Our hymn continues:
Praeco diei iam sonat,
noctis profundae pervigil,
nocturna lux viantibus,
a nocte noctem segregans.
The herald of day now sounds,
ever-watchful through the deepest night,
a nocturnal light to travellers,
separating night from night.
The reference is of course to the cock at cock-crow. He is given a rather
military role, as a herald or sentry. Now St Peter had an unfortunate
encounter at a sentry post at cock-crow: I wonder if we shall find any
reference to him in the hymn as it unfolds?
Note the happy conceit of the cock's crowing as a nocturnal light: you
can't see it, but in the pitch darkness of night it is a point of reference,
evidence of a nearby farm or settlement.
It separates night from night in that the various cock-crows divide up the
night into watches. But did you know that segrego is se-grego, from grex, a
flock? Cf. Matthew 25:32, 'Sicut pastor segregat oves ab haedis', As a
shepherd separates sheep from goats. Is there some suggestion of dividing
the men from the goats, or the sheep from the boys? Does this dawn bring a
hint of judgment? Of bringing dark deeds into the light?
We must read on and find out.
The Supple Doctor.
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