Est Virgo Coeli Rore - John Mauburne

Over Mary's soul so tender, 

Falls heaven's holiest dew; 

Her peer in grace and splendor 

Creation never knew; 

We bow in veneration 

Before her throne above, 

And sing in loud laudation 

From hearts afire with love. 

Lo! God hath surely given 

The world a wondrous sign, 

A Virgin chaste as heaven 

Has borne the Son divine; 

That Son of Love Supernal, 

As Gabriel hath shown, 

Shall reign as King Eternal, 

On David's royal throne. 

O city of the nations, 

O Bethlehem the blest, 

Rise up with acclamations, 

And greet thy royal guest; 

Let all thy halls of splendor, 

And lordly mansions shine; 

A royal welcome render 

Unto the King divine. 

Alas! no welcome royal 

The coming King awaits, 

Nor dwells one servant loyal 

Within the city gates. 

No room or high or lowly 

Is ready for his birth; 

But here the Virgin holy 

Must bring the God-child forth. 

So in the humble manger 

The sacred Babe is laid; 

He lies a lonely stranger 

Beside the lonely Maid. 

O poverty all glorious, 

Though by weak man decried, 

Here by the Christ victorious, 

Hast thou been beautified. 

Then come, O men and nations, 

Your songs in praise employ; 

Ring out your jubilations; 

Behold your holiest joy! 

Behold the King of Ages, 

For whom we waited long, 

By Bards foretold and sages, 

To raise the world from wrong. 

---

John Mauburne (1460 - 1502) Belgium

Translated by Daniel Joseph Donahoe

Source: Early Christian Hymns: Series II. Translations of the Verses of the Most Noted Latin Writers of the Early and Middle Ages, edited by Daniel Joseph Donahoe, Donahoe Publishing Company, 1911