Quicumque Christum quaeritis

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The Vesper Hymn Quicumque Christum quaeritis is the twelfth and last poem in the Cathemerino of Prudentius, originally written in honour of the Epiphany. It is sung at both Matins and Second Vespers on the Feast of the Transfiguration (August 6, observed by modern Lutherans on the last Sunday before Lent). The same gospel is read on Lent II.

Numerous English versions include that of R. Martin Pope (1905), "Lift up your eyes, who e'er ye be".

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Original text and translations

Wikisource

Quicumque Christum quæritis,
oculos in altum tollite:
illic licebit visere
signum perennis gloriæ.

Hæc stella, quæ solis rotam
vincit decore ac lumine,
venisse terris nuntiat
cum carne terrestri Deum.

En, Persici ex orbis sinu,
sol unde sumit ianuam,
cernunt periti interpretes
regale vexillum magi.

Quis iste tantus – inquiunt –
regnator astris imperans,
quem sic tremunt cælestia,
cui lux et æthra inserviunt?

Illustre quiddam cernimus
quod nesciat finem pati,
sublime, celsum, interminum,
antiquius cælo et chao.

Hic ille rex est gentium
populique rex Iudaici,
promissus Abrahæ patri
eiusque in ævum semini.

Iesu, tibi sit gloria,
qui te revelas gentibus,
cum Patre et almo Spiritu,
in sempiterna sæcula.

As given in Liber usualis

1. Quicumque Christum quæritis,
oculos in altum tollite:
illic licebit visere
signum perennis gloriæ.

2. Illustre quiddam cernimus
quod nesciat finem pati,
sublime, celsum, interminum,
antiquius cælo et chao.

3. Hic ille rex est gentium
populique rex Iudaici,
promissus Abrahæ patri
eiusque in ævum semini.

4. Hunc et prophetis testibus,
Iisdemque signatoribus,
Testator et Pater jubet
Audire nos et credere.

5. Iesu, tibi sit gloria,
qui te revelas parvulis,
cum Patre et almo Spiritu,
in sempiterna sæcula. Amen.

 

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