Matins

Lauds

Prime

Terce

Sext

None

2nd Vespers

First Vespers

The first part of Vespers is in the Ordinary

On excepted feasts the Antiphons and Psalms are as follows.  Otherwise the Antiphons and Psalms are of the current weekday, with what follows as below from the Chapter onwards.

Psalmus 109.  Dixit Dominus

Dixit Dóminus Dómino meo: * Sede a dextris meis:
2  Donec ponam inimícos tuos, * scabéllum pedum tuórum.
3  Virgam virtútis tuæ emíttet Dóminus ex Sion: * domináre in médio inimicórum tuórum.
4  Tecum princípium in die virtútis tuæ in splendóribus sanctórum: * ex útero ante lucíferum génui te.
5  Jurávit Dóminus, et non pœnitébit eum: * Tu es sacérdos in ætérnum secúndum órdinem Melchísedech.
6  Dóminus a dextris tuis, * confrégit in die iræ suæ reges.
7  Judicábit in natiónibus, implébit ruínas: * conquassábit cápita in terra multórum.
8  De torrénte in via bibet: * proptérea exaltábit caput.

The Lord said unto my Lord, * Sit thou on my right hand:
2  Until I make thine enemies * thy footstool.
3  The Lord shall send the rod of thy power out of Sion: * be thou ruler, even in the midst among thine enemies.
4  Thine shall be the dominion in the day of thy power, amid the brightness of the saints : * from the womb before the day star have I begotten thee.
5  The Lord sware, and will not repent, * Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedech.
6  The Lord upon thy right hand * shall wound even kings in the day of his wrath.
7  He shall judge among the heathen; he shall fill the places with the dead bodies: * and smite in sunder the heads over divers countries.
8  He shall drink of the brook in the way; * therefore shall he lift up his head.

Psalmus 112.  Laudate, pueri

Laudáte, púeri, Dóminum: * Laudáte nomen Dómini.
2  (fit reverentia) Sit nomen Dómini benedíctum, * ex hoc nunc, et usque in sæculum.
3  A solis ortu usque ad occásum, * laudábile nomen Dómini.
4  Excélsus super omnes gentes Dóminus, * et super cælos glória ejus.
5  Quis sicut Dóminus, Deus noster, qui in altis hábitat, * et humília réspicit in cælo et in terra?
6  Súscitans a terra ínopem, * et de stércore érigens páuperem:
7  Ut cóllocet eum cum princípibus, * cum princípibus pópuli sui.
8  Qui habitáre facit stérilem in domo, * matrem filiórum lætántem.

Psalm 112.  Laudate, pueri

Praise the Lord, O ye his servants; * O praise the Name of the Lord.
2  (all bow) Blessed be the Name of the Lord * from this time forth for evermore.
3  From the rising up of the sun unto the going down of the same, * the Lord's Name be praised.
4  The Lord is high above all nations, * and his glory above the heavens.
5  Who is like unto the Lord our God, that hath his dwelling on high, * and beholdeth what is lowly in heaven and in the earth?
6  He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, * and lifteth the needy out of the dung hill.
7  That he may set him with the princes, * even with the princes of his people.
8  He maketh the barren woman to keep house, * and to be a joyful mother of children.

Psalmus 121.  Lætatus sum

Lætátus sum in his, quæ dicta sunt mihi: * In domum Dómini íbimus.
2  Stantes erant pedes nostri, * in átriis tuis, Jerúsalem.
3  Jerúsalem, quæ ædificátur ut cívitas: * cujus participátio ejus in idípsum.
4  Illuc enim ascendérunt tribus, tribus Dómini: * testimónium Israël ad confiténdum nómini Dómini.
5  Quia illic sedérunt sedes in judício, * sedes super domum David.
6  Rogáte quæ ad pacem sunt Jerúsalem: * et abundántia diligéntibus te:
7  Fiat pax in virtúte tua: * et abundántia in túrribus tuis.
8  Propter fratres meos, et próximos meos, * loquébar pacem de te:
9  Propter domum Dómini, Dei nostri, * quæsívi bona tibi.

Psalm 121.  Lætatus sum

I was glad when they said unto me, * We will go into the house of the Lord.
2  Our feet shall stand * in thy gates, O Jerusalem.
3  Jerusalem is built as a city * that is at unity in itself.
4  For thither did the tribes go up, even the tribes of the Lord, * to testify unto Israel, to give thanks unto the Name of the Lord.
5  For their seats have sat in judgment, * even the seats upon the house of David.
6  O pray for the peace of Jerusalem; * they shall prosper that love thee.
7  Peace be within thy walls, * and plenteousness within thy palaces.
8  For my brethren and companions' sakes, * I spake peace of thee.
9  Yea, because of the house of the Lord our God, * I have sought to do thee good.

Psalmus 126.  Nisi Dominus

Nisi Dóminus ædificáverit domum, * in vanum laboravérunt qui ædíficant eam.
2  Nisi Dóminus custodíerit civitátem, * frustra vígilat qui custódit eam.
3  Vanum est vobis ante lucem súrgere: * súrgite postquam sedéritis, qui manducátis panem dolóris.
4  Cum déderit diléctis suis somnum: * ecce heréditas Dómini fílii : merces, fructus ventris.
5  Sicut sagíttæ in manu poténtis: * ita fílii excussórum.
6  Beátus vir qui implévit desidérium suum ex ipsis: * non confundétur cum loquétur inimícis suis in porta.

Psalm 126.  Nisi Dominus

Except the Lord build the house, * they labour in vain that build it.
2  Except the Lord keep the city, * the watchman waketh but in vain.
3  It is vain for you to rise up before the light : * rise ye after ye have sitten, ye that eat the bread of sorrow.
4  When he giveth his beloved sleep : * behold, children are the heritage of the Lord: the reward, and the fruit of the womb.
5  Like as the arrows in the hand of the mighty, * even so are the children of them that have been shaken.
6  Blessed is the man that hath filled the desire with them; * he shall not be confounded when he shall speak with his enemies in the gate.

