Translation: Daniel Hadas, © 2010. · Huic ut hominium cum fidelitate nobis in proximo faciat, imperate Roman empire the tribute established of old. But, since the Frankish people

1

LUDUS DE ANTICHRISTO

Translation: Daniel Hadas, © 2010.

Templum Domini, et septem sedes regales

primum collocentur in hunc modum: ad

orientem templum Domini; huic collocantur

sedes regis Hierosolymorum et sedes

Synagogae. Ad occidentem sedes imperatoris

Romanorum; huic collocantur sedes regis

Theotonicorum et sedes regis Francorum. Ad

austrum sedes regis Graecorum. Ad meridiem

sedes regis Babyloniae et Gentilitatis. His ita

ordinatis primo procedat Gentilitas cum rege

Babyloniae cantans:

The Temple of the Lord, and seven royal seats should first be placed in this manner: to the East, the temple of the Lord; next to this are placed the seat of the king of Jerusalem and the seat of Synagogue. To the west, the seat of the emperor of the Romans; next to this are placed the seat of the king of the Teutons and the seat of the king of the Franks. To the south, the seat of the king of the Greeks. [Also] to the south, the seat of the king of Babylon and of Heathendom. Once these have been arranged in this way, Heathendom should come forth first with the King of Babylon, singing:

GENTILITAS

Deorum immortalitas

est omnibus colenda,

eorum et pluralitas

ubique metuenda.

Stulti sunt, et vere fatui,

qui Deum unum dicunt

et antiquitatis ritui

proterve contradicunt.

Si enim unum credimus,

qui praesit universis,

subjectum hunc concedimus

contrarie diversis,

cum hinc bonum pacis foveat

clementi pietate,

hinc belli tumultus moveat

saeva crudelitate.

Sic multa sunt officia,

diversaque deorum,

quae nobis sunt indicia

HEATHENDOM

The immortality of the gods must be worshipped by all, and their plurality feared everywhere. They are stupid and truly foolish who say there is a single God, and impudently speak against the rites of old. For if we believe there to be a single one, who presides over everything, we grant that this [one] is subject in contradictory ways to different [powers], since on the one hand he nurses the good of peace with clement mercy, [and] on the other hand arouses the tumults of war with savage cruelty. Thus there are many and different offices of the gods, which are a sign to us of the difference between them. Therefore those who say that a single one presides over such different matters – their god is inevitably influenced by contrary powers. So, lest we say that a single one is subject to opposites, and concede that the divine nature is influenced

2

discriminis eorum.

Qui ergo tam multifariis

unum dicunt praeesse -

illorum deum contrariis

est affici necesse.

Ne ergo unum subjici

contrariis dicamus,

et his divinam affici

naturam concedamus,

ratione hac decernimus

deos discriminare,

officia quorum cernimus

ab invicem distare.

by these, we decide by this reasoning to separate out the gods, [each of] whose roles we see to be different from another’s.

Quod etiam debet cantari per totum ludum in

temporibus. Et sic ipsa et rex Babyloniae

ascendunt in sedem suam. Tunc sequitur

Synagoga cum Judaeis cantans:

[Heathendom] should also sing this through the whole play from time to time. And thus she and the king of Babylon go up to their seat. Then Synagogue follows with the Jews, singing:

SYNAGOGA

Nostra salus in te, Domine.

Nulla vitae spes in homine.

Error est in Christi nomine

spem salutis aestimari.

Mirum, si morti succubuit,

qui vitam aliis tribuit.

Qui se salvare non potuit,

ab hoc quis potest salvari?

Non hunc sed qui est Emmanuel,

Deum adorabis, Israel.

Jesum sicut deos Ismael

te jubeo detestari.

SYNAGOGUE

Our hope is in you, Lord. There is no hope of life in man. It is an error to think there is hope of salvation in the name of Christ. It would be strange, if he who gives life to others succumbed to death. He who could not save himself – who can by saved by him? You shall not worship him, but he who is Emmanuel, [o] Israel. I order you to hate Jesus like the gods of Ismael

Quod et ipsa cantabit singulis in temporibus, She too will sing this at several times, and she

3

et sic ascendat thronum suum. Tunc Ecclesia

in muliebri habitu procedit induta thoracem, et

coronata, assistente sibi Misericordia cum oleo

ad dexteram, et Justitia cum libra et gladio ad

sinistram, utrisque muliebriter indutis.

Sequentur etiam eam Apostolicus a dextris

cum clero, et imperator Romanorum a sinistris

cum militia. Cantabit autem Ecclesia Alto

consilio, his qui eam sequuntur ad singulos

versus respondentibus :

should thus go up to her throne. Then Church in female dress comes forward, wearing a breastplate and crowned. She is accompanied by Mercy, carrying oil, on the right, and by Justice, with a scale and sword, on the left, both in female dress. The pope too will follow her on the right with the clergy, and the emperor of the Romans on the left with soldiers. Church will then sing “High counsel”, and those who accompany her will respond to each verse:

POMPA ECCLESIAE

Haec est fides, ex qua vita,

in qua mortis lex sopita.

Quisquis est qui credit aliter,

hunc damnamus aeternaliter.

CHURCH’S TRAIN

This is faith, from which comes life, in which the law of death has been put to sleep. Whoever believes otherwise, him we damn for all eternity.

Ascendit autem ipsa cum Apostolico et clero,

imperatore, et militia sua eundem thronum.

Postea procedunt et alii reges cum militia sua

cantantes singuli quod conveniens visum

fuerit. Et sic unusquisque cum militia sua

ascendet thronum suum, templo adhuc et uno

throno vacuis remanentibus. Tunc imperator

dirigit nuntios suos ad singulos reges, et primo

ad regem Francorum dicens:

She then goes up to the same throne as the pope and clergy, and the emperor, and his soldiers. After this the other kings also come forth with their soldiers, each singing whatever seems appropriate. And in this way each shall goes up to his throne with his soldiers, while the temple and one throne still remain empty. Then the emperor sends his messengers to each king, and first to the king of the Franks, saying:

IMPERATOR

Sicut scripta tradunt

historiographorum,

totus mundus fuerat

fiscus Romanorum.

Hoc primorum strenuitas elaboravit,

sed posterorum desidia dissipavit.

Sub his imperii

As the writings of historians report, the whole world was the property of the Romans. The toil of earlier men worked to gain this, but the sloth of later ones squandered it. Under these, the power of the empire slipped away. The majesty of our might is now taking it back. Each king must therefore now pay to the

4

dilapsa est potestas,

quam nostrae repetit

potentiae majestas.

Reges ergo singuli

prius instituta

nunc Romano solvant

imperio tributa.

Sed quod in militia

valet gens Francorum,

armis imperio

rex serviat eorum.

Huic ut hominium

cum fidelitate

nobis in proximo

faciat, imperate

Roman empire the tribute established of old. But, since the Frankish people are strong in war, let their king to serve the empire in arms. Order him to pay faithful homage to us immediately.

Tunc legati venientes ad regem Francorum

coram eo cantent:

Then the ambassadors, coming to the king of the Franks, should sing before him:

LEGATI IMPERATORIS

Salutem mandat imperator Romanorum

dilecto suo incluto regi Francorum.

Tuae discretioni

notum scimus esse,

quod Romano juri

tu debeas subesse.

Unde te repetit

sententia tenenda

summi imperii

et semper metuenda.

Cuius ad servitium

nos te invitamus,

et cito venire

sub praecepto mandamus.

THE EMPEROR’S AMBASSADORS

The emperor of the Romans sends greetings to his friend, the illustrious king of the Franks. We know that it is known to Your Wisdom that you should submit to Roman authority. Therefore the decision of the highest empire, to be obeyed and feared always, calls on you. We invite you to serve it, and we command you by [our] order to come quickly.

Quibus ille : To whom he [replies]:

5

REX FRANCORUM

Historiographis

si qua fides habetur,

non nos imperio,

sed nobis hoc debetur.

Illud enim seniores

Galli possederunt,

atque suis posteris

nobis reliquerunt.

Sed hoc invasoria

vi nunc spoliamur. -

Absit invasoribus

ut nos obsequamur!

