m mmm m» m '&M-i^M ■ Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from Princeton Theological Seminary Library http://archive.org/details/stabatmOOjohn APR 27 1935 THK STABAT MATER SPECIOSA AND THE STABAT MATER DOLOROSA TRANSLATED BY FRANKLIN JOHNSON WITH ILLUSTRATIONS FROM THE OLD MASTERS BOSTON D. LOTHROP AND COMPANY Fraxklix and Hawley Streets Copyright '; By D. Lothrop & Co. 1886. ELECTROTYPED By C. J. Peters and Son, Boston LLUSTRATIONS Photogravure Reproductions from Paintings. The Sistine Madonna .... Raphael Eccb Homo Guido . Madonna della Scala .... Correggio La Madonna del Geanducca . Raphael Mater Dolorosa Guide . St. John and Mary Plockhurst Frontispiece Facing 15 " 22 . " 26 . " 30 . " 34 INTRODUCTION i. THE HYMNS. I here present to the reader, in the original Latin and in English translations preserving the measure of the Latin, the two most tender hymns of the Roman Church, the Stabat Mater Speciosa and the Stabat Mater Dolorosa, or, as they are frequently called, the Mater Speciosa and the Mater Dolorosa. They are closely related : in metrical structure they are alike, and much of the language is the same in both. But though they thus resemble each other in external features, they differ in spirit and aim. The first is a paean, the second a dirge ; the first is adapted to Christmas, the second to Good Friday; the first contemplates the cradle of Christ, the second His cross; the first rejoices in the birth of the Divine Babe, though its happiness is dashed with tears as it looks from the glad begin- ning to the tragical end, from Bethlehem to Calvary, from the manger to the tomb, while the second exhibits throughout a heart broken by the anguish of Mary and her Son. 5 6 IXTRODUCTIOX. Did either of these sacred poems stand alone, it would be re- garded as an original work of the highest beauty and pathos ; but a comparison of the two renders it evident that one was de- rived from the other. Dr. John Mason Neale, the eminent translator of Latin hymns, assigned the priority to the Mater Speciosa ; but Dr. Philip Schaff, with more reason, expresses the contrary opinion, and observes that the Mater Dolorosa was suggested by the prophecy of Simeon in Luke 2 : 35, and the incident related in John 19 : 25, " Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother." If the Mater Dolorosa were the offspring of the Mater Speciosa, it would probably not have struck its roots into these minute details of sacred history. But granting that the Mater Dolorosa is the earlier, it is easy to see how the Mater Speciosa grew out of it. II. THE FAME OF THE MATER DOLOROSA. The Stabat Mater Dolorosa is much better known than its companion hymn, owing perhaps to its theme; since the death of Christ possesses an interest for the disciple which even His birth cannot match. It has long been sung in the Roman churches on the Friday in Passion Week, and on the third Sunday in September. In many places its separate stanzas are interposed between the divisions of the Stations of the Cross. In the Sistine Chapel it is used as an offertory on the Thursday of Holy Week. It has inspired the genius of the greatest musicians. Pergolesi composed his Stabat Mater on his death- bed, and produced a work justly celebrated for the depth and sincerity of its pathos. There are two Stabat Maters by Pales- trina, '• either of which." it has been said, "would suffice to immortalize him." One of these is employed in the Sistine Chapel. The Stabat Mater of Hayden is "a treasury of re- fined and graceful melody." That of Rossini is more artificial, 7 8 INTRODUCTION. shallow, and worldly: it lias been compared to "a Mater Dolorosa painted, standing under the cross, and clad in a Parisian court-dress." The translations of the Mater Dolorosa are numerous in all the languages of Christendom which pos- sess a literature. III. THE GROWING FAME OF THE MATER SPECIOSA. The Mater Speciosa, on the other hand, has been known to the world but a short time, although it comes to us from the same antiquity to which we are indebted for its sorrowful asso- ciate. Like the Mater Dolorosa, it was published in 1495; but it attracted little attention till 1852, when Ozanam brought it out in his work on the Franciscan Poets. So far as I am aware, it is not used in the Roman churches ; it has never been made the subject of an elaborate musical composition ; and few