Psalmus 147.  Lauda, Jerusalem

Lauda, Jerúsalem, Dóminum: * lauda Deum tuum, Sion.
2  Quóniam confortávit seras portárum tuárum: * benedíxit fíliis tuis in te.
3  Qui pósuit fines tuos pacem: * et ádipe fruménti sátiat te.
4  Qui emíttit elóquium suum terræ: * velóciter currit sermo ejus.
5  Qui dat nivem sicut lanam: * nébulam sicut cínerem spargit.
6  Mittit crystállum suum sicut buccéllas: * ante fáciem frígoris ejus quis sustinébit?
7  Emíttet verbum suum, et liquefáciet ea: * flabit spíritus ejus, et fluent aquæ.
8  Qui annúntiat verbum suum Jacob: * justítias, et judícia sua Israël.
9  Non fecit táliter omni natióni: * et judícia sua non manifestávit eis.

Psalm 147.  Lauda, Jerusalem

Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; *  praise thy God, O Sion.
2  For he hath made fast the bars of thy gates, * and hath blessed thy children within thee.
3  Who hath placed peace in thy borders, * and filleth thee with the fat of the crops.
4  Who sendeth forth his commandment upon earth, * and his word runneth swiftly.
5  Who giveth snow like wool, * and scattereth the mist like ashes.
6  He sendeth his ice like morsels: * who is able to abide before the face of his frost?
7  He shall send out his word, and shall melt them: * his spirit shall breathe forth, and the waters shall flow.
8  Who declareth his word unto Jacob, * his statutes and judgments unto Israel.
9  He hath not dealt so with every nation; * neither hath he given them knowledge of his judgments.

STAND

KNEEL

Ave, maris stella,
Dei Mater alma,
Atque semper Virgo,
Felix cæli porta.

Sea-Star! we acclaim thee,
God's kind Mother name thee!
Hail, thou Maid immortal,
Heaven's blissful portal.

STAND

Solve vincla reis,
Profer lumen cæcis,
Mala nostra pelle,
Bona cuncta posce.

Monstra te esse matrem,
Sumat per te preces,
Qui pro nobis natus
Tulit esse tuus.

Virgo singuláris,
Inter omnes mitis,
Nos, culpis solútos,
Mites fac et castos.

Vitam præsta puram,
Iter para tutum,
Ut, vidéntes Jesum,
Semper collætémur.

Sit laus Deo Patri,
Summo Christo decus,
Spirítui Sancto,
Tribus honor unus.  Amen.

Ask light for the blinded,
Free the worldly-minded;
Thus our ills repressing,
Win us every blessing.

Be to us a Mother;
For thy Son, our Brother,
Will, for our salvation,
Heed thy supplication.

Maiden meek and lowly,
Singularly holy,
Hardened sinners render
Meek and chaste and tender.

In straight paths direct us,
On our way protect us,
Till on Jesus gazing,
We shall join thy praising.

Doxology
Father, Son eternal,
Holy Ghost supernal,
Thee we bless as Trinal,
One and First and Final.  Amen.

The remainder of Vespers is provided for each Feastday in the Proper of the Saints.  Otherwise, the Common continues as follows :

Ant. on Magnif:  O holy Mary, * help thou the suffering, strengthen the faint-hearted, comfort the sorrowful ; pray for the people, plead for the clergy, entreat for all women dedicated to God; let everyone  that keepeth holy-day  in thine honour know the benefit of thine intercession.

COMMEMORATIONS, if there be any

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

Matins

The first part of Matins is in the Ordinary

Invitatory and Hymn

Sancta María, Dei Génitrix Virgo, * Intercéde pro nobis.

Holy Mary, Virgin Mother of God, * Intercede for us.

Sancta María, Dei Génitrix Virgo, * Intercéde pro nobis.

Holy Mary, Virgin Mother of God, * Intercede for us.

Psalmus 94.
Venite, exsultemus Domino

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.

Sancta María, Dei Génitrix Virgo, * Intercéde pro nobis.

Holy Mary, Virgin Mother of God, * Intercede for us.

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.

Intercéde pro nobis.

Intercede for us.

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.

Sancta María, Dei Génitrix Virgo, * Intercéde pro nobis.

Holy Mary, Virgin Mother of God, * Intercede for us.

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.

Intercéde pro nobis.

Intercede for us.

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.

Sancta María, Dei Génitrix Virgo, * Intercéde pro nobis.

Holy Mary, Virgin Mother of God, * Intercede for us.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.  Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper,  et in sæcula sæculórum.  Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen.

Intercéde pro nobis.

Intercede for us.

Sancta María, Dei Génitrix Virgo, * Intercéde pro nobis.

Holy Mary, Virgin Mother of God, * Intercede for us.

Cui luna, sol et ómnia
Desérviunt per témpora,
Perfúsa cæli grátia,
Gestant puéllæ víscera.

Beáta Mater múnere,
Cujus, supérnus Artifex
Mundum pugíllo cóntinens,
Ventris sub arca clausus est.

Beáta cæli núntio,
Fœcúnda Sancto Spíritu,
Desiderátus géntibus
Cujus per alvum fusus est.

*  Jesu tibi sit glória,
Qui natus es de Vírgine,
Cum Patre, et almo Spíritu,
In sempitérna sæcula.  Amen.

The Lord whom sun and moon obey,
Whom all things serve from day to day,
Was by the Holy Ghost conceived,
Of her who through his grace believed.

How blest that Mother, in whose shrine
The great Artificer divine,
Whose hand contains the earth and sky,
Once deigned, as in his ark, to lie:-

Blest in the message Gabriel brought,
Blest by the work the Spirit wrought;
From whom the Great Desire of earth
Took human flesh and human birth.

Proper Doxology
All honour, laud, and glory be,
O Jesu, Virgin-born, to thee,
Whom with the Father we adore,
And Holy Ghost, for evermore.  Amen.

As soon as the introductory part of Matins is finished, there is begun The First Nocturn.  The Psalms with their Antiphons are taken from either the Proper, if today have a proper Office, or from the Common, as given below, or from the occurring weekday, if today be not an excepted Feast.

Proper Office

Common Office

First Nocturn

Ant.    Benedícta tu * in muliéribus, et benedíctus fructus ventris tui.

