A Hymn of St. Columba

Britten, Benjamin (1913–1976)

Voicing:
Mixed Choir → SATB

Accompaniment:
Organ

Function/Language(s):
Latin

Regis regnum rectissimi
Prope est dies domini,
Dies irae et vindictae,
Tenebrarum et nebulae,
Regis regnum rectissimi.

Diesque mirabilium
Tonitruorum fortium,
Dies quoque angustiae,
Maeroris ac tristitiae.
Regis regnum rectissimi.

In quo cessabit mulierum
Amor et desiderum,
Nominumque contentio
Mundi hujus et cupido,
Regis regnum rectissimi.

Translation:
King of kings and of lords most high,
Comes his day of judgement nigh:
Day of wrath and vengeance stark,
Day of shadows and cloudy dark.
King of kings and of lords most high.

Thunder shall rend that day apart,
Wonder amaze each fearful heart.
Anguish and pain and deep distress
Shall mark that day of bitterness.
King of kings and of lords most high.

That day the pangs of lust will cease,
Man's questing heart shall be at peace;
Then shall the great no more contend
And worldly fame be at an end.
King of kings and of lords most high.

Submitted by: Anthony DiCello Added: Apr 7, 2022