Lyrics Britten: War Requiem, Op. 66 / Requiem aeternam - 1a. Requiem aeternam - London Symphony Chorus, The Bach Choir, Highgate School Choir

Britten: War Requiem, Op. 66 / Requiem aeternam - 1a. Requiem aeternam

Chorus:
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine;
et lux perpetua luceat eis.
Boys:
Te decet hymnus, Deus in Sion:
et tibi reddetur votum in Jerusalem;
exaudi orationem meam,
ad te omnis caro veniet.
Chorus:
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine;
et lux perpetua luceat eis.
Tenor:
What passing bells for these who die as cattle?
Only the monstrous anger of the guns.
Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle
Can patter out their hasty orisons
No mockeries for them from prayers or bells,
Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs, --
The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells;
And bugles calling for them from sad shires.
What candles may be held to speed them at all?
Not in the hands of boys, but in their eyes
Shall shine the holy glimmers of good-byes.
The pallor of girls' brows shall be their pall;
Their flowers the tenderness of silent minds,
And each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds.
Chorus:
Kyrie eleison
Christe eleison
Kyrie eleison