CANTVS.
MVSICA SACRA: TO Sixe Voyces.
Composed in the Jtalian tongue BY GIOVANNI CROCE.
Newly Englished.
IN LONDON
PRINTED BY THOMAS ESTE, the assigne of William Barley. 1608.
To the vertuous Louers of Musicke.
THese Sonnets, composed first most exquisitely in Italian by Sior. Francesco Bembo a Gentleman of Italie; were so admired of Giouan. Croce, one of the most excellent Musitians of the world; as well for their Poesie, as Pietie (the Substance of them being drawen from those seauen notable Psalmes called Penetentials; indited by that Sweete Singer of Israel, inspired of the holie Spirit) as that hee thought it worthy of his skill in Musicke, to apply them to this Harmonie of Sixe parts; as well to honour their Author and his Composition, as to giue a profitable Delight vnto the vertuous. And my selfe often obseruing the generall applause giuen these Songs when I haue heard them soong, (though somtimes without the words) thought it would be verie gratefull to many of our English louers of Musick, if they were translated, or imitated in our tongue: the rather, because through their want of vnderstanding the Italian, they are depriued of a Chief part of their delight. For albeit that the verie concent of the Note may sweetly strike the outward sence of the eare; yet it is the Dittie, which conuayed with the Musicke to the intellectual Soule, by the Organs of hearing, that doth touch the hart, and stir the affections eyther to Iocondnes, or Sadnes, Leuitie, or Grauitie, according to the nature of the Composition: in which respect (especially) the articulate voice of man excelleth all other voices, and Instruments in the world. Besides I supposed, that the Scarcetie (not onely in our tongue, but in all other vulgars) of Musicke in this kinde, whereby men may be edified and God glorified, would make these the more acceptable; and peraduenture be a motiue to some of our excellent Musitians to dedicate their diuine skill to the Seruice of God, in Songs of this more Sanctified kinde In which respects; and for that I was encouraged thereto by some, Skilfull in this Arte: I haue aduentured to publish these (otherwise destinate to priuacie) vnto the view of the world: Although I am not Ignorant that in this curious age, it is likely to run the ordinary fortune (euen of more exact labours) vpon the Shelues of ridged censure: But the Gentle, will winck at small faults where they spie them: As for the Supercilious Critick if (after he haue compared them with the Originall) he dislike them: he may please him selfe, and doe them all better: But doe Yee accept them with a Sèrene browe, and vse them to the glory of God, and your Laudable and Christian delight. Fare yee well.
FIRST SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. CANTVS. Signor non mi riprender.
[...] LOrd in thy wrath reproue me not seuearly, (O) Lord, Lord in thy wrath reproue me not: Lord in thy wrath reproue me not seuearly: Nor punish me in thy deseru'd displeasure: Haue mercie on my Sins exceeding mea╌sure: For full of feares, my Soule, my Soule is vex╌ed drearly. Saue it O Lord Almightie: Saue it O Lord Almightie╌most Supernall: Saue it alas, from th'euer-neuer-neuer Dying: For who in deep Hell, and fierce Tor╌ments frying, Shall sing thy praise, Shall sing thy praise, or can extoll th'Eternall? or can extoll th'Eter╌nall?
Of 6. voc. Second part. CANTVS. Penato ho lungamente.
[...] LOng haue I Languisht in my grieuous Sorrow's: Long haue I Languisht in my grieuous Sor╌row's: My Bed, and bosom, with my tear's I wa╌ter: My foes Despight hath plow'd my face with furrow's, My foes Despight hath plow'd my face, hath plow'd my face with furrow's. But now my Soule, my Soule: But now my Soule, But now my Soule let th'ungodly Scatter: Hence, hence ye wicked; Sith God so gratio'us for vs, Sith God so gratio'us for vs: Hath heard my moan, and doth regard my matter. and doth regard, regard my matter.
SECOND SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. CANTVS. Beati quei.
[...] BLessed are they, whose faults so oft forbidden, Haue free forgiuenes and a full remissi'on: Haue free forgiuenes and full re╌missi'on: And a full remis╌si'on: And they whose Sins of Act, And they whose Sins, whose Sins of Act, and of Omissi'on, are not Imputed, but in mercy, in mercy hidden. Therfore my Crime I haue confest before thee, Which graci'ously (my God) thou hast forgiuen: The more therefore I Laude thee (King of Heau'n) And all thy Saints shall in due time a╌dore thee. And all thy Saints shall in due time adore thee. In due time adore thee adore thee.
Of 6. voc. Second part. CANTVS. Tu mio Refugio.
[...] O Thou my Refuge, and my Conso╌la╌ti'on, O thou my Re╌fuge, and Conso╌la╌ti╌on, Deliuer me my God which art Almightie; Deliuer me my God, Deliuer me my God which art Almightie, From Enemies, From Enemies that enuie my Salua╌ti'on, my Sal╌uati'on. A many Rods pursue the Sinner right╌ly, But those that place in thee, their Expectati'on, Grace shall embrace. Grace shall embrace. Grace shall embrace. Ioy yee that walk vprightly. Ioy yee that walk vprightly. vprightly. Ioy yee that walk vprightly.
THIRD SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. CANTVS. Signor nel tuo furor.
[...] LOrd in thine Anger doe no more reproue me: Nor in thy Furie multiplie my Sorrows: For in my fleash I Feele, For in my fleash I Feele thy fearfull Arrows: Thy heauie hand doth vnto Goodnes moue mee. Sick in it selfe my Soule doth Sigh, doth Sigh and Languish: Because my Sins so wholy ouer╌came mee: Sorely afflicted, afflicted and all humbled am I; and all humbled am I; And in my playnt my hart Roars out, Roars out for an╌guish. for an╌guish.
Of 6 voc. Second part. CANTVS. Già la virtù mi lascia.
[...] MY Strength eu'n fail's, eu'n fail's me, My Strength eu'n fail's me: And my Sight, my Sight hath fled me, fled me, hath fled me, fled me: And eu'rie one Endeauours to vn╌doo me: But I, as Deafned, the while with Dumbnes, Dumbnes sped me. In thee I hope (my GOD) Ah, Ah listen, to mee. Ah! Ah Leaue thou me not: Ah Leaue thou me not, Thou, my Salua╌ti'on, thou my Saluati'on, and Comfort sole, and Comfort sole vnto mee. and Comfort, Comfort sole vnto me. and Comfort sole, and Comfort sole vnto mee.
FOVRTH SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. CANTVS. Habbi di me Signor.
[...] SHew mercie Lord on me, on me, O Lord on me, most haynous Sinner; And mortifie my Sin, my Sin so grieuous guiltie: and Purifie me Filthy, and Purifie me Filthy, and Purifie me Filthy: For in thy sight O Lord I am onely, onely Sinner. In Sin thou knowest my Sinfull Mother bore me: Thou Guide vnto the heau'nly Cittie, thou Guide vnto to the heau'nly Cit╌tie: Wash, wash my Soule in Lauer of thy pittie; So shall no Snow, no Snow, So shall no Snow, no Snow in whitenes goe be╌fore me. in whitenes goe before mee. In whitenes goe before mee.
Of 6. voc. Second part. CANTVS. Dammi vn cor mondo
[...] GIue me a cleane hart, an vntainted Spirit: an vntainted Spi╌rit, an vntainted Spirit: And of thy Grace and Face, And of thy Grace and Face bereaue me ne╌uer: neuer: bereaue me neuer: So shall I more adore, So shall I more adore thy Name, and feare it: thy Name, and feare it: thy Name and feare it: thy Name and feare it: And to thy Seruice more and more, thy Seruice more and more, and more Endeauour: Sith broken harts as doth thy voyce auer it: Sith broken harts as doth thy voyce a╌uer it, Are th'only Sacrifice, thou Ioyest in E╌uer▪ thou Ioyest in E╌uer.
FIFT SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. CANTVS. Essaudisci Signor, gli humil miei preghi.
[...] HArken Lord vnto mine humble Play╌nings; Hide not thy face for euer in thine Anger: My Dayes doe vade, doe vade as Smoak, doe vade as Smoak, My hart in Langor, Hyes (flyes) to thee, Hyes (flyes) to thee, why Shun'st thou my Complaynings? Friends haue I none, Friends haue I none, now from mee All are flying: In stead of Bread, I haue ben fed, In stead of Bread, I haue ben fed with Ashes, My Drinck my Tear's; while I haue felt the Lashes Of thy fierce Wrath, for all mine often Cryings.
Of 6. voc. Second part. CANTVS. Sarà ogni Rè, ogni Popolo.
