The Invitatory

First is said the Triple Prayer as in Common Forms:

The Triple Prayer having been said, Matins is begun immediately with the Invitatory as follows :

STAND

Regem, cui ómnia vivunt, * Veníte adorémus

The King, for whom all things live, * O come, let us worship.

Regem, cui ómnia vivunt, * Veníte adorémus

The King, for whom all things live, * O come, let us worship.

Psalmus 94.
Veníte, exsultémus Dómino

Veníte, exsultémus Dómino, jubilémus Deo, salutári nostro : præoccupémus fáciem ejus in confessióne, et in psalmis jubilémus ei.

O come, let us sing unto the Lord ; let us heartily rejoice in the God of our salvation.  Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving ; and shew ourselves glad in him with psalms.

Regem, cui ómnia vivunt, * Veníte adorémus

The King, for whom all things live, * O come, let us worship.

Quóniam Deus magnus Dóminus, et Rex magnus super omnes deos : quóniam non repéllet Dóminus plebem suam : quia in manu ejus sunt omnes fines terræ, et altitúdines móntium ipse cónspicit.

For the Lord is a great God ; and a great King above all gods:  For the Lord will not cast off his people:  In his hand are all the corners of the earth, and the strength of the hills is his also.

Veníte adorémus

O come, let us worship.

In the following verse of the Psalm, at the words veníte, adorémus, et procidámus ante Deum (O come, let us worship and fall down, and kneel before the Lord our Maker) all genuflect.

Quóniam ipsíus est mare, et ipse fecit illud, et áridam fundavérunt manus ejus : veníte, adorémus, et procidámus ante Deum : plorémus coram Dómino, qui fecit nos, quia ipse est Dóminus Deus noster ; nos autem pópulus ejus, et oves páscuæ ejus.

The sea is his and he made it ; and his hands prepared the dry land.  O come, let us worship and fall down, and kneel before the Lord our Maker: For he is the Lord our God ; and we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Regem, cui ómnia vivunt, * Veníte adorémus

The King, for whom all things live, * O come, let us worship.

Hódie, si vocem ejus audiéritis, nolíte obduráre corda vestra, sicut in exacerbatióne, secúndum diem tentatiónis in desérto : ubi tentavérunt me patres vestri, probavérunt et vidérunt ópera mea.

Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness ; when your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works.

Veníte adorémus

O come, let us worship.

Quadragínta annis próximus fui generatióni huic, et dixi : Semper hi errant corde ; ipsi vero non cognovérunt vias meas : quibus jurávi in ira mea : Si introíbunt in réquiem meam.

Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their hearts, for they have not known my ways:  unto whom I sware in my wrath, that they should not enter into my rest.

Regem, cui ómnia vivunt, * Veníte adorémus

The King, for whom all things live, * O come, let us worship.

Veníte adorémus

O come, let us worship.

Regem, cui ómnia vivunt, * Veníte adorémus

The King, for whom all things live, * O come, let us worship.

As soon as the Invitatory is finished, there is begun The First Nocturn. 
 

First Nocturn

For the day of burial, and for Sunday, Monday, and Thursday

Ant.    Dirige, * Dómine, Deus meus, in conspéctu tuo viam meam.

Ant.    Make my way * straight before thy face, O Lord my God.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 5.  Verba mea

Verba mea áuribus pércipe, Dómine, * intéllige clamórem meum.
2  Inténde voci oratiónis meæ: * Rex meus et Deus meus.
3  Quóniam ad te orábo: * Dómine, mane exáudies vocem meam.
4  Mane astábo tibi et vidébo: * quóniam non Deus volens iniquitátem tu es.
5  Neque habitábit juxta te malígnus: * neque permanébunt injústi ante óculos tuos.
6  Odísti omnes, qui operántur iniquitátem: * perdes omnes, qui loquúntur mendácium.
7  Virum sánguinum et dolósum abominábitur Dóminus: * ego autem in multitúdine misericórdiæ tuæ.
8  Introíbo in domum tuam: * adorábo ad templum sanctum tuum in timóre tuo.
9  Dómine, deduc me in justítia tua: * propter inimícos meos dírige in conspéctu tuo viam meam.
10  Quóniam non est in ore eórum véritas: * cor eórum vanum est.
11  Sepúlcrum patens est guttur eórum, linguis suis dolóse agébant, * júdica illos, Deus.
12  Décidant a cogitatiónibus suis, secúndum multitúdinem impietátum eórum expélle eos, * quóniam irritavérunt te, Dómine.
13  Et læténtur omnes, qui sperant in te, * in ætérnum exsultábunt: et habitábis in eis.
14  Et gloriabúntur in te omnes, qui díligunt nomen tuum: * quóniam tu benedíces justo.
15  Dómine, ut scuto bonæ voluntátis tuæ * coronásti nos.
16  Réquiem ætérnam * dona eis, Dómine.
17  Et lux perpétua * luceat eis.