KING OF THE FRANKS

If any trust is to placed in the historians, we are not owed to the empire, but it is owed to us. For the earlier Gauls possessed it, and left it to their descendants, ourselves. But we are now deprived of it by invading violence. Far be it from us to obey invaders!

Tunc legati redeuntes ad imperatorem cantent

coram eo:

Then the ambassadors, returning to the emperor, should sing before him:

LEGATI IMPERATORIS

Ecce Franci super te

nimium elati

proterve se opponunt

tuae majestati.

Immo et imperii

tui jus infirmant,

illud invasorium

esse dum affirmant.

Digna ergo poena

correpti resipiscant,

ut per eos alii

obedire discant.


See: the Franks, carrying themselves too high above you, insolently oppose themselves to your majesty. Worse still, they weaken the authority of your empire, since they claim it is an invading force. Let them therefore be corrected with due punishment [and] come to their senses, so that, through them, others may learn to obey.

Tunc imperator cantat. Then the emperor sings:

6

IMPERATOR

Corda solent ante

ruinam exaltari.

Superba stultos loqui

nolite mirari.

Quorum nos superbiam

certe reprimemus,

ac eos sub pedibus

nostris conteremus.

Et qui nunc ut milites

nolunt obedire,

tamquam servi postmodum

cogentur servire.

EMPEROR

Hearts often exult before a fall. Do not be surprised if fools speak proudly. We shall certainly crush their pride, and grind them under our feet. And those who now refuse to obey as soldiers will later be forced to serve as slaves.

Et statim aciebus vadit ad expugnandum

regem Francorum. Qui sibi occurrens

congreditur cum eo, et superatus captivus

reducitur ad sedem imperatoris, et sedente

imperatore stat coram eo cantans:

And he immediately sets forth with [his] troops to attack the king of the Franks. The latter, coming to meet him, joins battle with him. And, once he is defeated, he is led back [as] a captive to the seat of the emperor. As the emperor sits down, he stands before him, singing:

REX FRANCORUM

Triumphi gloria

est parcere devictis.

Victus ego tuis

nunc obsequor edictis.

Vitam meam simul

cum regni dignitate

positam fateor

in tua potestate.

Sed si me pristino

restitues honori,

erit honor victi

laus maxima victori.

KING OF THE FRANKS

The glory of a triumph is to spare the conquered. Defeated I now obey your commands. I acknowledge that my life, along with the dignity of my kingdom, is now placed in your power. But if you restore me to [my] earlier honour, the honor [you give] to the conquered will be the conqueror’s greatest praise.

7

Tunc imperator eum suscipiens in hominem et

concedens sibi regnum cantat:

Then the emperor, accepting him as a vassal, and granting his kingdom to him, sings:

IMPERATOR

Vive per gratiam,

et suscipe honorem,

dum me recognoscis

solum imperatorem.

EMPEROR

Live through mercy, and receive honour, so long as you recognise me to be the only emperor.

Et ille cum honore dimissus revertitur in

regnum suum cantans:

And he, sent away with honour, returns to his kingdom singing:

REX FRANCORUM

Romani nominis

honorem veneramur.

Augusto Caesari

servire gloriamur,

cuius imperii

virtus est formidanda,

honor et gloria

maneant veneranda.

Omnium rectorem

te solum profitemur.

Tibi tota mente

semper obsequemur.

KING OF THE FRANKS

We venerate the honour of the Roman name. We are proud to serve Augustus Caesar, the power of whose empire is to be feared. May his honour and glory continue to be revered. We confess that you alone are the ruler of all. We shall always obey you with all our hearts.

Tunc imperator dirigens nuntios suos ad

regem Graecorum cantat:

Then the emperor, sending his messengers to the king of the Greeks, sings:

IMPERATOR


historiographorum,

totus mundus fuerat

EMPEROR

As the writings of historians report, the whole world was the property of the Romans. The toil of earlier men worked to gain this, but the

8

fiscus Romanorum.



Sub his imperii



potentiae majestas.

Reges ergo singuli

prius instituta

nunc Romano solvant

imperio tributa.

Hoc igitur edictum

Graecis indicate,

et ab ipsis debitum

censum reportate.

sloth of later ones squandered it. Under these, the power of the empire slipped away. The majesty of our might is now taking it back. Each king must therefore now pay to the Roman empire the tribute established of old. Therefore, indicate this edict to the Greeks, and bring back from them the payment they owe.

Qui venientes ad regem cantant coram eo: They, coming to the king, sing before him:

LEGATI IMPERATORIS


dilecto suo incluto regi Graecorum.

Tuae discretioni

notum scimus esse,

quod Romano juri

tu debeas subesse.

Unde te repetit

sententia tenenda

summi imperii

et semper metuenda.

Cuius ad servitium

nos te invitamus,

et tributum dare



The emperor of the Romans sends greetings to his friend, the illustrious king of the Greeks. We know that it is known to Your Wisdom that you should submit to Roman authority. Therefore the decision of the highest empire, to be obeyed and feared always, calls on you. We invite you to serve it, and we command you by [our] order to give tribute.

Quos ille honeste suscipiens cantat: He, receiving them with honour, sings:

9

REX GRAECORUM

Romani nominis

honorem veneramur.

Tributum Caesari

reddere gloriamur,

cuius imperii


honor et gloria

maneant veneranda.

Omnium rectorem


Tibi tota mente

semper obsequemur.

KING OF THE GREEKS

We venerate the honour of the Roman name. We are proud to serve Augustus Caesar, the power of whose empire is to be feared. May his honour and glory continue to be revered. We confess that you alone are the ruler of all. We shall always obey you with all our hearts

Eosque cum honore dimittens ipsemet ascendet

ad imperium cantans:

And sending them away with honour, he goes up himself to the empire, singing:

REX GRAECORUM

Romani nominis

honorem veneramur.

Tributum Caesari

reddere gloriamur,

cuius imperii


honor et gloria

maneant veneranda.

Omnium rectorem


Tibi tota mente

semper obsequemur.

KING OF THE GREEKS


Qui eum in hominem suscipiens, et regnum

sibi concedens cantat:

He, accepting him as a vassal, and granting [his] kingdom to him, sings:

10

IMPERATOR

Vive per gratiam,

et suscipe honorem,

dum me recognoscis

solum imperatorem.

EMPEROR

Live through mercy, and receive honour, so long as you recognise me to be the only emperor.

Tunc ille, suscepto regno, revertitur cantans: Then he, having received his kingdom, returns singing:

REX GRAECORUM

Romani nominis

honorem veneramur.

Tributum Caesari

reddere gloriamur,

cuius imperii


honor et gloria

maneant veneranda.

Omnium rectorem


Tibi tota mente

semper obsequemur.

KING OF THE GREEKS


Tunc iterum dirigit nuntios suos imperator ad

regem Jerosolymorum, dicens:

Then the emperor also sends his messengers to the king of Jerusalem, saying:

IMPERATOR


historiographorum,

totus mundus fuerat

fiscus Romanorum.



EMPEROR

As the writings of historians report, the whole world was the property of the Romans. The toil of earlier men worked to gain this, but the sloth of later ones squandered it. Under these, the power of the empire slipped away. The

11

Sub his imperii



potentiae majestas.

Reges ergo singuli

prius instituta

nunc Romano solvant

imperio tributa.

Hoc igitur edictum

Jerosolym indicate,

et ab ipsis debitum

censum reportate.

majesty of our might is now taking it back. Each king must therefore now pay to the Roman empire the tribute established of old. Therefore, indicate this edict to Jerusalem, and bring back from them the payment they owe.

Qui venientes ad regem coram eo cantant: Coming to the king, they sing before him:

LEGATI IMPERATORIS


dilecto suo incluto regi Jerosolymorum.

Tuae discretioni

notum scimus esse,

quod Romano juri

tu debeas subesse.

Unde te repetit

sententia tenenda

summi imperii

et semper metuenda.

Cuius ad servitium

nos te invitamus,

et tributum dare



The emperor of the Romans sends greetings to his friend, the illustrious king of Jerusalem. We know that it is known to Your Wisdom that you should submit to Roman authority. Therefore the decision of the highest empire, to be obeyed and feared always, calls on you. We invite you to serve it, and we command you by [our] order to give tribute.

