Ye Sons and Daughters / O Filii et Filiae

Let Us Sing!

Ye Sons and Daughters is an 1851 translation by the Anglican Priest and scholar, John Mason Neale (1818-1866) of the 15th century Latin hymn, O Filii Et Filiae (see 2nd video) attributed to the Franciscan friar, Jean Tisserand (d.1497). In his book, Medieval Hymns and Sequences (p.163) the Reverend Neale wrote of it: "It is scarcely possible for any one, not acquainted with the melody, to imagine the jubilant effect of the triumphant Alleluia attached to apparently less important circumstances of the Resurrection. It seems to speak of the majesty of that event, the smallest portions of which are worthy to be so chronicled" It is set to the traditional tune associated with O Filii Et Filiae. In the Liturgy of the Hours, O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing! is used during Easter.

Ye Sons and Daughters

YE SONS AND DAUGHTERS by John Neale, 1851 (Public Domain)

 Refrain: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

1. O sons and daughters of the King,
Whom heav'nly hosts in glory sing,
Today the grave hath lost its sting!
Alleluia!

2. That Easter morn, at break of day,
The faithful women went their way
To seek the tomb where Jesus lay.
Alleluia!

3. An angel clad in white they see
Who sits and speaks unto the three,
"Your Lord will go to Galilee."
Alleluia!

4. That night the Apostles met in fear;
Among them came their master dear
And said: "My peace be with you here."
Alleluia!

5. When Thomas first the tidings heard
That they had seen the risen Lord,
He doubted the disciples' word.
Alleluia!

6. "My pierced side, O Thomas, see,
And look upon My hands, My feet;
Not faithless but believing be."
Alleluia!

7. No longer Thomas then denied;
He saw the feet, the hands, the side;
"You are my Lord and God!" he cried.
Alleluia!

8. How blest are they that have not seen
And yet whose faith has constant been,
For they eternal life shall will.
Alleluia!

9. On this most holy day of days
Be laud and jubilee and praise:
To God your hearts and voices raise.
Alleluia!


O Filii et Filiae

O FILII ET FILIAE by Jean Tisserand, O.F.M., 15th Century

 R. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

1. O filii et filiae,
Rex caelestis, Rex gloriae
morte surrexit hodie.
Alleluia

2. Ex mane prima Sabbati
ad ostium monumenti
accesserunt discipuli.
Alleluia

3. Et Maria Magdalene,
et Iacobi, et Salome
Venerunt corpus ungere
Alleluia

4. In albis sedens angelus
praedixit mulieribus:
In Galilaea est Dominus.
Alleluia

5. Et Ioannes apostolus
cucurrit Petro citius,
monumento venit prius.
Alleluia

6. Discipulis astantibus,
in medio stetit Christus,
dicens: Pax vobis omnibus.
Alleluia

7. Ut intellexit Didymus
quia surrexerat Iesus,
remansit fere dubius.
Alleluia

8. Vide Thoma, vide latus,
vide pedes, vide manus,
noli esse incredulus.
Alleluia

9. Quando Thomas vidit Christum,
pedes, manus, latus suum,
dixit: Tu es Deus meus.
Alleluia

10. Beati qui non viderunt
et firmiter crediderunt;
vitam aeternam habebunt.
Alleluia

11. In hoc festo sanctissimo
sit laus et iubilatio:
benedicamus Domino.
Alleluia

12. Ex quibus nos humillimas
devotas atque debitas
Deo dicamus gratias.
Alleluia