Vexilla Regis prodeunt; fulget Crucis mysterium, qua vita mortem pertulit et morte vitam protulit. Quae vulnerata lanceae mucrone diro criminum, ut nos lavaret crimine, manavit unda et sanguine. Impleta sunt quae concinit David fideli carmine, dicendo nationibus: regnavit a ligno Deus. Arbor decora et fulgida, ornata Regis purpura, electa digno stipite tam sancta membra tangere. Beata, cuius brachiis pretium pependit saeculi: statera facta corporis, tulitque praedam tartari. O Crux ave, spes unica, hoc Passionis tempore! piis adauge gratiam, reisque dele crimina. Te, fons salutis Trinitas, collaudet omnis spiritus: quibus Crucis victoriam largiris, adde praemium. Amen. Abroad the regal banners fly, now shines the Cross’s mystery: upon it Life did death endure, and yet by death did life procure. Who, wounded with a direful spear, did purposely to wash us clear from stain of sin, pour out a flood of precious water mixed with blood. That which the prophet-king of old hath in mysterious verse foretold, is now accomplished, whilst we see God ruling the nations from a Tree. O lovely and refulgent Tree, adorned with purpled majesty; culled from a worthy stock, to bear those limbs which sanctified were. Blest Tree, whose happy branches bore the wealth that did the world restore; the beam that did that Body weigh which raised up Hell’s expected prey. Hail Cross, of hopes the most sublime! Now, in the mournful Passion time; grant to the just increase of grace, and every sinner’s crimes efface. Blest Trinity, salvation’s spring may every soul Thy praises sing; to those Thou grantest conquest by the Holy Cross, rewards supply. Amen. Christ Carrying the Cross Luca Giordano (1634-1705) VEXILLA REGIS PRODEUNT 1 12 INTRODUCTION
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