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O Filii et Filiæ
The eight following hymns, the authors of which are unknown, explain themselves. They may all be referred to about the same date; namely, the thirteenth century. The first has more than once been translated: but it seemed to me that its rude simplicity might perhaps be more successfully caught by another effort. It is scarcely possible for any one, not acquainted with the melody, to imagine the jubilant effect of the triumphant Alleluia attached to apparently less important circumstances of the Resurrection: e.g., S. Peter's being outstripped by S. John. It seems to speak of the majesty of that event, the smallest portions of which are worthy to be so chronicled. I have here and there borrowed a line from preceding translations.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Ye sons and daughters of the King
Whom heavenly hosts in glory sing,
To-day the grave hath lost its sting!
Alleluia.
