Common of a Martyr

1st Vespers

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.

Ant.    Qui me conféssus fúerit * coram homínibus, confitébor et ego eum coram Patre meo.

Ant.    Whosoever shall confess me * before men, him will I confess also before my Father.

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 110.  Confitebor

Confitébor tibi, Dómine, in toto corde meo: * in consílio justórum, et congregatióne.
2  Magna ópera Dómini: * exquisíta in omnes voluntátes ejus.
3  Conféssio et magnificéntia opus ejus: * et justítia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.
4  Memóriam fecit mirabílium suórum, miséricors et miserátor Dóminus: * escam dedit timéntibus se.
5  Memor erit in sæculum testaménti sui: * virtútem óperum suórum annuntiábit pópulo suo:
6  Ut det illis hereditátem géntium: * ópera mánuum ejus véritas, et judícium.
7  Fidélia ómnia mandáta ejus: confirmáta in sæculum sæculi, * facta in veritáte et æquitáte.
8  Redemptiónem misit pópulo suo: * mandávit in ætérnum testaméntum suum.
9  (fit reverentia) Sanctum, et terríbile nomen ejus: * inítium sapiéntiæ timor Dómini.
10  Intelléctus bonus ómnibus faciéntibus eum: * laudátio ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.

Psalm 110.  Confitebor

I will give thanks unto the Lord with my whole heart, * in the assembly of the righteous, and in the congregation.
2  The works of the Lord are great, * meet to serve for the doing of his will.
3  His work is worthy to be praised and had in honour, * and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4  He hath made a memorial of his marvellous works; the Lord is merciful and gracious : * he hath given meat unto them that fear him.
5  He shall ever be mindful of his covenant : * he will shew his people the power of his works.
6  That he may give them the heritage of the heathen : * the works of his hands are verity and judgment.
7  All his commandments are true; they stand fast for ever and ever : * and are done in truth and equity.
8  He sent redemption unto his people; * he hath commanded his covenant for ever.
9  (all bow) Holy and terrible is his Name : * the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
10  A good understanding have all they that do thereafter; * his praise endureth for ever.

Psalmus 111.  Beatus vir

Beátus vir, qui timet Dóminum: * in mandátis ejus volet nimis.
2  Potens in terra erit semen ejus: * generátio rectórum benedicétur.
3  Glória, et divítiæ in domo ejus: * et justítia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.
4  Exórtum est in ténebris lumen rectis: * miséricors, et miserátor, et justus.
5  Jucúndus homo qui miserétur et cómmodat, dispónet sermónes suos in judício: * quia in ætérnum non commovébitur.
6  In memória ætérna erit justus: * ab auditióne mala non timébit.
7  Parátum cor ejus speráre in Dómino, confirmátum est cor ejus: * non commovébitur donec despíciat inimícos suos.
8  Dispérsit, dedit paupéribus: justítia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi, * cornu ejus exaltábitur in glória.
9  Peccátor vidébit, et irascétur, déntibus suis fremet et tabéscet: * desidérium peccatórum períbit.

Psalm 111.  Beatus vir

Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord; * he hath great delight in his commandments.
2  His seed shall be mighty upon earth; * the generation of the righteous shall be blessed.
3  Glory and riches shall be in his house; * and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4  Unto the godly there ariseth up light in the darkness; * he is merciful, loving, and righteous.
5  Happy is the man that sheweth mercy, and lendeth; he will guide his words with discretion : * for he shall never be moved.
6  The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance : * he shall not be afraid of any evil tidings.
7  His heart is ready, trusting in the Lord, his heart is stablished, * he shall not be afraid until he see his desire upon his enemies.
8  He hath dispersed abroad, and given to the poor, and his righteousness remaineth for ever; * his horn shall be exalted with honour.
9  The ungodly shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and consume away; * the desire of the ungodly shall perish.

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 116.  Laudate Dominum

Laudáte Dóminum, omnes Gentes: * laudáte eum, omnes pópuli :
2  Quóniam confirmáta est super nos misericórdia ejus: * et véritas Dómini manet in ætérnum.

Psalm 116.  Laudate Dominum

O praise the Lord, all ye nations; * praise him, all ye peoples.
2  For his mercy is confirmed upon us; * and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever.

STAND

Deus, tuórum mílitum
Sors, et coróna, præmium,
Laudes canéntes Mártyris
Absólve nexu críminis.

Hic nempe mundi gáudia,
Et blanda fraudum pábula
Imbúta felle députans,
Pervénit ad cæléstia.

Pœnas cucúrrit fórtiter,
Et sústulit viríliter,
Fundénsque pro te sánguinem,
Ætérna dona póssidet.

Ob hoc precátu súpplici
Te póscimus, piíssime :
In hoc triúmpho Mártyris
Dimítte noxam sérvulis.

*  Laus et perénnis glória
Patri sit, atque Fílio,
Sancto simul Paráclito,
In sempitérna sæcula.  Amen.

O God, thy soldiers' great reward,
Their portion, crown, and faithful Lord,
From all transgressions set us free
Who sing thy Martyr's victory.

By wisdom taught he learn'd to know
The vanity of all below,
The fleeting joys of earth disdain'd,
And everlasting glory gain'd.

For thee through many a woe he ran,
In many a fight he play'd the man;
For thee his blood he dar'd to pour,
And thence hath joy for evermore.

We therefore pray thee, Lord of love,
Regard us from thy throne above;
On this thy Martyr's triumph-day
Wash ev'ry stain of sin away.

Ordinary Doxology
Enduring laud and praise be done
To God the Father, and the Son,
And to the Holy Paraclete,
For endless ages, as is meet.  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:  This is a Saint * who strove for the truth, even unto death, and feared not the words of sinful men, forasmuch as he was founded upon a sure foundation.

