvation. A many Rods pursue the Sinner (rightly) But those that place in thee their expectation, Grace shall embrace. joy ye that walk uprightly. Of 6. voc. First part. QVINTUS. Beati quei. BLessed are they, whose faults so oft forbid╌den, whose faults so oft forbidden, Have free forgiveness and full remission: Have free forgiveness, and full remission: And a full remission: And they whose Sins of Act, And they whose Sins, whose Sins of Act, and of Omis╌si'on, Omis╌si'on; Are not Imputed, but in mercy hid╌den. Therefore my Crime, Therefore my Crime I have confessed before thee, Which graci'ously (my God) thou hast forgiven: The more therefore I Laud, I Laud thee (King of Heaven) In due time adore thee. And all thy Saints shall in due time adore thee. in due time, in due time adore thee. Of 6. voc. Second part. QVINTUS. Tu mio Refugio. O Thou my Refuge, and my Conso╌la╌ti'on, and my Conso╌lati'on, De╌liver me my God which art Almighty; De╌liver me my God which art Almigh╌tie, From Enemies, that en╌uie my salvation, my Sal╌ua╌ti'on. A many Rods pursue the Sinner right╌ly, But those that place in thee, their Expecta╌ti'on, Grace shall embrace. Grace shall embrace. Grace shall embrace. joy ye that walk uprightly. joy ye that walk uprightly. joy ye that walk uprightly. THIRD SONNET Ex Psal. 38 LOrd, in thine Anger do no more reprove me, Nor in thy Fury multiply my Sorrows; For in my flesh I Feel thy fearful Arrows: Thy heavy hand doth unto Goodness move me. Sick, in itself my Soul doth Sigh and Languish: Because my Sins so Wholly overcame me, Sorely afflicted, and all humbled am I; And in my plaint, my heart Roars out for Anguish. My Strength even fails me, and my Sight hath fled me, And every one Endeavours to undo me, But I as Deaf, the while with Dumbnes sped me. In thee I hope (my GOD) Ah listen to me: Ah, Leave me not (thou that canst best bestead me) Thou my Salvation, and Comfort sole unto me. Of 6. voc. First part. QVINTUS. Signor nel tuo furor. LOrd in thine Anger do no more reprove me: Nor in thy Fury multiply my Sor╌rowss, multiply my Sor╌rowss: For in my flesh I Feel; in my Flesh I Feel thy fearful Arrows: Thy heavy hand doth unto Goodness move me. Sick in itself my Soul doth Sigh, and Lan╌guish: Because my Sins so wholly overcame me: overcame. me. Sorely, afflicted, afflicted, and all humbled am I; and all humbled am I; And in my plaint my heart Roars out, Roars out, Roars out, for an╌guish. for an╌guish. Of 6 voc. Second part. QVINTUS. Già la virtù mi lascia. MY Strength even fails, even fails me, And my Sight, my Sight, and my Sight, my Sight hath fled me, fled me, hath fled me, fled me: And every one Endeavours to undo me: But I as Deafened, the while with Dumbnes, Dumbnes sped me In thee I hope (my GOD) Ah listen, Ah, listen to me. Ah listen to me: Ah! Ah Leave thou me not: Ah Leave thou me not, Thou, my salvation, thou my salvation, and Comfort sole, and Comfort sole unto me. and Comfort sole, and Comfort sole unto me. FOURTH SONNET Ex Psal. 51 Show mercy Lord on me most heinous Sinner, And mortify my Sin so grievous guilty; O cleanse me from it, Purify me Filthy; For in thy sight Lord I am only Sinner. In Sin (thou knowst) my Sinful mother bore me: But O thou Guide unto the heavenly City, Wash, wash my Soul in Laver of thy Pity, So shall no Snow in whiteness go before me. Give me a clean heart, an untainted Spirit; And of thy Grace, and Face bereave me never; So shall I more adore thy Name and fear it, And to thy Service more and more endeavour: Sith broken hearts (as doth thy Voice aver it) Are th'only Sacrifice thou Joyest in ever. Of 6. voc. First part. QNINTUS. Habbi di me Signior. Show mercy Lord on me, O Lord on me, most heinous heinous Sinner; And mortify my Sin, my Sin so grievous, grievous guilty: O cleanse me from it, And Purify me Filthy, and Purify me Fil╌thy, and Purify me Filthy: For in thy Sight O Lord I am only Sinner. In Sin thou knowest my Sinful Mother. bore me: But O thou Guide unto the heau'n╌ly City: Wash, O wash my Soul in Laver of thy pity; So shall no Snow, no Snow, in whiteness, So shall no Snow, no Snow, So shall no Snow, no Snow in whiteness go before me. So shall no Snow, no Snow in whiteness go before me. Of 6. voc. Second part. QVINTUS. Dammi un cor mondo Give me a clean heart, an untainted. an untainted Spirit: an untainted Spirit: And of thy Grace and Face bereave me never: And of thy Grace and Face bereave me never: bereave me never. So shall I more adore thy Name, and fear it: and fear it: thy Name and fear it: thy Name and fear it: And to thy Service more and more, thy Service more and more, and more Endeavour: Are th'only Sa╌crifice thou joyest in E╌uer. Are th'only Sacrifice thou joyest in E╌uer. thou joyest in E╌uer. FIFT SONNET Ex Psal. 102 hearken O Lord unto mine humble plainings, Hid not thy Face for ever in thine Anger: My Days do vade as Smoke, my heart in Langor, hies (Flies) to thee: why Shu'nst thou my complainings? Friends have I none; now from