Byrd, William: Ave verum corpus


Ave verum corpus

Ave verum corpus, natum de Maria virgine:
vere passum, immolatum in cruce pro homine:
cuius latus perforatum, unda fluxit sanguine:
esto nobis praegustatum in mortis examine.
O dulcis, o pie, o Jesu Fili Mariae, miserere mei. Amen.

Hail, true body, of the Blessed Virgin born,
which in anguish to redeem us didst suffer upon the cross;
from whose side, when pierced by spear, there came forth both water and blood:
be to us at our last hour the source of consolation.
O loving, O holy, O Jesu, thou Son of Mary, have mercy upon me. Amen.

Words: 14th century Eucharistic hymn attrib. Pope Innocent VI
Music: William Byrd (c. 1540–1623)