[...] ALL Kings and Nati'ons, shall admi'er, ad╌mi╌er thy Glo╌ry, When thou the Sighs of th'humble: When thou the Sighs of humble Soules attendest: It shall be Writ: It shall be Writ: It shall be Writ in an Eternall Story, in an Eternall Story. Ah Leaue me not thou; Thou that All Defen╌dest, that all Defendest: That madest All, That madest All, That madest All (Heau'n, Earth, and Oce'an and Oce'an hoarie) That neuer didst Begin, and neuer Endest, and neuer En╌dest.
SIXT SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. CANTVS. Dal profondo del core.
[...] FRom Profound Center of my hart, of my hart: to thee I cri'ed, to thee I cri'ed O Lord, Lord let thine eare draw neere me, To note my mourning; and quickly heare me, and quickly heare me: Heare my Sad Grones to thy Sweet Grace applyed. to thy Sweet Grace apply'ed. Lord, if thou looke with Rigor down into vs, to mark our Sins, O who shall then abide it? O who shall then abide, abide it? But if thou be pleas'd, with pardon thou be pleas'd, bee pleas'd to hide it, (if thou Mercie vouchsafe) if thou Mercy vouchsafe, if thou Mercy vouchsafe, What shall vndoo Vs? vndoo Vs? what shall vndoo Vs?
Of 6. voc. Second part. CANTVS. Ne la parola tua.
[...] VPon thy Word my Soule, hath firmely reared her Tower of Trust, there is my Hope possessed; for with thee, is Mercy that thou maist be fear'd; thou maist be feared: Mercy for those, Mercy for those, that are in Soule depressed, in Soule depres╌sed. Is╌ra╌els Redeemer, Whom thou hast endeer'd, endeered, Becom's through thee, of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint, of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed.
SEAVENTH SONNET
Of 6 voc. First part. CANTVS. Essaudisci Signor le mie.
[...] LIsten, Listen O Lord, Listen, Listen O Lord vnto my Prostrate pray╌er: Nor into Iudgment with thy Seruant enter: For who is Iust? For who is Iust? The foule In╌fernall Tempter pursues my Soule with terrors of De╌spay'r: My hart's all inly vexed, My hart's all inly vexed, all inly vex╌ed. Yet I apply'd me to waigh thy Works, thy Wonders I obser╌ued: But to thy Mercy, but to thy Mercy the Chief place reserued: the Chief place reserued: Then Shew my Sin, my Sin, Then shew my Sin, my Sin, Then shew my Sin, and in thy Seruice guide mee.
Of 6. voc. Second part. CANTVS. Socorrimi Signor.
[...] SVccour me Lord, Saue me with expediti'on, with expedi╌ti'on, My Spirit fainteth, therefore mine affec╌ti'on, My Spirit fainteth, therefore mine affec╌ti'on, My Minde, my Soule, My Minde my Soule I lift with all Submissi'on: To thee my Lord, my God, my God and my Protec╌ti'on: and my Protecti'on: Draw me from Danger vnder thy Tu╌i╌ti'on; For I thy Seruant am, For I thy Seruant am by thine Electi'on. by thine, by thine Electi'on. by thine Electi'on.
ALTVS.
MVSICA SACRA: TO Sixe Voyces.
Composed in the Jtalian tongue BY GIOVANNI CROCE.
Newly Englished.
IN LONDON
PRINTED BY THOMAS ESTE, the assigne of William Barley. 1608.
To the vertuous Louers of Musicke.
THese Sonnets, composed first most exquisitely in Italian by Sior. Francesco Bembo a Gentleman of Italie; were so admired of Giouan. Croce, one of the most excellent Musitians of the world; as well for their Poesie, as Pietie (the Substance of them being drawen from those seauen notable Psalmes called Penetentials; indited by that Sweete Singer of Israel, inspired of the holie Spirit) as that hee thought it worthy of his skill in Musicke, to apply them to this Harmonie of Sixe parts; as well to honour their Author and his Composition, as to giue a profitable Delight vnto the vertuous. And my selfe often obseruing the generall applause giuen these Songs when I haue heard them soong, (though somtimes without the words) thought it would be verie gratefull to many of our English louers of Musick, if they were translated, or imitated in our tongue: the rather, because through their want of vnderstanding the Italian, they are depriued of a Chief part of their delight. For albeit that the verie concent of the Note may sweetly strike the outward sence of the eare; yet it is the Dittie, which conuayed with the Musicke to the intellectual Soule, by the Organs of hearing, that doth touch the hart, and stir the affections eyther to Iocondnes, or Sadnes, Leuitie, or Grauitie, according to the nature of the Composition: in which respect (especially) the articulate voice of man excelleth all other voices, and Instruments in the world. Besides I supposed, that the Scarcetie (not onely in our tongue, but in all other vulgars) of Musicke in this kinde, whereby men may be edified and God glorified, would make these the more acceptable; and peraduenture be a motiue to some of our excellent Musitians to dedicate their diuine skill to the Seruice of God, in Songs of this more Sanctified kinde. In which respects; and for that I was encouraged thereto by some, Skilfull in this Arte: I haue aduentured to publish these (otherwise destinate to priuacie) vnto the view of the world: Although I am not Ignorant that in this curious age, it is likely to run the ordinary fortune (euen of more exact labours) vpon the Shelues of ridged censure: But the Gentle, will winck at small faults where they spie them: As for the Supercilious Critick if (after he haue compared them with the Originall) he dislike them: he may please himselfe, and doe them all better: But doe Yee accept them with a Sèrene browe, and vse them to the glory of God, and your Laudable and Christian delight. Fare yee well.
FIRST SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. ALTVS. Signor non mi riprender.
[...] LOrd in thy wrath reproue me not seuearly, not seuearly, Lord in thy wrath reproue me not seuearly, Nor punish me in thy deseru'd displea╌sure: Haue mercie, Haue mer╌cie on my sinns exceeding measure: For full of feares, my Soule is vex╌ed drearly. Saue it O Lord Almightie, Saue it O Lord Almightie-most, supernall, Saue it Lord, Saue it, alas, from th'euer-neuer Dying: For who in deep Hell, and fierce tor╌ments frying, Shall sing thy praise, or can extoll th'Eternall? or can extoll th'Eternall? ex╌tol th'Eter╌nall?
Of 6. voc. Second part. ALTVS. Penato ho lungamente.
[...] LOng haue I Languisht in my grieuous Sorrow's, my grie╌uous Sorrow's, My bed, and bosom, with my tear's I wa╌ter: My foes Despight hath plow'd my face, My foes Despight hath plow'd my face, My foes Despight, My foes Despight hath plow'd my face with furrow's. But now my Soule: But now my Soule let th'ungodly Scatter: Hence, hence ye wicked, Sith God so gratio'us for vs, Sith God so gratio'us, God so gratio'us for vs: hath heard my moan, and doth regard my matter. and doth regard, regard my matter.
SECOND SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. ALTVS. Beati quei.
[...] BLessed are they, whose faults so oft for╌bidden, whose faults so oft for╌bid╌den, Haue free forgiuenes and full remissi'on: Haue free forgiuenes and a full remissi'on: And they whose Sins of Act, And they whose sinns, whose sinns of Act, and of Omissi'on are not imputed, but in mercy hidden. Therefore my crime I haue confest before thee, which graci'ously (my God) thou hast for╌gi╌uen: The more therefore I Laude thee (King of Heau'n) And all thy Saints, thy Saints, And all thy Saints shall in due time: All thy Saints shall in due time adore thee.
Of 6. voc. Second part. ALTVS. Tu mio Refugio.
[...] O Thou my Refuge and my Conso╌la╌ti'on, and Conso╌la╌ti'on, and Conso╌lati'on, Deliuer me my God, Deliuer me my God, Deliuer me my God which art Almightie: Almightie: From Enemies that enuie my Saluati'on. my Sal╌uati'on. A many Rods pursue the Sinner right╌ly; But those that place in thee their Expectati'on, Grace shall embrace. Grace shall embrace. Grace shall embrace. Ioy yee that walk vprightly. vprightly. Ioy yee that walk vprightly. Ioy yee that walk vp╌rightly.
THIRD SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. ALTVS. Signor nel tuo furor.
[...] LOrd in thine Anger doe no more reproue me: Nor in thy Furie multiplie my Sor╌row's: For in my Fleash, I feele; For in my Fleash I feele thy fearfull Arrows; Thy heauie hand doth vnto goodnesse moue me. Sick, in it selfe my Soule doth Sigh and Languish: doth Sigh and Lan╌guish: Because my Sins so wholely ouercame me: Sorely afflicted, afflicted, and all humbled am I: and all humbled am I: And in my plaint my hart Roars out, Roars out, Roars out, Roars out, for an╌guish. for an╌guish.
Of 6 voc. Second part. ALTVS. Già la virtù mi lascia.
