The text of Monteverdi’s Beatus vir with an English translation. The text is from the Latin Vulgate Bible. The translation is from the King James Bible.
Beatus vir
Beatus vir, qui timet Dominum:
In mandatis eius rolet nimis.
Potens in terra erit semen eius;
Generatio rectorum benedicetur.
Gloria et divitiae in domo eius;
Et justitia eius manet in saeculum saeculi.
Exortum est in tenebris lumen rectis:
Misericors, et miserator et justus.
Jucundus homo qui miseretur et commodat.
Disponet sermones suos in judicio:
Quia in aeternum non commovebitur.
In memoria aeterna erit justus.
Ab auditione mala non timebit.
Paratum cor eius sperare in Domino;
Confirmatum est, cor eius:
Non commovebitur,
Donec despiciat inimicos suos.
Dispersit, dedit pauperibus:
Justitia eius manct in saeculum saeculi,
Cornu eius exaltabitur in gloria.
Peccator videbit, et irascetur;
Dentibus suis fremet et tabescet.
Desiderium peccatorum peribit.
Translation
Blessed is the man who fears the lord:
He delights greatly in his commandments.
His seed will be mightly on earth;
The generation of the upright will be blessed.
Wealth and riches are in his house;
And his righteousness endures for ever and ever.
Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness:
He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.
Good is the man who is full of compassion and lends.
He will guide his affairs with discretion:
Because he will not be moved for ever.
The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance.
He will not be afraid of evil tidings.
His heart is fixed, trusting in the lord;
His heart is established:
He will not be moved,
Until he gazes at his enemies.
He has dispersed, he has given to the poor:
His righteousness endures for ever and ever,
The strength of his soul will be exalted with honour.
The sinner will see it, and will be grieved;
He will gnash with his teeth, and melt away.
Theory of Music 
Thank you so much. What a beautiful piece!
Please, what is the translation of the final line: “Desiderium peccatorum peribit.”
Blessings.
Got it: “The desire of the wicked shall perish.”
Geoffrey I’m glad you got that as I don’t know any Latin!
Thank you very much! Now i know what they are singing about! :
Great reply – thanks!
Hello, is it possible to have french translation of this text, please ?Many many thanks
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Dominique: c’est le psaume 111 –
” Louez l’Éternel! Je louerai l’Éternel de tout mon coeur, Dans la réunion des hommes droits et dans l’assemblée.
2 Les oeuvres de l’Éternel sont grandes, Recherchées par tous ceux qui les aiment.
3 Son oeuvre n’est que splendeur et magnificence, Et sa justice subsiste à jamais.
4 Il a laissé la mémoire de ses prodiges, L’Éternel est miséricordieux et compatissant.
5 Il a donné de la nourriture à ceux qui le craignent; Il se souvient toujours de son alliance.
6 Il a manifesté à son peuple la puissance de ses oeuvres, En lui livrant l’héritage des nations.
7 Les oeuvres de ses mains sont fidélité et justice; Toutes ses ordonnances sont véritables,
8 Affermies pour l’éternité, Faites avec fidélité et droiture.
9 Il a envoyé la délivrance à son peuple, Il a établi pour toujours son alliance; Son nom est saint et redoutable.
10 La crainte de l’Éternel est le commencement de la sagesse; Tous ceux qui l’observent ont une raison saine. Sa gloire subsiste à jamais.!
Evidemment, différentes traductions /traditions bibliques auront des tournures un peu différentes, mais auront essentiellement la même signification!
Susan Harris
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Reblogged this on alansheklun.
Why is it called selva morales e spirituale ( moral and spiritual forrest ) has anyone a suggestion. It is interesting because nature has always been said to be opposing the spiritual. And here we have Monteverdi who puts us in a spiritual forrest.