Quibus ille honeste susceptis cantat: He, having received them with honour, sings:

12

REX JEROSOLYMORUM

Romani nominis

honorem veneramur.

Tributum Caesari

reddere gloriamur,

cuius imperii


honor et gloria

maneant veneranda.

Omnium rectorem


Tibi tota mente

semper obsequemur.

KING OF JERUSALEM


Et ascendens ad imperium cantat hoc ipsum,

iterans:

And, going up the empire, he sings this again, repeating:

REX JEROSOLYMORUM

Romani nominis

honorem veneramur.

Tributum Caesari

reddere gloriamur,

cuius imperii


honor et gloria

maneant veneranda.

Omnium rectorem


Tibi tota mente

semper obsequemur.

KING OF JERUSALEM


Quo ille suscepto concedit sibi regnum. Ipso

itaque reverso in sedem suam, cum jam tota

Ecclesia subdita sit imperio Romano, consurgit

Having received him, [the emperor] grants his kingdom to him. So, once he has returned to his seat, since the whole Church has now been

13

rex Babylonis in medio suorum cantans: made subject to the Roman empire, the king of Babylon stands up in the middle of his people, singing:

REX BABYLONIS

Ecce superstitio

novitatis vanae,

quam error adinvenit

sectae Chistianae!

Fere iam destruxit

ritum antiquitatis,

et diis subtraxit

honorem deitatis.

Quorum cultum deleri

prorsus ne sinamus,

nomen Christianum

de terra deleamus:

Quod ab eo loco

debemus inchoare,

unde primo coepit

haec secta pullulare.

KING OF BABYLON

Behold the superstition of vain novelty, which the error of the Christian sect has invented. It has already almost destroyed the rites ofold, and stolen from the gods the honour of divinity. Lest we allow their cult to be destroyed entirely, let us erase from the earth the Christian name. We must begin this from that place where this sect first started to spread.

Et ordinans acies suas vadit ad obsidendam

Jerosolymam. Tunc rex Jerosolymae dirigit

nuntios suos ad imperium, cantans:

And, putting his troops in order, he goes to besiege Jerusalem. Then the king of Jerusalem sends his messengers to the empire, singing:

REX JEROSOLYMORUM

Ite haec Ecclesiae

mala nuntiantes,

nobis auxilium

ab Ipsa postulantes.

Haec dum cognoverit

Romanus imperator,

ipse noster erit

ab hoste liberator.

KING OF JERUSALEM

Go announce these ills to the Church, asking Her for assistance for us. When the Roman emperor learns of this, he will be our liberator from [our] enemies.

14

Qui venientes ad imperium cantant coram eo: They, coming to the empire, sing before him [i.e. the emperor]:

NUNTII REGIS JEROSOLYMORUM

Defensor Ecclesiae,

nostri miserere,

Quos volunt inimici

Domini delere.

Venerunt gentes in

Dei haereditatem.

Obsidione tenent

sanctam civitatem.

Locum, in quo sancti

ejus pedes steterunt,

ritu spurcissimo

contaminare quaerunt.

MESSENGERS OF THE KING OF JERUSALEM

Defender of the Church, take pity on us, whom the enemies of the Lord wish to destroy. The nations have come into God’s inheritance. They are besieging the holy city. They seek to profane with the foulest rites the place in which His holy feet have stood.

Quibus ille: To whom he [replies]:

IMPERATOR

Ite vestros propere

fratres consolantes,

ut nostrum auxilium

laeti postulantes

nos pro certo sciant

in proximo venire,

ne de ipsis valeant

hostes superbire.

EMPEROR

Go, swiftly console your brothers, so that, since they ask for our help, they may joyfully know for sure that we will come very soon, lest [their] enemies be able to glory over them.

Qui reversi stant coram rege cantantes: They, having returned, stand before the king, singing:

15

NUNTII REGIS JEROSOLYMORUM

Viriliter agens

ab hoste sis securus.

Adpropinquat enim

ab hoc te redempturus.

quem debes in proelio

constans praestolari.

Per hunc te gaudebis

in brevi liberari.

MESSENGERS OF THE KING OF JERUSALEM

Be a man, [and] have no fear of the enemy. For the one you should firmly await in battle approaches, to redeem you from this [enemy]. Soon you will rejoice that you have been liberated by him.

Interim dum imperator colligit exercitum,

angelus Domini subito apparens cantat:

In the mean time, while the emperor collects [his] army, the angel of the Lord, appearing suddenly, sings:

ANGELUS DOMINI

Judaea et Jerusalem,

nolite timere,

sciens te auxilium

Dei cras videre.

Nam tui fratres adsunt,

qui te liberabunt,

atque tuos hostes

potenter superabunt.

ANGEL OF THE LORD

Judaea and Jerusalem, be not afraid, knowing that you will see the help of the Lord tomorrow. For your brothers are here, who will free you, and will powerfully overcome your enemies.

Tunc chorus : Then the chorus [sings]:

CHORUS :

Judaea et Jerusalem,

Nolite timere.

Constantes estote.

Videbitis auxilium Domini super vos.

CHORUS

Judaea and Jerusalem, be not afraid. Stand firm. You will see the help of the Lord over you.

16

Interim imperator cum suis procedat ad

proelium, et finito responsorio, proelio

congrediatur cum rege Babylonis. Quo

superato, et fugam ineunte, imperator cum

suis intret templum, et postquam ibi

adoraverit, tollens coronam de capite, et tenens

eam cum sceptro et imperio, ante altare cantet:

Meanwhile the emperor should go forth with his men to battle, and (when the responsory is over), he is to join battle with the king of Babylon. As he is beaten and takes flight, the emperor should enter the temple with his men, and, after he has worshipped there, removing the crown from his head, and holding it with [his] sceptre and imperial insignia, he should sing before the altar:

IMPERATOR

Suscipe quod offero.

Nam corde benigno,

Tibi Regi regum

imperium resigno,

per quem reges regnant,

qui solus imperator

dici potes, et es

cunctorum gubernator.

EMPEROR

Receive what I offer, for with good heart I resign my empire to you, the King of kings, through whom kings reign, who alone can be called emperor, and who are the governor of all.

Et eis depositis super altare ipse revertitur in

sedem antiqui regni sui, Ecclesia, quae secum

descenderat Jerosolymam, in templo

remanente. Tunc cum Ecclesia et Gentilitas et

Synagoga vicissim cantant, ut supra …

And, having left these things on the altar, he returns to the seat of his previous reign [i.e. the Teuton kingdom], while Church, which had gone down with him to Jerusalem, remains in the temple. Then, as, along with Church, Heathendom and Synagogue sing in turns, as above…

GENTILITAS

Deorum immortalitas

est omnibus colenda,

eorum et pluralitas

ubique metuenda.

Stulti sunt, et vere fatui,

qui Deum unum dicunt

et antiquitatis ritui

proterve contradicunt.

HEATHENDOM

The immortality of the gods must be worshipped by all, and their plurality feared everywhere. They are stupid and truly foolish who say there is a single God, and impudently speak against the rites of old. For if we believe there to be a single one, who presides over everything, we grant that this [one] is subject

17

Si enim unum credimus,

qui praesit universis,

subjectum hunc concedimus

contrarie diversis,

cum hinc bonum pacis foveat

clementi pietate,

hinc belli tumultus moveat

saeva crudelitate.

Sic multa sunt officia,

diversaque deorum,

quae nobis sunt indicia

discriminis eorum.

Qui ergo tam multifariis

unum dicunt praeesse -

illorum deum contrariis

est affici necesse.

Ne ergo unum subjici

contrariis dicamus,

et his divinam affici

naturam concedamus,

ratione hac decernimus

deos discriminare,

officia quorum cernimus

ab invicem distare.

in contradictory ways to different [powers], since on the one hand he nurses the good of peace with clement mercy, [and] on the other hand arouses the tumults of war with savage cruelty. Thus there are many and different offices of the gods, which are a sign to us of the difference between them. Therefore those who say that a single one presides over such different matters – their god is inevitably influenced by contrary powers. So, lest we say that a single one is subject to opposites, and concede that the divine nature is influenced by these, we decide by this reasoning to separate out the gods, [each of] whose roles we see to be different from another’s.

SYNAGOGA

Nostra salus in te, Domine.