[...] MY Strength eu'n fail's, eu'n fail's me: And my Sight, my Sight hath fled me, hath fled me, fled me, hath fled me, fled me, And eu'rie one Endeauours to vn╌doo me: But I, as Deafned, the while with Dumbnes, Dumbnes sped me. In thee I hope (my GOD) Ah listen, listen, Ah listen to mee. Ah, Ah leaue thou me not: Ah leaue thou me not, Thou, my Saluati╌on: thou my Saluation, and Comfort sole vnto me: and Comfort sole: and Comfort sole vn╌to mee: and Comfort sole vnto mee.
FOVRTH SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. ALTVS. Habbi di me Signor.
[...] SHew mercie O Lord on me, most haynous Sinner; And mortifie my Sin, my Sin so grieuous guiltie: O cleanse me from it, and Purifie me Filthy, and Purifie me, Purifie me Filthy: For in thy sight O Lord, I am onely Sinner. In Sin thou knowest my Sinfull Mother bore me: But O thou Guide, thou Guide, thou Guide vnto the heau'nly, heau'nly Cittie, Wash, wash my Soule in Lauer of thy pittie; So shall no Snow, no Snow in whitenes goe before me. So shall no Snow, no Snow, So shall no Snow, no Snow in whitenes goe before me. In whitenes goe before mee.
Of 6. voc. Second part. ALTVS. Dammi vn cor mondo
[...] GIue me a cleane hart, an vntainted Spirit: an vntainted an vntainted Spirit: And of thy Grace and Face bereare me neuer: And of thy Grace and Face bereaue me neuer; So shall I more adore, So shall I more adore thy name, thy name and feare it: thy name, thy name and feare it: thy name and feare it: And to, And to thy Seruice more and more Indeauour: Sith broken harts, as doth thy voyce auer it: Sith broken harts as doth thy voyce auer it, Are th'only Sacrifice, thou Ioyest in E╌uer. thou Ioyest in euer.
FIFT SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. ALTVS. Essaudisci Signor. gli humil miei preghi.
[...] HArken Lord vnto mine humble Playnings; Hide not thy face for euer in thine Anger: My Dayes doe vade, doe vade as Smoak, doe vade as Smoak, My hart in Langor, Hyes (flyes) to thee, Hyes (flyes) to thee, why Shun'st thou my Complaynings? Friends haue I none, Friends haue I none, now from me All are flying: In stead of Bread, of Bread, In stead of Bread, I haue ben fed, I haue ben fed with A╌shes, My Drinck my Tear's; while I haue felt the Lashes Of thy fierce Wrath, while I haue felt the Lashes Of thy fierce Wrath, for all, for all mine often Cryings.
Of 6. voc. Second part. ALTVS. Sarà ogni Rè, ogni Popolo.
[...] ALL Kings and Nati'ons shall admi'er, admi╌er thy Glo╌ry, When thou the Sighs of humble Soules attendest; When thou the Sighs of humble Soules attendest; It shall be Writ in an Eternall Storie. It shall bee Writ, It shall bee Writ in an Eternall Storie. in an Eternall Story. Ah! Leaue me not thou, Thou that All Defendest, that All Defendest, That madest All (Heau'n, Earth, and Oce'an) That madest All (Heau'n, Earth, and Oce'an hoa╌rie) That neuer didst begin, and neuer Endest. and ne╌uer En╌dest.
SIXT SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. ALTVS. Dal profondo del core.
[...] FRom Profound Center of my hart, of my hart to thee I cri'ed, I cri'ed, to thee I cri'ed O Lord, Lord let thine eare draw neere me, To note my mourning, to note my mourning; and quickly heare me: and quickly heare me: Heare my Sad Groning to thy Sweet Grace, to thy Sweet Grace apply╌ed: to thy Sweet Grace applyed. Lord if thou looke with Rigor down into Vs, to mark our Sin, our Sin, O who shal then abide it? Who shal then abide it? But if with pardon thou be pleas'd to hide it, be pleas'd to hide it. (If thou Mercy vouchsafe) what shal vndoo Vs? what shal vndoo Vs? if thou Mercy vouchsafe, if thou Mercy vouchsafest, what shal vndoo, vndoo vs? what shall vn╌doo Vs?
Of 6. voc. Second part. ALTVS. Ne la parola tua.
[...] VPon thy Word my Soule, vpon thy Word my Soule hath firmely Rea╌red her Tower of Trust, there is my Hope possessed; for with thee, with thee is Mercy that thou maist be feared; Mercy, for those that are in Soule depres╌sed, in Soule depres╌sed. Is╌ra╌els Redeemer, Whom thou hast endeered, Whom thou hast endeered, whom thou hast endeered, Becom's through thee, of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Bles╌sed. of Sinner, Saint and Bles╌sed.
SEAVENTH SONNET
Of 6 voc. First part. ALTVS. Essaudisci Signor le miei
[...] LIsten, Listen O Lord vnto my Prostrate prayer: vnto my Prostrate prayer: Nor into Iudgment with thy Seruant enter: For who, O who is Iust? For who, O who is Iust? The foule In╌fernall Tempter, The foule infernall Tempter pursues my Soule with terrors of Despay'r: My hart's all inly vexed, inly vexed. Yet I apply'd me to waigh thy works, thy wonders I obserued: But to thy Mercy, but to thy Mercy the Chief place reserued: the chief place reserued: Then Shew my Sin, then shew my Sin, my Sin, then shew my Sin, and in thy Seruice guide me. thy Seruice guide mee.
Of 6. voc. Second part. ALTVS. Socorrimi Signor.
[...] SVccour me Lord, Saue me with expediti'on, with expediti'on, My Spirit fainteth: therefore mine affecti'on, My Spirit fainteth, fainteth, My Spirit fainteth, fainteth: therefore mine affec╌ti'on, My Minde, my Soule I lift with all Submis╌si'on, with all Submissi'on, To thee my Lord, my God, my God▪ and my Protecti'on: and my Protec╌ti'on: Draw me from Danger, Draw me from Danger vnder thy Tuiti'on; For I thy Seruant am, For I thy Seruant am by thine Electi'on. by thine Elec╌ti'on.
TENOR.
MVSICA SACRA: TO Sixe Voyces.
Composed in the Jtalian tongue BY GIOVANNI CROCE.
Newly Englished.
IN LONDON
PRINTED BY THOMAS ESTE, the assigne of William Barley. 1608.
To the vertuous Louers of Musicke.
THese Sonnets, composed first most exquisitely in Italian by Sior. Francesco Bembo a Gentleman of Italie; were so admired of Giouan. Croce, one of the most excellent Musitians of the world; as well for their Poesie, as Pietie (the Substance of them being drawen from those seauen notable Psalmes called Penetentials; indited by that Sweete Singer of Israel, inspired of the holie Spirit) as that hee thought it worthy of his skill in Musicke, to apply them to this Harmonie of Sixe parts; as well to honour their Author and his Composition, as to giue a profitable Delight vnto the vertuous. And my selfe often obseruing the generall applause giuen these Songs when I haue heard them soong, (though somtimes without the words) thought it would be verie gratefull to many of our English louers of Musick, if they were translated, or imitated in our tongue: the rather, because through their want of vnderstanding the Italian, they are depriued of a Chief part of their delight. For albeit that the verie concent of the Note may sweetly strike the outward sence of the eare; yet it is the Dittie, which conuayed with the Musicke to the intellectual Soule, by the Organs of hearing, that doth touch the hart, and stir the affections eyther to Iocondnes, or Sadnes, Leuitie, or Grauitie, according to the nature of the Composition: in which respect (especially) the articulate voice of man excelleth all other voices, and Instruments in the world. Besides I supposed, that the Scarcetie (not onely in our tongue, but in all other vulgars) of Musicke in this kinde, whereby men may be edified and God glorified, would make these the more acceptable; and peraduenture be a motiue to some of our excellent Musitians to dedicate their diuine skill to the Seruice of God, in Songs of this more Sanctified kinde In which respects; and for that I was encouraged thereto by some, Skilfull in this Arte: I haue aduentured to publish these (otherwise destinate to priuacie) vnto the view of the world: Although I am not Ignorant that in this curious age, it is likely to run the ordinary fortune (euen of more exact labours) vpon the Shelues of ridged censure: But the Gentle, will winck at small faults where they spie them: As for the Supercilious Critick if (after he haue compared them with the Originall) he dislike them: he may please him selfe, and doe them all better: But doe Yee accept them with a Sèrene browe, and vse them to the glory of God, and your Laudable and Christian delight. Fare yee well.
FIRST SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. TENOR. Signor non mi riprender.
[...] LOrd, in thy wrath reproue me not seuearly, Lord in thy wrath reproue me not: Lord in thy wrath reproue me not seuearly, Nor punish me in thy deseru'd displeasure: Haue mercie on my Sins exceeding mea╌sure: For full of feares, my Soule is vex╌ed drear╌ly. Saue it O Lord Almightie most Supernall, Saue it O Lord Almightie: Saue it, alas, from th'euer ne╌uer Dying: For who in deep Hell, and fierce Tor╌ments frying, Shall sing thy praise, or can extoll th'Eternall? or can extoll, or can extoll th'Eternall?
