Page:The seven great hymns of the mediaeval church - 1902.djvu/128

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
98
The Stabat Mater.

served its meaſure. That of Lord Lindſay was ſelected, and is ſtill retained, as beſt expreſſing the pathos of the original. Since then, however, this portion of our literature has received ſuch additions as will render the expoſition of the moſt pathetic of hymns as complete as it probably ever can be made.

The firſt of theſe new verſions is by the accompliſhed ſoldier whoſe verſion of the Dies Iræ previouſly is given. The fact is noticeable that while his accurate rhythmic tranſlation of the "Great Hymn" was written amidſt the din of war, and while its author was on duty in the field, this pathetic verſion of the STABAT MATER has been compoſed while its author was ſurrounded by the gayeties of the French capital, and engroſſed in his duties as Miniſter Plenipotentiary. In a private letter, General Dix ſays:—


"As I proceeded, I could not but think under how much more favorable circumſtances than mine Jacobus de Benedictis muſt have written the immortal hymn. He was in all probability fitting in his narrow cell, the external world entirely ſhut out, with nothing before him but a crucifix, to which it was only neceſſary to lift his eyes for aid when he felt the ſpirit of inſpiration flag-