Expert: Steve John Perkins - 2/17/2005

Question
What is the Name of the Gregorian Chant sang during Sheridan's lesson in down below?

Answer
Michael,

thanks for your question here is the answer:

Sheridan said in "Points of Departure" that he had met the Dalai Lama in Tibet. The chant wasn't Tibetan -- it is a Gregorian chant, part of the Christmas Mass. The entire incident may have been projected into Sheridan's mind by Kosh or by someone else. The fact that Sheridan could see it might also be related to his dream in "All Alone in the Night."
The Latin lyrics:

Puer natus est nobis et filius datus est nobis;
cujus imperium super humerum ejus;
et vocabitur nomen ejus,
consilii Angelus.

Cantate Domino canticum novum;
quia mirabilia fecit.
One English translation of which is:

Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given;
on whose shoulders the world's dominion rests;
whose name is;
He who was sent to us from the great Heavenly Wonder-Counselor.

Sing unto the Lord a new song. He has made wonders.
There are two quotes here, one from Isaiah 9:6, the other from Psalm 98:1:

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.

Whether this particular chant has any bearing on the story, or was just selected because it sounds good, is an interesting question, but a couple rather tenuous connections can be made:

The second verse mentions a "hand" being victorious; recall that Sheridan was told, "You are the hand," in "All Alone in the Night."

SOURCE: the lurkers guide to babylon 5 (http://www.midwinter.com/lurk/countries/us/guide/036.html)

Enjoy

In Valens Name
Steve