Of 6. voc. Second part. TENOR. Penato ho lungamente.
[...] LOng haue I Lan╌guisht, Long haue I Languisht in my grieuous Sor╌row's: My Bed and bosom, with my tear's I water: My foes Despight hath plow'd my face with furrow's: My foes Despight hath plow'd my face with furrow's: hath plow'd my face, hath plow'd my face with furrow's: But now my Soule, my Soule, let th'ungodly Scat╌ter: Hence, hence ye wicked; Sith God so gratio'us, Sith God so gratio'us; God so gratio'us, God so gracio'us for vs: Hath heard my moan, and doth regard my mat╌ter. and doth regard, regard my mat╌ter.
SECOND SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. TENOR. Beati quei.
[...] BLessed are they, whose faults so oft forbidden, whose faults so oft forbidden, Haue free forgiuenes and a full remissi'on: Haue free forgiuenes, and a full remissi'on: And they whose Sins, And they whose Sins, whose Sins of Act, and of Omissi'on, Are not Imputed, but in mercy hidden. Therfore my Crime, Therfore my Crime I haue confest before thee, Which graci'ously (my God) thou hast forgiuen: The more therfore I Laude, thee (King of Heau'n) And all thy Saints shall in due time, all thy Saints shall in due time, And all thy Saints shall in due time adore thee.
Of 6. voc. Second part. TENOR. Tu mio Refugio.
[...] O Thou my Refuge and my Conso╌la╌ti'on, my Conso╌la╌ti'on, Deliuer me my God, which art Almightie: which art Almightie: From E╌nemies that en╌uie my Saluati'on. my Sal╌uati'on. A many Rods pursue the Sin╌ner rightly; But those that place in thee their Expectati'on, Grace shall embrace. Grace shall embrace. Grace shall embrace. Ioy yee that walk vprightly. vprightly. Ioy yee that walk vprightly. Ioy yee that walk vprightly.
THIRD SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. TENOR. Signor nel tuo furor.
[...] LOrd in thine Anger doe no more reproue me: Nor in thy Furie multiplie my Sorrow's: For in my fleash I Feele; in my Fleash I feele thy fearfull Arrows; Thy heauie hand doth vnto Goodnesse moue me. Sick, in it selfe my Soule doth Sigh and Languish; doth Sigh and Lan╌guish: Because my Sins so wholely, because my Sins so wholy ouercame mee: Sorely afflicted, afflicted, and all humbled am I: And in my plaint my hart Roars out, Roars out, Roars out, for an╌guish. for an╌guish.
Of 6 voc. Second part. TENOR. Già la virtù mi lascia.
[...] MY Strength eu'n fail's, eu'n fail's me, And my Sight, my Sight hath fled me, fled me, hath fled me, fled me: And eu'rie one Endeauours, Endeauours to vndoo me: But I as Deafned, the while with Dumbnes, Dumbnes sped me. In thee I hope (my GOD) Ah listen, listen to me. Ah! Ah Leaue thou me not: Ah Leaue thou me not, Thou, my Saluati'on, thou my Saluati'on, and Comfort sole, and Comfort sole, and Comfort sole, and Comfort sole vnto me, and Comfort sole vnto me. vnto me.
FOVRTH SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. TENOR. Habbi di me Signor.
[...] SHew mercie Lord on me, O Lord on me, most haynous Sinner; And mortifie my Sin, my Sin so grieuous guiltie: so grieuous guiltie: O cleanse me from it, And Purifie me Fil╌thy, me Filthy, and Purifie me Filthy, me Filthy: For in thy Sight Lord I am onely, onely Sinner. In Sin thou knowest my Sinfull Mother bore me: Thou Guide vnto the heau'nly Cit╌tie: Wash, O wash my Soule in Lauer of thy pittie; So shall no Snow, no Snow, So shall no Snow in whitenes goe beefore me. So shall no Snow, no Snow: So shall no Snow, no Snow in whitenes goe before mee.
Of 6. voc. Second part. TENOR. Dammi vn cor mondo.
[...] GIue me a cleane hart, an vntainted Spirit, an vntainted Spirit: And of thy Grace and Face bereaue me neuer: And of thy Grace and Face, And of thy Grace and Face bereaue me neuer: So shall I more adore thy Name, and feare it: thy Name and feare it: thy Name and feare, thy Name and feare it: And to thy Seruice more and more, and more Endeauour: Are th'only Sa╌crifice thou Ioy'st in E╌uer. Are th'only Sacrifice thou Ioyest in Euer. thou Ioyest in Euer.
FIFT SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. TENOR. Essaudisci Signor, gli'humil miei preghi.
[...] HArken Lord vnto mine humble Play╌nings, Hide not thy face for euer in thine Anger: My Dayes doe vade, doe vade as Smoak, doe vade as Smoak, My hart in Lan╌gor, Hyes (flyes) to thee, why Shun'st thou my Complaynings? my Complaynings? Friends haue I none, Friends haue I none, now from mee All are flying: In stead of Bread, I haue ben fed with Ashes: In stead of Bread I haue ben fed with Ashes: My Drinck my Tear's; While I haue felt the Lashes, Of thy fierce Wrath, While I haue felt the Lashes, For all, for all mine often Cryings.
Of 6. voc. Second part. TENOR. Sarà ogni Rè, ogni Popolo.
[...] ALL Kings and Nati'ons shall admi'er, admi'er thy Glo╌ry, When thou the Sighs of th'umble, When thou the Sighs of humble Soules atten╌dest; It shall be Writ in an Eternall Story. It shall bee Writ, It shall bee Writ, in an Eternall Storie. in an Eternall Story. Ah! Leaue me not thou, Thou that All Defendest, That madest All, That madest All (Heau'n, Earth, and Oce'an, Heau'n, Earth, and Oce'an hoarie) That neuer didst Begin, and neuer En╌dest. and neuer Endest.
SIXT SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. TENOR. Dal profondo del core.
[...] FRom Profound Center of my hart, to thee I cri'ed, I cri'ed: to thee I cri'ed O Lord, O Lord, Lord let thine eare draw neere mee, To note my mourning; To note my mourning; and quickly heare mee: and quickly heare mee: Heare my Sad Grones to thy Sweet Grace, To thy Sweet Grace: To thy Sweet Grace apply'ed: Lord, if thou looke with Rigor down into Vs, to mark our Sins, O who shall then abide it? who shall abide it? But if thou be pleas'd: But if with pardon thou be pleas'd to hide it, (If thou Mercy vouchsafe) what shall vndoo Vs? (if thou Mercy vouchsafe, What shall vndoo Vs? What shall vndoo Vs? What shall vndoo Vs?
Of 6. voc. Second part. TENOR. Ne la parola tua.
[...] VPon thy Word my Soule, hath firmely reared: hath firmely reared her Tower of Trust; There is my Hope possessed; for with thee is Mercy, that thou maist be fea╌red; Mercy, for those, that are depressed, in Soule depressed. Is╌ra╌els Redeemer, Is╌ra╌els Redeemer: Whom thou hast endeered, Becom's through thee, of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. and Blessed.
SEAVENTH SONNET
Of 6 voc. First part. TENOR. Essaudisci Signor le mie.
[...] LIsten, Listen O Lord vnto my Prostrate prayer, Prostrate prayer, Nor into Iudgment with thy Seruant enter:For who, Ô who is Iust? For who, is Iust? The foule In╌fernall Tempter pursues my Soule with terrors, with terrors of Despay'r. My hart's all inly vexed: My hart's all inly vexed: all inly vexed: Yet I apply'd me to waigh thy Works, thy Wonders I ob╌serued, But to thy Mercy, But to thy Mercy the Chief place reserued: the Chief place reserued: Then Shew my Sin, and in thy Seruice guide me. Then shew my Sin, Then shew my Sin, Then shew my Sin, and in thy Seruice guide me.
Of 6. voc. Second part. TENOR. Socorrimi Signor.
[...] SVccour me Lord, Saue mee, saue mee with expe╌di╌ti'on, with expe╌di╌ti'on, with expe╌di╌ti╌on, My Spirit fainteth, My Spirit fainteth, therefore mine affec╌ti'on, My Minde, my Soule I lift, my Minde my Soule I lift with all Submissi'on, To thee my Lord, my God, my God, and my Protecti'on: my God, and my Protecti'on: Draw me from Danger vnder thy Tu╌i╌ti'on; Draw me from Danger, draw me from Danger vnder thy Tu╌i╌ti'on; For I thy Seruant am, For I thy Seruant am by thine by thine Electi'on. by thine Electi'on. by thine Electi'on.