Ant.    Blessed art thou * among women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 8.  Domine, Dominus noster

Dómine, Dóminus noster, * quam admirábile est nomen tuum in univérsa terra!
2  Quóniam eleváta est magnificéntia tua, * super cælos.
3  Ex ore infántium et lacténtium perfecísti laudem propter inimícos tuos, * ut déstruas inimícum et ultórem.
4  Quóniam vidébo cælos tuos, ópera digitórum tuórum: * lunam et stellas, quæ tu fundásti.
5  Quid est homo quod memor es ejus? * aut fílius hóminis, quóniam vísitas eum?
6  Minuísti eum paulo minus ab Angelis, glória et honóre coronásti eum: * et constituísti eum super ópera mánuum tuárum.
7  Omnia subjecísti sub pédibus ejus, * oves et boves univérsas : ínsuper et pécora campi.
8  Vólucres cæli, et pisces maris, * qui perámbulant sémitas maris.
9  Dómine, Dóminus noster, * quam admirábile est nomen tuum in univérsa terra!

O Lord our Governour, * how excellent is thy Name in all the world!
2  For thou hast set thy glory * above the heavens.
3  Out of the mouth of very babes and sucklings hast thou perfected praise, because of thine enemies, * that thou mightest destroy the enemy and the avenger.
4  For I will consider thy heavens, even the works of thy fingers; * the moon and the stars which thou hast ordained;
5  What is man, that thou art mindful of him? * and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
6  Thou madest him lower than the Angels, thou hast crowned him with glory and worship : * thou makest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands.
7  Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet : * all sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
8  The fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea; * and whatsoever walketh through the paths of the seas.
9  O Lord our Governour, * how excellent is thy Name in all the world!

Ant.    Benedícta tu in muliéribus, et benedíctus fructus ventris tui.

Ant.    Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb.

Ant.    Sicut myrrha * elécta, odórem dedísti suavitátis, sancta Dei Génitrix.

Ant.    Like the best myrrh, * thou yieldest a pleasant odour, O holy Mother of God.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 18. Cæli enarrant

Cæli enárrant glóriam Dei: * et ópera mánuum ejus annúntiat firmaméntum.
2  Dies diéi erúctat verbum, * et nox nocti índicat sciéntiam.
3  Non sunt loquélæ, neque sermónes, * quorum non audiántur voces eórum.
4  In omnem terram exívit sonus eórum: * et in fines orbis terræ verba eórum.
5  In sole pósuit tabernáculum suum: * et ipse tamquam sponsus procédens de thálamo suo.
6  Exsultávit ut gigas ad curréndam viam, * a summo cæli egréssio ejus.
7  Et occúrsus ejus usque ad summum ejus: * nec est qui se abscóndat a calóre ejus.
8  Lex Dómini immaculáta, convértens ánimas: * testimónium Dómini fidéle, sapiéntiam præstans párvulis.
9  Justítiæ Dómini rectæ, lætificántes corda: * præcéptum Dómini lúcidum illúminans óculos.
10  Timor Dómini sanctus, pérmanens in sæculum sæculi: * judícia Dómini vera, justificáta in semetípsa.
11  Desiderabília super aurum et lápidem pretiósum multum: * et dulcióra super mel et favum.
12  Etenim servus tuus custódit ea, * in custodiéndis illis retribútio multa.
13  Delícta quis intélligit? ab occúltis meis munda me: * et ab aliénis parce servo tuo.
14  Si mei non fúerint domináti, tunc immaculátus ero: * et emundábor a delícto máximo.
15  Et erunt ut compláceant elóquia oris mei: * et meditátio cordis mei in conspéctu tuo semper.
16  Dómine, adjútor meus, * et redémptor meus.

Psalm 18. Cæli enarrant

The heavens declare the glory of God; * and the firmament sheweth his handy-work.
2  One day uttereth speech unto another; * and night sheweth knowledge unto night.
3  There is neither speech nor language; * where their voices are not heard.
4  Their sound is gone out unto all the lands; * and their words unto the ends of the earth.
5  In the sun hath he set his tabernacle; * and he, as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
6  Hath rejoiced as a giant to run his course, * his going forth is from the uttermost part of the heaven.
7  And his circuit even unto the end thereof; * and there is no one that can hide himself from his heat.
8  The law of the Lord is an undefiled law, converting the soul; * the testimony of the Lord is sure, and giveth wisdom unto the simple.
9  The statutes of the Lord are right, and rejoice the heart; * the commandment of the Lord is pure, and giveth light unto the eyes.
10  The fear of the Lord is holy, and endureth for ever; * the judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves.
11  More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much precious stone; * sweeter also than honey, and the honeycomb.
12  For thy servant keepeth them; * and in keeping of them there is great reward.
13  Who can tell how oft he offendeth? O cleanse thou me from my secret faults : * save thy servant also from the sins of others.
14  If they get not the dominion over me, so shall I be undefiled, * and innocent from the great offence.
15  And the words of my mouth shall be such as may please, * and the meditation of my heart be alway in thy sight.
16  O Lord, my strength * and my redeemer.

Ant.    Sicut myrrha elécta, odórem dedísti suavitátis, sancta Dei Génitrix.

Ant.    Like the best myrrh, thou yieldest a pleasant odour, O holy Mother of God.

Ant.    Ante torum * hujus Vírginis frequentáte nobis dúlcia cántica drámatis.

Ant.    In honour of the nuptials * of this holy Virgin chant for us again and again devout canticles of serenade.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 23. Domini est terra

Dómini est terra, et plenitúdo ejus: * orbis terrárum, et univérsi qui hábitant in eo.
2  Quia ipse super mária fundávit eum: * et super flúmina præparávit eum.
3  Quis ascéndit in montem Dómini? * aut quis stabit in loco sancto ejus?
4  Innocens mánibus et mundo corde, * qui non accépit in vano ánimam suam, nec jurávit in dolo próximo suo.
5  Hic accípiet benedictiónem a Dómino: * et misericórdiam a Deo, salutári suo.
6  Hæc est generátio quæréntium eum, * quæréntium fáciem Dei Jacob.
7  Attóllite portas príncipes vestras, et elevámini portæ æternáles: * et introíbit Rex glóriæ.
8  Quis est iste Rex glóriæ? * Dóminus fortis et potens : Dóminus potens in prælio.
9  Attóllite portas príncipes vestras,  et elevámini portæ æternáles: * et introíbit Rex glóriæ.
10  Quis est iste Rex glóriæ? * Dóminus virtútum ipse est Rex glóriæ.