translations of it exist. IV. THE AUTHOR. The Mater Dolorosa has been attributed to several different authors. The most recent and careful studies render it proba- ble, though not certain, that we are indebted to Giacomo da Todi for this exquisite hymn. He was born in the twelfth cen- tury, at Todi, Umbria, Italy, of the noble family of the Benedetti. His name sometimes appears in the Latin form of Jacobus de Benedictis. He became eminent in Rome as a law- yer and judge, and enriched himself. He lived carelessly dur- ing his earlier years of professional success ; but the death of his wife, who was killed by the falling of a crowded scaffold at a public spectacle, changed the whole direction of his career, and he abandoned secular concerns and entered the Franciscan order of monks. This society was then at the height of its primitive enthusiasm, but the new member surpassed his fel- lows in ardor, and at times became insane with exaggerated fervor. He inflicted upon himself severe tortures. On one occasion he entered the public market-place naked, on hands 10 INTRODUCTION, \\ and feet, with a saddle on his back and a bridle in his month: and on another lie went to the wedding of his niece covered only with feathers of various colors, in which he had rolled after anointing his body with oil. By such actions did he ex- press his contempt for the world and its usages, and earn the derisive appellation of Giacopone, or Jacob the Great. But these things, related by Wadding, himself a Franciscan, and the historian of his order, should not lead us to doubt the sinceritv and piety of the zealot: we must consider that his age differed from ours. One extreme begets another; and the prevalent corruptions of society produced their opposite in an asceticism which at times passed into frenzy. Giacomo was severe in his criticisms not only of the world, but also of the Church, and, having offended Boniface VIII., that Pope imprisoned him. He was liberated on the death of the pontiff, and closed his life not long afterwards, in 1306, an aged man. "He died." says Wadding, "like a swan, having composed several hymns just before. v His book of Spiritual Songs, though written in the formative period of the Italian language, and hence presenting a mixture of barbarous dialects, has given him a permanent place among the poets of his nation. The Mater Speciosa has also been attributed to Giacomo, and, together with the Mater Dolorosa, was published in the 1 2 INTB OB UCTION. Latin appendix to his Italian poems, at Brescia, in 1495. Its close resemblance to the Mater Dolorosa constitutes strong evi- dence of a common authorship for both. The fervor of the hymn, and specially of the tenth stanza, which almost borders upon madness, agrees well with the character of the monk. This conclusion has been opposed on the ground that a writer would hardly wish to produce such an imitation of his own work. Were the Mater Speciosa in any proper sense a parody of the Mater Dolorosa, the objection would possess weight; but it loses its force when we consider that the Mater Speciosa is almost the equal of the Mater Dolorosa in propriety of thought, in tenderness and reverence of sentiment, and in grace of expression. V. THE PORTRAITURES OF MARY. The fine genius of the author is shown in his two portrait- ures of the mother of Jesus, which, though near akin, are yet distinct. In the Mater Speciosa her features are those of a maiden, youthful, fair, active, pure, and full of changing emo- tions. In the Mater Dolorosa, however, her appearance is matronly ; we perceive that she has acquired weight of character with the lapse of years ; and she weeps with such quiet dignity of sorrow that she impresses us as a large and stately figure. In neither poem is there any attempt to describe her, yet the pictures of the Mary but just emerged from girlhood, in the first bliss of maternity, conscious that she has brought the Son of God into the world, and of the Mary past mid-life, wise with much experience, steadfast and strong of soul, and suffering in unfathomed grief, are as definite as they could be made. The translator must not confuse these delineations. Nearly all the words used in the Mater Dolorosa to express the grief of Mary, like "contristo," "doleo,'' "afnictus," "tris- 13 14 / V TB OD UCTION. tis," and ' k supplicium," refer must naturally only to the emo- tions of