The words are usually said to be based on a 5th century Latin hymn, Aurea Luce Et Decore Roseo, which is attributed to Elphis, the first wife of Roman philosopher-poet and saint of the Eastern Church, Boethius (c.475–525?).
Howewver Aurea Luce was revised by Pope Urban VIII) in 1632, became the shorter Decora lux æternitatis, auream. This shorter hymn was the basis of this English-language translation by English Anglican-ordained and later Roman Catholic priest, translator, theologian, radio-broadcaster and author Ronald Arbuthnott Knox (1888-1957).
With meter 12.12.12.12, tunes it has been set to include:
DECORA LUX by the English Catholic composer, Samuel Webbe (1740–1816): the most-commonly used tune
O MENTES PERFIDAS, from 'Piae Cantiones,' 1582 (used in the Summit Choirbook).
Hymnals where it has been published in include:
The Westminister Hymnal, Burns, Oates & Washbourne, London, England, 1939
Praise the Lord – Godffrey Chapman London 1974
The Summit Choirbook, The Dominican Nuns Monastery of Our Lady of the Rosary, New Jersey, USA, 1983 - this publication includes additional verses translated by Scottish-board Church of England priest and author, Thomas Isaac Ball (1838-1916) - possibly based on the pre 1632 version of the hymn.
Downloads
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Instrumental - midi with sax(?) voice melody line, words and score on-screen
This version is excellent for learning the basic tune
Lyrics
The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:
What fairer light is this than time itself doth own, The golden day with beams more radiant brightening? The princes of God’s Church this feast day doth enthrone, To sinners heavenward bound their burden lightening.
One taught mankind its creed, one guards the heavenly gate, Founders of Rome, they bind the world in loyalty; One by the sword achieved, one by the cross his fate; With laurelled brows they hold eternal royalty.
Rejoice, O Rome, this day, thy walls they once did sign With princely blood, who now their glory share with thee. What city’s vesture glows with crimson deep as thine? What beauty else has earth that may compare with thee?
To God the three in one eternal homage be, All honour, all renown, all songs victorious, Who rules both heaven and earth by one divine decree To everlasting years in empire glorious.
KEEP IN CASE ORIGINAL IS REMOVED, BUT DO NOT DISPLAY
What fairer light is this than time itself doth own, The golden day with beams more radiant brightening? The princes of God’s Church this feast day doth enthrone, To sinners heavenward bound their burden lightening.
One taught mankind its creed, one guards the heavenly gate, Founders of Rome, they bind the world in loyalty; One by the sword achieved, one by the cross his fate; With laurelled brows they hold eternal royalty.
Rejoice, O Rome, this day, thy walls they once did sign With princely blood, who now their glory share with thee. What city’s vesture glows with crimson deep as thine? What beauty else has earth that may compare with thee?
To God the three in one eternal homage be, All honour, all renown, all songs victorious, Who rules both heaven and earth by one divine decree To everlasting years in empire glorious.
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