The earth is the Lord's, and all the fulness thereof; * the compass of the world, and they that dwell therein.
2  For he hath founded it upon the seas, * and stablished it upon the rivers.
3  Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord? * or who shall stand in his holy place?
4  Even he that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; * and that hath not lift up his soul unto vanity, nor deceitfully sworn to his neighbour.
5  He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, * and mercy from God his saviour.
6  This is the generation of them that seek him; * even of them that seek the face of the God of Jacob.
7  Lift up your gates, O ye princes; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting gates; * and the King of glory shall come in.
8  Who is this King of glory? * It is the Lord strong and mighty, even the Lord mighty in battle.
9  Lift up your gates, O ye princes; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting gates; * and the King of glory shall come in.
10  Who is this King of glory? * Even the Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.

Ant.    Ante torum hujus Vírginis frequentáte nobis dúlcia cántica drámatis.

Ant.    In honour of the nuptials of this holy Virgin chant for us again and again devout canticles of serenade.

STAND

The Lessons for the First Nocturn are taken either from the Common, as given below, or from either the occurrent Scripture, an alternate Common, or the Proper, as given in their proper place.

Scripture Lessons

Lessons from an alternate Common

Proper Lessons

Absolutio: Exáudi, Dómine Jesu Christe, preces servórum tuórum, et miserére nobis : Qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivis et regnas in sæcula sæculórum.
R.  Amen.

Absolution:  Graciously hear, O Lord Jesu Christ, the prayers of thy servants, and have mercy upon us.  Who, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, for ever and ever.
R.  Amen.

Benedíctio 1: Benedictióne perpétua benedícat nos Pater ætérnus.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 1:  May the Father Eternal bless us with a never-ending blessing.
R.  Amen.

De Parábolis Salomónis

The Lesson is taken from the Book of Proverbs

Ego sapiéntia hábito in consílio et erudítis intérsum cogitatiónibus.  Timor Dómini odit malum : arrogántiam, et supérbiam, et viam pravam, et os bilíngue detéstor.  Meum est consílium et æquitas, mea est prudéntia, mea est fortitúdo.  Per me reges regnant, et legum conditóres justa decérnunt ; per me príncipes ímperant, et poténtes decérnunt justítiam.  Ego diligéntes me díligo ; et qui mane vígilant ad me, invénient me.

I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.  The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.  Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.  By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.  By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.  I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Sancta et immaculáta virgínitas, quibus te láudibus éfferam néscio : * Quia quem cæli cápere non póterant, tuo grémio contulísti.
V.  Benedícta tu in muliéribus, et benedíctus fructus ventris tui.
R.  Quia quem cæli cápere non póterant, tuo grémio contulísti.

R.  O how holy and how spotless is thy virginity, I know not how to praise thy greatness ; * For thou hast borne in thy breast him whom the heavens cannot contain.
V.  Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb.
R.  For thou hast borne in thy breast him whom the heavens cannot contain.

Benedíctio 2: Unigénitus Dei Fílius nos benedícere et adjuváre dignétur.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 2: May the Son of God, the sole-begotten, mercifully bless and keep us.
R.  Amen.

Mecum sunt divítiæ et glória, opes supérbæ et justítia.  Mélior est enim fructus meus auro et lápide pretióso, et genímina mea argénto elécto.  In viis justítiæ ámbulo, in médio semitárum judícii, ut ditem diligéntes me et thesáuros eórum répleam.  Dóminus possidébit me in inítio viárum suárum, ántequam quidquam fáceret a princípio.  Ab ætérno ordináta sum et ex antíquis, ántequam terra fíeret.  Nondum erant abyssi, et ego jam concépta eram ; necdum fontes aquárum erúperant, necdum montes gravi mole constíterant ; ante colles ego parturiébar.

Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.  My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.  I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: that I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.  The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.  I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.  When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.  Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Congratulámini mihi, omnes qui dilígitis Dóminum : quia cum essem párvula, plácui Altíssimo, * Et de meis viscéribus génui Deum et hóminem.
V.  Beátam me dicent omnes generatiónes, quia ancíllam húmilem respéxit Deus.
R.  Et de meis viscéribus génui Deum et hóminem

R.  Rejoice with me, all ye that love the Lord, for in my lowliness I pleased the Most High, * And from my womb I brought forth God-made-Man.
V.  All generations shall call me blessed, for God hath regarded the lowliness of his handmaiden.
R.  And from my womb I brought forth God-made-Man.

Benedíctio 3: Spíritus Sancti grátia illúminet sensus et corda nostra.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 3: May the grace of the Holy Spirit all our heart and mind enlighten.
R.  Amen.

Beátus homo qui audit me, et qui vígilat ad fores meas quotídie, et obsérvat ad postes óstii mei.  Qui me invénerit, invéniet vitam, et háuriet salútem a Dómino ; qui autem in me peccáverit, lædet ánimam suam.  Omnes, qui me odérunt, díligunt mortem.  Sapiéntia ædificávit sibi domum, excídit colúmnas septem.  Immolávit víctimas suas, míscuit vinum et propósuit mensam suam.  Misit ancíllas suas ut vocárent ad arcem et ad mœnia civitátis : Si quis est párvulus, véniat ad me.  Et insipiéntibus locúta est : Veníte, comédite panem meum, et bíbite vinum quod míscui vobis.

Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.  For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord.  But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.  Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: she hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.  She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city, Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Beáta es, Virgo María, quæ Dóminum portásti, Creatórem mundi : * Genuísti qui te fecit, et in ætérnum pérmanes Virgo.
V.  Ave, María, grátia plena ; Dóminus tecum.
R.  Genuísti qui te fecit, et in ætérnum pérmanes Virgo.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Genuísti qui te fecit, et in ætérnum pérmanes Virgo.