QVINTVS.
MVSICA SACRA: TO Sixe Voyces.
Composed in the Jtalian tongue BY GIOVANNI CROCE.
Newly Englished.
IN LONDON
PRINTED BY THOMAS ESTE, the assigne of William Barley. 1608.
To the vertuous Louers of Musicke.
THese Sonnets, composed first most exquisitely in Italian by Sior. Francesco Bembo a Gentleman of Italie; were so admired of Giouan. Croce, one of the most excellent Musitians of the world; as well for their Poesie, as Pietie (the Substance of them being drawen from those seauen notable Psalmes called Penetentials; indited by that Sweete Singer of Israel, inspired of the holie Spirit) as that hee thought it worthy of his skill in Musicke, to apply them to this Harmonie of Sixe parts; as well to honour their Author and his Composition, as to giue a profitable Delight vnto the vertuous. And my selfe often obseruing the generall applause giuen these Songs when I haue heard them soong, (though somtimes without the words) thought it would be verie gratefull to many of our English louers of Musick, if they were translated, or imitated in our tongue: the rather, because through their want of vnderstanding the Italian, they are depriued of a Chief part of their delight. For albeit that the verie concent of the Note may sweetly strike the outward sence of the eare; yet it is the Dittie, which conuayed with the Musicke to the intellectual Soule, by the Organs of hearing, that doth touch the hart, and stir the affections eyther to Iocondnes, or Sadnes, Leuitie, or Grauitie, according to the nature of the Composition: in which respect (especially) the articulate voice of man excelleth all other voices, and Instruments in the world. Besides I supposed, that the Scarcetie (not onely in our tongue, but in all other vulgars) of Musicke in this kinde, whereby men may be edified and God glorified, would make these the more acceptable; and peraduenture be a motiue to some of our excellent Musitians to dedicate their diuine skill to the Seruice of God, in Songs of this more Sanctified kinde In which respects; and for that I was encouraged thereto by some, Skilfull in this Arte: I haue aduentured to publish these (otherwise destinate to priuacie) vnto the view of the world: Although I am not Ignorant that in this curious age, it is likely to run the ordinary fortune (euen of more exact labours) vpon the Shelues of ridged censure: But the Gentle, will winck at small faults where they spie them: As for the Supercilious Critick if (after he haue compared them with the Originall) he dislike them: he may please him selfe, and doe them all better: But doe Yee accept them with a Sèrene browe, and vse them to the glory of God, and your Laudable and Christian delight. Fare yee well.
FIRST SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. QVINTVS. Signor non mi riprender.
[...] LOrd in thy wrath reproue me not seuearly, in thy wrath reproue me not: Lord in thy wrath reproue me not seuearly: not seuearly: Nor punish me in thy deseru'd displeasure: Haue mercie, Haue mercy on my Sins exceeding measure: For full of feares, my Soule, is vexed drear╌ly. Saue it O Lord Almightie: Saue it O Lord Almightie, Saue it O Lord Almightie-most Supernall: Saue it alas, from th'euer-neuer Dy╌ing: For who in deep Hell, deep Hell, and fierce Tor╌ments frying, Shall sing thy praise, or can extoll th'Eternall? or can extoll th'Eternall? th'Eter╌nall?
Of 6. voc. Second part. QVINTVS. Penato ho lungamente.
[...] LOng haue I Languisht in my grieuous Sorrow's: Long haue I Languisht in my grieuous Sorrow's: in my grieuous. Sorrow's: My Bed and bosom, with my tear's I water: My foes Despight, hath plow'd my face: My foes Despight hath plow'd my face with furrow's: My foes Despight hath plow'd my face with furrow's. But now my Soule, my Soule, But now my Soule let th'ungodly, th'ungodly. Seat╌ter: Hence, hence ye wicked; Sith God so gratio'us for vs, Sith God so gratio'us for vs: Hath heard my moan, and doth regard my matter. and doth regard, regard my matter.
SECOND SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. QVINTVS. Beati quei.
[...] BLessed are they, whose faults so oft forbid╌den, whose faults so oft forbidden, Haue free forgiuenes and full remissi'on: Haue free forgiuenes, and full remissi'on: And a full remissi'on: And they whose Sins of Act, And they whose Sins, whose Sins of Act, and of Omis╌si'on, Omis╌si'on; Are not Imputed, but in mercy hid╌den. Therfore my Crime, Therfore my Crime I haue confest before thee, Which graci'ously (my God) thou hast forgiuen: The more therefore I Laude, I Laude thee (King of Heau'n) In due time adore thee. And all thy Saints shall in due time adore thee. in due time, in due time adore thee.
Of 6. voc. Second part. QVINTVS. Tu mio Refugio.
[...] O Thou my Refuge, and my Conso╌la╌ti'on, and my Conso╌lati'on, De╌liuer me my God which art Almightie; De╌liuer me my God which art Almigh╌tie, From Enemies, that en╌uie my Saluati'on, my Sal╌ua╌ti'on. A many Rods pursue the Sinner right╌ly, But those that place in thee, their Expecta╌ti'on, Grace shall embrace. Grace shall embrace. Grace shall embrace. Ioy yee that walk vprightly. Ioy yee that walk vprightly. Ioy yee that walk vprightly.
THIRD SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. QVINTVS. Signor nel tuo furor.
[...] LOrd in thine Anger doe no more reproue me: Nor in thy Furie multiplie my Sor╌rows, multiplie my Sor╌rows: For in my fleash I Feele; in my Fleash I Feele thy fearfull Arrows: Thy heauie hand doth vnto Goodnes moue mee. Sick in it selfe my Soule doth Sigh, and Lan╌guish: Because my Sins so wholely ouercame mee: ouercame. me. Sorely, afflicted, afflicted, and all humbled am I; and all humbled am I; And in my playnt my hart Roars out, Roars out, Roars out, for an╌guish. for an╌guish.
Of 6 voc. Second part. QVINTVS. Già la virtù mi lascia.
[...] MY Strength eu'n fail's, eu'n fail's me, And my Sight, my Sight, and my Sight, my Sight hath fled me, fled me, hath fled me, fled me: And eu'rie one Endeauours to vndoo me: But I as Deafned, the while with Dumbnes, Dumbnes sped me In thee I hope (my GOD) Ah listen, Ah, listen to me. Ah listen to mee: Ah! Ah Leaue thou me not: Ah Leaue thou me not, Thou, my Saluati'on, thou my Saluati'on, and Comfort sole, and Comfort sole vnto mee. and Comfort sole, and Comfort sole vnto mee.
FOVRTH SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. QNINTVS. Habbi di me Signor.
[...] SHew mercie Lord on me, O Lord on me, most haynous haynous Sinner; And mortifie my Sin, my Sin so grieuous, grieuous guiltie: O cleanse me from it, And Purifie me Filthy, and Purifie me Fil╌thy, and Purifie me Filthy: For in thy Sight O Lord I am onely Sinner. In Sin thou knowest my Sinfull Mother. bore me: But O thou Guide vnto the heau'n╌ly Cittie: Wash, O wash my Soule in Lauer of thy pittie; So shal no Snow, no Snow, in whitenes, So shall no Snow, no Snow, So shall no Snow, no Snow in whitenes goe before me. So shall no Snow, no Snow in whitenes goe before mee.
Of 6. voc. Second part. QVINTVS. Dammi vn cor mondo
[...] GIue me a cleane hart, an vntainted. an vntainted Spirit: an vntainted Spirit: And of thy Grace and Face bereaue me neuer: And of thy Grace and Face bereaue me neuer: bereaue me neuer. So shall I more adore thy Name, and feare it: and feare it: thy Name and feare it: thy Name and feare it: And to thy Seruice more and more, thy Seruice more and more, and more Endeauour: Are th'only Sa╌crifice thou Ioyest in E╌uer. Are th'only Sacrifice thou Ioyest in E╌uer. thou Ioyest in E╌uer.
FIFT SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. QVINTVS. Essaudisci Signor, gli'humil miei preghi.
[...] HArken Lord vnto mine humble Play╌nings; Hide not thy face for euer, in thine An╌ger: My Dayes doe vade, doe vade as Smoak, My dayes doe vade as Smoak, My hart in Langor, Hyes (flyes) to thee, why Shun'st thou my Com╌playnings? Hyes (flyes) to thee, why Shun'st thou my Complaynings? Friends haue I none, now from mee All are fly╌ing: In stead of Bread, In stead of Bread, I haue ben fed I haue ben fed with Ashes: My Drinck, my Tear's; While I haue felt the Lashes, Of thy fierce Wrath, For all, for all mine often Cryings.
Of 6. voc. Second part. QVINTVS. Sarà ogni Rè, ogni Popolo.
