1. Aeterna Christi munera
Et martyrum victorias,
Laudes ferentes debitas
Laetis canamus mentibus.
1. The eternal gifts of Christ the King,
The Martyrs’ glorious deeds we sing;
And while due hymns of praise we pay,
Our thankful hearts cast grief away.
2. Ecclesiarum principes,
Belli triumphales duces,
Caelestis aulae milites,
Et vera mundi lumina;
2. The Church in these her princes boasts,
These victor chiefs of warrior hosts;
The soldiers of the heavenly hall,
The lights that rose on earth for all.
3. Terrore victo saeculi,
Poenisque spretis corporis,
Mortis sacrae compendio
Vitam beatam possident.
3. The terrors of the world despised,
The body’s torments lightly prized,
By one brief space of death and pain
Life everlasting they obtain.
4. Traduntur igni martyres
Et bestiarum dentibus;
Armata saevit ungulis
Tortoris insani manus.
4. To flames the Martyr Saints are hailed:
By teeth of savage beasts assailed;
Against them, armed with ruthless brand
And hooks of steel, their torturers stand.
5. Nudata pendent viscera,
Sanguis sacratus funditur,
Sed permanent immobiles
Vitae perennis gratia.
5. The mangled frame is tortured sore,
The holy life-drops freshly pour:
They stand unmoved amidst the strife,
By grace of everlasting life.
6. Devota sanctorum fides,
Invicta spes credentium,
Perfecta Christi caritas
Mundi triumphat principem.
6. ’Twas thus the yearning faith of saints,
The unconquered hope that never faints,
The love of Christ that knows not shame,
The Prince of this world overcame.
7. In his paterna gloria,
In his voluntas filii,
Exultat in his spiritus;
Caelum repletur gaudiis.
7. In these the Father’s glory shone;
In these the will of God the Son;
In these exults the Holy Ghost;
Through these rejoice the heavenly host.
8. Te nunc, Redemptor, quaesumus,
Ut ipsorum consortio
Iungas precantes servulos
In sempiterna saecula.
8. Redeemer, hear us of thy love,
That, with the glorious band above,
Hereafter, of thine endless grace,
Thy servants also may have place.
Tr. John Mason Neale, _Hymnal Noted_.