Psalm 5.  Verba mea

PONDER my words, O LORD, * consider my meditation.
2  O hearken thou unto the voice of my calling, my King and my God: * for unto thee will I make my prayer.
3  My voice shalt thou hear betimes, O LORD; * early in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
4  For thou art the God that hast no pleasure in wickedness; * neither shall any evil dwell with thee.
5  Such as be foolish shall not stand in thy sight; * for thou hatest all them that work iniquity.
6  Thou shalt destroy them that speak lies: * the LORD will abhor both the blood-thirsty and deceitful man.
7  But as for me, in the multitude of thy mercy I will come into thine house; * and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.
8  Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness, because of mine enemies; * make thy way plain before my face.
9  For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; * their inward parts are very wickedness.
10  Their throat is an open sepulchre; * they flatter with their tongue.
11  Destroy thou them, O God; let them perish through their own imaginations; * cast them out in the multitude of their ungodliness; for they have rebelled against thee.
12  And let all them that put their trust in thee rejoice: * they shall ever be giving of thanks, because thou defendest them; they that love thy Name shall be joyful in thee;
13  For thou, LORD, wilt give thy blessing unto the righteous, * and with thy favourable kindness wilt thou defend him as with a shield.
14  Eternal rest * grant unto them, O LORD.
15  And let perpetual light * shine upon them.

Ant.    Dirige, Dómine, Deus meus, in conspéctu tuo viam meam.

Ant.    Make my way straight before thy face, O Lord my God.

Ant.    Convértere, * Dómine, et éripe ánimam meam : quóniam non est in morte, qui memor sit tui.

Ant.    Turn thee, * O Lord, and deliver my soul : for in death no man remembereth thee.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 6.  Dómine, ne in furóre

Dómine, ne in furóre tuo árguas me, * neque in ira tua corrípias me.
2  Miserére mei, Dómine, quóniam infírmus sum : * sana me, Dómine, quóniam conturbáta sunt ossa mea.
3  Et ánima mea turbáta est valde : * sed tu, Dómine, úsquequo?
4  Convértere, Dómine, et éripe ánimam meam : * salvum me fac propter misericórdiam tuam.
5  Quóniam non est in morte qui memor sit tui : * in inférno autem quis confitébitur tibi?
6  Laborávi in gémitu meo, lavábo per síngulas noctes lectum meum : * lácrimis meis stratum meum rigábo.
7  Turbátus est a furóre óculus meus : *  inveterávi inter omnes inimícos meos.
8  Discédite a me, omnes, qui operámini iniquitátem : *  quóniam exaudívit Dóminus vocem fletus mei.
9  Exaudívit Dóminus deprecatiónem meam, *  Dóminus oratiónem meam suscépit.
10  Erubéscant, et conturbéntur veheménter omnes inimíci mei : * convertántur et erubéscant valde velóciter.
11  Réquiem ætérnam * dona eis, Dómine.
12  Et lux perpétua * luceat eis.

O LORD, rebuke me not in thine indignation, * neither chasten me in thy displeasure.
2  Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am weak; * O LORD, heal me, for my bones are vexed.
3  My soul also is sore troubled: * but, LORD, how long wilt thou punish me?
4  Turn thee, O LORD, and deliver my soul; * O save me, for thy mercy's sake.
5  For in death no man remembereth thee; * and who will give thee thanks in the pit?
6  I am weary of my groaning; * every night wash I my bed, and water my couch with my tears.
7  My beauty is gone for very trouble, * and worn away because of all mine enemies.
8  Away from me, all ye that work vanity; * for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.
9  The LORD hath heard my petition; * the LORD will receive my prayer.
10  All mine enemies shall be confounded, and sore vexed; * they shall be turned back, and put to shame suddenly.
11  Eternal rest * grant unto them, O LORD.
12  And let perpetual light * shine upon them.

Ant.    Convértere, Dómine, et éripe ánimam meam : quóniam non est in morte, qui memor sit tui.

Ant.    Turn thee, O Lord, and deliver my soul : for in death no man remembereth thee.

Ant.    Nequando rápiat * ut leo ánimam meam, dum non est qui rédimat, neque qui salvum faciat.

Ant.    Lest he tear my soul * like a lion, while there is none to deliver, or to save.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 7.  Dómine, Deus meus

Dómine, Deus meus, in te sperávi : * salvum me fac ex ómnibus persequéntibus me, et líbera me.
2  Nequando rápiat ut leo ánimam meam, * dum non est qui rédimat, neque qui salvum fáciat.
3  Dómine, Deus meus, si feci istud. * si est iníquitas in mánibus meis :
4  Si réddidi retribuéntibus mihi mala, * décidam mérito ab inimícis meis inánis.
5  Persequátur inimícus ánimam meam, et comprehéndat, et concúlcet in terra vitam meam, * et glóriam meam in púlverem dedúcat.
6  Exsúrge, Dómine, in ira tua : * et exaltáre in fínibus inimicórum meórum.
7  Et exsúrge, Dómine Deus meus, in præcépto quod mandásti : * et synagóga populórum circúmdabit te.
8  Et propter hanc in altum regrédere : * Dóminus júdicat pópulos.
9  Júdica me, Dómine, secúndum justítiam meam, * et secúndum innocéntiam meam super me.
10  Consumétur nequítia peccatórum, et díriges justum, *  scrutans corda et renes Deus.
11 Justum adjutórium meum a Dómino, * qui salvos facit rectos corde.
12  Deus judex justus, fortis, et pátiens : * numquid iráscitur per síngulos dies?
13  Nisi convérsi fuéritis, gládium suum vibrábit : * arcum suum teténdit, et parávit illum.
14  Et in eo parávit vasa mortis : * sagíttas suas ardéntibus effécit.
15  Ecce partúriit injustítiam : * concépit dolórem, et péperit iniquitátem.
16  Lacum apéruit, et effódit eum : * et íncidet in fóveam quam fecit.
17  Convertétur dolor ejus in caput ejus : * et in vérticem ipsíus iníquitas ejus descéndet.
18  Confitébor Dómino secúndum justítiam ejus : * et psallam nómini Dómini altíssimi.
19  Réquiem ætérnam * dona eis, Dómine.
20  Et lux perpétua * luceat eis.