[...] ALL Kings and Nati'ons, shall admi'er, ad╌mi-er thy Glo╌ry, When thou the Sighs of humble Soules attendest, of humble Soules, When thou the Sighs of humble Soules attendest; It shall be Writ, in an Eternall Sto╌rie; It shall be Writ, It shall be Writ, in an Eternall Story. in an Eternall Story. Ah Leaue me not thou; Thou that All Defen╌dest: That madest All, That madest All, That madest All (Heau'n, Earth, and Oce'an hoarie, hoa╌ry) That neuer didst Begin, and neuer En╌dest. and ne╌uer En╌dest.
SIXT SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. QVINTVS. Dal profondo del core.
[...] FRom Profound Center of my hart, to thee I cri'ed, to thee I cri'ed O Lord, O Lord, Lord let thine eare draw neere me, To note my mourning; and quickly heare me: & quickly heare me: Heare my Sad Grones to thy Sweet Grace applyed. to thy Sweet Grace apply'ed. Lord, if thou looke with Rigor down into vs, to mark our Sins, O who shal then, O who shal then abide, abide it? But if thou be pleas'd, But if thou be pleas'd, But if with pardon thou bee pleas'd, bee pleas'd to hide it, (if thou Mercie vouchsafe) What shall vndoo Vs? (if thou Mercy vouchsafe) What shall vndoo Vs? What shall vndoo Vs? What shall vndoo, vndoo Vs?
Of 6. voc. Second part. QVINTVS. Ne la parola tua.
[...] VPon thy Word my Soule, Vpon thy Word, my Soule hath firmely reared: hath firmely reared her Tow'er of Trust; Ther is my Hope possessed; for with thee, for with thee there is Mercy, that thou maist be fea╌red; Mercy, for those, that are depressed, that are in Soule depres╌sed. Is╌ra╌els Redeemer, Whom thou hast endeered, thou hast endeered, Becom's through thee, of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. Saint and Blessed.
SEAVENTH SONNET
Of 6 voc. First part. QVINTVS. Essaudisci Signor le mie.
[...] LIsten, Listen O Lord vnto my Prostrate prayer, my Prostrate pray╌er, Nor in╌to Iudgment with thy Seruant en╌ter: For who, is Iust? For who, O who is Iust? The foule In╌fernall Tempter pursues my Soule with terrors, with terrors of Despay'r. My hart's all inly vexed, inly vexed, My hart's all inly vexed: Yet I apply'd me to waigh thy Works, thy Wonders I obserued, But to thy Mercy, But to thy Mercy the Chief place, the Chief place reserued: the Chief place reserued: Then Shew my Sin, and in thy Seruice guide me. Then shew my Sin, shew my Sin, Then shew my Sin, my Sin, and in thy Seruice guide me.
Of 6. voc. Second part. QVINTVS. Socorrimi Signor.
[...] SVccour me Lord, Saue me, Succour me Lord, saue me with expe╌diti'on, with expe╌di╌ti'on, My Spirit fainteth, therfore mine affecti'on, My Spirit fainteth, therfore mine affecti'on, My Minde, my Soule I lift with all Submis╌si'on, with all Submissi'on, To thee my Lord, my God, my God, my God, and my Protecti'on: and my Protecti'on: Draw me from Danger vnder thy Tu╌i ╌ti'on; Draw me from Danger, Draw me from Danger vnder thy Tu╌iti'on; For I thy Seruant am, For I thy Seruant am by thine Electi'on. by thine Electi'on.
SEXTVS.
MVSICA SACRA: TO Sixe Voyces.
Composed in the Jtalian tongue BY GIOVANNI CROCE.
Newly Englished.
IN LONDON
PRINTED BY THOMAS ESTE, the assigne of William Barley. 1608.
To the vertuous Louers of Musicke.
THese Sonnets, composed first most exquisitely in Italian by Sior. Francesco Bembo a Gentleman of Italie; were so admired of Giouan. Croce, one of the most excellent Musitians of the world; as well for their Poesie, as Pietie (the Substance of them being drawen from those seauen notable Psalmes called Penetentials; indited by that Sweete Singer of Israel, inspired of the holie Spirit) as that hee thought it worthy of his skill in Musicke, to apply them to this Harmonie of Sixe parts; as well to honour their Author and his Composition, as to giue a profitable Delight vnto the vertuous. And my selfe often obseruing the generall applause giuen these Songs when I haue heard them soong, (though somtimes without the words) thought it would be verie gratefull to many of our English louers of Musick, if they were translated, or imitated in our tongue: the rather, because through their want of vnderstanding the Italian, they are depriued of a Chief part of their delight. For albeit that the verie concent of the Note may sweetly strike the outward sence of the eare; yet it is the Dittie, which conuayed with the Musicke to the intellectual Soule, by the Organs of hearing, that doth touch the hart, and stir the affections eyther to Iocondnes, or Sadnes, Leuitie, or Grauitie, according to the nature of the Composition: in which respect (especially) the articulate voice of man excelleth all other voices, and Instruments in the world. Besides I supposed, that the Scarcetie (not onely in our tongue, but in all other vulgars) of Musicke in this kinde, whereby men may be edified and God glorified, would make these the more acceptable; and peraduenture be a motiue to some of our excellent Musitians to dedicate their diuine skill to the Seruice of God, in Songs of this more Sanctified kinde▪ In which respects; and for that I was encouraged thereto by some, Skilfull in this Arte: I haue aduentured to publish these (otherwise destinate to priuacie) vnto the view of the world: Although I am not Ignorant that in this curious age, it is likely to run the ordinary fortune (euen of more exact labours) vpon the Shelues of ridged censure: But the Gentle, will winck at small faults where they spie them: As for the Supercilious Critick if (after he haue compared them with the Originall) he dislike them: he may please himselfe, and doe them all better: But doe Yee accept them with a Sèrene browe, and vse them to the glory of God, and your Laudable and Christian delight. Fare yee well.
FIRST SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. SEXTVS. Signor non mi riprender.
[...] LOrd in thy wrath reproue me not seuearly, Lord in thy wrath reproue me not seuearly, not seuearly, Nor punish me in thy deseru'd displeasure: Haue mercie on my Sins exceeding measure: My Sins, exceeding measure: For full of feares, my Soule, my Soule is vexed, is vexed drearly. Saue it O Lord Almightie, Saue it O Lord Almightie, Saue it O Lord Almightie-most, Supernall, Saue it, alas, from th'euer-neuer Dying: For who in deep Hell, deep Hell, and fierce Torments frying, Shall sing thy praise, Shall sing thy praise, or can extoll th'Eternall? th'Eternall?
Of 6. voc. Second part. SEXTVS. Penato ho lungamente.
[...] LOng haue I Languisht in my grieuous Sorrow's: Long haue I Languisht in my grieuous Sorrow's: My Bed, and bosom, with my tear's I water: My foes Despight, My foes Despight, My foes Despight hath plow'd my face with fur╌row's, But now my Soule, my Soule let th'ungodly Scatter: Hence, hence ye wicked; Sith God so gratio'us for vs, Sith God so gratio'us, God so gratio'us for vs: Hath heard my moan, and doth regard my matter. and doth regard, my matter.
SECOND SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. SEXTVS. Beati quei.
[...] BLessed are they, whose faults so oft forbidden, Haue free forgiuenes and a full remissi'on: a full remissi'on: And a full remissi'on: re╌missi'on: And they whose Sins, they whose Sins of Act, And they whose Sins, whose Sins of Act, and of Omis╌si'on, are not Imputed, but in mercy hidden. Therfore my Crime I haue confest before thee, Which graci'ously (my God) thou hast forgiuen: The more therefore I Laude thee (King of Heau'n) thee King of Heau'n, And all thy Saints shall in due time adore thee. due time adore thee. All thy Saints shall in due time adore thee▪ in due time adore, adore thee.
Of 6. voc. Second part. SEXTVS. Tu mio Refugio.
[...] O Thou my Refuge and Conso╌lati'on, and my Conso╌lati'on, Deliuer me my God, Deliuer me my God which art Almightie: From Enemies that enuie my Saluati'on. my Sal╌uati'on. A many Rods pursue the Sinner rightly; But those that place in thee their Expecta╌ti'on, Grace shall embrace. Grace shall embrace. Grace shall embrace. Ioy yee that walk vprightly. Ioy yee that walk vprightly. vprightly. Ioy yee that walk vprightly.
THIRD SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. SEXTVS. Signor nel tuo'furor.
[...] LOrd in thine Anger doe no more reproue me: Nor in thy Furie multiplie my Sorrow's, multiplie my Sorrow's: For in my Fleash I feele; For in my Fleash I feele thy fearfull Arrows; Thy heauie hand doth vnto Goodnesse moue me. Sick, in it selfe my Soule doth Sigh and Languish; doth Sigh and Languish: and Languish; Because my Sins so wholely ouercame mee: Sorely afflicted, afflicted, afflicted, and all humbled am I: And in my plaint my hart Roars╌ out, Roars out for an╌guish. for an╌guish.
