Page:The seven great hymns of the mediaeval church - 1902.djvu/128

98 its meaure. That of Lord Linday was elected, and is till retained, as bet expreing the pathos of the original. Since then, however, this portion of our literature has received uch additions as will render the expoition of the mot pathetic of hymns as complete as it probably ever can be made.

The firt of thee new verions is by the accomplihed oldier whoe verion of the Dies Iræ previouly is given. The fact is noticeable that while his accurate rhythmic tranlation of the "Great Hymn" was written amidt the din of war, and while its author was on duty in the field, this pathetic verion of the STABAT MATER has been compoed while its author was urrounded by the gayeties of the French capital, and engroed in his duties as Miniter Plenipotentiary. In a private letter, General Dix ays:—

"As I proceeded, I could not but think under how much more favorable circumtances than mine mut have written the immortal hymn. He was in all probability fitting in his narrow cell, the external world entirely hut out, with nothing before him but a crucifix, to which it was only neceary to lift his eyes for aid when he felt the pirit of inpiration