1000 Songs/Alone thou goest forth O Lord (Peter Abelard)

Alone thou goest forth O Lord (Peter Abelard)

1000 Songs

Text
Solus ad victimam procedis, Domine, Morti ter offerens quam venis tollere; Quid nos miserrimi possumus dicere Qui quae commisimus scimus te luere? Nostra sunt, Domine, nostra sunt crimina: Quid tua criminum facis supplicia? Quibus sic compati fac nostra pectora Ut vel compassio digna sit venia. Nox ista flebilis praesensque triduum Quod demorabitur fletus sit vesperum, Donec laetitiae mane gratissimum Surgente, Domine, sit maestis redditum. Tu tibi compati sic fac nos, Domine, Tuae participes ut simus gloriae; Sic praesens triduum in luctu ducere, Ut visum tribuas paschalis gratiae. --this text is based on the atonement of Jesus Christ.

=== Author === Peter Abelard

Translations/Challenges
This is the most popular translation:

Alone thou goest forth, O Lord, in sacrifice to die; Is this thy sorrow naught to us who pass unheeding by? Our sins, not thine, thou bearest, Lord; make us thy sorrow feel, Till through our pity and our shame love answers love's appeal. This is earth's darkest hour, but thou dost light and life restore; Then let all praise be given thee who livest evermore. Grant us with thee to suffer pain that, as we share this hour, Thy cross may bring us to thy joy and resurrection power. (Trans. Francis Bland Tucker 1895-1984)

Arrangements
A popular choral arrangement for "Solus ad victimam procedis" has been written by Kenneth Leighton

Author biography
Peter Abelard is most known for his early love life for a woman named Heloise. Growing up as a well know teacher, Abelard was hired by Heloise's uncle, Fulbert, to teach her. Abelard and Heloise had a romantic affair, and Heloise became pregnant. In order to please Fulbert, Abelard and Heloise were forced into a marriage. However, Fulbert believed that Abelard would back out of the marriage (although he was in love with Heloise) so Fulbert captured Abelard and had him castrated. Abelard and Heloise went to different monasteries, but ended up sending hundreds of love letters back and forth.