O LORD my God, in thee have I put my trust: * save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me;
2  Lest he devour my soul like a lion, and tear it in pieces, * while there is none to help.
3  O LORD my God, if I have done any such thing; * or if there be any wickedness in my hands;
4  If I have rewarded evil unto him that dealt friendly with me; * (yea, I have delivered him that without any cause is mine enemy;)
5  Then let mine enemy persecute my soul, and take me; * yea, let him tread my life down upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust.
6  Stand up, O LORD, in thy wrath, and lift up thyself, because of the indignation of mine enemies; * arise up for me in the judgment that thou hast commanded.
7  And so shall the congregation of the people come about thee: * for their sakes therefore lift up thyself again.
8  The LORD shall judge the people: give sentence with me, O LORD, * according to my righteousness, and according to the innocency that is in me.
9  O let the wickedness of the ungodly come to an end; * but guide thou the just.
10  For the righteous God * trieth the very hearts and reins.
11  My help cometh of God, * who preserveth them that are true of heart.
12  God is a righteous Judge, strong, and patient; * and God is provoked every day.
13  If a man will not turn, he will whet his sword; * he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
14  He hath prepared for him the instruments of death; * he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors.
15  Behold, he travaileth with mischief; * he hath conceived sorrow, and brought forth ungodliness.
16  He hath graven and digged up a pit, * and is fallen himself into the destruction that he made for other.
17  For his travail shall come upon his own head, * and his wickedness shall fall on his own pate.
18  I will give thanks unto the LORD, according to his righteousness; * and I will praise the Name of the LORD Most High.
19  Eternal rest * grant unto them, O LORD.
20  And let perpetual light * shine upon them.

Ant.    Nequando rápiat ut leo ánimam meam, dum non est qui rédimat, neque qui salvum faciat.

Ant.    Lest he tear my soul like a lion, while there is none to deliver, or to save.

STAND

The Lessons are read without Absolution, Blessings, or Title.

Parce mihi, Dómine ; nihil enim sunt dies mei.  Quid est homo, quia magnificas eum? aut quid apponas erga eum cor tuum?  Vísitas eum dilúculo, et súbito probas illum.  Usquequo non parcis mihi, nec dimittis me, ut glutiam salivam meam?  Peccávi, quid fáciam tibi, o custos hóminum? quare posuísti me contrárium tibi, et factus sum mihimetipsi gravis?  Cur non tollis peccátum meum, et quare non aufers iniquitátem meam?  Ecce nunc in púlvere dórmiam : et, si mane me quæsíeris, non subsistam.

Spare me, O Lord, for my days are as a breath.  What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?  Thou dost visit him very early, and triest him suddenly.  How long wilt thou refuse me respite from thy visitation, and suffer me not even to swallow down my spittle?  If I have sinned, what can I do unto thee, O thou Watcher of men? why hast thou set me over against thee as a mark for thy buffetings, so that I am a burden to myself?  And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity? Behold! now shall I sleep in the dust; and if then thou dost seek for me in the morning, I shall not be.

The Lessons of all three Nocturns are ended without the V. Tu autem, or any other ending.

R.  Credo quod Redémptor meus vivit, et in novíssimo die de terra surrecturus sum, * Et in carne mea vidébo Deum Salvatórem meum.
V.  Quem visurus sum ego ipse, et non álius ; et óculi mei conspectúri sunt.
R.  Et in carne mea vidébo Deum Salvatórem meum.

R.  I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand in the latter day upon the earth, *  And in my flesh shall I see God my Saviour.
V.  Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not as a stranger.
R.  And in my flesh shall I see God my Saviour.

R.  Qui Lázarum resuscitásti a monumento fœtidum, * Tu eis, Dómine, dona réquiem, et locum indulgéntiæ.
V.  Qui ventúrus es judicáre vivos et mórtuos, et sæculum per ignem.
R.  Tu eis, Dómine, dona réquiem, et locum indulgéntiæ.

R.  Thou that didst raise Lazarus from the grave after that he had begun to corrupt, *  Do thou, O Lord, grant them rest and a place of forgiveness.
V.  Thou who shalt come to judge the quick and the dead, and the world by fire.
R.  Do thou, O Lord, grant them rest and a place of forgiveness.

R.  Dómine, quando veneris judicáre terram, ubi me abscóndam a vultu iræ tuæ? * Quia peccávi nimis in vita mea.
V.  Commissa mea pavesco, et ante te erubesco : dum veneris judicáre, noli me condemnare.
R.  Quia peccávi nimis in vita mea.
V.  Réquiem ætérnam dona eis, Dómine : et lux perpétua luceat eis.
R.  Quia peccávi nimis in vita mea.

R.  O Lord, when thou comest to judge the earth, whither shall I hide me from the presence of thy wrath? * For I have sinned grievously in my life.
V.  I begin to fear my misdeeds, and blush before thee : when thou comest to judgment, condemn me not.
R.  For I have sinned grievously in my life.
V.  Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
R.  For I have sinned grievously in my life.

After this Lauds follows if one Nocturn only be said.  But if for some reason Matins is now to be ended without Lauds following, here is said Pater noster and the rest, as after Lauds.

Second Nocturn

For Tuesday and Friday

Ant.    In loco páscuæ * ibi me collocávit.

