Score

Sung, simple tone

• one, male voices
• two, mixed voices
• three, soprano solo

Sung, solemn tone:

• FSSP with drone
• Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest

Other:

• Choral setting by Franco Prinsloo, sung by Stellenbosch University Choir, 5 minutes

Literal Translation

Hail, Queen, mother of mercy, our life, sweetness, and hope, hail. To thee do we cry, exiled sons of Eve. To thee do we sigh, moaning/groaning/lamenting and weeping in this valley of tears. Come on (eia), then, our Advocate, turn those merciful eyes of yours towards us. And after this our exile show to us Jesus, the blessed fruit of thy womb. O clement, O loving (pia), O sweet (dulcis) Virgin Mary.

Some of the words are hard to translate:

1. Eia is an interjection which can express joy or pleased surprise; gentle remonstrance or persuasion: “Ah! Come!”; or impatient, urgent exhortation: “Ho! Come on! Quick!”

2. Pia may mean (a) dutiful, pious, devout, conscientious, religious (referring to character); (b) just, holy, right, pious, religious (referring to actions); or (c) faithful to kindred, devoted, filial, loving.

3. Dulcis can mean sweet, agreeable, delightful, charming, dear, soft, flattering; of persons, friendly, pleasant, agreeable, charming, kind, dear. Dulcis aqua is fresh (not salty) water.