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187

Novi partus gaudium.

This sequence, for such it appears, was first published by Du Méril from a MS. of the fourteenth century. The writer was clearly formed in the school of Adam of S. Victor. The metre is very uncommon; and, perhaps, not very pleasing.

Let the faithful raise the lay
To the new-born King to-day:
That the Light of Light would come
From the Virgin's holy womb:
Purging Adam's guilt away,
Shedding joy and scattering gloom.

Long had darkness reigned around:
Light and freedom none were found,
Hope of exit none in ken
For the fallen tribes of men,
Whom the Prince of this world bound
Fast within his doleful den.