Anonymous (Norwegian)

A monophonic sequence from the liturgy for the Feast of St. Olaf, it commemorates the martyrdom of King Olaf in 1030, possibly originating from the later 12th century.

Text:

Lux illuxit laetabunda, lux illustris,
Lux jucunda quae digna praeconio
In solemne gaudium prorumpat fidelium
sincere devotio
Gloriosus hodie Christi martyr gloriae
sublimatus solio,
Pro aeternis brevia commutavit gaudia,
felici commercio.

Insignis martyris insignis gloria,
dulcis est gaudii dulcis materia.
Insiste canticis, mater eccelsia,
caelesti jubilo tange celestia.

Inter curas absolutus
rex clavus constitutes in regni fastigio,
Suspirabat in aetrena praevolabat
in superna mentis desiderio.

Christi tractus in odore
Christi languens in amore
vire sumens e languore
corde, votis, factis ore,
quem amabat coluit.

Hic nec minis nec timore
mortis fractus, nec labore
idolorum ab errore
multo quidem cum sudore
gentem suam eruit.

Tulit ab impia, gente ludibria
minas et odia, poenas, exilia
sed mente stabili,
mira constantia device omnia,
felix felicia migrans ad gaudia
cum palma nobili.

Ante diem passionis
ad instantem vim agonis
animates visionis
divinae solatio.

Quod amabat praegustavit,
praeguatatum plus optavit
plus optatum vendicavit
illustri martyrio.

Rex et martyr triumphalis,
Tutor noster specialis,
Tua proles spiritalis
Sit ab hujus mundi malis
Te tuente libera.

Quos infestat vis natalis
corruptela generalis
pestis potens et laetalis
nos sub tuis tuto alis
tua salvet dextera.
Amen.

Translation:

The joyful, the brilliant light, the
delightful light, which is worthy of
praise, has dawned.
Let the sincere devotion of the faithful
burst forth into solemn joy.
Today the glorious martyr of Christ, exalted
on a throne of glory,
has exchanged passing joys for eternal ones
through a happy exchange.

The extraordinary glory of the outstanding
martyr is the sweet basis of delightful joy.
O holy Mother Church, continue your songs
and touch the heavens with celestial jubilation.

Freed of cares, King Olaf is established
in the heights of the kingdom.
He breathes now in eternity, and in the
desire of his soul he has flown on high.

Drawn by the perfume of Christ,
overcome by the love of Christ,
taking strength from the feeble heart
and the promises made by mouth,
he worshipped Him whom he loved.

Not with threats nor fear
of death nor by error
did he destroy his people,
but by great effort he freed them.

From a disloyal nation he took mockery
threats and hate, punishments and exile,
but always with a calm spirit.
With marvelous calm he conquered all things;
happy, he went to a felicitous joy
with a noble palm branch.

Before the day of his suffering,
before the forthcoming force of his agony,
he was moved by the consolation
of the divine vision.

He had a foretaste of what he loved;
he chose what he had a foretaste of;
and what he chose he obtained
by his illustrious martyrdom.

King and triumphant martyr,
our special teacher,
may your special children
be free of the evils of this world
through your care.

May we, whom carnal force,
general corruption and
powerful and deadly pestilence infest,
be kept safe under your wings
by your right hand.
Amen.