Of 6 voc. Second part. SEXTVS. Già la virtù mi lascia.
[...] MY Strength eu'n fail's, eu'n fail's me, And my Sight, my Sight hath fled me, fled me, hath fled me, fled me: And eu'rie one Endeauours to vn╌doo me: But I as Deafned, the while with Dumbnes, Dumbnes sped me. In thee I hope (my GOD) Ah listen, to mee: Ah, listen to mee. Ah! Ah Leaue thou me not: Ah Leaue thou me not, Thou, my Salua╌ti'on, thou my Salua╌ti'on, and Comfort sole, and Comfort sole, and Comfort sole, and Comfort sole vnto mee. and Comfort sole, and Comfort sole vnto mee.
FOVRTH SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. SEXTVS. Habbi di me Signor.
[...] SHew mercie Lord on me, O Lord on me, most haynous Sinner; And mortifie my Sin, my Sin so grieuous guiltie: grieuous guiltie: And Purifie me Filthy, and Purifie me Filthy, and Purifie me Filthy, and Purifie me Filthy: For in thy sight O Lord I am onely Sinner. In Sin thou knowest my Sinfull Mother bore me: But O thou Guide vnto the heau'nly the heau'nly Cittie: Wash, wash my Soule in Lauer of thy pittie; So shall no Snow, no Snow, So shall no Snow, no Snow, So shall no Snow, no Snow in whitenes goe before me. So shall no Snow, no Snow in white╌nes goe before mee.
Of 6. voc. Second part. SEXTVS. Dammi vn cor mondo
[...] GIue me a cleane hart, an vntainted Spirit: an vntainted an vntainted Spirit: And of thy Grace and Face, bereaue me neuer: And of thy Grace and Face bereaue me neuer: So shall I more adore, So shall I more adore thy Name, and feare it: thy Name, and feare it: thy Name and feare it: And to thy Seruice more and more, thy Seruice more and more, and more Endeauour: Sith broken harts as doth thy voyce auer it: Sith broken harts as doth thy voyce auer it, Are th'only Sacrifice, thou Ioyest in Euer. thou Ioyest in E╌uer.
FIFT SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. SEXTVS. Essaudisci Signor, gli'humil miei preghi.
[...] HArken Lord vnto mine humble, mine humble Playnings; Hide not thy face for euer, for euer, in thine Anger: My Dayes doe vade, doe vade, doe vade as Smoak, as Smoak, My hart in Langor, Hyes (flyes) to thee, why Shun'st thou my Complay╌nings? Friends haue I none, Friends haue I none, now from mee All are fly╌ing: In stead of Bread, I haue ben fed with Ashes, In stead of Bread, I haue ben fed with A╌shes, My Drinck, my Tear's; While I haue felt the Lashes, Of thy fierce Wrath, For all mine often Cryings.
Of 6. voc. Second part. SEXTVS. Sarà ogni Rè, ogni Popolo.
[...] ALL Kings and Nati'ons shall admi'er, admi'er thy Glo╌ry, When thou the Sighs of humble Soules attendest; It shall be Writ, It shall bee Writ, It shall bee Writ, It shall be Writ in an Eternall Sto╌rie. Ah! Leaue me not thou, Thou that All Defen╌dest, That madest All, That madest All (Heau'n, Earth, and Oce'an, and Oce'an hoarie) That neuer didst Begin, and neuer Endest. and neuer Endest.
SIXT SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. SEXTVS. Dal profondo del core.
[...] FRom Profound Center of my hart, of my hart to thee I cri'ed, to thee I cri'ed O Lord, O Lord, O Lord, Lord let thine eare draw neere mee, To note my mourning; and quickly heare mee: and quickly heare mee: Heare my Sad Grones to thy Sweet Grace, applyed: Lord if thou looke with Rigor down into Vs, to mark our Sins, O who shall then abide it? O who shall then abide, abide it? But if thou bee pleas'd: But if with pardon thou be pleas'd to hide it, be pleas'd to hide it (If thou Mercy vouchsafe, if thou Mercy vouchsafe) what shal vndoo Vs? (if thou Mercy vouchsafe, what shall vndoo vs? what shall vndoo Vs?
Of 6. voc. Second part. SEXTVS. Ne la parola tua.
[...] VPon thy Word my Soule, hath firmely reared: hath firmely reared her Tow'er of Trust; there is my Hope, there is my Hope pos╌sessed; for with thee, with thee is Mercy, that thou maist be feared; Mercy for those, that are in Soule depressed: in Soule depressed: Is╌ra╌els Redeemer, Whom thou hast endeered, thou hast endeered, Becom's through thee, of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint, of Sinner, Saint & Blessed. of Sinner, Saint & Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed.
SEAVENTH SONNET
Of 6 voc. First part. SEXTVS. Essaudisci Signor le mie.
[...] LIsten, Listen O Lord, Listen, Listen O Lord vnto my Prostrate pray╌er: Nor into Iudgment with thy Seruant enter: For who, O who is Iust? The foule In╌fernall Tempter pursues my Soule with terrors, terrors of Despay'r: My hart's all inly vexed, My hart's all inly vexed, my hart's all inly vexed, vexed. Yet I apply'd me to waigh thy Works, thy Wonders I obser╌ued: But to thy Mercy, but to thy Mer╌cy the Chief place reserued: the Chief place reserued: Then Shew my Sin, my Sin, Then shew my Sin, Then shew my Sin, my Sin, and in thy Seruice guide me.
Of 6. voc. Second part. SEXTVS. Socorrimi Signor.
[...] SVccour me Lord, Saue me, saue me with expediti'on, with expe╌diti'on, My Spirit fainteth, therefore mine affec╌ti'on, My Spirit fainteth, therfore mine affecti'on, My Minde, my Soule I lift with all Submissi'on: with all Submissi'on, To thee my Lord, my God, my God and my Protecti'on: my God and my Protecti'on: Draw me from Danger vnder thy Tu╌i╌ti'on; For I thy Seruant am, For I thy Seruant am by thine Electi'on. by thine Electi'on. by thine Elec╌ti'on. E╌lecti'on.
BASSVS.
MVSICA SACRA: TO Sixe Voyces.
Composed in the Jtalian tongue BY GIOVANNI CROCE.
Newly Englished.
IN LONDON
PRINTED BY THOMAS ESTE, the assigne of William Barley. 1608.
To the vertuous Louers of Musicke.
THese Sonnets, composed first most exquisitely in Italian by Sior. Francesco Bembo a Gentleman of Italie; were so admired of Giouan. Croce, one of the most excellent Musitians of the world; as well for their Poesie, as Pietie (the Substance of them being drawen from those seauen notable Psalmes called Penetentials; indited by that Sweete Singer of Israel, inspired of the holie Spirit) as that hee thought it worthy of his skill in Musicke, to apply them to this Harmonie of Sixe parts; as well to honour their Author and his Composition, as to giue a profitable Delight vnto the vertuous. And my selfe often obseruing the generall applause giuen these Songs when I haue heard them soong, (though somtimes without the words) thought it would be verie gratefull to many of our English louers of Musick, if they were translated, or imitated in our tongue: the rather, because through their want of vnderstanding the Italian, they are depriued of a Chief part of their delight. For albeit that the verie concent of the Note may sweetly strike the outward sence of the eare; yet it is the Dittie, which conuayed with the Musicke to the intellectual Soule, by the Organs of hearing, that doth touch the hart, and stir the affections eyther to Iocondnes, or Sadnes, Leuitie, or Grauitie, according to the nature of the Composition: in which respect (especially) the articulate voice of man excelleth all other voices, and Instruments in the world. Besides I supposed, that the Scarcetie (not onely in our tongue, but in all other vulgars) of Musicke in this kinde, whereby men may be edified and God glorified, would make these the more acceptable; and peraduenture be a motiue to some of our excellent Musitians to dedicate their diuine skill to the Seruice of God, in Songs of this more Sanctified kinde In which respects; and for that I was encouraged thereto by some, Skilfull in this Arte: I haue aduentured to publish these (otherwise destinate to priuacie) vnto the view of the world: Although I am not Ignorant that in this curious age, it is likely to run the ordinary fortune (euen of more exact labours) vpon the Shelues of ridged censure: But the Gentle, will winck at small faults where they spie them: As for the Supercilious Critick if (after he haue compared them with the Originall) he dislike them: he may please him selfe, and doe them all better: But doe Yee accept them with a Sèrene browe, and vse them to the glory of God, and your Laudable and Christian delight. Fare yee well.
FIRST SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. BASSVS. Signor non mi riprender.
