Traditional: Collected Lyrics
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Public-domain lyrics

Ecce tempus est vernale

Traditional

“Ecce tempus est vernale” as printed in Mediaeval Hymns and Sequences (1867).

Traditional: Collected Lyrics Text 300 1867 · historical text
Public domainHymnMediaeval song
Complete public-domain lyrics

This text comes from Mediaeval Hymns and Sequences, edited by John Mason Neale, a historical songbook transcribed on Wikisource and reproduced from the pinned revision linked below.

Verse 1

Spring returns with jubilation,

When the Tree of our salvation,

Chiefest of the forest nation,

Wrought the work of reparation,

Fallen man redeeming.

Through Judæa's rage infernal

From the nut breaks forth the kernel:

Hangs upon the Cross the Eternal:

Trembles earth: the sun supernal

Hides in shades his beaming.

Accusation, condemnation,

Pillar, thongs, and flagellation,

Gall and bitter coronation,

This He bore, and reprobation,

Railing and blaspheming.

Jewish people, crucify Him!

Torture, scourge, and mock, and try Him!

In that precious Blood bedye Him:

That our race is ransomed by Him

Oh, how little deeming!

Theme of Israelite rejection,

Now, with joyful recollection,

Christians! hail the Resurrection;

With good deeds and hearts' affection

To the Victor teeming!

Credits

Written by Traditional

Traditional words. Historical text published in Mediaeval Hymns and Sequences (1867); public domain. No claim to a modern recording or arrangement.

Source & text edition

Mediaeval Hymns and Sequences (1867), edited by John Mason Neale, “Ecce tempus est vernale”

The 1867 published edition is in the public domain in the United States (pre-1931 publication). Entries whose credited author or translator died more than 70 years ago are also in the public domain in life-plus-70 jurisdictions; other entries are held.

How to read this historical text and its source

Read the source on Wikisource

View copyright evidence · Transcription terms (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Retrieved 2026-10-25. Line spacing and section labels are adapted for reading. The displayed text follows the linked edition. Editorial notes and abstract artwork are by 52lyrics.
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