Nulla vitae spes in homine.

Error est in Christi nomine

spem salutis aestimari.

Mirum, si morti succubuit,

qui vitam aliis tribuit.

Qui se salvare non potuit,

ab hoc quis potest salvari?

Non hunc sed qui est Emmanuel,

Deum adorabis, Israel.

SYNAGOGUE

Our hope is in you, Lord. There is no hope of life in man. It is an error to think there is hope of salvation in the name of Christ. It would be strange, if he who gives life to others succumbed to death. He who could not save himself – who can by saved by him? You shall not worship him, but he who is Emmanuel, [o] Israel. I order you to hate Jesus like the gods of Ismael

18

Jesum sicut deos Ismael

te jubeo detestari.

POMPA ECCLESIAE

Haec est fides, ex qua vita,

in qua mortis lex sopita.

Quisquis est qui credit aliter,

hunc damnamus aeternaliter.

CHURCH’S TRAIN

This is faith, from which comes life, in which the law of death has been put to sleep. Whoever believes otherwise, him we damn for all eternity.

… procedant Hypocritae sub silentio et specie

humilitatis, inclinantes circumquaque et

captantes favorem laicorum. Ad ultimum

omnes conveniant ante Ecclesiam, et sedem

regis Jerosolymae. Qui eos honeste suscipiens

ex toto se subdet eorum consilio. Statim

ingreditur Antichristus sub albis indutus

loricam, comitantibus eum Hypocrisi a dextris,

et Haeresi a sinistris, ad quas ipse cantat:

… the Hypocrites should come forth in silence and with the appearance of humility, bowing down in every direction and striving for the favour of the laity. Finally, they should all come together before Church, and the seat of the king of Jerusalem. He, receiving them honourably, shall submit himself entirely to their counsel. Immediately, the Antichrist enters, wearing a breastplate under white robes. Hypocrisy accompanies him on the right, and Heresy on the left. To them he sings:

ANTICHRISTUS

Mei regni venit hora.

Per vos ergo sine mora

fiat, ut conscendam regni solium.

Me mundus adoret, et non alium.

Vos ad hoc aptas cognovi.

Vos ad hoc hucusque fovi.

Ecce: labor vester, et industria

ad hoc mihi sunt necessaria.

En Christum gentes honorant,

venerantur et adorant.

Ejus ergo delete memoriam,

In me suam transferentes gloriam.

ANTICHRIST

The hour of my kingdom has come. So, through you, may it be without delay that I ascend the throne of [my] kingdom. Let the world worship me, and no other. I know that you are suited for this. I have nourished you thus far for this. See: your work and toil are necessary to me for this. Look: the nations honour, venerate and worship Christ. Therefore destroy his memory, transferring his glory to me.

19

[ad Hypocrisim:]

In te pono fundamentum.

[ad Haeresim:]

Per te fiet incrementum.

[ad Hypocrisim:]

Tu favorem laicorum exstrue.

[ad Haeresim:]

Tu doctrinam clericorum destrue.

[to Hypocrisy] I place my foundation in you. [to Heresy] Growth will come through you. [to Hypocrisy] You - build up the good will of the laity. [to Heresy] You – destroy the doctrine of the clergy.

Tunc illae: Then they [answer]:

HYPOCRISIS ET HAERESIS

Per nos mundus tibi credet.

Nomen Christi tibi cedet.

HYPOCRISY AND HERESY

Through us the world shall believe in you. The name of Christ shall yield to you.

HYPOCRISIS

Nam per me favorem dabunt laici.

HYPOCRISY

For through me the laity will give their good will.

HAERESIS

Et per me Christum negabunt clerici.

HERESY

And through me, the clergy will deny Christ.

Tunc praecedent eum ipso paulatim sequente.

Et postquam venerint ante sedem regis

Jerosolymae, Hypocrisis insusurret hypocritis

annuntians eis adventum Antichristi. Qui

statim occurrent sibi cantantes:

Then they will precede him,while he follows little by little. And after they have come before the seat of the king of Jerusalem, Hypocrisy should whisper to the hypocrites, announcing to them the coming of the Antichrist. They will immediately run out to meet him, singing:

HYPOCRITAE

Sacra religio

jamdiu titubavit.

Matrem Ecclesiam

HYPOCRITES

Holy religion long ago tottered. Vanity has gained possession of mother Church. What

20

vanitas occupavit.

Utquid perditio

per viros phaleratos?

Deus non diligit

saeculares praelatos.

Ascende culmina

regiae potestatis.

Per te reliquiae

mutentur vetustatis.

good is destruction by armed men? God does not love secular prelates. Mount the heights of regal power. Through you, may the remains of the old order be transformed.

Tunc Antichristus: Then the Antichrist [sings]:

ANTICHRISTUS

Quomodo fiet hoc?

Ego sum vir ignotus.

ANTICHRIST

How shall this be? I am an unknown man.

Tunc ipsi: Then they [reply]:

HYPOCRITAE

Nostro consilio

mundus favebit totus.

Nos occupavimus

favorem laicorum.

Nunc per te corruat

doctrina clericorum.

Nostris auxiliis

hunc thronum occupabis.

Tu tuis meritis

cetera consummabis.

HYPOCRITES

The whole world shall be favourable to our advice. We have taken hold of the good will of the laity. Now let the doctrine of the clergy collapse through you. With our help, you shall occupy this throne. By your own merits, you shall take care of the rest.

Tunc Antichristus veniens ante sedem regis

Jerosolymae cantat ad Hypocritas:

Then the Antichrist, coming before the throne of the king of Jerusalem, sings to the Hypocrites:

21

ANTICHRISTUS

Quem sub Ecclesiae

gremio concepistis

longis conatibus,

me tandem genuistis.

Ascendam igitur.

Regna subjugabo.

Deponam vetera,

nova jura dictabo.

ANTICHRIST

After long toil, you have finally begotten me, whom you conceived under the lap of the Church. I shall therefore rise up. I shall subjugate the kingdoms. I shall cast down the old laws, [and] dictate new ones.

Tunc exuentes ei superiora indumenta

ascendunt expositis gladiis, et deponentes

regem Jerosolymorum coronant Antichristum

cantantes:

Then, removing his outer garments, they go up with their swords bared, and, deposing the king of Jerusalem, they crown the Antichrist, singing:

HYPOCRITAE

Firmetur manus tua, et exaltetur dextera

tua.

HYPOCRITES

Let your hand be made firm, and your right hand exalted.

Tunc rex Jerosolymis ascendat ad regem

Teutonicorum solus cantans:

Then the king of Jerusalem should go up to the king of the Teutons, on his own, singing:

REX JEROSOLYMORUM

Deceptus fueram

per speciem bonorum.

Ecce destituor

fraude simulatorum.

Regni fastigia

putabam beata,

Si essent talium

edictis ordinata.

Romani culminis

dum esses advocatus,

Sub honore viguit

KING OF JERUSALEM

I was deceived by what appeared to be good. Now I am robbed by the fraud of pretenders. I thought that the heights of kingship would be blessed, if they were ruled by the edicts of such men. While you were the representative of Roman might, the state of the Church thrived in honour. Now the evil of your departure is clear. The law of pestilent superstition is thriving.

22

Ecclesiae status.

Nunc tuae patens est

malum discessionis.

Viget pestiferae

lex superstitionis.

Interim Hypocritae conducunt Antichristum

in templum Domini, ponentes ibi thronum

suum. Ecclesia vero, quae ibi remanserat,

multis contumeliis et verberibus affecta redibit

ad sedem Apostolici. Tunc Antichristus diriget

nuntios suos ad singulos reges, et primo ad

regem Graecorum, dicens:

Meanwhile, the Hypocrites lead the Antichrist into the temple of the Lord, placing his throne there. But the Church, which had remained there, having been afflicted with many insults and blows, will return to the seat of the Pope. Then the Antichrist will send his messengers to each king, and first to the king of the Greeks, saying:

ANTICHRISTUS

Scitis divinitus

ad hoc me vobis datum,

ut per omnes habeam

terras principatum.

Ad hoc idoneos

ministros vos elegi,

per quos totus mundus

subdatur nostrae legi.

Hinc primo terminos

Graecorum occupate.

