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| Apart from the nomina sacra term in the first line of the Latin text, a form that I have argued elsewhwere is not so much an abbreviation as a form of symbolic language, there are no abbreviations in the text of the song. This indicates the necessity for clear legibility for singing. All the abbreviations are in the singing instructions, suggesting that these must be studied and inwardly digested by the choirmaster beforehand. |
| Four part round, mid 13th century (British Library, Harley 978, f.11v). All images from M.R. James 1925 Abbeys London: The Great Western Railway, fromtispiece. |
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