me All are flying: In stead of Bread I have been fed with Ashes, My Drink my Tears; while I have felt the Lashes Of thy fierce Wrath, for all mine often Crying. All Kings and nations shall admire thy Glory, When thou, the Sighs of humble Souls attendest; It shall be Writ in an Eternal Story. Ah! Leave me not, Thou, thou that All Defendest, That madest All (Heaven, Earth, and Ocean hoary) That never didst Begin, and never Endest. Of 6. voc. First part. QVINTUS. Essaudisci Signior, gli'humil miei preghi. hearken Lord unto mine humble Play╌ningss; Hid not thy face for ever, in thine An╌ger: My Days do vade, do vade as Smoke, My days do vade as Smoke, My heart in Langor, hies (flies) to thee, why Shun'st thou my Com╌playningss? hies (flies) to thee, why Shun'st thou my complainings? Friends have I none, now from me All are fly╌ing: In stead of Bread, In stead of Bread, I have been fed I have been fed with Ashes: My Drink, my Tear's; While I have felt the Lashes, Of thy fierce Wrath, For all, for all mine often Cry. Of 6. voc. Second part. QVINTUS. Sarà ogni Rè, ogni Popolo. ALL Kings and nations, shall admire, ad╌mi-er thy Glo╌ry, When thou the Sighs of humble Souls attendest, of humble Souls, When thou the Sighs of humble Souls attendest; It shall be Writ, in an Eternal Sto╌rie; It shall be Writ, It shall be Writ, in an Eternal Story. in an Eternal Story. Ah Leave me not thou; Thou that All Defen╌dest: That madest All, That madest All, That madest All (Heaven, Earth, and Oce'an hoary, hoa╌ry) That never didst Begin, and never En╌dest. and ne╌ver En╌dest. sixth SONNET Ex Psal. 102 FRom profound CENTRE of my heart I cried To thee O Lord, LORD let thine EAR draw near me, To note my MOURNINGS, and quickly hear me; Hear my Sad GROANS, to thy Sweet GRACE applied. LORD, if thou look with RIGOUR down into US, To mark our SIN, O who shall then abide it? But, if with PARDON thou be pleased to hide it (If MERCY thou Vouchsafe) What shall Undo US? Upon thy WORD my SOUL hath firmly reared Her Tower of TRVST, there is my HOPE possessed; With thee is MERCY, that thou mayst be feared; MERCY, for those that are in soul depressed. ISRAEL'S Redeemer, Whom thou hast endeared Beecoms through thee, of SINNER, SAINT, and BLESSED. Of 6. voc. First part. QVINTUS. Dalinea profondo del core. FRom Profound Centre of my heart, to thee I cried, to thee I cried O Lord, O Lord, Lord let thine ear draw near me, To note my mourning; and quickly hear me: & quickly hear me: Hear my Sad Groans to thy Sweet Grace applied. to thy Sweet Grace apply'ed. Lord, if thou look with Rigour down into us, to mark our Sins, O who shall then, O who shall then abide, abide it? But if thou be pleased, But if thou be pleased, But if with pardon thou be pleased, be pleased to hide it, (if thou Mercy vouchsafe) What shall undo Us? (if thou Mercy vouchsafe) What shall undo Us? What shall undo Us? What shall undo, undo Us? Of 6. voc. Second part. QVINTUS. Ne la parola tua. Upon thy Word my Soul, Upon thy Word, my Soul hath firmly reared: hath firmly reared her Tow'er of Trust; There is my Hope possessed; for with thee, for with thee there is Mercy, that thou mayst be fea╌red; Mercy, for those, that are depressed, that are in Soul depres╌sed. is╌ra╌el's Redeemer, Whom thou hast endeared, thou hast endeared, becomes through thee, of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. Saint and Blessed. seventh SONNET Ex Psal. 143 LIsten O LORD unto my Prostrate PRAYER, Nor into JUDGEMENT with thy Servant enter: For who is JUST? The foul infernal TEMPTER Pursues my SOUL with Terrors of DESPAIR. My heart's all inly Vexed. Yet I applied me To weigh thy Works, thy Wonders I observed, But to thy MERCY the Chief place reserved; Then Show my SIN, and in thy Service guide me. Secure me LORD, Save me with expedition; My SPIRIT fainteth: therefore mine affection, My MIND, my SOUL, I lift (with all Submission) To thee my LORD, my GOD, and my protection: Draw me from DANGER under thy Tuition, For I thy Servant am by thine Election. Of 6 voc. First part. QVINTUS. Essaudisci Signor le mie. LIsten, Listen O Lord unto my Prostrate prayer, my Prostrate pray╌er, Nor into judgement with thy Servant en╌ter: For who, is Just? For who, O who is Just? The foul In╌fernall Tempter pursues my Soul with terrors, with terrors of Despay'r. My heart's all inly vexed, inly vexed, My heart's all inly vexed: Yet I applied me to weigh thy Works, thy Wonders I observed, But to thy Mercy, But to thy Mercy the Chief place, the Chief place reserved: the Chief place reserved: Then Show my Sin, and in thy Service guide me. Then show my Sin, show my Sin, Then show my Sin, my Sin, and in thy Service guide me. Of 6. voc. Second part. QVINTUS. Socorrimi Signor. SVccour me Lord, Save me, Secure me Lord, save me with expe╌diti'on, with expe╌di╌ti'on, My Spirit fainteth, therefore mine affecti'on, My Spirit fainteth, therefore mine affecti'on, My Mind, my Soul I lift with all Submis╌si'on, with all Submissi'on, To thee my Lord, my God, my God, my God, and my Protecti'on: and my Protecti'on: Draw me from Danger under thy Tu╌i ╌ti'on; Draw me from Danger, Draw me from Danger under thy Tu╌iti'on; For I thy Servant am, For I thy Servant am by thine election. by thine election. FINIS. SEXTUS. MUSICA SACRA: TO Six Voices. Composed in the Italian tongue BY GIOVANNI CROCE. Newly Englished. IN LONDON PRINTED BY THOMAS ESTE, the assign of William Barley. 