13th century Gregorian Chant hymn to Mary, attributed to the Carmelite saint, St Simon Stock. Its simplicity and poetry have ensured that it has outlasted pretty much everything else written in the 13th century.
Portions of the text refer to specific characteristics and customs of the Carmelite Order, particularly the reference to the scapular. Each verse (apart from the last) refers to an aspect of the Virgin Mary, in order of increasing power and strength. The hymn touches on the multifaceted and complex view of Mary and her role in the life of ordinary Christians that was common in the Middle Ages.
Flos carmeli,
Vitis florigera
Splendor coeli,
Virgo puerpera
Singularis.
Mater mitis,
sed viri nescia
Carmelitis
Da privilegia
Stella maris.
Radix Jesse
Germinans flosculum,
Hic adesse
Me tibi servulum
Patiaris!
Inter spinas
Quae crescis lilium
Serva puras
Mentes fragilium
Tutelaris!
Armaturis
Fortis pugnantium
Furun bella
Tende praesidium
Scapularis!
Per incerta
Prudens consilium
Per advrsa
Juge solatium
Largiaris.
Fairly literal English translation:
Flower of
Carmel,
Blossom on the vine,
Splendor of Heaven,
Virgin bearing child,
Singular.
Gentle mother,
Yet unknown to man,
Give your
Rule
To the
Carmelites,
Star of the Sea.
Stem of
Jesse
Sprouting a blossom
Be thou near me.
And permit me
To be thy servant!
Lily which grows
Among the thorns,
Preserve as innocent
And protect
The minds of the weak!
Strong armour
Of the fighting men
The wars are raging
Extend the protection
Of the
scapular.
Through uncertainty
You lavish
Wise council,
And through adversity
Eternal consolation.