The Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary (The Presentation of Christ in the Temple).

Poet unknown.

2 February 1727, Leipzig; again 2 February 1731, perhaps also in 1730, transposed to E minor for flute and soprano.

BG 20, 1; NBA I/28.

1. Aria (B)

I have now enough,
I have now my Savior, the hope of the faithful
Within my desiring embrace now enfolded;
I have now enough!

On him have I gazed,
My faith now hath Jesus impressed on my heart;
I would now, today yet, with gladness
Make hence my departure.

2. Recit. (B)

I have now enough.
My hope is this alone,
That Jesus might belong to me and I to him.
In faith I hold to him,
For I, too, see with Simeon
The gladness of that life beyond.
Let us in this man's burden join!
Ah! Would that from the bondage of my body
The Lord might free me.
Ah! My departure, were it here,
With joy I'd say to thee, O world:
I have now enough.

3. Aria (B)

Slumber now, ye eyes so weary,
Fall in soft and calm repose!

World, I dwell no longer here,
Since I have no share in thee
Which my soul could offer comfort.
Here I must with sorrow reckon,
But yet, there, there I shall witness
Sweet repose and quiet rest.

4. Recit. (B)

My God! When comes that lovely "Now!"
When I in peace shall bide forever
Both in the sand of earthly coolness
And there within thy bosom rest?
My parting is achieved,
O world, good night!

5. Aria (B)

Rejoicing do I greet my death,
Ah, would that it had come already.

I'll escape then all the woe
Which doth here in the world confine me.

© Copyright Z. Philip Ambrose

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