the heart. A few, such as u maereo," have well-marked primary and secondary meanings, the primary pointing to the inward anguish, and the secondary to its outward expression. I am convinced by the general cast of the hymn that these are used in their primary signification. The principal words relat- ing to the action of Mary are those which represent her as trem- bling, as shedding tears, and as weeping. Only once is she said to wail, and that is near the close of the poem, after her Son has yielded up His spirit, when the custom of the East would re- quire such lamentation. The picture as a whole is one of sor- row too deep for obtrusive manifestation : the sword has pierced the soul of the mother, but she endures in silence, and her agony acquires majesty from her quietude. The transla- tor, therefore, must beware not to represent her as sighing, as moaning, as groaning, throughout the scene. VI. THE LATIN TEXT. As usually printed, the Mater Speciosa has twelve stanzas. and the Mater Dolorosa ten. I here place the two hymns be- side each other, that the reader may see at a glance the inti- mate relation between them. MATER SPECIOSA. 1. Stabat mater speciosa Juxta fcenum gaudiosa, Duin jacebat parvulus; Cujus animam gaudentem, Laetabimdam ac ferventem, Pertransivit jubilus. MATER DOLOROSA. 1. stabat mater dolorosa Juxta crueem lacrymosa, Dum pendebat Filius; Cujus animam gementem. Contristatam ac dolentem, Pertransivit dadius. 2. O quam la?ta et beata Fuit ilia immaculata Mater Unigeniti! Qua? gaudebat et ridebat Exultabat, cum videbat Xati partum inclyti! 2. O quam tristis et afflicta Fuit ilia benedicta Mater Unigeniti! Qua? mcerebat et dolebat Et tremebat, cum videbat Nati poenas inclyti! 15 16 INTRODUCTIOX. 3. Quis jam est, qui non gauderet, Christi matrem si videret In tanto solatio ? Quis non posset collaetari, Christi matrem contemplari Ludentem cum filio ? 3. Quis est homo, qui non fleret, Matrem Christi si videret In tanto supplicio? Quis non posset contristari, Piam matrem contemplari Dolentem cum Filio ? 4. Pro peccatis suae gentis, Christum vidit cum jumentis Et algori subditum; Vidit suum dulcem natum Vagientem, adoratum, Vili diversorio. 4. Pro peccatis suae gentis, Vidit Jesum in tormentis Et flagellis subditum; Vidit suum dulcem natum Morientem, desolatum, Dum emisit spiritum. 5. Nato Christo in praesepe, Cceli cives canunt laete Cum immenso gaudio; Stabat senex cum puella Non cum verbo nee loquela Stupescentes cordibus. 6. Eja mater, fons amoris, M<* sentire vim ardoris, Fac ut tecum sentiam! Fac ut ardeat cor meum In amatum Christum Deum, Ut sibi complaceam. 5. Eja mater, fons amoris, Me sentire vim doloris, Fac ut tecum lugcam! Fac ut ardeat cor meum In amando Christum Deum, Ut sibi complaceam. 7. Sancta mater, istud agas, Prone introducas plagas Cordi fixas valide. 6. Sancta mater, istud agas, Crucifixi fige plagas Cordi meo valide. INTRODUCTION. 17 Tui nati coelo lapsi, Jam dignati fceno nasci, Poenas mecum divide. Tui nati vulnerati, Tarn dignati pro me pati, Pcenas mecum divide. 8. Fac me vere congaudere, Jesulino cohaerere, Donee ego vixero. In me sistat ardor tui; Puerino fac me frui Dum sum in exilio. 7. Fac me vere tecum flere, Crucifixo condolere, Donee ego vixero. Juxta crucem tecum stare, Meque tibi sociare, In planctu desidero. 9. Virgo virginum praeclara, Mihi jam non sis amara; Fac me parvum rapere; Fac ut pulchrum infantem portem Qui nascendo vicit mortem, Volens vitam tradere. 8. Virgo virginum prseclara, Mihi tarn non sis amara; Fac me tecum plangere; Fac ut portem Christi mortem, Passionis fac consortem, Et plagas recolere. 10. Fac me tecum satiari, Xato me inebriari, Stans inter tripudio. Inflammatus et accensus, Obstrupescit omnis sensus, Tali de commercio. 9. Fac me plagis vulnerari, Cruce hac inebriari Ob amorem Filii. Inflammatus et accensus. Per te, Virgo, sim defensus In die Judicii. 11. Omnes stabulum amantes, Et pastores vigilantes Pernoctantes sociant. Per virtutem nati tui Ora ut electi sui Ad patriam veniant. 18 INTRODUCTION. 12. Fac me. nato custodiri, Verbo Dei prsemuniri, Conservari gratia; Quando corpus morietur, Fac ut anima? donetur Tui nati gloria. 