Graecos terroribus,

aut bello subjugate.

ANTICHRIST

You know that I have been given to you by God for this [purpose], that I may have dominion through all lands. I have chosen you as suitable ministers for this, through whom the whole world is to be subjugated to our law. Therefore seize first the territory of Greece. Subdue the Greeks by terror or by war.

Qui venientes ad regem Graecorum cantant

coram eo:

Coming to the king of the Greeks, they sing before him:

HYPOCRITAE

Rex, tibi salus sit

dicta a salvatore,

HYPOCRITES

King, greetings to you from the Saviour, the

23

rege regum et

totius orbis rectore,

qui, sicut Scripturis

mundo fuit promissus,

descendit de coelis

ab arce Patris missus.

Ille semper idem

manens in deitate,

ad vitam sua

nos invitat pietate

Hic se vult a cunctis

ut Deum venerari,

et a toto mundo

se jubet adorari.

Hujus edicti formam

si tu praeteribis,

in ore gladii

cum tuis interibis.

king of kings, and ruler of the whole earth, who, just as he was promised to the world by the Scriptures, has come down from heaven, sent from the Father’s citadel. He, remaining always unchanging in [His] divinity, invites us in His mercy to life. He wishes to be venerated by all as God, and orders that he be worshipped by the whole world. If you ignore the contents of this order, you shall die with your people by the edge of the sword.

Quibus ille: To whom he [answers]:

REX GRAECORUM

Libenter exhibeo

regi famulatum,

quem tanto dicitis

honore sublimatum.

Honor est et gloria

tali obedire.

Huic tota mente

desidero servire.

KING OF THE GREEKS

I gladly offer service to a king, whom you say has been elevated with such honour. It is honourable and glorious to obey such a man. I desire with my whole heart to serve him.

Et hoc iterans venit ad praesentiam

Antichristi, et stans coram eo cantat:

And repeating this, he comes into the presence of the Antichrist, and, standing before him, sings:

24

REX GRAECORUM

Tibi profiteor

decus imperiale.

Quo tibi serviam,

jus postulo regale.

KING OF THE GREEKS

I acknowledge your imperial glory. In order to serve you, I ask for royal authority.

Et flexo genu, offert ei coronam. Tunc

Antichristus depingens primam litteram

nominis sui regi, et omnibus suis in fronte, et

coronam ei in capite reponens cantat:

And, on bended knee, he offers him [his] crown. Then the Antichrist, drawing the first letter of his name on the forehead of the king and of all his men, and placing the [king’s] crown back on his head, sings:

ANTICHRISTUS

Vive per gratiam,

et suscipe honorem,

dum me recognoscis

cunctorum creatorem.

ANTICHRIST

Live through mercy, and receive honour, so long as you recognise me to be the creator of all things.

Tunc ille revertitur ad sedem suam. Iterum

Antichristus dirigit Hypocritas ad regem

Francorum cum muneribus dicens:

Then he returns to his seat. Now again, the Antichrist sends the Hypocrites to the king of the Franks, with gifts, saying

ANTICHRISTUS

Haec munera regi

Francorum offeretis,

quem cum suis ad nos

per illa convertetis.

Hi nostro ritui

formam adinvenere.

Nostro adventui

viam praeparavere.

Horum subtilitas

nobis elaboravit

thronum conscendere,

ANTICHRIST

You shall offer these gifts to the king of the Franks. With these, you shall convert him, along with his men, to us. These people invented the forms for our rites. They prepared the way for our coming. Their cunning laboured so that we can ascend the throne which virtue had occupied.

25

quem virtus occupavit.

Tunc Hypocritae, acceptis muneribus, vadunt

ad regem Francorum, et stantes coram eo

cantant:

Then the Hypocrites, having received the gifts, go to the king of the Franks, and, standing before him, sing :

HYPOCRITAE

Rex, tibi salus sit

dicta a salvatore,

rege regum et




descendit de coelis


Ille semper idem

manens in Deitate,

ad vitam sua

nos invitat pietate


ut Deum venerari,

et a toto mundo

se jubet adorari.

Sed de tui regni

certus devotione

rependit tibi vicem

voluntatis bonae.

HYPOCRITES

King, greetings to you from the Saviour, the king of kings, and ruler of the whole earth, who, just as he was promised to the world by the Scriptures, has come down from heaven, sent from the Father’s citadel. He, remaining always unchanging in [His] divinity, invites us in His mercy to life. He wishes to be venerated by all as God, and orders that he be worshipped by the whole world. But, certain of your kingdom’s devotion, he is paying you back for your good will.

Tunc rex, acceptis muneribus, cantat: Then the king, having received the gifts, sings :

REX FRANCORUM

Libenter exhibeo

regi famulatum,

quem tanto dicitis

honore sublimatum.

Honor est et gloria

KING OF THE FRANKS

I gladly offer service to a king, whom you say has been elevated with such honour. It is honourable and glorious to obey such a man. I

26

tali obedire.

Huic tota mente

desidero servire.

desire with my whole heart to serve him.

Et hoc iterans venit ad praesentiam

Antichristi, et flexo genu, offert ei coronam

cantans:

And, repeating this, he comes into the presence of the Antichrist, and, on bended knee, offers him [his] crown, singing:

REX FRANCORUM

Tibi profiteor

decus imperiale.

Quo tibi serviam,

jus postulo regale.

KING OF THE FRANKS


Antichristus, eo suscepto, in osculo signat eum

et suos in frontibus, et imponens ei coronam

cantat:

The Antichrist, having received it, marks him and his men on the forehead with a kiss, and, placing [the king’s] crown [back] on him, sings:

ANTICHRISTUS

Vive per gratiam,

et suscipe honorem,

dum me recognoscis


ANTICHRIST


Tunc iterum dirigit Hypocritas ad regem

Teutonicorum, cantans:

Now again he sends the Hypocrites to the king of the Teutons, singing:

ANTICHRISTUS

Excellens est in armis

vis Teutonicorum,

sicut testantur robur

experti eorum.

Regem muneribus

est opus mitigari.

ANTICHRIST

The strength in arms of the Teutons is preeminent, as those who have experienced their might [can] testify. We must soften [their] king with gifts. It is unwise to do battle with the Teutons. They are the worst of

27

Est cum Teutonicis

incautum praeliari.

Hi secum pugnantibus

sunt pessima pestis.

Hos nobis subjicite

donis si potestis.

plagues to those who fight with them. Subjugate them to us with gifts, if you can.

Tunc Hypocritae, acceptis muneribus,

transeunt ad regem cantantes coram eo:

Then the Hypocrites, having received the gifts, go across to the king, singing before him:

HYPOCRITAE

Rex, tibi salus sit

dicta a salvatore,

rege regum et




descendit de coelis


Ille semper idem

manens in Deitate,

ad vitam sua

nos invitat pietate


ut Deum venerari,

et a toto mundo

se jubet adorari.

Et his te honorans

muneribus absentem

amicum cernere

desiderat praesentem.

HYPOCRITES

King, greetings to you from the Saviour, the king of kings, and ruler of the whole earth, who, just as he was promised to the world by the Scriptures, has come down from heaven, sent from the Father’s citadel. He, remaining always unchanging in [His] divinity, invites us in His mercy to life. He wishes to be venerated by all as God, and orders that he be worshipped by the whole world. But, certain of your kingdom’s devotion, he is paying you back for your good will. And honouring you, at a distance, with these presents, he desires to see you, [as] a friend, in his presence.

Tunc rex Teutonicorum cantat: Then the king of the Teutons sings:

28

REX TEUTONICORUM (qui erat

IMPERATOR)

Fraudibus versutias

compellor experiri,

per quas nequitia

vestra solet mentiri.

Sub forma veritas

virtutis putabatur.

Ostendet falsitas,

quod forma mentiatur.

Per vos corrupta est

fides Christianorum.

Per me conteretur

regnum simulatorum.

Plena sunt fraudibus

munera deceptoris.

Iniquus corruet

per gladium ultoris.

Secum pecunia

sit in perditionem,

Gravem injuria

exspectat ultionem.

