Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Saturday 18 February 2012

Alleluia dulce carmen - another Neale translation


I have now found a second version of J.M.Neale's translation of Alleluia dulce carmenwhich is, I think, preferable. It is sung to Tantum ergo

Alleluia, song of sweetness,
Voice of joy, etrnal lay:
Alleluia is the anthem
Of the choirs in heavenly day,
Which the angels sing, abiding
In the house of God alway

Alleluia thou resoundest,
Salem, mother ever blest;
alleluias without ending,
Fit yon place of gladsome rest.
Exiles we, by Babel's waters
Sit in bondage and distrest

Alleluia we deserve not
Here to chant for evermore:
Alleluia our transgressions
Make us for awhile give o'er;
For the holy time is coming
Bidding us our sins deplore.

Trinity of endless glory,
Hear thy people as they cry;
Grant to all to keep thy Easter,
In our home beyond the sky,
There to thee our alleluia
Singing everlastingly.


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