10. Fac me cruce custodiri, Morte Christi prsemuniri, Confoveri gratia. Quando corpus morietur, Fac ut animse donetur Paradisi gloria. VII. THESE TRANSLATIONS. In my translations I have sought to reproduce the meaning and emotion of the Latin in acceptable verse. The compiler of "The Seven Great Hymns of the Mediaeval Church" says in a private letter to me : " A translator might well make three translations of a poem; one to portray its struc- ture, that is, its measure, melody, movement, and rhyme; one to present in detail its ideas ; and one to produce an im- pression as similar as possible to that of the original on the mind of the reader. In publishing, he should reverse the or- der, and put the last first." My work is designed to be of the third kind ; but I have not forgotten the requirements of the first and second. If I have produced versions in easy and nat- ural English, I have fulfilled one of my purposes ; but if my work bears on its face the evidence of its derivation from another language, in strained and unusual words and construc- tions, I have failed. 19 20 IX TB OB UC TION. The ninth stanza of the Mater Speciosa begins with a peti- tion that the Virgin be not bitter towards her suppliant, a fit preface to the lines immediately following, in which he rises to such audacity of fervor as might be considered irreverent, pro- posing to take her infant from her arms and bear it in his own. The corresponding stanza of the Mater Dolorosa opens with the same deprecation of displeasure ; but the prayer thus in- troduced presents no special ground of fear, as it is not at all more daring than much that precedes it. Those who hold that the Mater Speciosa is the original hymn, and that the Mater Dolorosa is its later offspring, might find in this fact a strong, though far from conclusive argument. As my aim is to pro- duce versions that shall read as nearly as possible like hymns written at first in our own language, with the connections and transitions of thought and emotion clearly marked, I have ven- tured upon a slight departure from the Latin at this point of the Mater Dolorosa. In order to make a translation of any poem that shall be liter- al as to the meaning and feeling of the author, it is necessary occasionally to use language at a certain remove from that of the text. Some translators of verse seek to keep the exact phraseology of the original, even at the cost of the thought, the emotion, and the elevation of style which are necessary to INTRODUCTION. 21 poetry. The result is a dead imitation, rather than a living reproduction. The late Dr. John M. Neale, though his trans- lations are in general very free, has pursued this course in his version of the Mater Speciosa, and his fifth stanza is an in- structive example of the necessary issue of such labors : Jesus lying in the manger. Heavenly armies sang the stranger, In the great joy-bearing part; Stood the old man with the maiden, No word speaking, only laden With this wonder in their heart. Here the third line, In the great joy-bearing part, conveys no sense whatever. The fourth, Stood the old man with the maiden, though quite exact, presents a certain perplexity to the ordi- nary Protestant reader, unfamiliar as he is with ecclesiastical legend and Roman dogmatics. Only after some study will he remember that ecclesiastical legend makes Joseph an old man at his marriage, and that Roman dogmatics asserts the perpet- ual virginity of Mary, and conclude that these are the persons referred to. I have thought it better to translate in such a way as also to interpret. 22 INTRODUCTION. Both the Mater Speciosa and the Mater Dolorosa are disfig- ured by the gross Mariolatry of the Roman Church, and on this account are unfit for the devotional use of Christians not con- nected with that sect. I have added adaptations of the hymns in which this objectionable feature will not be found. The modification extends to but a few phrases, and does not affect in the least the general sentiment of even a single line, since the worship addressed to the mother is simply transferred to the Son, before whom angels bow. The various published translations of the Mater Dolorosa, which I have studied carefully, have influenced mine to a cer- tain extent. I am more indebted, however, to a manuscript version by the Rev. W. S. McKenzie, D.D., of Boston. It is faithful to the Latin in an eminent degree, and, in addition, possesses the merit of a smooth and graceful style. THE MATER SPECIOSA. Stood the mother in her beauty, Rapt with thoughts of love and duty, Near the stall where lay her child ; And her