1608. To the virtuous Lovers of Music. THese Sonnets, composed first most exquisitely in Italian by Sⁱᵒʳ Francisco Bembo a Gentleman of Italy; were so admired of Giovan. Croce, one of the most excellent musicans of the world; as well for their Poesy, as Piety (the Substance of them being drawn from those seven notable Psalms called Penetentials; indicted by that Sweet Singer of Israel, inspired of the holy Spirit) as that he thought it worthy of his skill in Music, to apply them to this Harmony of Six parts; as well to honour their Author and his Composition, as to give a profitable Delight unto the virtuous. And myself often observing the general applause given these Songs when I have heard them song, (though sometimes without the words) thought it would be very grateful to many of our English lovers of Music, if they were translated, or imitated in our tongue: the rather, because through their want of understanding the Italian, they are deprived of a Chief part of their delight. For albeit that the very consent of the Note may sweetly strike the outward sense of the ear; yet it is the Ditty, which conveyed with the Music to the intellectual Soul, by the Organs of hearing, that doth touch the heart, and stir the affections either to jocondnes, or Sadness, Levity, or Gravity, according to the nature of the Composition: in which respect (especially) the articulate voice of man excelleth all other voices, and Instruments in the world. Besides I supposed, that the scarcity (not only in our tongue, but in all other vulgars') of Music in this kind, whereby men may be edified and God glorified, would make these the more acceptable; and peradventure be a motive to some of our excellent musicans to dedicate their divine skill to the Service of God, in Songs of this more Sanctified kind▪ In which respects; and for that I was encouraged thereto by some, Skilful in this Art: I have adventured to publish these (otherwise destinate to privacy) unto the view of the world: Although I am not Ignorant that in this curious age, it is likely to run the ordinary fortune (even of more exact labours) upon the Shelves of ridged censure: But the Gentle, will wink at small faults where they spy them: As for the Supercilious Critic if (after he have compared them with the Original) he dislike them: he may please himself, and do them all better: But do Ye accept them with a Sèrene brow, and use them to the glory of God, and your Laudable and Christian delight. Far ye well. Your well-willer R. H. FIRST SONNET Ex Psal. 6 LOrd, in thy wrath reprove me not sevearly, Nor punish me in thy deserved displeasure: Have mercy on my Sins exceeding measure, For full of fears, my Soul is vexed drearly. Save it (O Lord) Almightie-most Supernal, Save it (alas) from th'euer-neuer Dying: For who in deep Hell (and fierce Torments frying) Shall sing thy praise, or can extol th'eternal? Long have I Languished in my grievous Sorrow's, My bed and bosom, with my tears I water: My foe's Despite hath ploughd my face with furrows. But (now my Soul) let the ungodly Scatter: Hence ye wicked, sith God (so gracious for us) Hath heard my moan, and doth regard my matter. Of 6. voc. First part. SEXTUS. Signior non mi riprender. LOrd in thy wrath reprove me not sevearly, Lord in thy wrath reprove me not sevearly, not sevearly, Nor punish me in thy deserved displeasure: Have mercy on my Sins exceeding measure: My Sins, exceeding measure: For full of fears, my Soul, my Soul is vexed, is vexed drearly. Save it O Lord Almighty, Save it O Lord Almighty, Save it O Lord Almightie-most, Supernal, Save it, alas, from th'ever-never Dying: For who in deep Hell, deep Hell, and fierce Torments frying, Shall sing thy praise, Shall sing thy praise, or can extol th'eternal? th'eternal? Of 6. voc. Second part. SEXTUS. Penato ho lungament. LOng have I Languished in my grievous Sorrow's: Long have I Languished in my grievous Sorrow's: My Bed, and bosom, with my tear's I water: My foe's Despite, My foe's Despite, My foe's Despite hath ploughed my face with furrows, But now my Soul, my Soul let th'ungodly Scatter: Hence, hence ye wicked; Sith God so gracious for us, Sith God so gracious, God so gracious for us: Hath heard my moan, and doth regard my matter. and doth regard, my matter. SECOND SONNET Ex Psal. 32 BLessed are they, whose faults (so oft forbidden) Have free forgiveness, and a full remission: And they whose Sins (of Act and of Omission) Are not Imputed, but in mercy hidden. Therefore my Crime I have confessed before thee; Which graciously (my