KING OF THE TEUTONS (ex-EMPEROR)

I am forced to experience the craftiness of your fraudulence, in which your wickedness is accustomed to tell lies. Truth was believed to be [present] under an apperance of virtue. Deceit shall show that appearances lie. Through you the faith of Christians has been corrupted. Through me, the reign of pretenders shall be crushed. The gifts of the deceiver are full of fraudulence. The wicked shall fall by the sword of the avenger. Let his money go with him to perdition. Injustice is awaiting a harsh revenge.

Tunc Hypocritae confusi redeunt, et stantes

coram Antichristo cantant:

Then the hypocrites return in confusion, and, standing before the Antichrist, they sing :

HYPOCRITAE

O regni gloria,

caput totius mundi,

offensam aspice

populi furibundi.

Certe praedictum est

per fidem antiquorum

quod tu subjicies

cervices superborum.

HYPOCRITES

O glory of the kingdom, chief of the whole world, see the offence of a mad people. Surely, it was predicted, according to the faith of the ancients, that you would bring low the necks of the proud. If the whole world exists by your might, by what power does the Teuton madness resist you? Germany blasphemes your authority. It raises [its] horns

29

Si virtute tua

totus orbis subsistit,

qua vi Teutonicus

furor tibi resistit?

Tuam Germania

blasphemat dicionem.

Extollit cornua

contra religionem.

Respice igitur

nostram confusionem.

In ea judica

tuam offensionem.

Tuam potentiam

injuria testatur,

cujus imperium

ruinam comminatur.

against religion. Therefore look upon our confusion. Judge by it the offence against you. The insult tests your power. Your kingdom totters.

Tunc Antichristus: Then the Antichrist [replies]:

ANTICHRISTUS

Consummabo vere

gentem perditionis

pro tanto scandalo

sanctae religionis.

Ecce superbiam

humanae potestatis

Terret potentia

divinae majestatis!

ANTICHRIST

I shall indeed destroy [this] people of perdition, to avenge such a scandal against true religion. See: the power of divine majesty strikes with terror the pride of human power.

Tunc dirigit singulos nuntios ad reges dicens

eis:

Then he sends messengers to each king, saying to them:

ANTICHRISTUS

Ite congregantes

facultates regnorum.

ANTICHRIST

Go, gather the strength of [your] kingdoms.

30

Conculcent impetu

furorem superborum.

Let them crush with their attack the madness of the proud.

Nuntii vero venientes coram regibus cantant: The messengers then, coming before the kings, sing:

HYPOCRITAE

Ecce noster Dominus

et Deus deorum

per nos exercitum

convocat suorum,

ut per hos Teutonicum

condemnet furorem.

In bello martyrum

consignabit cruorem.

HYPOCRITES

Now our Lord, and the God of gods, calls together through us the army of his people, so that, by them, he can condemn the Teuton madness. In war, he will bless the blood of the martyrs.

Tunc reges conveniunt ante thronum

Antichristi. Quibus ille:

Then the kings gather before the throne of the Antichrist. To whom he [sings]:

ANTICHRISTUS

Consummabo vere

gentem perditionis

pro tanto scandalo

sanctae religionis.

Ecce superbiam

humanae potestatis

Terret potentia

divinae majestatis!

Ite, Germaniae

terminos invadetis.

Superbum populum

cum rege conteretis.

ANTICHRIST

I shall indeed destroy [this] people of perdition, to avenge such a scandal against true religion. See: the power of divine majesty strikes with terror the pride of human power. Go: you shall invade the territory of Germany. You shall crush the proud people with [their] king

Tunc omnes cantant: Then they all sing:

31

REX GRAECORUM ET REX

FRANCORUM

Deus nobiscum est,

quos tuetur potenter.

Pro fide igitur

pugnemus confidenter.

KING OF THE GREEKS AND KING OF THE FRANKS

God is with us, whom he protects powerfully. Therefore let us fight with confidence for the faith.

Et disponentes acies suas in occursum

Teutonicorum congrediuntur cum eis, et

superatur exercitus Antichristi. Tunc rex

Teutonicorum rediens, et sedens in throno suo

cantat:

And, drawing up their troops to meet the Teutons, they join battle with them, and the army of the Antichrist is defeated. Then the king of the Teutons, going back, and sitting on his throne, sings:


IMPERATOR)

Sanguine patriae

honor est retinendus.

Virtute patriae

est hostis expellendus.

Jus dolo perditum

est sanguine venale.

Sic retinebimus

decus imperiale.


Honour must be preserved by the blood of the fatherland. The enemy must be driven out by the might of the fatherland. The authority lost by deceipt is bought back by blood. Thus we shall keep our imperial glory.

Tunc Hypocritae adducunt claudum coram

Antichristo. Quo sanato, rex Teutonicorum

haesitabit in fide. Tunc iterum adducunt

leprosum, et illo sanato, rex plus dubitabit. Ad

ultimum important feretrum, in quo jacebit

quidam simulans se in proelio occisum. Jubet

itaque Antichristus, ut surgat, dicens:

Then the Hypocrites bring a cripple before the Antichrist. When he is cured, the king of the Teutons will hesitate in [his] faith. Then, again, they bring a leper, and, when he is cured, the king will doubt more. Finally, they carry in a litter, on which someone is to lie, pretending he was killed in battle. The Antichrist then orders him to rise up, saying:

32

ANTICHRISTUS

Signa semper quaerunt

rudes et infideles.

Surge velociter.

Quis sim ego, reveles.

ANTICHRIST

The ignorant and unfaithful always look for signs. Rise up quickly. Reveal who I am.

Tunc ille de feretro cantat: Then, from the litter, he sings :

SIMULATOR

Tu sapientia

supernae veritatis.

Virtus invicta es

divinae majestatis.

PRETENDER

You are the wisdom of the truth from above. You are the unconquered power of divine majesty.

Et Hypocritae secum cantant: And the Hypocrites sing along with him:

HYPOCRITAE

Tu sapientia

supernae veritatis.

Virtus invicta es

divinae majestatis.

HYPOCRITES

You are the wisdom of the truth from above. You are the unconquered power of divine majesty.

Tunc rex Teutonicorum videns signa seducitur

dicens:

Then the king of the Teutons, seeing the signs, is seduced, saying:


IMPERATOR)

Nostro nos impetu

semper periclitamur.

Adversus Dominum

incauti proeliamur.

In hujus nomine


We are always at risk from our own impulses. We do battle heedlessly against God. In this man’s name, the dead are resurrected, and the lame walk, and lepers are cleansed.

33

mortui suscitantur,

et claudi ambulant,

et leprosi mundantur.

Illius igitur

gloriam veneremur.

Therefore let us venerate his glory.

Tunc rex ascendit ad Antichristum, et hoc

idem cantat. Cum autem venerit coram eo,

flexo genu offert ei coronam cantans:

Then the king goes up to the Antichrist, and sings this again. And when he has come before him, on bended knee, he offers him [his] crown, singing:


IMPERATOR)

Tibi profiteor

decus imperiale.

Quo tibi serviam,

jus postulo regale.



Tunc Antichristus signans eum et suos in

frontitibus, et imponens ei coronam cantat:

Then the Antichrist, marking him and his men on the forehead, and placing [his] crown [back] on him, sings :

ANTICHRISTUS

Vive per gratiam,

et suscipe honorem,

dum me recognoscis


ANTICHRIST


Tunc committit sibi expeditionem ad gentes,

dicens:

Then he entrusts him with an expedition against the heathens, saying:

34

ANTICHRISTUS

Vobis credentibus,

convertimur ad gentes.

ANTICHRIST

Since you have believed, we turn to the heathens.

Et dato sibi gladio cantat: And, having given him a sword, he sings:

ANTICHRISTUS

Per te disponimus

has fieri credentes.

ANTICHRIST

We plan to make them believers through you.

Tunc rex veniens ad thronum Gentilitatis

mittit legatum ad regem Babylonis, qui cantat

coram eo:

The the king, coming to the throne of Heathendom, sends an ambassador to the king of Babylon, who sings before him:

LEGATUS

Potestas Domini

maneat in aeternum.

Quae adoranda est

quasi numen sempiternum.

Condemnat penitus

culturam idolorum.

Praecipit abjici

ritus simulacrorum.