R.  Blessed art thou, O Virgin Mary, who didst bear the Lord, the Maker of the world. * Thou hast borne him who created thee, and thou abidest a Virgin for ever.
V.  Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
R.  Thou hast borne him who created thee, and thou abidest a Virgin for ever.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  Thou hast borne him who created thee, and thou abidest a Virgin for ever.

Second Nocturn

Ant.    Spécie tua * et pulchritúdine tua inténde, próspere procéde, et regna.

Ant.    In thy comeliness, * yea, in thy beauty, go forth, ride prosperously, and reign.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 44.  Eructavit cor meum

Eructávit cor meum verbum bonum: * dico ego ópera mea Regi.
2  Lingua mea cálamus scribæ: * velóciter scribéntis.
3  Speciósus forma præ fíliis hóminum, diffúsa est grátia in lábiis tuis: * proptérea benedíxit te Deus in ætérnum.
4  Accíngere gládio tuo super femur tuum, * potentíssime.
5  Spécie tua et pulchritúdine tua: * inténde, próspere procéde, et regna.
6  Propter veritátem, et mansuetúdinem, et justítiam: * et dedúcet te mirabíliter déxtera tua.
7  Sagíttæ tuæ acútæ, pópuli sub te cadent: * in corde inimicórum Regis.
8  Sedes tua, Deus, in sæculum sæculi: * virga directiónis virga regni tui.
9  Dilexísti justítiam, et odísti iniquitátem: * proptérea unxit te, Deus, Deus tuus, óleo lætítiæ præ consórtibus tuis.
10  Myrrha, et gutta, et cásia a vestiméntis tuis, a dómibus ebúrneis: * ex quibus delectavérunt te fíliæ regum in honóre tuo.
11  Astitit regína a dextris tuis in vestítu deauráto: * circúmdata varietáte.
12  Audi, fília, et vide, et inclína aurem tuam: * et oblivíscere pópulum tuum, et domum patris tui.
13  Et concupíscet Rex decórem tuum: * quóniam ipse est Dóminus Deus tuus, et adorábunt eum.
14  Et fíliæ Tyri in munéribus * vultum tuum deprecabúntur: omnes dívites plebis.
15  Omnis glória ejus fíliæ Regis ab intus, * in fímbriis áureis circumamícta varietátibus.
16  Adducéntur Regi vírgines post eam: * próximæ ejus afferéntur tibi.
17  Afferéntur in lætítia et exsultatióne: * adducéntur in templum Regis.
18  Pro pátribus tuis nati sunt tibi fílii: * constítues eos príncipes super omnem terram.
19  Mémores erunt nóminis tui: * in omni generatióne et generatiónem.
20  Proptérea pópuli confitebúntur tibi in ætérnum: * et in sæculum sæculi.

My heart is inditing of a good matter; * I speak my works unto the King.
2  My tongue is the pen of a writer : * that writeth swiftly.
3  Thou art fairer than the children of men, full of grace are thy lips, * therefore hath God hath blessed thee for ever.
4  Gird thee with thy sword upon thy thigh, * O thou Most Mighty.
5  In thy comeliness, yea in thy beauty : * go forth, ride prosperously, and reign.
6  Because of truth, of meekness, and righteousness; * and thy right hand shall wondrously lead thee.
7  Thy arrows are very sharp, and the people shall be subdued unto thee; *  even in the hearts of the King's enemies.
8  Thy seat, O God, endureth for ever; * the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.
9  Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; * wherefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
10  All thy garments smell of myrrh, aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, * whereby the daughters of kings have made thee glad in thy glory.
11  Upon thy right hand did stand the queen in a vesture of gold, * wrought about with divers colours.
12  Hearken, O daughter, consider, and incline thine ear; * forget also thine own people, and thy father's house.
13  So shall the King have pleasure in thy beauty; * for he is the Lord thy God, and they shall worship him.
14  And the daughters of Tyre shall be there with a gift; * yea, all the rich among the people shall entreat thy countenance.
15  The King's daughter is all glorious within; * in wrought gold clothed round about with divers colours.
16  Virgins shall be brought after her unto the King : * her neighbours shall be brought unto thee.
17  With joy and gladness shall they be brought, * they shall be brought into the King's temple.
18  Instead of thy fathers, thou shalt have children, * whom thou shalt make princes over all the earth..
19  They shall remember thy Name * throughout all generations.
20  Therefore shall the people give thanks unto thee for ever, * yea, and for ever, and world without end.

Ant.    Spécie tua et pulchritúdine tua inténde, próspere procéde, et regna.

Ant.    In thy comeliness, yea, in thy beauty, go forth, ride prosperously, and reign.

Ant.    Adjuvábit eam * Deus vultu suo : Deus in médio ejus, non commovébitur.

Ant.    God shall help her * with his countenance : God is in the midst of her, therefore shall she not be removed.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 45.  Deus noster refugium

Deus noster refúgium, et virtus: * adjútor in tribulatiónibus, quæ invenérunt nos nimis.
2  Proptérea non timébimus dum turbábitur terra: * et transferéntur montes in cor maris.
3  Sonuérunt, et turbátæ sunt aquæ eórum: * conturbáti sunt montes in fortitúdine ejus.
4  Flúminis ímpetus lætíficat civitátem Dei: * sanctificávit tabernáculum suum Altíssimus.
5  Deus in médio ejus, non commovébitur: * adjuvábit eam Deus mane dilúculo.
6  Conturbátæ sunt Gentes, et inclináta sunt regna: * dedit vocem suam, mota est terra.
7  Dóminus virtútum nobíscum: * suscéptor noster Deus Jacob.
8  Veníte, et vidéte ópera Dómini, quæ pósuit prodígia super terram: * áuferens bella usque ad finem terræ.
9  Arcum cónteret, et confrínget arma: * et scuta combúret igni.
10  Vacáte, et vidéte quóniam ego sum Deus: * exaltábor in Géntibus, et exaltábor in terra.
11  Dóminus virtútum nobíscum: * suscéptor noster Deus Jacob.