soul, forgetting sadness, Glowed with light of new-born gladness, Filled and thrilled with transport mild. Of all women has none other Joyed like her, the sinless mother Of God's sole begotten Son, As with laughter and elation She beheld the incarnation Of the High and Holy One. Who his heart's delight could smother, And regard unmoved Christ's mother Playing with her baby boy? 23 24 THE MATER SPECIOSA. Who could all her peerless treasure Of celestial solace measure, Void of sympathetic joy? Then, again, she saw with sighing Christ for our offences lying Cold among the beasts of earth, Worshipped, yet to man a stranger, Weeping in that meanest manger Where she laid Him at His birth. On that babe thus cradled lowly Gazed all heavenly spirits holy, Singing loud His worthy praise, While, with rapture overladen, Joseph and the mother-maiden Could not speak for sweet amaze. Mother, fount of love's devotion, Let me feel thy deep emotion, Let me with thy passion glow, Let me thine affection borrow For thy Son in joy and sorrow, That His blessing I may know. THE MATER SPECIOSA. 25 Holy maid, the benediction Of His birth to sore affliction Print upon mine inmost heart ; With thy Son, from Heaven descended To the manger, poor, unfriended, May I ever have a part. Grant as well thy joy o'erflowing, While I cleave to Christ with growing Ardor till my life is spent; With thy fervor stir and cheer me ; Let thy little child be near me Through this world of banishment. Virgin, virgins all excelling, Pardon words from love outwelling: I would seize thy babe from thee, And would bear, O sweet abduction! Him whose birth was death's destruction, Him whose death brought life to me. O for Christ to satiation, Pure and high intoxication ! O to dance with joy divine ! 26 THE MATER SPECIOSA. O for fire my soul possessing And my flesh and sense repressing, Since such fellowship is mine ! Ye who love this lowly stable, With the shepherds through the sable Night keep watch, a sleepless band. Mother, by thy Son's dear merit Pray that His elect inherit Of His grace their fatherland. Let thy Son His blessing send me ; Let that Word of God defend me ; Keep me in thy tender love ; When this mortal flesh shall perish, Evermore my spirit cherish In thy Paradise above. THE MATER SPECIOSA. ADAPTED TO THE DEVOTIONAL USE OF PROTESTANTS. Stood the mother in her beaut}*, Rapt with thoughts of love and duty, Near the stall where lay her child; And her soul, forgetting sadness, Glowed with light of new-born gladness, Filled and thrilled with transport mild. Of all women has none other Joyed like her, the blessed mother Of God's sole begotten Son, As with laughter and elation She beheld the incarnation Of the High and Holy One. Who his heart's delight could smother, And regard unmoved Christ's mother Playing with her baby boy? 27 28 THE MATER SPECIOSA. Who could all her peerless treasure Of celestial solace measure, Void of sympathetic joy? Then, again, she saw with sighing Christ for our offences lying Cold among the beasts of earth, Worshipped, yet to man a stranger, Weeping in that meanest manger Where she laid Him at His birth. On that babe thus cradled lowly Gazed all heavenly spirits holy, Singing loud His worthy praise, While, with rapture overladen, Joseph and the mother-maiden Could not speak for sweet amaze. Mother, home of love's devotion, I would feel thy deep emotion, I would with thy passion glow, I would thine affection borrow For thy Son in joy and sorrow, That His blessing I may know. THE MATER SPELT OS A. 29 Holy maid, with benediction Of His birth to sore affliction I would fill mine inmost heart ; With thy Son, from Heaven descended To the manger, poor, unfriended, I would ever have a part. Teach as well thy joy o'erflowing, While I cleave to Christ with growing Ardor till my life is spent ; May thy fervor stir and cheer me ; May thy little child be near me Through this world of banishment. Virgin, virgins all excelling, Pardon words from love out welling: I would seize thy babe from thee, And would bear, O sweet abduction ! Him whose birth was death's destruction, Him whose death brought life to me. O for Christ to satiation, Pure and high intoxication ! O to dance with joy divine ! 