Firstpublished:1587 in Opus musicum (Jacob Handl), Volume 2, no. 55 Description: Motet for Easter. An echo effect is produced by Choir II, which repeats the final syllables of each phrase sung by Choir I. Consequently, Choir II's text consists of unintelligible or fragmented syllables.
External websites:
Original text and translations
Latin text
Quid ploras, mulier? Votum praesume.
Longior haud Dominum iam trahet hora.
Quid quaereris? Reris Dominum hic?
Labor irritus; intus forsan adest,
Modo mens quem mea sperat.
Dic mihi: an inveniam ego, si invisero?
Quis prius inveniet? Dic mihi.
Clamor ille meos poterat luctus dissolvere.
Anne loco certo sit memorato discessit?
Reditum promisit. Ibo spectatum.
Cessit amore. Anne quid effecit?
Fregit barathra, inclusos caeco carcere demet.
Consurgat Christo, et ne quem Styx devoret.
Quisquis enim in noxis ocia deget,
Nunc ubi sit, referas.
Caret omni milite; hac illum quaeram sedulo valle.
English translation
Why do you weep, woman? Take up your hope.
No longer shall time delay the Lord.
Why do you search? Do you think the Lord is here?
Your labour is in vain; perhaps he is within,
The one my soul now longs for.
Tell me: shall I find him, if I go to seek?
Who will find him first? Tell me.
That cry could dissolve my sorrows.
Has he truly left the place once spoken of?
He promised to return. I will go to see.
He withdrew for love. But has he done something?
He shattered the depths; he will bring forth those shut in the blind prison.
Let him rise with Christ, and let not Styx devour anyone.
For whoever idly remains in guilt;
Tell me now where he is.
He is without any guard; I shall diligently seek him in this valley.
Latin text
English translation