God) thou hast forgiven: The more therefore I Laud thee (King of Heaven) And all thy Saints shall in due time adore thee. O thou my Refuge, and my Consolation, Deliver me my God which art Almighty: From Enemies that envy my Salvation. A many Rods pursue the Sinner (rightly) But those that place in thee their expectation, Grace shall embrace. joy ye that walk uprightly. Of 6. voc. First part. SEXTUS. Beati quei. BLessed are they, whose faults so oft forbidden, Have free forgiveness and a full remission: a full remission: And a full remission: re╌missi'on: And they whose Sins, they whose Sins of Act, And they whose Sins, whose Sins of Act, and of Omis╌si'on, are not Imputed, but in mercy hidden. Therefore my Crime I have confessed before thee, Which graci'ously (my God) thou hast forgiven: The more therefore I Laud thee (King of Heaven) thee King of Heaven, And all thy Saints shall in due time adore thee. due time adore thee. All thy Saints shall in due time adore thee▪ in due time adore, adore thee. Of 6. voc. Second part. SEXTUS. Tu mio Refugio. O Thou my Refuge and Conso╌lati'on, and my Conso╌lati'on, Deliver me my God, Deliver me my God which art Almighty: From Enemies that envy my salvation. my Sal╌uati'on. A many Rods pursue the Sinner rightly; But those that place in thee their Expecta╌ti'on, Grace shall embrace. Grace shall embrace. Grace shall embrace. joy ye that walk uprightly. joy ye that walk uprightly. uprightly. joy ye that walk uprightly. THIRD SONNET Ex Psal. 38 LOrd, in thine Anger do no more reprove me, Nor in thy Fury multiply my Sorrows; For in my flesh I Feel thy fearful Arrows: Thy heavy hand doth unto Goodness move me. Sick, in itself my Soul doth Sigh and Languish: Because my Sins so Wholly overcame me, Sorely afflicted, and all humbled am I; And in my plaint, my heart Roars out for Anguish. My Strength even fails me, and my Sight hath fled me, And every one Endeavours to undo me, But I as Deaf, the while with Dumbnes sped me. In thee I hope (my GOD) Ah listen to me: Ah, Leave me not (thou that canst best bestead me) Thou my Salvation, and Comfort sole unto me. Of 6. voc. First part. SEXTUS. Signor nel tuo'furor. LOrd in thine Anger do no more reprove me: Nor in thy Fury multiply my Sorrow's, multiply my Sorrow's: For in my Flesh I feel; For in my Flesh I feel thy fearful Arrows; Thy heavy hand doth unto Goodness move me. Sick, in itself my Soul doth Sigh and Languish; doth Sigh and Languish: and Languish; Because my Sins so wholly overcame me: Sorely afflicted, afflicted, afflicted, and all humbled am I: And in my plaint my heart Roars╌ out, Roars out for an╌guish. for an╌guish. Of 6 voc. Second part. SEXTUS. Già la virtù mi lascia. MY Strength even fails, even fails me, And my Sight, my Sight hath fled me, fled me, hath fled me, fled me: And every one Endeavours to un╌doo me: But I as Deafened, the while with Dumbnes, Dumbnes sped me. In thee I hope (my GOD) Ah listen, to me: Ah, listen to me. Ah! Ah Leave thou me not: Ah Leave thou me not, Thou, my Salua╌ti'on, thou my Salua╌ti'on, and Comfort sole, and Comfort sole, and Comfort sole, and Comfort sole unto me. and Comfort sole, and Comfort sole unto me. FOURTH SONNET Ex Psal. 51 Show mercy Lord on me most heinous Sinner, And mortify my Sin so grievous guilty; O cleanse me from it, Purify me Filthy; For in thy sight Lord I am only Sinner. In Sin (thou knowst) my Sinful mother bore me: But O thou Guide unto the heavenly City, Wash, wash my Soul in Laver of thy Pity, So shall no Snow in whiteness go before me. Give me a clean heart, an untainted Spirit; And of thy Grace, and Face bereave me never; So shall I more adore thy Name and fear it, And to thy Service more and more endeavour: Sith broken hearts (as doth thy Voice aver it) Are th'only Sacrifice thou Joyest in ever. Of 6. voc. First part. SEXTUS. Habbi di me Signior. Show mercy Lord on me, O Lord on me, most heinous Sinner; And mortify my Sin, my Sin so grievous guilty: grievous guilty: And Purify me Filthy, and Purify me Filthy, and Purify me Filthy, and Purify me Filthy: For in thy sight O Lord I am only Sinner. In Sin thou knowest my Sinful Mother bore me: But O thou Guide unto the heavenly the heavenly City: Wash, wash my Soul in Laver of thy pity; So shall no Snow, no Snow, So shall no Snow, no Snow, So shall no Snow, no Snow in whiteness go before me. So shall no Snow, no Snow in white╌neses go before me. Of 6. voc. Second part. SEXTUS. Dammi un cor mondo Give me a clean heart, an untainted Spirit: an untainted an untainted Spirit: And of thy Grace and Face, bereave me never: And of thy Grace and Face bereave me never: So shall I more adore, So shall I more adore thy Name, and fear it: thy Name, and fear it: thy Name and fear it: And to thy Service more and more, thy Service more and more, and more Endeavour: Sith broken hearts as doth thy voice aver it: Sith broken hearts as doth thy voice aver it, Are th'only Sacrifice, thou joyest in Ever. thou joyest in E╌uer. FIFT