Angelus ad Virginem


14th century French carol
Angelus ad virginem subintras in conclave,
Virginus formidinem demulcens, inquit, Ave!
Ave, regina virginum;
Coeli terraeque Dominum
Concipies et paries intacta salutem hominum
Tu porta coeli facta, medela criminum.
The angel came to the Virgin, entered her chamber and, dispelling her fear, said: Hail, Queen of virgins; thou shalt conceive the Lord of heaven and earth and, untouched, shalt bring forth salvation for mankind, thou, gate of heaven, healer of sinners.
  
Quomodo conciperem quae virum non cognovi?
Qualiter infringerum quod firma mente vovi?
Spiritus Sancti gratia,
Perficiet haec omnia;
Ne timeas, sed gaudeas, secura quod castimonia
Menebit in te pura Dei potentia.
How shall I conceive, as I know not a man? How shall I break the strong bonds of my vow?
The grace of the Holy Spirit shall accomplish it. Fear not, but rejoice, for by the power of God thy chastity and purity shall endure.
  
Ad haec virgo nobilis respondens inquit ei:
Ancilla sum humilis omnipotentis Dei.
Tibi coelesti nuntio,
Tanti secreti conscio,
Consentiens, et cupiens videre factum quod audio;
Parata sum parere, Dei consilio.
The noble Virgin answered the angel, saying: I am Almighty God's humble handmaiden; to thee, heavenly messenger, bringer of great and secret tidings, I give my consent and, longing to see that of which thou tellest, am prepared to follow God's will.
  
Eia mater Domini, quae pacem redidisti
Angelis et homini, cum Christum genuisti;
Tuum exora filium
Ut se nobis propitium
Exhibeat, et deleat peccata: Praestans auxilium
Vita frui beata post hoc exilium.
Hail, thou Mother of our Lord, who has restored peace to the angels and to mankind by giving birth to Christ: entreat thy Son to show us favour and forgive our sins, and to vouchsafe that we come into life abundant upon departing this vale of exile.
  
The Choir of the Church of the Advent
Edith Ho, Director
Arranged by Sir David Willcocks CBE, MC (1919-)