Ant.    In a green pasture * he shall feed me.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 22.  Dóminus regit me

Dóminus regit me, et nihil mihi déerit: *  in loco páscuæ ibi me collocávit.
2  Super aquam refectiónis educávit me: * ánimam meam convértit.
3  Dedúxit me super sémitas justítiæ: * propter nomen suum.
4  Nam, et si ambulávero in médio umbræ mortis, non timébo mala: * quóniam tu mecum es.
5  Virga tua, et báculus tuus: * ipsa me consoláta sunt.
6  Parásti in conspéctu meo mensam, * advérsus eos, qui tríbulant me.
7  Impinguásti in óleo caput meum: * et calix meus inébrians quam præclárus est!
8  Et misericórdia tua subsequétur me * ómnibus diébus vitæ meæ. 
9  Et ut inhábitem in domo Dómini, * in longitúdinem diérum.
10  Réquiem ætérnam * dona eis, Dómine.
11  Et lux perpétua * luceat eis.

Psalm 22.  Dóminus regit me

THE LORD is my shepherd; * therefore can I lack nothing.
2  He shall feed me in a green pasture, * and lead me forth beside the waters of comfort.
3  He shall convert my soul, * and bring me forth in the paths of righteousness for his Name's sake.
4  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; * for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff comfort me.
5  Thou shalt prepare a table before me in the presence of them that trouble me; * thou hast anointed my head with oil, and my cup shall be full.
6  Surely thy loving-kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; * and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
7  Eternal rest * grant unto them, O LORD.
8  And let perpetual light * shine upon them.

Ant.    In loco páscuæ ibi me collocávit.

Ant.    In a green pasture he shall feed me.

Ant.    Delícta * juventútis meæ, et ignorántias meas ne memíneris, Dómine.

Ant.    O remember not * the sins and offences of my youth.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 24.  Ad te Dómine

Ad te, Dómine, levávi ánimam meam: * Deus meus, in te confído, non erubéscam.
2  Neque irrídeant me inimíci mei: *  étenim univérsi, qui sústinent te, non confundéntur.
3  Confundántur omnes iníqua agéntes * supervácue.
4  Vias tuas, Dómine, demónstra mihi * et sémitas tuas édoce me.
5  Dírige me in veritáte tua, et doce me: * quia tu es, Deus, Salvátor meus, et te sustínui tota die.
6  Reminíscere miseratiónum tuárum, Dómine, * et misericordiárum tuárum, quæ a sæculo sunt.
7  Delícta juventútis meæ, * et ignorántias meas ne memíneris.
8  Secúndum misericórdiam tuam meménto mei tu, * propter bonitátem tuam, Dómine.
9  Dulcis et rectus Dóminus: * propter hoc legem dabit delinquéntibus in via.
10  Diriget mansuétos in judício: * docébit mites vias suas.
11  Univérsæ viæ Dómini, misericórdia et véritas, * requiréntibus testaméntum ejus et testimónia ejus.
12  Propter nomen tuum, Dómine, propitiáberis peccáto meo: * multum est enim.
13  Quis est homo qui timet Dóminum? * legem státuit ei in via, quam elégit.
14  Anima ejus in bonis demorábitur: * et semen ejus hereditábit terram.
15  Firmaméntum est Dóminus timéntibus eum: * et testaméntum ipsíus ut manifestétur illis.
16  Oculi mei semper ad Dóminum: * quóniam ipse evéllet de láqueo pedes meos.
17  Réspice in me, et miserére mei: * quia únicus et pauper sum ego.
18  Tribulatiónes cordis mei multiplicátæ sunt: * de necessitátibus meis érue me.
19  Vide humilitátem meam, et labórem meum: * et dimítte univérsa delícta mea.
20  Réspice inimícos meos quóniam multiplicáti sunt: * et ódio iníquo odérunt me.
21  Custódi ánimam meam, et érue me: * non erubéscam quóniam sperávi in te.
22  Innocéntes et recti adhæsérunt mihi: * quia sustínui te.
23  Líbera, Deus, Israël: * ex ómnibus tribulatiónibus suis.
24  Réquiem ætérnam * dona eis, Dómine.
25  Et lux perpétua * luceat eis.

UNTO thee, O LORD, will I lift up my soul; my God, I have put my trust in thee: * O let me not be confounded, neither let mine enemies triumph over me.
2  For all they that hope in thee shall not be ashamed; * but such as transgress without a cause shall be put to confusion.
3  Shew me thy ways, O LORD, * and teach me thy paths.
4  Lead me forth in thy truth, and learn me: * for thou art the God of my salvation; in thee hath been my hope all the day long.
5  Call to remembrance, O LORD, thy tender mercies, * and thy loving-kindnesses, which have been ever of old.
6  O remember not the sins and offences of my youth; * but according to thy mercy think thou upon me, O LORD, for thy goodness.
7  Gracious and righteous is the LORD; * therefore, will he teach sinners in the way.
8  Them that are meek shall he guide in judgment; * and such as are gentle, them shall he learn his way.
9  All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, * unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
10  For thy Name's sake, O LORD, * be merciful unto my sin; for it is great.
11  What man is he that feareth the LORD? * him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.
12  His soul shall dwell at ease, * and his seed shall inherit the land.
13  The secret of the LORD is among them that fear him; * and he will shew them his covenant.
14  Mine eyes are ever looking unto the LORD; * for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
15  Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; * for I am desolate, and in misery.
16  The sorrows of my heart are enlarged: * O bring thou me out of my troubles.
17  Look upon my adversity and misery, * and forgive me all my sin.
18  Consider mine enemies, how many they are; * and they bear a tyrannous hate against me.
19  O keep my soul, and deliver me: * let me not be confounded, for I have put my trust in thee.
20  Let perfectness and righteous dealing wait upon me; * for my hope hath been in thee.
21  Deliver Israel, O God, * out of all his troubles.
22  Eternal rest * grant unto them, O LORD.
23  And let perpetual light * shine upon them.

