Here for the First Sunday after the Feast of Holy Trinity is my translation of the hymn "Ach, HERR, wie lang wiltu ietz mein" (B. Waldis, 1553), a paraphrase of Usquequo Domine (Ps. XIII), the source of the proper Introit for the day, and having the original title, "Gebetpsalm wider schwermütigkeyt des geists, daß Gott trösten vnd helffen wölle" ["supplicatory psalm against spiritual melancholy, beseeching God for comfort and help."]. The melody is unavailable (unless you have a copy of Waldis' Psalter Gesangsweise…). I am inclined in lieu of that proper melody to use "Es wollt uns Gott genädig sein," a well-known melody already associated with the psalter. AH, LORD! how long wilt Thou persist Thus wholly to forget me? How long Thy face conceal in mist, While many woes beset me? How long dismay Bow down each day My heavy heart and spirit? Mine enemy Seeks after me, How long must I still bear it? How long shall he stand o'er me?
2. Oh, Lord, behold my misery, And hear my poor petition, Incline Thy gracious ear to me, Look down recognition: All sorrows chase That mar my face, Mine eyes with grace enlighten, That trouble may Not have its way Nor death my body whiten, Lord, let me live before Thee.
3. Oh, help me, Lord; delay not long, Nor let me be defeated, My foes would gloat in all their wrong, "Our vengeance is completed!" When vanquished I In ruin lie, As if by Thee forsaken, Then would their pride Fore'er abide, And say, I was mistaken, To trust in such a Savior.
4. And yet my hope is in Thy grace, O God of my salvation; My heart rejoices to embrace Thy word of consolation. I'll spread abroad Thy name, O God, For all Thy goodness given; With songs of praise Thy glories raise, On earth, and then in heaven With praise that lasts forever.
Translation © Matthew Carver, 2011.
GERMAN 1. Ach, HERR, wie lang wiltu ietz mein so gar vnd gantz vergessen? Verbirgst das frölich antlitz dein, weil mich vnfäl besessen? Wie lang sol sich ängsten teglich mein seel vnd hertz verschmachten? Wie lang sol doch der feind mir nach stellen vnd gar verachten vnd vber mich erheben?
2. Ach, HERR, schaw doch auff mein elend, wölst mein gebet erhören, Dein gnedig ohren zu mir wend, dein antlitz zu mir keren, Mein angesicht laß trawren nicht vnd halt mein augen offen, Daß mich die not nit senck inn todt, für leyd nit werd entschloffen, HERR, schaff, daß ich mög leben.
3. Ach, hilff mir, HERR, machs nit zu lang, daß meine feind nit bochen, Sprechen ›wie wirt jm ietz so bang! wir haben vns gerochen.‹ Wann ich ohn sieg darnider lieg, als hetstu mein vergessen, Dann werden sie jmmer vnd ie hoffertig vnd vermessen sprechen, jn sei gelungen.
4. Ich aber hoff auff deine gnad vnd weyß, du hilffest gerne. Mein hertz sich des gefrewet hat, dein trost ist mir nit ferne, Darumb sol dir all zeit von mir so lang ich leb auff erden, Weil deine güt wol an mir thut, dein ehr verbreytet werden vnd ewig lob gesungen.
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