AMBASSADOR

May the power of the Lord remain forever. It is to be worshipped as eternal divinity. He condemns utterly the cult of idols. He orders the rites of images to be cast off.

Tunc Gentilitas ad legatum: Then Heathendom [says] to the legate:

GENTILITAS

Finxit invidia

HEATHENDOM

Envy imagined this uniqueness, so that mankind would worship only one divinity. That

35

hanc singularitatem,

ut unam coleret

homo divinitatem.

Ille jure deus

cupidus aestimatur,

qui spretis caeteris

vult ut solus colatur.

Nos ergo sequimur

ritum antiquitatis:

diis discrimina

reddimus deitatis.

god is rightly thought to be greedy, who wishes to be worshipped on his own, while the rest are despised. We are therefore following the rites of antiquity: we acknowledge in the gods the different kinds of divinity.

Tunc nuntius: Then the messenger [replies]:

LEGATUS

Unus est Dominus,

quem jure veneramur.

AMBASSADOR

There is one Lord, whom we rightly worship.

Et dejiciens simulacrum cantat: And, casting down a statue, he sings:

LEGATUS

Idolum detestamur.

AMBASSADOR

We curse the idol.

Statim gentiles concurrunt, et proeliantur cum

exercitu Antichristi. Et superatus rex

Babylonis ducitur captivus ad Antichristum.

Tunc rex, genu flexo, offert coronam

Antichristo, dicens:

Immediately, the heathens rush up, and do battle with the army of the Antichrist. And the king of Babylon [is] defeated [and] brought as a prisoner to the Antichrist. Then the king, on bended knee, offers [his] crown to the Antichrist saying:

REX BABYLONIS

Tibi profiteor

decus imperiale.

Quo tibi serviam,

KING OF BABYLON


36

jus postulo regale.

Tunc Antichristus signans eum et suos in

frontitibus, et imponens ei coronam cantat:

Then the Antichrist, marking him and his men on the forehead, and placing [his] crown [back] on him, sings :

ANTICHRISTUS

Vive per gratiam,

et suscipe honorem,

dum me recognoscis


ANTICHRIST


Statim redeunt ad sedes suas omnes cantantes: Immediately, all return to their seats, singing:

OMNES

Omnium rectorem


Tibi tota mente

semper obsequemur.

ALL

We confess that you alone are the ruler of all. We shall always obey you with all our hearts.

Tunc Antichristus dirigens Hypocritas ad

Synagogam cantat:

Then the Antichrist, sending the Hypocrites to Synagogue, sings :

ANTICHRISTUS

Judaeis dicite

Messiam advenisse,

Et me in gentibus

tributum accepisse.

Judaeis dicite:

En ego sum Messias.

Ego sum promissus

eis per prophetias.

ANTICHRIST

Say to the Jews that the Messiah has come, and that I have received tribute among the nations. Say to the Jews: see, I am the Messiah. I was promised to them by the prophecies.

37

Tunc Hypocritae ad Synagogam: Then the Hypocrites [say] to Synagogue:

HYPOCRITAE

Regalis generis

gens es peculiaris.

Fidelis populus

ubique praedicaris.

Pro tuenda Lege

jamdudum exsulasti.

Procul a patria

Messiam exspectasti.

Haec exspectatio

reddet haereditatem.

Jucunda novitas

mutabit vetustatem.

Ecce mysterium

tuae redemptionis:

Rex enim natus est

auctor religionis.

Hic est Emmanuel,

quem testantur Scripturae,

per cujus gratiam

tu regnabis secure.

Erexit humiles,

et superbos dejecit.

Potenter omnia

sub pedibus subjecit.

Surge, Jerusalem,

surge, illuminare,

et captiva diu

Synagoga, laetare.

HYPOCRITES

You are the special people of the royal race. You are everywhere known as the faithful people. Long ago, you were exiled because you kept the Law. You have awaited the Messiah far from your fatherland. This waiting will bring back [your] inheritance. Delightful newness will transform antiquity. Here is the mystery of your redemption. For a king is born, the source of religion. He is Emmanuel, to whom the Scriptures bear witness, through whose mercy, you shall reign securely. He has raised up the humble and cast down the proud. He has mightily subdued all things beneath his feet. Rise up, Jerusalem, rise up and be illuminated. And, Synagogue, so long a captive, rejoice.

Tunc Synagoga: Then Synagogue [sings]:

38

SYNAGOGA

Haec consolatio

divinae bonitatis.

Laborem respicit

nostrae captivitatis.

Eamus igitur

obviam Salvatori.

Dignum est reddere

gloriam Redemptori.

SYNAGOGUE

This is the consolation of the divine bounty. He has looked down on the labour of our captivity. Let us go then to meet the Saviour. It is fitting to give glory to the Redeemer.

Tunc Synagoga surgens vadit ad Antichristum

et cantat :

Then Synagogue, rising up, goes to the Antichrist and sings :

SYNAGOGA

Ades Emmanuel,

quem semper veneramur,

in cujus gloria

nos quoque gloriamur.

SYNAGOGUE

You are here, Emmanuel, whom we venerate forever, in whose glory we too [can] glory.

Tunc venientem suscipit Synagogam signans

eam, et dicens:

Then he receives the Synagogue as she comes, marking her and saying :

ANTICHRISTUS

Per me egredere

vectem confusionis.

Tibi restituo

terram promissionis.

In tuo lumine

en gentes ambulabunt,

Et sub pacis tuae

lege reges regnant.

ANTICHRIST

Through me, leave the path of humiliation. I return to you the promised land. See: the nations shall walk in your light, and kings rule under the laws of your peace.

Tunc Synagoga redeunte, intrant prophetae Then, as Synagogue returns, the prophets

39

dicentes: enter, saying :

PROPHETAE ENOCH ET ELIAS

Verbum Patris

habens divinitatem

in Virgine

sumpsit humanitatem.

Manens Deus

effectus est mortalis.

Semper Deus

factus est temporalis.

Non naturae

usu sibi constante

hoc factum est,

sed Deo operante.

Nostram Christus

sumpsit infirmitatem,

ut infirmis

conferret firmitatem.

Hunc Judaei

mortalem cognoverunt,

immortalem

quem esse nescierunt.

Nec sermoni,

nec signis credidere.

Sub Pilato

Christum crucifixere.

Moriendo

mortem mortificavit.

A gehenna

credentes liberavit.

Hic surrexit

vere non moriturus.

Regnat semper

in proximo venturus.

Hic saeculum

THE PROPHETS ENOCH AND ELIJAH

The word of the Father, possessing divinity, took on humanity in the Virgin. Remaining God, he became a mortal. [He who is] God forever became temporal. This did not happen by the constant laws of nature, but by the power of God. Christ took on our weakness, to give strength to the weak. The Jews knew him as a mortal, whom they did not know to be immortal. They believed neither words nor signs. Under Pilate they crucified Christ. By dying, he killed death. He set believers free from hell. He rose up, truly never to die [again]. He reigns forever [and] will come soon. He will judge [this] age through fire. He will raise up all men in the flesh. He will separate those who are to be saved from the wicked. Damning the bad, he will glorify the good. You know what the true Scriptures say. They bear witness to Enoch [who is] alive and to Elijah.

40

per ignem judicabit.

Universos

in carne suscitabit.

A reprobis

salvandos separabit.

Malos damnans,

bonos glorificabit.

Verae scitis

quid Scripturae loquantur.

Enoch vivum,

et Eliam testantur.

Tunc Synagoga: Then Synagogue [says]:

SYNAGOGA

Ubinam sunt?

SYNAGOGUE

Where are they then?

Illi: They [reply]:


Illi nos sumus vere,

in quos fines

saeclorum devenere.

Iste Enoch,

et ego sum Elias,

quos hucusque

servaverat Messias,

qui jam venit,

et adhuc est venturus,

per nos primum

Israel redempturus.

Ecce venit

homo perditionis,

magnae consummans

muros Babylonis.


Truly, we are they, in whom the end time has come. He is Enoch, and I am Elijah, whom the Messiah had preserved till now. He has come already, and is still to come, first to redeem Israel through us. See: the man of perdition has come, to destroy the walls of great Babylon. He is not Christ.

41

Non est Christus.