Ant.    Delícta juventútis meæ, et ignorántias meas ne memíneris, Dómine.

Ant.    O remember not the sins and offences of my youth.

Ant.    Credo vidére * bona Dómini in terra vivéntium.

Ant.    I believe verily * to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 26.  Dóminus illuminátio mea

Dóminus illuminátio mea, et salus mea, * quem timébo?
2  Dóminus protéctor vitæ meæ, * a quo trepidábo?
3  Dum apprópiant super me nocéntes, * ut edant carnes meas :
4  Qui tríbulant me inimíci mei, * ipsi infirmáti sunt et cecidérunt.
5  Si consístant advérsum me castra, * non timébit cor meum.
6   Si exsúrgat advérsum me prælium, * in hoc ego sperábo.
7  Unam pétii a Dómino, hanc requíram, * ut inhábitem in domo Dómini ómnibus diébus vitæ meæ :
8  Ut vídeam voluptátem Dómini, * et vísitem templum ejus.
9  Quóniam abscóndit me in tabernáculo suo: * in die malórum protéxit me in abscóndito tabernáculi sui.
10  In petra exaltávit me: * et nunc exaltávit caput meum super inimícos meos.
11  Circuívi et immolávi in tabernáculo ejus hóstiam vociferatiónis: * cantábo et psalmum dicam Dómino.
12  Exáudi, Dómine, vocem meam, qua clamávi ad te: * miserére mei, et exáudi me.
13  Tibi dixit cor meum, exquisívit te fácies mea : * fáciem tuam, Dómine, requíram.
14  Ne avértas fáciem tuam a me, * ne declínes in ira a servo tuo.
15  Adjútor meus esto: * ne derelínquas me, neque despícias me, Deus, salutáris meus.
16  Quóniam pater meus, et mater mea dereliquérunt me: * Dóminus autem assúmpsit me.
17  Legem pone mihi, Dómine, in via tua: * et dírige me in sémitam rectam propter inimícos meos.
18  Ne tradíderis me in ánimas tribulántium me: * quóniam insurrexérunt in me testes iníqui et mentíta est iníquitas sibi.
19  Credo vidére bona Dómini * in terra vivéntium.
20  Exspécta Dóminum, viríliter age: * et confortétur cor tuum, et sústine Dóminum.
21  Réquiem ætérnam * dona eis, Dómine.
22  Et lux perpétua * luceat eis.

THE LORD is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? * the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid?
2  When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, * they stumbled and fell.
3  Though an host of men were laid against me, yet shall not my heart be afraid; * and though there rose up war against me, yet will I put my trust in him.
4  One thing have I desired of the LORD, which I will require; * even that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the fair beauty of the LORD, and to visit his temple.
5  For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his tabernacle; * yea, in the secret place of his dwelling shall he hide me, and set me up upon a rock of stone.
6  And now shall he lift up mine head * above mine enemies round about me.
7  Therefore will I offer in his dwelling an oblation, with great gladness: * I will sing and speak praises unto the LORD.
8  Hearken unto my voice, O LORD, when I cry unto thee; * have mercy upon me, and hear me.
9  My heart hath talked of thee, Seek ye my face: * Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
10  O hide not thou thy face from me, * nor cast thy servant away in displeasure.
11  Thou hast been my succour; * leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
12  When my father and my mother forsake me, * the LORD taketh me up.
13  Teach me thy way, O LORD, * and lead me in the right way, because of mine enemies.
14  Deliver me not over into the will of mine adversaries: * for there are false witnesses risen up against me, and such as speak wrong.
15  I should utterly have fainted, * but that I believe verily to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
16  O tarry thou the LORD'S leisure; * be strong, and he shall comfort thine heart; and put thou thy trust in the LORD.
17  Eternal rest * grant unto them, O LORD.
18  And let perpetual light * shine upon them.

Ant.    Credo vidére bona Dómini in terra vivéntium.

Ant.    I believe verily to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

STAND

The Lessons are read without Absolution, Blessings, or Title.

R.  Meménto mei, Deus, quia ventus est vita mea, * Nec aspiciat me visus hóminis.
V.  De profúndis clamávi ad te, Dómine : Dómine, exáudi vocem meam.
R.  Nec aspiciat me visus hóminis.

R.  O remember, Lord God, that my life is a breath! *  Soon the eye of him that seeth me shall behold me no more.
V.  Out of the deep have I called unto thee, O Lord : Lord, hear my voice.
R.  Soon the eye of him that seeth me shall behold me no more.

R.  Hei mihi, Dómine, quia peccávi nimis in vita mea : Quid fáciam, miser? ubi fúgiam, nisi ad te, Deus meus? * Miserére mei, dum veneris in novíssimo die.
V.  Anima mea turbáta est valde, sed tu, Dómine, succúrre ei.
R.  Miserére mei, dum veneris in novíssimo die.