[...] LOrd in thy wrath reproue me not seuearly, Lord in thy wrath reproue me not seuear╌ly: Nor punish me in thy deseru'd displeasure: Haue mercie, on my Sins exceeding measure: My Sins exceeding measure: For full of feares, my Soule, is vex╌ed drearly. Saue it O Lord Almightie-most Supernall: Saue it O Lord Almightie-most Supernall: Saue it alas, from th'euer-neuer Dying: For who in deep Hell, and fierce Tor╌ments frying, Shall sing thy praise, or can extoll th'Eternall? or can extoll, ex╌toll th'Eternall?
Of 6. voc. Second part. BASSVS. Penato ho lungamente.
[...] LOng haue I Languisht in my grieuous Sorrow's: my grieuous Sorrow's: my grieuous Sorrow's: My Bed and bosom with my tear's I water: My foes Despight hath plow'd my, face with furrow's: My foes Despight hath plow'd my, face with furrow's: my face with furrow's: But now my Soule, my Soule, let th'ungod╌ly Scatter: Hence, hence ye wicked; Sith God so gratio'us for vs: Sith God so gratio'us, God so gratio'us for vs: Hath heard my moan, and doth regard my matter, and doth regard my matter.
SECOND SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. BASSVS. Beati quei.
[...] BLessed are they, whose faults so oft forbidden, whose faults so oft forbidden, Haue free forgiuenes and a full remissi'on: Haue free forgiuenes, and a full remissi'on: And they whose Sins, whose Sins, of Act, and of Omissi'on: And of Omissi'on: Are not Imputed, but in mercy hidden. Therfore my Crime I haue confest before thee, Which graci'ously (my God) thou hast forgiuen: The more therfore I Laude, thee (King of Heau'n) The more therfore I Laude thee (King of Heau'n) And all thy Saints shall in due time, a╌dore thee. in due time, adore thee. in due time, adore thee.
Of 6. voc. Second part. BASSVS. Tu mio Refugio.
[...] O Thou my Refuge, and Consola╌ti'on, and Conso╌la╌ti'on, and Conso╌la╌tion, Deliuer me my God which art Almightie; De╌liuer me my God which art Almightie, From Enemies, that enuie my Saluati'on, my Sal╌uati'on. A many Rods pursue the Sinner rightly, But those that place in thee, their Expectati'on, Grace shall embrace. Grace shall embrace. Grace shall embrace. Ioy yee that walk vprightly. Ioy yee that walk vprightly. Ioy yee that walk vprightly.
THIRD SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. BASSVS. Signor nel tuo furor.
[...] LOrd in thine Anger doe no more reproue me: Nor in thy Furie multiplie my Sorrows: For in my fleash I Feele: For in my Fleash I Feele thy fearfull Arrows: Thy heauie hand doth vnto Goodnes moue mee. Sick in it selfe my Soule doth Sigh, and Lan╌guish: doth Sigh and Languish: Because my Sins so wholely ouercame mee. Sorely afflicted, afflicted, and all humbled am I; And in my playnt my hart Roars out, Roars out, Roars out for an╌guish. for an╌guish.
Of 6 voc. Second part. BASSVS. Già la virtù mi lascia.
[...] MY Strength eu'n fail's, eu'n fail's me, And my Sight, my Sight hath fled me, fled me, hath fled me, fled me: And eu'rie one Endeauours, to vndoo me: But I as Deafned, the while with Dumbnes, Dumbnes sped me. In thee I hope (my GOD) Ah listen, Ah, listen to me. Ah! Ah Leaue thou me not: Ah Leaue thou me not, Thou, my Saluati'on, thou my Saluati╌on, and Comfort sole, vnto me. and Comfort sole vnto me. and Comfort sole vnto me.
FOVRTH SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. BASSVS. Habbi di me Signor.
[...] SHew mercie Lord on me, O Lord on me most haynous Sinner; And mortifie my Sin, my Sin so grieuous guiltie: O cleanse me from it, And Purifie me Fil╌thy, and Purifie me Filthy, For in thy Sight O Lord I am onely Sinner. In Sin thou knowest my Sinfull Mother bore me: But O thou Guide vnto the heau'nly Cit╌tie: Wash, wash my Soule in Lauer of thy pittie; So shall no Snow, no Snow, in whitenes, in whitenes goe before me. So shall no Snow, no Snow in whitenes goe before mee.
Of 6. voc. Second part. BASSVS. Dammi vn cor mondo.
[...] GIue me a cleane hart, an vntainted Spirit, an vntainted Spirit: And of thy Grace and Face bereaue me neuer; And of thy Grace and Face bereaue me neuer: So shall I more adore thy Name, and feare it: thy Name and feare it: thy Name, thy Name and feare it: thy Name and feare it: And to thy Seruice more and more, thy Seruice more and more Endeauour: Are th'only Sa╌crifice thou Ioy'st in Euer. Are th'only Sacrifice thou Ioyest in Euer. thou Ioyest in Euer.
FIFT SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. BASSVS. Essaudisci Signor, gli'humil miei preghi.
[...] HArken Lord vnto mine humble Playnings, Hide not thy face for euer in thine Anger: My Dayes doe vade, doe vade as Smoak, as Smoak, My hart in Langor, Hyes (flyes) to thee, Why Shun'st thou my Complaynings? Hyes (flyes) to thee, why shun'st thou my Complaynings? Friends haue I none, now from mee All are flying: In stead of Bread, I haue ben fed with Ashes: My Drinck my Tear's; While I haue felt the Lashes, Of thy fierce Wrath, For all mine often Cryings.
Of 6. voc. Second part. BASSVS. Sarà ogni Rè, ogni Popolo.
[...] ALL Kings and Nati'ons, shall admi'er, admi╌er thy Glo╌ry, When thou the Sighs, the Sighs of humble Soules attendest; It shal be Writ, in an Eternall Sto╌rie; It shall be Writ, It shall be Writ, in an Eternall Story. in an Eternall Story. Ah Leaue me not thou; Thou that All Defendest: That madest All, That madest All, (Heau'n, Earth, and Oce'an, and Oce'an hoary) That neuer didst Begin, and neuer Endest. and neuer Endest.
SIXT SONNET
Of 6. voc. First part. BASSVS. Dal profondo del core.
[...] FRom Profound Center of my hart, to thee I cri'ed, to thee I cri'ed O Lord, Lord let thine eare draw neere me, To note my mourning; To note my mourning, and quickly heare mee: and quickly heare mee: Heare my Sad Grones to thy Sweet Grace applyed. to thy Sweet Grace apply'ed. Lord, if thou looke with Rigor down into vs, to mark our Sins, O who shall then abide it? abide it? But if thou be pleased, But if with pardon thou be pleas'd to hide it, (if thou Mercie vouchsafe, if thou Mercy vouchsafe) What shal vndoo vs? what shal vndoo vs? what shal vndoo vs? what shall vndoo vs?
Of 6. voc. Second part. BASSVS. Ne la parola [...]
[...] VPon thy Word my Soule, hath firmely reared: hath firmely reared: hath firmely reared her Tower of Trust; There is my Hope possessed; For with thee is Mercy, that thou maist be feared; Mercy, for those in Soule depressed. in Soule depressed, Is╌ra╌els Redeemer, Is╌ra╌els Redeemer: Whom thou hast endeered, Becom's through thee, of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed. of Sinner, Saint and Blessed.
SEAVENTH SONNET
Of 6 voc. First part. BASSVS. Essaudisci Signor le mie.
[...] LIsten, Listen O Lord vnto my Prostrate prayer, Nor into Iudgment with thy Seruant enter: For who, O who is Iust? For who, O who is Iust? The foule In╌fernall Tempter pursues my Soule with terrors, with terrors of Despay'r. My hart's all inly vexed: My hart's all inly vexed: all inly vexed: Yet I apply'd me to waigh thy Works, thy Wonders I obserued, But to thy Mercy, But to thy Mercy the Chief place reserued: the Chief place, the Chief place reserued: Then Shew my Sin, my Sin, Then shew my Sin, Then shew my Sin, my Sin, Then shew my Sin, and in thy Seruice guide me.
Of 6. voc. Second part. BASSVS Socorrimi Signor.
[...] SVccour me Lord, Saue mee, saue mee with expediti'on, with expe╌di╌ti'on, My Spirit fainteth, therfore mine affecti'on, My Spirit fainteth, therefore mine affecti'on, My Minde, my Soule I lift with all Submissi'on, To thee my Lord, my God, my God, and my Protecti'on: and my Protecti'on: Draw me from Danger vnder thy Tu╌i╌ti'on; Draw me from Danger vnder thy Tu╌i╌ti'on; For I thy Seruant am, For I thy Seruant am by thine Electi'on. by thine, by thine Electi'on. by thine Electi'on.