VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, Solo Quartet: JoAnna Johnson, Patricia Kramer, Peter Aldrich, Christopher Brunelle

Of one that is so fair and bright,
Velut maris stella, (like a star of the sea)
Brighter than the day is light,
Parens et puella; (parent and virgin)
I cry to thee, thou see to me,
Lady, pray thy Son for me,
Tam pia, (So holy)
That I may come to thee,
Maria!

All this world was forlorn
Eva peccatrice, (Through Eve the sinner)
Till our Lord was born
De te genetrice. (From you, the begetter)
With ave it went away
Darkest night, and comes the day
Salutis; (Of salvation)
The well springeth out of thee.
Virtutis. (Of virtue)

Lady, flower of everything,
Rosa sine spina. (Rose without thorn)
Thou bare Jesu, Heaven’s King,
Gritia divina; (Through divine grace)
Of all thou bear’st the prize,
Lady, queen of paradies
Electa; (Chosen)
Maid mild, mother es Effecta. (Made a mother)
Effecta.
—Anonymous 14th century poem