R.  Woe is me, O Lord, for I have grievously sinned in my life! What shall I do, wretched man that I am? Whither shall I flee, but unto thee, my God? *  Have mercy upon me, when thou comest at the last day.
V.  My soul is sore troubled ; but, Lord, be thou my helper.
R.  Have mercy upon me, when thou comest at the last day.

R.  Ne recorderis peccáta mea, Dómine, * Dum veneris judicáre sæculum per ignem.
V.  Dirige, Dómine, Deus meus, in conspéctu tuo viam meam.
R.  Dum veneris judicáre sæculum per ignem.
V.  Réquiem ætérnam dona eis, Dómine : et lux perpétua luceat eis.
R.  Dum veneris judicáre sæculum per ignem.

R.  Remember not my sins, O Lord, * When thou shalt come to judge the world by fire.
V.  Make thy way plain, O Lord my God, before my face.
R.  When thou shalt come to judge the world by fire.
V.  Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
R.  When thou shalt come to judge the world by fire.

Third Nocturn

For Wednesday and Saturday

Ant.    Compláceat * tibi, Dómine, ut erípias me : Dómine, ad adjuvándum me réspice.

Ant.    Let it be thy pleasure * to deliver me, O Lord : make haste, O Lord, to help me.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 39.   Exspéctans exspéctavi

Exspéctans exspectávi Dóminum, * et inténdit mihi.
2  Et exaudívit preces meas: * et edúxit me de lacu misériæ, et de luto fæcis.
3  Et státuit super petram pedes meos: * et diréxit gressus meos.
4  Et immísit in os meum cánticum novum * carmen Deo nostro.
5  Vidébunt multi, et timébunt: * et sperábunt in Dómino.
6  Beátus vir, cujus est nomen Dómini spes ejus * et non respéxit in vanitátes et insánias falsas.
7  Multa fecísti tu, Dómine, Deus meus, mirabília tua: * et cogitatiónibus tuis non est qui símilis sit tibi.
8  Annuntiávi et locútus sum: * multiplicáti sunt super númerum.
9  Sacrifícium et oblatiónem noluísti: * aures autem perfecísti mihi.
10  Holocáustum et pro peccáto non postulásti: * tunc dixi: Ecce vénio.
11  In cápite libri scriptum est de me ut fácerem voluntátem tuam: * Deus meus, vólui, et legem tuam in médio cordis mei.
12  Annuntiávi justítiam tuam in ecclésia magna, * ecce lábia mea non prohibébo: Dómine, tu scisti.
13  Justítiam tuam non abscóndi in corde meo: * veritátem tuam et salutáre tuum dixi.
14  Non abscóndi misericórdiam tuam et veritátem tuam * a concílio multo.
15  Tu autem, Dómine, ne longe fácias miseratiónes tuas a me: * misericórdia tua et véritas tua semper suscepérunt me.
16  Quóniam circumdedérunt me mala, quorum non est númerus: * comprehendérunt me iniquitátes meæ, et non pótui ut vidérem.
17  Multiplicátæ sunt super capíllos cápitis mei: * et cor meum derelíquit me.
18  Compláceat tibi, Dómine, ut éruas me: * Dómine, ad adjuvándum me réspice.
19  Confundántur et revereántur simul, qui quærunt ánimam meam, * ut áuferant eam.
20  Convertántur retrórsum et revereántur: * qui volunt mihi mala.
21  Ferant conféstim confusiónem suam: * qui dicunt mihi: Euge, euge.
22  Exsúltent et læténtur super te omnes quæréntes te: * et dicant semper: Magnificétur Dóminus : qui díligunt salutáre tuum.
23  Ego autem mendícus sum, et pauper: * Dóminus sollícitus est mei.
24  Adjútor meus et protéctor meus tu es: * Deus meus, ne tardáveris.
25  Réquiem ætérnam * dona eis, Dómine.
26  Et lux perpétua * luceat eis.

Psalm 39.  Exspéctans exspéctavi

I WAITED patiently for the LORD, * and he inclined unto me, and heard my calling.
2  He brought me also out of the horrible pit, out of the mire and clay, * and set my feet upon the rock, and ordered my goings.
3  And he hath put a new song in my mouth, * even a thanksgiving unto our God.
4  Many shall see it, and fear, * and shall put their trust in the LORD.
5  Blessed is the man that hath set his hope in the LORD, * and turned not unto the proud, and to such as go about with lies.
6  O LORD my God, great are the wondrous works which thou hast done, like as be also thy thoughts, which are to us-ward; * and yet there is no man that ordereth them unto thee.
7  If I should declare them, and speak of them, * they should be more than I am able to express.
8  Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, * but mine ears hast thou opened.
9  Burnt-offering and sacrifice for sin hast thou not required: * then said I, Lo, I come;
10  In the volume of the book it is written of me, that I should fulfil thy will, O my God: * I am content to do it; yea, thy law is within my heart.
11  I have declared thy righteousness in the great congregation: * lo, I will not refrain my lips, O LORD, and that thou knowest.
12  I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; * my talk hath been of thy truth, and of thy salvation.
13  I have not kept back thy loving mercy and truth * from the great congregation.
14  Withdraw not thou thy mercy from me, O LORD; * let thy loving-kindness and thy truth alway preserve me.
15  For innumerable troubles are come about me; my sins have taken such hold upon me, that I am not able to look up; * yea, they are more in number than the hairs of my head, and my heart hath failed me.
16  O LORD, let it be thy pleasure to deliver me; * make haste, O LORD, to help me.
17  Let them be ashamed, and confounded together, that seek after my soul to destroy it; * let them be driven backward, and put to rebuke, that wish me evil.
18  Let them be desolate, and rewarded with shame, * that say unto me, Fie upon thee! fie upon thee!
19  Let all those that seek thee, be joyful and glad in thee; * and let such as love thy salvation, say alway, The LORD be praised.
20  As for me, I am poor and needy; * but the Lord careth for me.
21  Thou art my helper and redeemer; * make no long tarrying, O my God.
22  Eternal rest * grant unto them, O LORD.
23  And let perpetual light * shine upon them.