SONNET Ex Psal. 102 hearken O Lord unto mine humble plainings, Hid not thy Face for ever in thine Anger: My Days do vade as Smoke, my heart in Langor, hies (Flies) to thee: why Shu'nst thou my complainings? Friends have I none; now from me All are flying: In stead of Bread I have been fed with Ashes, My Drink my Tears; while I have felt the Lashes Of thy fierce Wrath, for all mine often Crying. All Kings and nations shall admire thy Glory, When thou, the Sighs of humble Souls attendest; It shall be Writ in an Eternal Story. Ah! Leave me not, Thou, thou that All Defendest, That madest All (Heaven, Earth, and Ocean hoary) That never didst Begin, and never Endest. Of 6. voc. First part. SEXTUS. Essaudisci Signior, gli'humil miei preghi. hearken Lord unto mine humble, mine humble plainings; Hid not thy face for ever, for ever, in thine Anger: My Days do vade, do vade, do vade as Smoke, as smoke, My heart in Langor, hies (flies) to thee, why Shun'st thou my Complay╌ningss? Friends have I none, Friends have I none, now from me All are fly╌ing: In stead of Bread, I have been fed with Ashes, In stead of Bread, I have been fed with A╌sheses, My Drink, my Tear's; While I have felt the Lashes, Of thy fierce Wrath, For all mine often Cry. Of 6. voc. Second part. SEXTUS. Sarà ogni Rè, ogni Popolo. ALL Kings and nations shall admire, admire thy Glo╌ry, When thou the Sighs of humble Souls attendest; It shall be Writ, It shall be Writ, It shall be Writ, It shall be Writ in an Eternal Sto╌rie. Ah! Leave me not thou, Thou that All Defen╌dest, That madest All, That madest All (Heaven, Earth, and Oce'an, and Oce'an hoary) That never didst Begin, and never Endest. and never Endest. sixth SONNET Ex Psal. 102 FRom profound CENTRE of my heart I cried To thee O Lord, LORD let thine EAR draw near me, To note my MOURNINGS, and quickly hear me; Hear my Sad GROANS, to thy Sweet GRACE applied. LORD, if thou look with RIGOUR down into US, To mark our SIN, O who shall then abide it? But, if with PARDON thou be pleased to hide it (If MERCY thou Vouchsafe) What shall Undo US? Upon thy WORD my SOUL hath firmly reared Her Tower of TRVST, there is my HOPE possessed; With thee is MERCY, that thou mayst be feared; MERCY, for those that are in soul depressed, ISRAEL'S Redeemer, Whom thou hast endeared Beecoms through thee, of SINNER, SAINT and BLESSED. Of 6. voc. First part. SEXTUS. Dalinea profondo del core. FRom Profound Centre of my heart, of my heart to thee I cried, to thee I cried O Lord, O Lord, O Lord, Lord let thine ear draw near me, To note my mourning; and quickly hear me: and quickly hear me: Hear my Sad Groans to thy Sweet Grace, applied: Lord if thou look with Rigour down into Us, to mark our Sins, O who shall then abide it? O who shall then abide, abide it? But if thou be pleased: But if with pardon thou be pleased to hide it, be pleased to hide it (If thou Mercy vouchsafe, if thou Mercy vouchsafe) what shall undo Us? (if thou Mercy vouchsafe, what shall undo us? what shall undo Us? Of 6. voc. Second part. SEXTUS. Ne la parola tua. Upon thy Word my Soul, hath firmly reared: hath firmly reared her Tow'er of Trust; there is my Hope, there is my Hope pos╌sessed; for with thee, with thee is Mercy, that thou mayst be feared; Mercy for those, that are in Soul depressed: in Soul depressed: Is╌ra╌els Redeemer, Whom thou hast endeared, thou hast endeared, becomes through thee, of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint, of Sinner, Saint & Blessed. of Sinner, Saint & Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. seventh SONNET Ex Psal. 143 LIsten O LORD unto my Prostrate PRAYER, Nor into JUDGEMENT with thy Servant enter: For who is JUST? The foul infernal TEMPTER Pursues my SOUL with Terrors of DESPAIR. My heart's all inly Vexed. Yet I applied me To weigh thy Works, thy Wonders I observed, But to thy MERCY the Chief place reserved? Then Show my SIN, and in thy Service guide me. Secure me LORD, Save me with expedition, My SPIRIT fainteth: therefore mine affection, My MIND, my SOUL, I lift (with all Submission) To thee my LORD, my GOD, and my protection: Draw me from DANGER under thy Tuition, For I thy Servant am by thine Election. Of 6 voc. First part. SEXTUS. Essaudisci Signor le mie. LIsten, Listen O Lord, Listen, Listen O Lord unto my Prostrate pray╌er: Nor into judgement with thy Servant enter: For who, O who is Just? The foul In╌fernall Tempter pursues my Soul with terrors, terrors of Despay'r: My heart's all inly vexed, My heart's all inly vexed, my heart's all inly vexed, vexed. Yet I applied me to weigh thy Works, thy Wonders I obser╌ued: But to thy Mercy, but to thy Mer╌cy the Chief place reserved: the Chief place reserved: Then Show my Sin, my Sin, Then show my Sin, Then show my Sin, my Sin, and in thy Service guide me. Of 6. voc. Second part. SEXTUS. Socorrimi Signor. SVccour me Lord, Save me, save me with expediti'on, with expe╌diti'on, My Spirit fainteth, therefore mine affec╌ti'on, My Spirit fainteth, therefore mine affecti'on, My Mind, my Soul I lift with all Submissi'on: with all Submissi'on, To thee my Lord, my God, my God and my Protecti'on: my God and my Protecti'on: Draw me from Danger under thy Tu╌i╌ti'on; For I thy Servant am, For I thy Servant am by thine election. by thine election. by thine Elec╌ti'on. E╌lecti'on. FINIS. BASSUS. MUSICA SACRA: TO Six Voices. Composed in the Italian tongue BY GIOVANNI CROCE. Newly Englished. IN LONDON PRINTED BY THOMAS ESTE, the assign of William Barley. 