Tunc tollunt ei velum. Statim Synagoga

convertitur ad verba prophetarum dicens:

Then they remove her veil. Immediately, Synagogue is converted at the words of the prophets, saying:

SYNAGOGA

Seducti fuimus

vere per Antichristum,

qui mentitur se

Judaeorum Christum.

Certa indicia

sunt nostrae libertatis

Elias et Enoch,

prophetae veritatis.

Tibi gratias damus,

Adonai, rex gloriae,

Personarum Trinitas

ejusdem substantiae.

Vere Pater Deus est,

cujus Unigenitus

Deus est. Idem Deus est

amborum Spiritus.

SYNAGOGUE

Truly we were seduced by the Antichrist, who lies [saying] that he is the Christ of the Jews. Enoch and Elijah, the prophets of truth, are sure signs of our liberation. We give thanks to you, Adonai, king of glory, Trinity of Persons of the same substance. Truly the Father is God, whose only-begotten [Son] is God. The Spirit of both is the same God.

Interim Hypocritae venientes ad Antichristum

cantant:

Meanwhile the Hypocrites, coming to the Antichrist, sing:

HYPOCRITAE

O culmen regium

divinae majestatis!

Tibi subtrahitur

honor divinitatis.

Intravere senes,

doctores vanitatis,

qui blasphemant tuae

HYPOCRITES

O royal summit of divine majesty! The honour of divinity is being stolen from you. Old men, teachers of vanity, have come in, who blaspheme the honour of your power. They preach to the Jews that, according to the Scriptures, you, all-mighty king, are the chief

42

honorem potestatis.

Judaeis praedicant

tenore Scripturarum,

te, rex omnipotens,

caput hypocritarum.

of hypocrites.

Tunc Antichristus ad hypocritas: Then the Antichrist [says] to the Hypocrites:

ANTICHRISTUS

Cum me totus orbis

studeat adorare,

jus mei nominis

quis audeat negare?

Synagogam et senes

mihi praesentate.

Reos conveniam

super hac levitate.

ANTICHRIST

When the whole world is eager to worship me, who would dare deny the authority of my name? Bring Synagogue and the old men into my presence. I shall put them on trial for this insolence.

Tunc ministri venientes ad prophetas et

Synagogam cantant:

Then the ministers [i.e. the Hypocrites], coming to the prophets and Synagogue, sing:

HYPOCRITAE

Testes mendacii,

praecones falsitatis,

vos tribunal vocat

divinae majestatis.

HYPOCRITES

Witnesses of lies, heralds of falsehood, the tribunal of divine majesty summons you.

Tunc prophetae: Then the prophets [answer]:


Non seducet

homo iniquitatis


The man of iniquity shall not seduce the servants of Christ through the ministers of

43

servos Christi

ministris falsitatis.

falsehood.

Tunc nuntii adducunt prophetas et

Synagogam ad Antichristum, quibus ille:

Then the messengers bring the prophets and Synagogue to the Antichrist, to whom he [says]:

ANTICHRISTUS

Fert in insaniam

doctrina vanitatis

vos, quos decipiunt

vultus auctoritatis.

Sanctis promissus sum

redemptio futura.

Vere Messias sum,

ut testatur Scriptura.

De me suscipite

formam religionis.

Sum infidelibus

lapis offensionis.

ANTICHRIST

The doctrine of vanity leads you to insanity – [you] whom, the appearances of authority deceive. I was promissed to the saints [as] the redemption to come. Truly, I am the Messiah, as Scripture bears witness. Learn from me the form of [true] religion. I am a stumbling block to the unfaithful.

Tunc prophetae: Then the prophets [answer]:


Tu blasphemus,

auctor iniquitatis,

radix mali,

turbator veritatis,

Antichristus,

sub forma pietatis.


You are the blasphemer, the author of sin, the root of evil, the disturber of truth, the Antichrist under the appearance of mercy.

Tunc Antichristus commotus dicit ministris: Then the Antichrist, disturbed, says to [his] ministers:

44

ANTICHRISTUS

Ecce blasphemias

meae divinitatis!

Ulciscatur manus

divinae majestatis!

Qui blasphemant in me

divinam pietatem,

divini numinis

gustent severitatem.

Pereant penitus

oves occisionis

Pro tanto scandalo

sanctae religionis.

ANTICHRIST

See the blasphemies against my divinity. Let the hand of divine majesty take revenge! Those who blaspheme the divine mercy in me, let them taste the severity of the divine will. Let them all die, [like] lambs for the slaughter, to pay for such a scandal of holy religion.

Tandem Synagoga cantat confessionem istam: Finally, Synagogue sings this confession:

SYNAGOGA

Nos erroris poenitet.

Ad fidem convertimur.

Quidquid nobis inferet

persecutor, patimur.

SYNAGOGUE

We repent of our error. We convert to the faith. We [shall] suffer whatever the persecutor brings against us.

Tunc ministri educunt eos et occidunt. Interim

vero, dum occiduntur, Ecclesia cantat:

Then the ministers lead them out and kill [them]. But meanwhile, as they are being killed, Church sings:

ECCLESIA

Fasciculus myrrhae dilectus meus mihi.

CHURCH

My beloved is to me a bundle of myrrh.

Tunc ministris reversis, Antichristus dirigit

nuntios suos ad singulos reges cantans :

Then, when the ministers have returned, Antichrist sends his messengers to each king, singing:

45

ANTICHRISTUS

Reges conveniant,

et agmina sanctorum.

Adorari volo

a gloria regnorum.

Cuncta divinitus

manus mea firmavit,

Suos divinitas

hostes exterminavit.

Pace conclusa sunt

cuncta jura regnorum.

Ad coronam vocat

suos Deus deorum.

ANTICHRIST

Let the kings and the troop of the saints gather. I wish to be worshipped by the glory of the kingdoms. My hand has established all htings with divine power. Divinity has exterminated its enemies. All the rights of the kingdoms have been established in peace. The God of gods call his people to the crown.

Tunc omnes reges conveniunt undique cum

suis usque ad praesentiam Antichristi

cantantes:

Then all the kings come together from every side with their men, [going up] to the presence of the Antichrist, singing:

REX BABYLON, REX GRAECORUM,

REX FRANCORUM, REX

TEUTONICORUM (qui erat

IMPERATOR)

Cuncta divinitus

manus sua firmavit,

Suos divinitas

hostes exterminavit.

Pace conclusa sunt

cuncta jura regnorum.

Ad coronam vocat

suos Deus deorum.

KING OF BABYLON, KING OF THE

GREEKS, KING OF THE FRANKS,

KING OF THE TEUTONS (ex-

EMPEROR)

His hand has divinely made stable all things. Divinity has exterminated its enemies. All the rights of kingdoms have been established in peace. The God of gods call his people to the crown.

Quibus Antichristus: To whom the Antichrist [sings]:

46

ANTICHRISTUS

Ista praedixerunt

mei praedicatores,

Viri mei nominis,

et juris cultores.

Haec mea gloria,

quam diu praedixere,

Qua fruentur mecum,

quicunque meruere.

Post eorum casum,

quos vanitas illusit,

Pax et securitas

universa conclusit.

ANTICHRIST

My heralds, men [who came] in my name, and respecters of the law predicted this. This is my glory, which they long predicted, [and] which who ever is deserving will enjoy with me. After the fall of those whom vanity deluded, peace and security has embraced all things.

Statim fit sonitus super caput Antichristi, et eo

corruente, et omnibus suis fugientibus,

Ecclesia cantat:

Suddenly there is a noise over the head of the Antichrist, and, as he collapses and all his people flee, Church sings :

ECCLESIA

Ecce homo, qui non posuit Deum

adjutorem suum! Ego autem sicut oliva

fructifera in domo Dei.

CHURCH

Here is the man who has not made God his helper. But I am like a fruit-bearing olive tree in the house of God.

Tunc omnibus redeuntibus ad fidem, Ecclesia

ipsos suscipiens incipit:

Then, as all return to the faith, Church, receiving them, speaks:

ECCLESIA

Laudem dicite Deo nostro.

CHURCH

Give praise to our God.

Documents

Translation: Daniel Hadas, © 2010. · Huic ut hominium cum fidelitate nobis in proximo faciat, imperate Roman empire the tribute established of old. But, since the Frankish people