Ant.    Compláceat tibi, Dómine, ut erípias me : Dómine, ad adjuvándum me réspice.

Ant.    Let it be thy pleasure to deliver me, O Lord : make haste, O Lord, to help me.

Ant.    Sana, Dómine, * ánimam meam, quia peccávi tibi.

Ant.    Heal my soul, * O Lord, for I have sinned against thee.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 40.  Beátus qui intélligit

Beátus qui intélligit super egénum, et páuperem: * in die mala liberábit eum Dóminus.
2  Dóminus consérvet eum, et vivíficet eum, et beátum fáciat eum in terra: * et non tradat eum in ánimam inimicórum ejus.
3  Dóminus opem ferat illi super lectum dolóris ejus: * univérsum stratum ejus versásti in infirmitáte ejus.
4  Ego dixi : Dómine, miserére mei: * sana ánimam meam, quia peccávi tibi.
5  Inimíci mei dixérunt mala mihi: * Quando moriétur, et períbit nomen ejus?
6  Et si ingrediebátur ut vidéret, vane loquebátur: * cor ejus congregávit iniquitátem sibi.
7  Egrediebátur foras, * et loquebátur in idípsum.
8  Advérsum me susurrábant omnes inimíci mei: * advérsum me cogitábant mala mihi.
9  Verbum iníquum constituérunt advérsum me: * Numquid qui dormit non adjíciet ut resúrgat?
10  Etenim homo pacis meæ, in quo sperávi: * qui edébat panes meos, magnificávit super me supplantatiónem.
11  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére mei, et resúscita me: * et retríbuam eis.
12  In hoc cognóvi quóniam voluísti me: * quóniam non gaudébit inimícus meus super me.
13  Me autem propter innocéntiam suscepísti: * et confirmásti me in conspéctu tuo in ætérnum.
14  Benedíctus Dóminus, Deus Israël, a sæculo et usque in sæculum: * fiat, fiat.
15  Réquiem ætérnam * dona eis, Dómine.
16  Et lux perpétua * luceat eis.

BLESSED is he that considereth the poor and needy; * the LORD shall deliver him in the time of trouble.
2  The LORD preserve him, and keep him alive, that he may be blessed upon earth; * and deliver not thou him into the will of his enemies.
3  The LORD comfort him when he lieth sick upon his bed; * make thou all his bed in his sickness.
4  I said, LORD, be merciful unto me; * heal my soul, for I have sinned against thee.
5  Mine enemies speak evil of me, * When shall he die, and his name perish?
6  And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity, * and his heart conceiveth falsehood within himself; and when he cometh forth, he telleth it.
7  All mine enemies whisper together against me; * even against me do they imagine this evil.
8  An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him; * and now that he lieth, he shall rise up no more.
9  Yea, even mine own familiar friend whom I trusted, * who did also eat of my bread, hath laid great wait for me.
10  But be thou merciful unto me, O LORD; * raise thou me up again, and I shall reward them.
11  By this I know thou favourest me, * that mine enemy doth not triumph against me.
12  And in my innocency thou upholdest me, * and shalt set me before thy face for ever.
13  Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, * world without end. Amen.
14  Eternal rest * grant unto them, O LORD.
15  And let perpetual light * shine upon them.

Ant.    Sana, Dómine, ánimam meam, quia peccávi tibi.

Ant.    Heal my soul, O Lord, for I have sinned against thee.

Ant.    Sitívit * ánima mea ad Deum vivum : quando véniam, et apparébo ante fáciem Domini?

Ant.    My soul is athirst * for God, yea, even for the living God : when shall I come to appear before the presence of God?

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 41.   Quemádmodum

Quemádmodum desíderat cervus ad fontes aquárum: * ita desíderat ánima mea ad te, Deus.
2  Sitívit ánima mea ad Deum fortem vivum: * quando véniam, et apparébo ante fáciem Dei?
3  Fuérunt mihi lácrimæ meæ panes die ac nocte: * dum dícitur mihi quotídie: Ubi est Deus tuus?
4  Hæc recordátus sum, et effúdi in me ánimam meam: * quóniam transíbo in locum tabernáculi admirábilis, usque ad domum Dei.
5  In voce exsultatiónis, et confessiónis: * sonus epulántis.
6  Quare tristis es, ánima mea? * et quare contúrbas me?
7  Spera in Deo, quóniam adhuc confitébor illi: * salutáre vultus mei, et Deus meus.
8  Ad meípsum ánima mea conturbáta est : * proptérea memor ero tui de terra Jordánis, et Hermóniim a monte módico.
9  Abyssus abyssum ínvocat, * in voce cataractárum tuárum.
10  Omnia excélsa tua, et fluctus tui * super me transiérunt.
11  In die mandávit Dóminus misericórdiam suam : * et nocte cánticum ejus.
12  Apud me orátio Deo vitæ meæ, * dicam Deo : Suscéptor meus es.
13  Quare oblítus es mei? * et quare contristátus incédo, dum afflígit me inimícus?
14  Dum confringúntur ossa mea, * exprobravérunt mihi qui tríbulant me inimíci mei.
15  Dum dicunt mihi per síngulos dies : Ubi est Deus tuus? * quare tristis es, ánima mea? et quare contúrbas me?
16  Spera in Deo, quóniam adhuc confitébor illi : * salutáre vultus mei, et Deus meus.
17  Réquiem ætérnam * dona eis, Dómine.
18  Et lux perpétua * luceat eis.