1608. To the virtuous Lovers of Music. THese Sonnets, composed first most exquisitely in Italian by Sⁱᵒʳ Francisco Bembo a Gentleman of Italy; were so admired of Giovan. Croce, one of the most excellent musicans of the world; as well for their Poesy, as Piety (the Substance of them being drawn from those seven notable Psalms called Penetentials; indicted by that Sweet Singer of Israel, inspired of the holy Spirit) as that he thought it worthy of his skill in Music, to apply them to this Harmony of Six parts; as well to honour their Author and his Composition, as to give a profitable Delight unto the virtuous. And myself often observing the general applause given these Songs when I have heard them song, (though sometimes without the words) thought it would be very grateful to many of our English lovers of Music, if they were translated, or imitated in our tongue: the rather, because through their want of understanding the Italian, they are deprived of a Chief part of their delight. For albeit that the very consent of the Note may sweetly strike the outward sense of the ear; yet it is the Ditty, which conveyed with the Music to the intellectual Soul, by the Organs of hearing, that doth touch the heart, and stir the affections either to jocondnes, or Sadness, Levity, or Gravity, according to the nature of the Composition: in which respect (especially) the articulate voice of man excelleth all other voices, and Instruments in the world. Besides I supposed, that the scarcity (not only in our tongue, but in all other vulgars') of Music in this kind, whereby men may be edified and God glorified, would make these the more acceptable; and peradventure be a motive to some of our excellent musicans to dedicate their divine skill to the Service of God, in Songs of this more Sanctified kind In which respects; and for that I was encouraged thereto by some, Skilful in this Art: I have adventured to publish these (otherwise destinate to privacy) unto the view of the world: Although I am not Ignorant that in this curious age, it is likely to run the ordinary fortune (even of more exact labours) upon the Shelves of ridged censure: But the Gentle, will wink at small faults where they spy them: As for the Supercilious Critic if (after he have compared them with the Original) he dislike them: he may please himself, and do them all better: But do Ye accept them with a Sèrene brow, and use them to the glory of God, and your Laudable and Christian delight. Far ye well. Your well-willer R. H. FIRST SONNET Ex Psal. 6 LOrd, in thy wrath reprove me not sevearly, Nor punish me in thy deserved displeasure: Have mercy on my Sins exceeding measure, For full of fears, my Soul is vexed drearly. Save it (O Lord) Almightie-most Supernal, Save it (alas) from the'ùer-neuer Dying: For who in deep Hell (and fierce Torments frying) Shall sing thy praise, or can extol th'eternal? Long have I Languished in my grievous Sorrow's, My Bed and bosom, with my tears I water: My foe's Despite hath ploughd my face with furrows. But (now my Soul) let the ungodly Scatter: Hence ye wicked, sith God (so gracious for us) Hath heard my moan, and doth regard my matter. Of 6. voc. First part. BASSUS. Signior non mi riprender. LOrd in thy wrath reprove me not sevearly, Lord in thy wrath reprove me not sevear╌ly: Nor punish me in thy deserved displeasure: Have mercy, on my Sins exceeding measure: My Sins exceeding measure: For full of fears, my Soul, is vex╌ed drearly. Save it O Lord Almightie-most Supernal: Save it O Lord Almightie-most Supernal: Save it alas, from th'ever-never Dying: For who in deep Hell, and fierce Tor╌mentss frying, Shall sing thy praise, or can extol th'eternal? or can extol, ex╌toll th'eternal? Of 6. voc. Second part. BASSUS. Penato ho lungament. LOng have I Languished in my grievous Sorrow's: my grievous Sorrow's: my grievous Sorrow's: My Bed and bosom with my tear's I water: My foe's Despite hath ploughed my, face with furrow's: My foe's Despite hath ploughed my, face with furrow's: my face with furrow's: But now my Soul, my Soul, let th'ungod╌ly Scatter: Hence, hence ye wicked; Sith God so gracious for us: Sith God so gracious, God so gracious for us: Hath heard my moan, and doth regard my matter, and doth regard my matter. SECOND SONNET Ex Psal. 32 BLessed are they, whose faults (so oft forbidden) Have free forgiveness, and a full remission: And they whose Sins (of Act and of Omission) Are not Imputed, but in mercy hidden. Therefore my Crime I