Ad perennis vitae fontem (Lambert Pietkin)

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  • (Posted 2018-10-05)  CPDL #51433:         
Editor: Wim Looyestijn (submitted 2018-10-05).   Score information: A4, 24 pages, 490 kB   Copyright: CPDL
Edition notes: Instrumental parts included in PDF.

General Information

Title: Ad perennis vitae fontem
Composer: Lambert Pietkin
Lyricist:

Number of voices: 4vv   Voicing: SATB
Genre: SacredMotet

Language: Latin
Instruments: Mixed ensemble 2 violins, fagotto, basso continuo

First published: 1668
Description: The text is an adaptation of the late medieval hymnal: Piae Cantiones Ecclessiasticae et Scholasticae Veterum Episcoporum (Pious Songs, ecclesiastical and scholastic, of the old bishops)

External websites:

Original text and translations

Latin.png Latin text

Ad perennis vitae fontem mens sitivit arida,
Claustra carnis praesto frangi clausa quaerit anima,
Gliscit, ambit, eluctatur exul frui patria.
Dum pressuris ac aerumnis se gemit obnoxiam,
Quam amisit, dum deliquit, contemplatur gloriam;
Praesens malum urget boni perditi memoriam.
Nam quis promat summae pacis quanta sit laetitia,
Ubi vivis margaritis surgunt aedificia,
Solis gemmis pretiosis haec structura nectitur;
Auro mundo, ceu crystallo, urbis via sternitur;
Flos perpetuus rosarum, ver agit perpetuum;
Candent lilia, rubescit crocus, sudat balsamum.
Pigmentorum spirat odor, liquor est aromatum;
Pendent poma floridorum non lapsura nemorum.
Non alternat luna vices, sol, vel cursus siderum;
Agnus est felicis urbis lumen inocciduum;
Illic sancti Post triumphum coronati jubilant,
Et prostrati pugnas hostis jam securi memorant.
Omni labe defaecati, carnis bella nesciunt;
Caro facta spiritalis et mens unum sentiunt;
Pace multa perfruentes, scandalum non perferunt.
Vitalem vivi fontis hinc hauriunt dulcedinem.
Inde statum semper iidem existendi capiunt,
Clari, vividi, jucundi, nullis patent casibus:
Absunt morbi semper sanis, senectus juvenibus.
Unum volunt, unum nolunt, unitas est mentium.
Licet cuique sit diversum pro labore meritum,
Caritas hoc facit suum quod dum amat alterum:
Proprium sic singulorum commune fit omnium.
Ubi corpus, illic jure congregantur aquilae,
Quo cum angelis et sanctae recreantur animae.

English.png English translation

At the Fount of Life eternal parched minds in thirst must stand;
While the soul in fleshly bondage, longs to burst her weary band;
Striving, struggling, as an exile, to enjoy her Fatherland.
While it wails it's sad condition, pressed by grief, by sorrow crossed,
Sad it looks upon the glory its delinquency has cost;
Present misery increases memory of the blessings lost.
For how great the joyful gladness that brings us perfect peace?
Where in edifices splendid all of living pearl they dwell.
Gems alone of countless value are the town's foundation seat,
Polished gold like beaming crystal forms the paving of the street.
Everlasting roses blooming make an everlasting spring:
Lily blanching, crocus blushing, and the balsam perfuming.
While with aromatic perfume grateful glows the balmy air;
Luscious fruits that never wither hang in every thicket there.
There nor waxing moon, nor waning, sun, nor stars in courses bright;
For the Lamb to that glad city is the everlasting Light;
For the saints with crowns of triumph honoured,
O'er the prostrate foe victorious, they the wreath of victory twine.
Now made clear from every blemish, carnal strifes are all forgot;
Body spirit soul united, join to praise their happy lot,
Perfect peace forever tasting, ever free from scandal's blot.
Hence the vital sweetness of drinking in the living fountain.
Thence they draw a power of being, measured not by Time's short scroll;
Clear and vivid, joyous ever, they are free from harm's control;
Sickness shuns the ever healthful; feeble age the youthful soul.
What they seek or shun is mutual in Love's unity they glow.
Diverse the reward of merit, seeking which in toil each strove;
But love makes its own the pleasures, which its dear companions love;
So the joy of every spirit common joy of all shall prove.
Where the Body is by right the gathered eagles waiting stand
Thus have holy souls refreshment with the angels glorious band.