Psalm 41.   Quemádmodum

LIKE as the hart desireth the water-brooks, * so longeth my soul after thee, O God.
2  My soul is athirst for God, yea, even for the living God: * when shall I come to appear before the presence of God?
3  My tears have been my meat day and night, * while they daily say unto me, Where is now thy God?
4  Now when I think thereupon, I pour out my heart by myself; * for I went with the multitude, and brought them forth into the house of God;
5  In the voice of praise and thanksgiving, * among such as keep holy-day.
6  Why art thou so full of heaviness, O my soul? * and why art thou so disquieted within me?
7  O put thy trust in God; * for I will yet thank him, which is the help of my countenance, and my God.
8  My soul is vexed within me; * therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, from Hermon and the little hill.
9  One deep calleth another, because of the noise of thy water-floods; * all thy waves and storms are gone over me.
10  The LORD will grant his loving-kindness in the daytime; * and in the night season will I sing of him, and make my prayer unto the God of my life.
11  I will say unto the God of my strength, Why hast thou forgotten me? * why go I thus heavily, while the enemy oppresseth me?
12  My bones are smitten asunder as with a sword, * while mine enemies that trouble me cast me in the teeth;
13  Namely, while they say daily unto me, * Where is now thy God?
14  Why art thou so vexed, O my soul? * and why art thou so disquieted within me?
15  O put thy trust in God; * for I will yet thank him, which is the help of my countenance, and my God.
16  Eternal rest * grant unto them, O LORD.
17  And let perpetual light * shine upon them.

Ant.    Sitívit ánima mea ad Deum vivum : quando véniam, et apparébo ante fáciem Domini?

Ant.    My soul is athirst for God, yea, even for the living God : when shall I come to appear before the presence of God?

STAND

V.  Ne tradas béstiis ánimas confiténtes tibi.
R.  Et ánimas páuperum tuórum ne obliviscáris in finem.

V.  Deliver not up unto the beasts the souls of them that praise thee.
R.  And forget not the congregation of the poor for ever.

The Lessons are read without Absolution, Blessings, or Title.

R.  Peccántem me quotídie, et non me pœnitentem, timor mortis conturbat me : * Quia in inférno nulla est redemptio, miserére mei, Deus, et salva me.
V.  Deus, in nómine tuo salvum me fac, et in virtúte tua líbera me.
R.  Quia in inférno nulla est redemptio, miserére mei, Deus, et salva me.

R.  It is upon such an one as myself, who doth sin often and repent seldom, and then but little, that the fear of death befalleth : *  Because in hell there is no redemption, have mercy upon me, O God, and save me.
V.  Save me, O God, for thy Name's sake, and deliver me in thy strength.
R.  Because in hell there is no redemption, have mercy upon me, O God, and save me.

R.  Dómine, secúndum actum meum noli me judicáre : nihil dignum in conspéctu tuo egi ; ídeo déprecor majestátem tuam, * Ut tu, Deus, deleas iniquitátem meam.
V.  Amplius lava me, Dómine, ab injustítia mea, et a delícto meo munda me.
R.  Ut tu, Deus, deleas iniquitátem meam.

R.  O Lord, judge me not according to my deeds, for nothing have I done that is worthy in thy sight ; therefore do I come before thy Majesty as a suppliant ; *  That thou, O God, mayest blot out mine iniquity.
V.  Wash me throughly from my wickedness, and cleanse me from my sin.
R.  That thou, O God, mayest blot out mine iniquity.

The following Respond is said in place of the preceding, when all three Nocturns for the Dead have been said at Matins.

R.  Líbera me, Dómine, de morte ætérna in die illa treménda, * Quando cæli movéndi sunt et terra, * Dum véneris judicáre sæculum per ignem.
V.  Tremens factus sum ego et tímeo, dum discússio vénerit atque ventúra ira.
R.  Quando cæli movéndi sunt et terra.
V.  Dies illa, dies iræ, calamitátis et misériæ, dies magna et amára valde.
R.  Dum véneris judicáre sæculum per ignem.
V.  Réquiem ætérnam dona eis, Dómine : et lux perpétua lúceat eis.
R.  Líbera me, Dómine, de morte ætérna in die illa treménda, * Quando cæli movéndi sunt et terra, * Dum véneris judicáre sæculum per ignem.

R.  Deliver me, O Lord, from everlasting death in that fearful day : *  When the heavens and the earth shall be shaken : * When thou shalt come to judge the world by fire.
V.  I am in fear and trembling, until the sifting be upon us and the wrath to come.
R.  When the heavens and the earth shall be shaken.
V.  Woe is me, for the day of wrath, calamity and misery, the great day of exceeding bitterness.
R.  When thou shalt come to judge the world by fire.
V.  Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
R.  Deliver me, O Lord, from everlasting death in that fearful day : *  When the heavens and the earth shall be shaken : * When thou shalt come to judge the world by fire.