genitori Virgo felix

[Arnica]

How do you understand (and translate) the dative "genitori" in the second line of this 17th-century motet by I. Donati?

O Maria, Dei genitrix,
genitori Virgo felix,
si non oras, si non petis,
qui nos eruet a peccatis?

Many thanks.

 

[Avunculus H]

With dative, felix can be translated as auspicious, propitious, favourable to / for s.o, so "auspicious to the . In this case, felix may even have its oldest meaning "fruitful, fruit-bearing".
So I'd read it as "virgin (who is) auspicious (or fruit-bearing) to the creator".

 

[Arnica]

Many thanks. This is most helpful. "Fruit-bearing" seems rather plausible in this context. But what preposition could follow in English? "To" seems a bit strange.

 

[Avunculus H]

"for" might work.

 

[Arnica]

I think so! Thanks again.