Hymn to Saint Fidelis
Lokrantz identifies this meter as iambic dimiter.
Fidelis of Como (died c. 304) was an Italian soldier-saint associated with Carpophorus and Exanthus, two soldier-saints. Variations on their legend are applied to Fidelis. The first says that he, with Carpophorus and Exanthus, were Roman soldiers, members of the legendary Theban Legion, who deserted during the persecution of Christians by Maximian. The three split up at Como, with Carpophorus and Exanthus going into hiding, while Fidelis took a boat across the lake to Samolaco. All were eventually caught and beheaded. The second says that Fidelis was an army officer who was guarding Christian prisoners at Milan, including Alexander of Bergamo. He managed to procure the freedom of five of these prisoners. With Carpophorus and Exanthus, he and these five attempted to make their way to the Alps, but were executed at Como. He may also have been a Christian missionary sent by Maternus (bishop of Milan) to convert the still pagan area around Lake Como, and there met his death.
This poem has been linked to a sermon on the same saint to the mission to Milan in 1059 carried out together with Anseimo di Faggio, bishop of Lucca. They had been sent by Pope Nicholas II and Archdeacon Hildebrand to restore peace in the Milanese Church and purify the clergy from those serious sins that make them disliked by the people.
1.
Magna Fidelis merita
Sancta promat ecclesia,
Qui morte mortem perdidit
Et victor astra petiit.
The holy church proclaims
The great merits of Fidelis,
He who destroyed death with his death
And sought the stars victoriously.
2.
Abiecto carnis onere
Stola vestitur gloriae;
Tersis ab ore lacrimis
Veris potitur gaudiis.
Having thrown aside the burden of the flesh;
He is closed with a robe of glory;
Tears having been wiped from his face
He takes hold of [acquires, gains] true joys.
3.
Ut ense caesus moritur,
Saeva tempestas oritur;
Sic intentatur impiis
Vindicta iusti iudicis.
A violent storm arises
When he dies cut with a sword;
The punishment of the just judge
Is directed to the impious ones [as a result of the impious ones having killed Fidelis].
4.
Quendam ex carnificibus
Malus invadit spiritus;
Mox sacrae glebae iungitur,
Dira pestis excluditur.
An evil spirit enters
A certain one of the executioners;
His terrible disease is removed
After he touches the Saint’s body.
5.
Cordis orisque precibus
Te, martyr alme, petimus:
Nos tua vestigia
Ad vitae ducas praemia.
With prayers of the heart and the mouth
We beg you nourishing (merciful) martyr:
Lead us in your footsteps
To the reward of life.
6.
Sit patri laus ingenito…
Let there be praise to the unborn father…