Psalm 45.  Deus noster refugium

God is our hope and strength, * a very present help in trouble, which hath found us exceedingly.
2  Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be moved, * and though the hills be carried into the midst of the sea;
3  Though the waters thereof rage and swell, * and though the mountains shake at the strength of the same.
4  The rivers of the flood thereof shall make glad the city of God; * the Most Highest hath made holy his tabernacle.
5  God is in the midst of her, therefore shall she not be removed; * God shall help her, and that right early.
6  The nations were troubled, and the kingdoms were bowed down; * but he hath shewed his voice, and the earth hath been moved..
7  The Lord of Hosts is with us; * the God of Jacob is our refuge.
8  O come hither, and behold the works of the Lord : what wonders he hath brought upon the earth : * he maketh wars to cease even to the end of the earth.
9  He shall break the bow, and break the spear in sunder, * and the shield he shall burn in the fire.
10  Be still then, and know that I am God: * I will be exalted among the heathen, and I will be exalted in the earth.
11  The Lord of Hosts is with us; * the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Ant.    Adjuvábit eam Deus vultu suo : Deus in médio ejus, non commovébitur.

Ant.    God shall help her with his countenance : God is in the midst of her, therefore shall she not be removed.

Ant.    Sicut lætántium * ómnium nostrum habitátio est in te, sancta Dei Génitrix.

Ant.    We are in gladness, * all we who have our dwelling place in thee, O holy Mother of God.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 86.  Fundamenta ejus

Fundaménta ejus in móntibus sanctis: * díligit Dóminus portas Sion super ómnia tabernácula Jacob.
2  Gloriósa dicta sunt de te, * cívitas Dei.
3  Memor ero Rahab, et Babylónis * sciéntium me.
4  Ecce alienígenæ, et Tyrus, et pópulus Æthíopum, * hi fuérunt illic.
5  Numquid Sion dicet: Homo, et homo natus est in ea: * et ipse fundávit eam Altíssimus?
6  Dóminus narrábit in scriptúris populórum, et príncipum: * horum, qui fuérunt in ea.
7  Sicut lætántium ómnium: * habitátio est in te.

Psalm 86.  Fundamenta ejus

The foundations thereof are in the holy mountains : * the Lord loveth the gates of Sion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
2  Glorious things of thee are spoken, * thou city of God.
3  I will be mindful of Rahab and Babylon, * with them that know me.
4  Behold ye the Philistines also; and they of Tyre, with the people of the Ethiopians; * lo, these were there.
5  Shall not Sion say: Man, by man is born in her : * and the Most High himself hath stablished her.
6  The Lord shall write in the scriptures of the people and of the princes; * of them that have been born in her.
7  As it were of all rejoicing : * the dwelling is in thee.

Ant.    Sicut lætántium ómnium nostrum habitátio est in te, sancta Dei Génitrix.

Ant.    We are in gladness, all we who have our dwelling place in thee, O holy Mother of God.

STAND

The Lessons for the Second Nocturn are taken either from the Common, as given below, or from an alternate Common, or from the Proper, as given in their proper place.

Lessons from an alternate Common

Proper Lessons

Absolutio: Ipsíus píetas et misericórdia nos ádjuvet, qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivit et regnat in sæcula sæculórum.
R.  Amen.

Absolution:  May his loving-kindness and mercy assist us.  Who, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, for ever and ever.
R.  Amen.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 4: Deus Pater omnípotens sit nobis propítius et clemens.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 4:  May God the Father Almighty shew us his mercy and pity.
R.  Amen.

Dei Fílius non dívitem aut locuplétem áliquam féminam sibi matrem elégit, sed beátam Vírginem illam, cujus ánima virtútibus ornáta erat.  Cum enim beáta María supra omnem humánam natúram castitátem serváret, proptérea Christum Dóminum in ventre concépit.  Ad hanc ígitur sanctíssimam Vírginem et Dei Matrem accurréntes, ejus patrocínii utilitátem assequámur.  Itaque, quæcúmque estis vírgines, ad Matrem Dómini confúgite ; illa enim pulchérrimam, pretiosíssimam et incorruptíbilem possessiónem, patrocínio suo, vobis conservábit.

The Son of God chose for his Mother not a woman of wealth, not a woman of substance, but that blessed maiden whose soul was bright with grace.  It was because Blessed Mary had preserved a superhuman chastity, that she conceived the Lord Jesus Christ in her womb.  Let us then fly to this most holy Virgin Mother of God, that we may gain the help of her patronage.  Yea, all ye that be virgins, whosoever ye be, run to the Mother of the Lord.  She will keep for you by her protection your most beautiful, your most precious, and your most enduring possession.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Sicut cedrus exaltáta sum in Líbano, et sicut cypréssus in monte Sion : quasi myrrha elécta, * Dedi suavitátem odóris.
V.  Et sicut cinnamómum et bálsamum aromatízans.
R.  Dedi suavitátem odóris.

R.  I was exalted like a cedar in Libanus, and as cypress tree upon the mountain of Hermon, * And I yielded a pleasant odour like the best myrrh.
V.  I gave a sweet smell like cinnamon and aspalathus.
R.  And I yielded a pleasant odour like the best myrrh.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 5: Christus perpétuæ det nobis gáudia vitæ.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 5: May Christ bestow upon us the joys of life eternal.
R.  Amen.

Magnum revéra miráculum, fratres dilectíssimi, fuit beáta semper Virgo María.  Quid namque illa majus aut illústrius ullo umquam témpore invéntum est, seu aliquándo inveníri póterit?  Hæc sola cælum ac terram amplitúdine superávit.  Quidnam illa sánctius?  Non Prophétæ, non Apóstoli, non Mártyres, non Patriárchæ, non Angeli, non Throni, non Dominatiónes, non Séraphim, non Chérubim ; non dénique áliud quídpiam, inter creátas res visíbiles aut invisíbiles, majus aut excelléntius inveníri potest.  Eadem ancílla Dei est et mater ; eádem Virgo et Génitrix.