have confessed before thee; Which graciously (my God) thou hast forgiven: The more therefore I Laud thee (King of Heaven) And all thy Saints shall in due time adore thee. O thou my Refuge, and my Consolation, Deliver me my God which art Almighty: From Enemies that envy my Salvation. A many Rods pursue the Sinner (rightly) But those that place in thee their expectation, Grace shall embrace. joy ye that walk uprightly. Of 6. voc. First part. BASSUS. Beati quei. BLessed are they, whose faults so oft forbidden, whose faults so oft forbidden, Have free forgiveness and a full remission: Have free forgiveness, and a full remission: And they whose Sins, whose Sins, of Act, and of Omissi'on: And of Omissi'on: Are not Imputed, but in mercy hidden. Therefore my Crime I have confessed before thee, Which graci'ously (my God) thou hast forgiven: The more therefore I Laud, thee (King of Heaven) The more therefore I Laud thee (King of Heaven) And all thy Saints shall in due time, a╌dore thee. in due time, adore thee. in due time, adore thee. Of 6. voc. Second part. BASSUS. Tu mio Refugio. O Thou my Refuge, and Consola╌ti'on, and Conso╌la╌ti'on, and Conso╌la╌tion, Deliver me my God which art Almighty; De╌liver me my God which art Almighty, From Enemies, that envy my salvation, my Sal╌uati'on. A many Rods pursue the Sinner rightly, But those that place in thee, their Expectati'on, Grace shall embrace. Grace shall embrace. Grace shall embrace. joy ye that walk uprightly. joy ye that walk uprightly. joy ye that walk uprightly. THIRD SONNET Ex Psal. 38 LOrd, in thine Anger do no more reprove me, Nor in thy Fury multiply my Sorrows; For in my flesh I Feel thy fearful Arrows: Thy heavy hand doth unto Goodness move me. Sick, in itself my Soul doth Sigh and Languish: Because my Sins so Wholly overcame me, Sorely afflicted, and all humbled am I; And in my plaint, my heart Roars out for Anguish. My Strength even fails me, and my Sight hath fled me, And every one Endeavours to undo me, But I as Deaf, the while with Dumbnes sped me. In thee I hope (my GOD) Ah listen to me: Ah, Leave me not (thou that canst best bestead me) Thou my Salvation, and Comfort sole unto me. Of 6. voc. First part. BASSUS. Signor nel tuo furor. LOrd in thine Anger do no more reprove me: Nor in thy Fury multiply my Sorrows: For in my flesh I Feel: For in my Flesh I Feel thy fearful Arrows: Thy heavy hand doth unto Goodness move me. Sick in itself my Soul doth Sigh, and Lan╌guish: doth Sigh and Languish: Because my Sins so wholly overcame me. Sorely afflicted, afflicted, and all humbled am I; And in my plaint my heart Roars out, Roars out, Roars out for an╌guish. for an╌guish. Of 6 voc. Second part. BASSUS. Già la virtù mi lascia. MY Strength even fails, even fails me, And my Sight, my Sight hath fled me, fled me, hath fled me, fled me: And every one Endeavours, to undo me: But I as Deafened, the while with Dumbnes, Dumbnes sped me. In thee I hope (my GOD) Ah listen, Ah, listen to me. Ah! Ah Leave thou me not: Ah Leave thou me not, Thou, my salvation, thou my Saluati╌on, and Comfort sole, unto me. and Comfort sole unto me. and Comfort sole unto me. FOURTH SONNET Ex Psal. 51 Show mercy Lord on me most heinous Sinner, And mortify my Sin so grievous guilty; O cleanse me from it, Purify me Filthy; For in thy sight Lord I am only Sinner. In Sin (thou knowst) my Sinful mother bore me: But O thou Guide unto the heavenly City, Wash, wash my Soul in Laver of thy Pity, So shall no Snow in whiteness go before me. Give me a clean heart, an untainted Spirit; And of thy Grace, and Face bereave me never; So shall I more adore thy Name and fear it, And to thy Service more and more endeavour: Sith broken hearts (as doth thy Voice aver it) Are th'only Sacrifice thou Joyest in ever. Of 6. voc. First part. BASSUS. Habbi di me Signior. Show mercy Lord on me, O Lord on me most heinous Sinner; And mortify my Sin, my Sin so grievous guilty: O cleanse me from it, And Purify me Fil╌thy, and Purify me Filthy, For in thy Sight O Lord I am only Sinner. In Sin thou knowest my Sinful Mother bore me: But O thou Guide unto the heavenly Cit╌tie: Wash, wash my Soul in Laver of thy pity; So shall no Snow, no Snow, in whiteness, in whiteness go before me. So shall no Snow, no Snow in whiteness go before me. Of 6. voc. Second part. BASSUS. Dammi un cor mondo. Give me a clean heart, an untainted Spirit, an untainted Spirit: And of thy Grace and Face bereave me never; And of thy Grace and Face bereave me never: So shall I more adore thy Name, and fear it: thy Name and fear it: thy Name, thy Name and fear it: thy Name and fear it: And to thy Service more and more, thy Service more and more Endeavour: Are th'only Sa╌crifice thou Joyest in Ever. Are th'only Sacrifice thou joyest in Ever. thou joyest in Ever. FIFT SONNET Ex Psal. 102 hearken O Lord unto mine humble plainings, Hid not thy Face for ever in thine Anger: My Days do vade as Smoke, my heart in Langor, hies (Flies) to thee: why Shu'nst thou my