# Mediaeval Hymns and Sequences/Multi sunt Presbyteri

Multi sunt Presbyteri.
The choice quaintness and deep simple piety of the original have always made the following poem (which may he of the end of the fourteenth century) a great favourite with me. It was first published from a MS. belonging to the Cathedral of Oehringen, in the Serapæum, (I. 107,) but very incorrectly. Edélestand du Méril printed it from a French MS.: his text is better, but still very incorrect: and in several places the author's original draught is given, in addition to his revised form. Du Méril has also added to it, as one and the same poem, the very striking Dictamen ad Sacerdotes, which is affixed to so many mediæval Breviaries, (among others the Sarum.) A very good translation of this latter has been published by Hayes. The two compositions have no further connexion than that of subject.
In translating it I have taken the liberty of which Tusser avails himself, regarding the same fowl of which this poem treats, (as well as in a multitude of other cases,)—the omission of the article:—
"Cock croweth at midnight, few times above six," &c.
Many are the Presbyters Lacking information Why the Cock on each church tow'r Meetly finds his station; Therefore I will now hereof Tell the cause and reason, If ye lend me patient ears For a little season.
Cock, he is a marvellous Bird of God's creating, Faithfully the Priestly life In his ways relating: Such a life as he must lead Who a parish tendeth, And his flock from jeopardy Evermore defendeth.
From what point the wind his course On the tower directeth, To that point the cock his head Manfully objecteth: Thus the Priest, where'er he sees Satan's warfare waging, Thither doth he turn himself For his flock engaging.
​Cock, he, more than other birds Way through ether winging, Heareth high above the clouds Choirs Angelic singing; Thus he warns us cast away Evil word and doing, Thoughts and joys of things above Evermore ensuing.
On his head a royal crown, Like a king, he beareth; On his foot a shapely spur, Like a knight, he weareth; Waxeth golden more and more As in age he groweth; And the lion quakes with fear, When by night he croweth.
Thus they spur the idle on, On their warfare bowning, Thus God marks His heritage, By the tonsure crowning; As they wax in age their crowns Should but shine more glorious, And the Lion-foe should quake At their shout victorious.
​Cock hath soldier's buskins on, Strengthening and protecting, Singularly every fault Of his hens correcting: So the Priest is bound to do, Punishing transgression, Making men in word and deed Better by confession.
Cock, he rules a tribe of hens, Laws and customs giving, And hath many cares of heart For their way of living: Even thus parochial cure Whoso entertaineth, Let him learn and let him do That which God ordaineth.
Cock, he findeth grains of wheat, And his hens he calleth, Giving to the dearer ones What to each befalleth: Midst his people thus the clerk Scripture nurture shareth, And for sick, and poor, and maim'd Providently careth.
​Cock is speedy, in his hens Very sore amercing, Whom with other than himself He may find conversing: Thus the Priest doth, unto them Due correction giving, From the Lord who turn away Unto evil living.
From the egg that cock hath hatch'd Basilisk proceedeth; From the negligence of Priest Satan's increase speedeth; If he teach not men to fear Punishment infernal, If he lead not men to look Up to joys supernal.
When it draws to vesper-tide, Cock neglecteth never, But he goeth straight to roost, With his subjects ever: So that then, when midnight comes, He may well and truly Call God's Priests to rise and sing Matin service duly.
​Cock at midnight croweth loud, And in this delighteth; But, before he crows, his sides With his wings he smiteth: So the Priest at midnight, when Him from rest he raiseth, Firstly doeth penitence, After that he praiseth.
Let the present things suffice Of the cock related, Only in the hearers' hearts Let them be located: This sweet musk, if fully chewed In its truth and meetness, Shall abound with more than all Aromatic sweetness.
Thus the cock hath preached to you; Hear with duty fervent, Priests and Levites of the Lord, Every faithful servant! That at last it may be said, "Come to joys supernal:—" Yea, bestow on all of us, Father, Life Eternal!