Spem In Alium Nunquam Habui

Motet in Forty Parts

By Thomas Tallis

The original Latin text of the motet is from a prayer

response adapted from the book of Judith, which was not
included in the King James Version of the Bible.

Spem in alium nunquam habui praeter in te,

Deus Israel, qui irasceris et propitius eris,
et omnia peccata hominum in tribulatione dimittis.
Domine Deus, creator coeli et terrae, respice
humilitatem nostram.

English translation

I have never founded by hope on any other than

thee,
O God of Israel, who shalt be angry, and yet be
gracious,
and who absolvest all the sins of mankind in
tribulation.
Lord God, creator of heaven and earth, be mindful
of
our lowliness.
Source: Tallis: Spem in alium; Lamentations. King's College Choir,
directed by Stephen Cleobury. Argo C115496 (1989).