Verily, dearly beloved brethren, the Blessed Virgin Mary was a great wonder.  What thing greater or more famous than she, hath ever at any time been found, or can be found?  She alone is greater than heaven and earth.  What thing holier than she hath been, or can be found?  Neither Prophets nor Apostles.  Neither Martyrs nor Patriarchs.  Neither Angels nor Thrones nor Dóminions, neither Seraphim nor Cherubim.  In truth, no creature, visible or invisible, can be found that is greater or more excellent than she.  She is at once the Handmaid and the Parent of God, at once Virgin and Mother.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Quæ est ista quæ procéssit sicut sol, et formósa tamquam Jerúsalem? * Vidérunt eam fíliæ Sion, et beátam dixérunt, et regínæ laudavérunt eam.
V.  Et sicut dies verni circúmdabant eam flores rosárum et lília convállium.
R.  Vidérunt eam fíliæ Sion, et beátam dixérunt, et regínæ laudavérunt eam.

R.  Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, clear as the sun, fair as the moon, comely as Jerusalem? * The daughters of Sion saw her and blest her ; the queens also, and they did praise her.
V.  As the flower of roses in the spring of the year, and as lilies by the rivers of waters, so did they cluster round about her.
R.  The daughters of Sion saw her and blest her ; the queens also, and they did praise her.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 6: Ignem sui amóris accéndat Deus in córdibus nostris.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 6: May God enkindle in our hearts the fire of his holy love.
R.  Amen.

Hæc ejus mater est, qui a Patre ante omne princípium génitus fuit ; quem Angeli et hómines agnóscunt Dóminum rerum ómnium.  Visne cognóscere quanto Virgo hæc præstántior sit cæléstibus Poténtiis?  Illæ cum timóre et tremóre assístunt, fáciem velántes suam : hæc humánum genus illi offert, quem génuit.  Per hanc et peccatórum véniam conséquimur.  Ave ígitur, mater, cælum, puélla, virgo, thronus.  Ecclésiæ nostræ decus, glória et firmaméntum : assídue pro nobis precáre Jesum, Fílium tuum et Dóminum nostrum, ut per te misericórdiam inveníre in die judícii, et quæ repósita sunt iis qui díligunt Deum bona cónsequi possímus, grátia et benignitáte Dómini nostri Jesu Christi : cum quo Patri simul et Sancto Spirítui glória, et honor, et impérium, nunc et semper in sæcula sæculórum.  Amen.

She is the Mother of him who was begotten of the Father before all ages, which same is acknowledged by Angels and men to be Lord of all.  Wouldst thou know how much nobler is this Virgin than any of the heavenly Powers?  They do stand before him with fear and trembling, veiling their faces with their wings.  But she is the one who dared to bestow humanity on God before she brought him forth.  And thus through her hath come the remission of sins.  Hail, then, O Mother, who art like unto heaven! O Damsel! O Maiden! O Throne! O Adornment, and glory, and foundation of our Church!  Pray for us without ceasing to thy Son and Lord Jesus Christ, that through thee we may find mercy in the day of judgment.  And pray that all those good things which God hath prepared for them that love him may be granted unto us ; through the grace and goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ.  To whom, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, be ascribed all glory and honour, power and might, now, and for ever, and world without end.  Amen.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Ornátam monílibus filiam Jerúsalem Dóminus concupívit : * Et vidéntes eam fíliæ Sion, beatíssimam prædicavérunt, dicéntes : * Unguéntum effúsum nomen tuum.
V.  Astitit regína a dextris tuis in vestítu deauráto, circúmdata varietáte.
R.  Et vidéntes eam fíliæ Sion, beatíssimam prædicavérunt, dicéntes :
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Unguéntum effúsum nomen tuum.

R.  When the Lord beheld the daughter of Jerusalem adorned with her jewels, he greatly desired her beauty : * And when the daughters of Sion saw her, they cried out that she was most blessed, saying : * Thy name is as ointment poured forth.
V.  Upon thy right hand did stand the Queen in a vesture of gold wrought about with divers colours.
R.  And when the daughters of Sion saw her, they cried out that she was most blessed, saying :
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  Thy name is as ointment poured forth.

Third Nocturn

Ant.    Gaude, María Virgo : * cunctas hæreses sola interemísti in univérso mundo.

Ant.    Joy to thee, O Virgin Mary, * for thou hast trampled down all the heresies in the whole world.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 95.  Cantate Domino

Cantáte Dómino cánticum novum: * cantáte Dómino, omnis terra.
2  Cantáte Dómino, et benedícite nómini ejus: * annuntiáte de die in diem salutáre ejus.
3  Annuntiáte inter gentes glóriam ejus, * in ómnibus pópulis mirabília ejus.
4  Quóniam magnus Dóminus, et laudábilis nimis: * terríbilis est super omnes deos.
5  Quóniam omnes dii Géntium dæmónia: * Dóminus autem cælos fecit.
6  Conféssio, et pulchritúdo in conspéctu ejus: * sanctimónia et magnificéntia in sanctificatióne ejus.
7  Afférte Dómino, pátriæ Géntium, afférte Dómino glóriam et honórem: * afférte Dómino glóriam nómini ejus.
8  Tóllite hóstias, et introíte in átria ejus: * adoráte Dóminum in átrio sancto ejus.
9  Commoveátur a fácie ejus univérsa terra: * dícite in Géntibus quia Dóminus regnávit.
10  Etenim corréxit orbem terræ qui non commovébitur: * judicábit pópulos in æquitáte.
11  Læténtur cæli, et exsúltet terra: commoveátur mare et plenitúdo ejus: * gaudébunt campi, et ómnia quæ in eis sunt.
12  Tunc exsultábunt ómnia ligna silvárum a fácie Dómini, quia venit: * quóniam venit judicáre terram.
13  Judicábit orbem terræ in æquitáte, * et pópulos in veritáte sua.