complainings? Friends have I none; now from me All are flying: In stead of Bread I have been fed with Ashes, My Drink my Tears; while I have felt the Lashes Of thy fierce Wrath, for all mine often Crying. All Kings and nations shall admire thy Glory, When thou, the Sighs of humble Souls attendest; It shall be Writ in an Eternal Story. Ah! Leave me not, Thou, thou that All Defendest, That madest All (Heaven, Earth, and Ocean hoary) That never didst Begin, and never Endest. Of 6. voc. First part. BASSUS. Essaudisci Signior, gli'humil miei preghi. hearken Lord unto mine humble plainings, Hid not thy face for ever in thine Anger: My Days do vade, do vade as Smoke, as smoke, My heart in Langor, hies (flies) to thee, Why Shun'st thou my complainings? hies (flies) to thee, why shun'st thou my complainings? Friends have I none, now from me All are flying: In stead of Bread, I have been fed with Ashes: My Drink my Tear's; While I have felt the Lashes, Of thy fierce Wrath, For all mine often Cry. Of 6. voc. Second part. BASSUS. Sarà ogni Rè, ogni Popolo. ALL Kings and nations, shall admire, admi╌er thy Glo╌ry, When thou the Sighs, the Sighs of humble Souls attendest; It shall be Writ, in an Eternal Sto╌rie; It shall be Writ, It shall be Writ, in an Eternal Story. in an Eternal Story. Ah Leave me not thou; Thou that All Defendest: That madest All, That madest All, (Heaven, Earth, and Oce'an, and Oce'an hoary) That never didst Begin, and never Endest. and never Endest. sixth SONNET Ex Psal. 102 FRom profound CENTRE of my heart I cried To thee O Lord, LORD let thine EAR draw near me, To note my MOURNINGS, and quickly hear me; Hear my Sad GROANS, to thy Sweet GRACE applied. LORD, if thou look with RIGOUR down into US, To mark our SIN, O who shall then abide it? But, if with PARDON thou be pleased to hide it (If MERCY thou Vouchsafe) What shall Undo US? Upon thy WORD my SOUL hath firmly reared Her Tower of TRVST, there is my HOPE possessed; With thee is MERCY, that thou mayst be feared; MERCY, for those that are in soul depressed. ISRAEL'S Redeemer, Whom thou hast endeared Beecoms through thee, of SINNER, SAINT, and BLESSED. Of 6. voc. First part. BASSUS. Dalinea profondo del core. FRom Profound Centre of my heart, to thee I cried, to thee I cried O Lord, Lord let thine ear draw near me, To note my mourning; To note my mourning, and quickly hear me: and quickly hear me: Hear my Sad Groans to thy Sweet Grace applied. to thy Sweet Grace apply'ed. Lord, if thou look with Rigour down into us, to mark our Sins, O who shall then abide it? abide it? But if thou be pleased, But if with pardon thou be pleased to hide it, (if thou Mercy vouchsafe, if thou Mercy vouchsafe) What shall undo us? what shall undo us? what shall undo us? what shall undo us? Of 6. voc. Second part. BASSUS. Ne la parola 〈◊〉 Upon thy Word my Soul, hath firmly reared: hath firmly reared: hath firmly reared her Tower of Trust; There is my Hope possessed; For with thee is Mercy, that thou mayst be feared; Mercy, for those in Soul depressed. in Soul depressed, Is╌ra╌els Redeemer, Is╌ra╌els Redeemer: Whom thou hast endeared, becomes through thee, of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. seventh SONNET Ex Psal. 143 LIsten O LORD unto my Prostrate PRAYER, Nor into JUDGEMENT with thy Servant enter: For who is JUST? The foul infernal TEMPTER Pursues my SOUL with Terrors of DESPAIR. My heart's all inly Vexed. Yet I applied me To weigh thy Works, thy Wonders I observed, But to thy MERCY the Chief place reserved; Then Show my SIN, and in thy Service guide me. Secure me LORD, Save me with expedition; My SPIRIT fainteth: therefore mine affection, My MIND, my SOUL, I lift (with all Submission) To thee my LORD, my GOD, and my protection: Draw me from DANGER under thy Tuition, For I thy Servant am by thine Election. Of 6 voc. First part. BASSUS. Essaudisci Signor le mie. LIsten, Listen O Lord unto my Prostrate prayer, Nor into judgement with thy Servant enter: For who, O who is Just? For who, O who is Just? The foul In╌fernall Tempter pursues my Soul with terrors, with terrors of Despay'r. My heart's all inly vexed: My heart's all inly vexed: all inly vexed: Yet I applied me to weigh thy Works, thy Wonders I observed, But to thy Mercy, But to thy Mercy the Chief place reserved: the Chief place, the Chief place reserved: Then Show my Sin, my Sin, Then show my Sin, Then show my Sin, my Sin, Then show my Sin, and in thy Service guide me. Of 6. voc. Second part. BASSUS Socorrimi Signor. SVccour me Lord, Save me, save me with expediti'on, with expe╌di╌ti'on, My Spirit fainteth, therefore mine affecti'on, My Spirit fainteth, therefore mine affecti'on, My Mind, my Soul I lift with all Submissi'on, To thee my Lord, my God, my God, and my Protecti'on: and my Protecti'on: Draw me from Danger under thy Tu╌i╌ti'on; Draw me from Danger under thy Tu╌i╌ti'on; For I thy Servant am, For I thy Servant am by thine election. by thine, by thine election. by thine election. FINIS.