30 THE MATEB SPECW8A. O for lire my soul possessing And my flesh and sense repressing, Since such fellowship is mine ! Ye who love this lowly stable, With the shepherds through the sable Night keep watch, a sleepless band. Jesus, by Thy priceless merit, Grant that Thine elect inherit Of Thy grace their fatherland. Through Thy cross Thy blessing send me ; Holy Word of God, defend me ; Keep me in Thy tender love; When this mortal flesh shall perish, Evermore my spirit cherish In Thy Paradise above. THE MATER DOLOROSA. Stood the mournful mother weeping, Near the cross her vigil keeping, Where He hung, her Son adored : Through her soul, of hope forsaken, And of mighty sorrows shaken, Pierced the sharp relentless sword. Of all women has none othsr Suffered like the blessed mother Of God's sole begotten Son, Who with fervent love unfailing And with anguish unavailing Gazed upon that dying One. Who is hard, yet being human, That bereaved and weeping woman To behold with tearless eyes? 31 32 THE MATER DOLOROSA. Who, his bosom sternly steeling, Would not feel with all her feeling Of her Son's keen agonies? Long she saw that loved One languish For His people's sins in anguish, Saw His meekness 'neath the rod, Saw her Son, of all deserted — Earth and Heaven from Him averted — Yield His spirit up to God. Mother, fount of love's devotion, I, beholding thine emotion, Would thy burden with thee bear ; Let me thine affection borrow For thy Son in all His sorrow, That thy mourning I may share. Holy mother, with affliction Of His saving crucifixion Fill and thrill mine inmost heart ; With thy Son, His wounds receiving Tli at have caused thy soul its grieving, May I ever have a part. THE MATER D0L01WSA. 33 I would weep with all thy weeping, Vigil with thy vigil keeping, Till my mortal life shall fail ; Near the cross and near beside thee, Where these agonies betide thee, I would stand and with thee wail. Virgin, virgins all excelling, For thy love and grief a dwelling Pure and holy make in me; Let me bear Christ's crucifying; Let me know the pains of dying That He suffered on the tree. Let my heart with His be riven; Let His cup to me be given; Let me of its depths partake ; And, still flaming thus with fervor, Let me find thee my preserver When the Judgment Day shall break. Through the cross thy blessing send me ; Let Christ's death from sin defend me ; Care for me in tender love; 34 THE MATER DOLOROSA. When this mortal flesh shall perish, Let thy Son my spirit cherish In His Paradise above. THE MATER DOLOROSA ADAPTED TO THE DEVOTIONAL USE OF PROTESTANTS. Stood the mournful mother weeping, Near the cross her vigil keeping, Where He hung, her Son adored: Through her soul, of hope forsaken, And of mighty sorrow shaken, Pierced the sharp relentless sword. Of all women has none other Suffered like the blessed mother Of God's sole begotten Son, Who with fervent love unfailing And with anguish unavailing Gazed upon that dying One. Who is hard, yet being human, That bereaved and weeping woman To behold with tearless eyes? 35 THE MATER DOLOROSA. Who, his bosom sternly steeling, Would not feel with all her feeling Of her Son's keen agonies? Long she saw that loved One languish For His people's sins in anguish, Saw His meekness 'neath the rod, Saw her Son, of all deserted — Earth and Heaven from Him averted — Yield His spirit up to God. Mother, fount of love's devotion, I, beholding thine emotion, Would thy burden with thee bear; Let me thine affection borrow For thy Son in all His sorrow, That thy mourning I may share. Holy mother, with affliction Of His saving crucifixion Would I fill mine inmost heart ; Witli thy Son, His wounds receiving That have caused thy soul its grieving, Would I ever have a part. THE MAT Ell DOLOROSA. 37 I would weep with all thy weeping, Vigil with thy vigil keeping. Till my mortal life shall fail; Near the cross and near beside thee, Where these agonies betide thee, I would stand and with thee wail. Jesus, all our thoughts excelling, For Thy love and grief a dwelling Pure and holy make in me ; Let me know Thy crucifying; Let me feel the pains of dying Thou didst suffer on the tree. Let my heart with Thine be riven; Let Thy cup to me be given; Let me of its depths partake; And, still flaming thus with fervor, Let me find Thee my Preserver When the Judgment Day shall break. Through Thy cross Thy blessings send me; Let Thy death from sin defend me; Care for me in tender love; gg THE MATER DOLOROSA. When this mortal flesh shall perish, Evermore my spirit cherish In Thy Paradise above.