Can anyone help me with an English translation - as literal as possible - of Mozart's Scande coeli limina? This text seems to be related to the monastic offertory for St. Benedict's July 11 feast day.
You know, it's really annoying when I sign in, and then the site signs me out after I submit a translation. Just saying.
Iffy Latin lyrics from an iffy source. Do not trust, unless they agree with what you've got. The first part is a prayer about St. Benedict, and the last line seems to be a quote from him, or at least words put into his mouth....
Scande coeli limina, anima sanctissima per lampadum luces Quos superi duces Itineris obviam dant. Sed quaeso quid nati Qui tacti amore Afflicti dolore Hic orphani stant, Cara o pignora, protegam vos coeli ut patria societ nos.
Ascend the heavens' thresholds, most holy soul, by the lamps' light Which those above give you as guides Along your journey. But I beg that sons Who are stricken with love, Afflicted with sorrow, stand here orphans. O precious pledge! "I will protect you From Heaven, so that the Father's land may unite us."
Patria means fatherland and hence homeland, but it definitely means the Father's kingdom in this case. The sons are the Benedictines. "Children" would also be correct, I suppose, and there are female Benedictines too.
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