O sing unto the Lord a new song; * sing unto the Lord, all the whole earth.
2  Sing unto the Lord, and bless ye his Name; * be telling of his salvation from day to day.
3  Declare his glory among the heathen, * and his wonders among all peoples.
4  For the Lord is great, and exceeding worthy to be praised; * he is to be feared above all gods.
5  For all the gods of the heathen, they are but devils; * but it is the Lord that made the heavens.
6  Praise and beauty are before him; * holiness and majesty are in his sanctuary.
7  Bring ye to the Lord, O ye kindreds of the nations, bring ye to the Lord glory and honour : * bring ye to the Lord the honour due unto his Name.
8  Bring ye sacrifices, and come into his courts : * O worship the Lord in his holy court.
9  Let the whole earth be moved at his presence : * tell it out among the heathen, that the Lord is King.
10  For he hath corrected the round world, which shall not be moved; * he shall judge the peoples with justice.
11  Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad, let the sea be moved and all the fulness thereof : * the fields shall be joyful, and all that is in them.
12  Then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord, for he cometh : * yea, he cometh to judge the earth..
13  He shall judge the world with justice, * and the peoples with his truth.

Ant.    Gaude, María Virgo : cunctas hæreses sola interemísti in univérso mundo.

Ant.    Joy to thee, O Virgin Mary, for thou hast trampled down all the heresies in the whole world.

Ant.    Dignáre me * laudáre te, Virgo sacráta : da mihi virtútem contra hostes tuos.

Ant.    My praise by thee * accepted be, O hallowed Virgin : obtain for me strength against thine enemies.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 96.  Dominus regnavit

Dóminus regnávit exsúltet terra: * læténtur ínsulæ multæ.
2  Nubes, et calígo in circúitu ejus: * justítia, et judícium corréctio sedis ejus.
3  Ignis ante ipsum præcédet: * et inflammábit in circúitu inimícos ejus.
4  Illuxérunt fúlgura ejus orbi terræ: * vidit et commóta est terra.
5  Montes, sicut cera fluxérunt a fácie Dómini: * a fácie Dómini omnis terra.
6  Annuntiavérunt cæli justítiam ejus: * et vidérunt omnes pópuli glóriam ejus.
7  Confundántur omnes, qui adórant sculptília: * et qui gloriántur in simulácris suis.
8  Adoráte eum, omnes Angeli ejus: * audívit, et lætáta est Sion.
9  Et exsultavérunt fíliæ Judæ: * propter judícia tua, Dómine:
10  Quóniam tu Dóminus Altíssimus super omnem terram: * nimis exaltátus es super omnes deos.
11  Qui dilígitis Dóminum, odíte malum: * custódit Dóminus ánimas sanctórum suórum, de manu peccatóris liberábit eos.
12  Lux orta est justo, * et rectis corde lætítia.
13  Lætámini, justi in Dómino: * et confitémini memóriæ sanctificatiónis ejus.

The Lord hath reigned, may the earth be glad thereof; * yea, the multitude of the isles shall be joyful.
2  Clouds and darkness are round about him: * righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his seat.
3  There shall go a fire before him, * and burn up his enemies on every side.
4  His lightnings gave shine unto the world: * the earth saw it, and trembled.
5  The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord; * the whole earth at the presence of the Lord.
6  The heavens have declared his righteousness, * and all the peoples have seen his glory.
7  Confounded be all they that worship carved images, * and that delight in their vain gods.
8  Worship him, all ye his Angels : * Sion heard of it, and rejoiced.
9  And the daughters of Judah were glad, * because of thy judgments, O Lord.
10  For thou art the most high Lord over all the earth: * thou art exalted far above all gods.
11  O ye that love the Lord, hate evil: * the Lord preserveth the souls of his saints; he shall deliver them from the hand of the ungodly.
12  There is sprung up a light for the righteous, * and joy for such as are true-hearted.
13  Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; * and give thanks for a remembrance of his holiness.

Ant.    Dignáre me laudáre te, Virgo sacráta : da mihi virtútem contra hostes tuos.

Ant.    My praise by thee accepted be, O hallowed Virgin : obtain for me strength against thine enemies.

Ant.    Post partum, * Virgo, ínvioláta permansísti : Dei Génitrix, intercéde pro nobis.

Ant.    After child-bearing, * thou remainedst a pure Virgin : Mother of God, intercede for us.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 97.  Cantate Domino

Cantáte Dómino cánticum novum: * quia mirabília fecit.
2  Salvávit sibi déxtera ejus: * et bráchium sanctum ejus.
3  Notum fecit Dóminus salutáre suum: * in conspéctu Géntium revelávit justítiam suam.
4  Recordátus est misericórdiæ suæ, * et veritátis suæ dómui Israël.
5  Vidérunt omnes términi terræ * salutáre Dei nostri.
6  Jubiláte Deo, omnis terra: * cantáte, et exsultáte, et psállite.
7  Psállite Dómino in cíthara, in cíthara et voce psalmi: * in tubis ductílibus, et voce tubæ córneæ.
8  Jubiláte in conspéctu regis Dómini: * moveátur mare, et plenitúdo ejus: orbis terrárum, et qui hábitant in eo.
9  Flúmina plaudent manu, simul montes exsultábunt a conspéctu Dómini: * quóniam venit judicáre terram.
10  Judicábit orbem terrárum in justítia, * et pópulos in æquitáte.

O sing unto the Lord a new song; * for he hath done marvellous things.
2  His right hand hath wrought for him salvation : * and his arm is holy.
3  The Lord hath made known his salvation; * his righteousness hath he revealed in the sight of the heathen.
4  He hath remembered his mercy, * and his truth toward the house of Israel.
5  All the ends of the world have seen * the salvation of our God.
6  Be ye joyful unto God, all the earth : * make melody, rejoice, and sing.
7  Sing praise unto the Lord upon the harp, yea, upon the harp and with the voice of a psalm : * with long trumpets, and with the sound of the shawm.
8  O shew yourselves joyful before the Lord, the King : * let the sea be moved, and the fulness thereof: the round world, and they that dwell therein.
9  Let the floods clap their hands, and let the hills be joyful together before the Lord; * for he is come to judge the earth.
10  With righteousness shall he judge the world, * and the peoples with equity.

Ant.    Post partum, Virgo, ínvioláta permansísti : Dei Génitrix, intercéde pro nobis.

Ant.    After child-bearing, thou remainedst a pure Virgin : Mother of God, intercede for us.

STAND