Vox clara ecce intonat is a Latin hymn used traditionally in the Liturgy of the Hours at Lauds during Advent.[1] An alternative version of the same hymn begins "En clara vox redarguit."[2]
History
The original version of the hymn dates from the 6th century.[3] Whilst it has been attributed to a number of different authors, including St Ambrose, it is generally recorded in modern books as "anonymous."[4] As a result of Pope Urban VIII's revision of the Breviary, the hymn was re-written in a more classical Latin style and published in 1632, with the opening line "En clara vox redarguit."[5]
Style
The hymn is written in iambic dimeter[6] and it is a retelling of the preaching of John the Baptist, announcing the coming of Christ in Luke's Gospel.
English Versions
It is estimated that there are at least 27 English translations of the hymn.[9] The following examples were widely used in the nineteenth and twentieth century.
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John Henry Newman
1 Hark, a joyful voice is thrilling,
And each dim and winding way
Of the ancient temple filling ;
Dreams depart, for it is day.
2 Christ is coming — from thy bed,
Earth-bound soul, awake and spring —
With the sun new-risen to shed
Health on human suffering.
3 Lo, to grant a pardon free,
Comes a willing Lamb from heaven ;
Sad and tearful, hasten we,
One and all, to be forgiven.
4 Once again he comes in light
Girding earth with fear and woe ;
Lord, be thou our loving might,
From our guilt and ghostly foe.
5 To the Father and the Son
And the Spirit, who in heaven
Ever witness, Three and One,
Praise on earth be ever given.
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John Mason Neale
1 A THRILLING voice by Jordan rings,
rebuking guilt and darksome things:
vain dreams of sin and visions fly;
Christ in His might shines forth on high.
2 Now let each torpid soul arise,
that sunk in guilt and wounded lies;
see! the new Star's refulgent ray
shall chase disease and sin away.
3 The Lamb descends from heaven above
to pardon sin with freest love:
for such indulgent mercy shewn
with tearful joy our thanks we own.
4 That when again He shines revealed,
and trembling worlds to terror yield.
He give not sin its just reward,
but in His love protect and guard.
5 To the most high Parent glory be
and to the Son be victory,
and to the Spirit praise is owed
from age to age eternally. Amen[10]
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Edward Caswall
1 Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding:
'Christ is nigh,' it seems to say;
'Cast away the dreams of darkness,
O ye children of the day!'
2 Wakened to the solemn warning,
Let the earth-bound soul arise;
Christ, her Sun, all ill dispelling,
Shines upon the morning skies.
3 Lo! the Lamb, so long expected,
Comes with pardon down from heaven;
Let us haste, with tears of sorrow,
One and all to be forgiven;
4 That when next he comes with glory,
And the world is wrapped in fear,
With his mercy he may shield us,
And with words of love draw near.
5 Honour, glory, might, and blessing,
To the Father and the Son,
With the everlasting Spirit,
While eternal ages run.[11]
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The Caswell translation is often sung to the tune Merton (87.87) by William Henry Monk.[12]