COMMEMORATIONS, if there be any

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH
 

Matins

The first part of Matins is in the Ordinary

Invitatory and Hymn

Regem Mártyrum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Martyrs, * O come, let us worship.

Regem Mártyrum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Martyrs, * O come, let us worship.

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.

Regem Mártyrum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Martyrs, * 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 Mártyrum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Martyrs, * 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 Mártyrum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Martyrs, * O come, let us worship.

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.

Veníte, adorémus.

O come, let us worship.

Regem Mártyrum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Martyrs, * O come, let us worship.

Deus, tuórum mílitum
Sors, et coróna, præmium,
Laudes canéntes Mártyris
Absólve nexu críminis.

Hic nempe mundi gáudia,
Et blanda fraudum pábula
Imbúta felle députans,
Pervénit ad cæléstia.

Pœnas cucúrrit fórtiter,
Et sústulit viríliter,
Fundénsque pro te sánguinem,
Ætérna dona póssidet.

Ob hoc precátu súpplici
Te póscimus, piíssime :
In hoc triúmpho Mártyris
Dimítte noxam sérvulis.

*  Laus et perénnis glória
Patri sit, atque Fílio,
Sancto simul Paráclito,
In sempitérna sæcula.  Amen.

O God, thy soldiers' great reward,
Their portion, crown, and faithful Lord,
From all transgressions set us free
Who sing thy Martyr's victory.

By wisdom taught he learn'd to know
The vanity of all below,
The fleeting joys of earth disdain'd,
And everlasting glory gain'd.

For thee through many a woe he ran,
In many a fight he play'd the man;
For thee his blood he dar'd to pour,
And thence hath joy for evermore.

We therefore pray thee, Lord of love,
Regard us from thy throne above;
On this thy Martyr's triumph-day
Wash ev'ry stain of sin away.

Ordinary Doxology
Enduring laud and praise be done
To God the Father, and the Son,
And to the Holy Paraclete,
For endless ages, as is meet.  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.    In lege Dómini * fuit volúntas ejus die ac nocte.

Ant.    His delight * was in the law of the Lord, both day and night.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 1.  Beatus vir

Beátus vir, qui non ábiit in consílio impiórum, et in via peccatórum non stetit, * et in cáthedra pestiléntiæ non sedit :
2  Sed in lege Dómini volúntas ejus, * et in lege ejus meditábitur die ac nocte.
3  Et erit tamquam lignum, quod plantátum est secus decúrsus aquárum, * quod fructum suum dabit in témpore suo:
4  Et fólium ejus non défluet: * et ómnia quæcúmque fáciet, prosperabúntur.
5  Non sic ímpii, non sic: * sed tamquam pulvis, quem prójicit ventus a fácie terræ.
6  Ideo non resúrgent ímpii in judício: * neque peccatóres in concílio justórum.
7  Quóniam novit Dóminus viam justórum: * et iter impiórum períbit.

Blessed is the man that hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, * and hath not sat in the seat of pestilence.
2  But his delight is in the law of the Lord; * and in his law will he exercise himself day and night.
3  And he shall be like a tree planted by the water-side, * that will bring forth his fruit in due season.
4  His leaf also shall not wither; * and all whatsoever he doeth, it shall prosper.
5  As for the ungodly, it is not so with them; * but they are like the chaff, which the wind scattereth away from the face of the earth.
6  Therefore the ungodly shall not rise again in judgment; * neither the sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
7  For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous; * and the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Ant.    In lege Dómini fuit volúntas ejus die ac nocte.

Ant.    His delight was in the law of the Lord, both day and night.

Ant.    Prædicans * præcéptum Dómini constitútus est in monte sancto ejus.

Ant.    The Lord hath set him * upon his holy hill, to declare his decree.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 2.  Quare fremuerunt gentes?

Quare fremuérunt Gentes: * et pópuli meditáti sunt inánia?
2  Astitérunt reges terræ, et príncipes convenérunt in unum * advérsus Dóminum, et advérsus Christum ejus.
3  Dirumpámus víncula eórum: * et projiciámus a nobis jugum ipsórum.
4  Qui hábitat in cælis, irridébit eos: * et Dóminus subsannábit eos.
5  Tunc loquétur ad eos in ira sua, * et in furóre suo conturbábit eos.
6  Ego autem constitútus sum Rex ab eo super Sion montem sanctum ejus, * prædicans præcéptum ejus.
7  Dóminus dixit ad me: * Fílius meus es tu, ego hódie génui te.
8  Póstula a me, et dabo tibi Gentes hereditátem tuam, * et possessiónem tuam términos terræ.
9  Reges eos in virga férrea, * et tamquam vas fíguli confrínges eos.
10  Et nunc, reges, intellígite: * erudímini, qui judicátis terram.
11  Servíte Dómino in timóre: * et exsultáte ei cum tremóre.
12  Apprehéndite disciplínam, nequándo irascátur Dóminus, * et pereátis de via justa.
13  Cum exárserit in brevi ira ejus: * beáti omnes qui confídunt in eo.

Psalm 2.  Quare fremuerunt gentes?

Why do the heathen so furiously rage together? * and why do the people imagine a vain thing?
2  The kings of the earth have arisen, and the rulers have taken counsel together * against the Lord, and against his Anointed.
3  Let us break their bonds asunder, * and cast away their cords from us.
4  He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh them to scorn: *  the Lord shall have them in derision.
5  Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, * and vex them in his sore displeasure :
6  Yet I have been stablished King by him upon his holy hill of Sion, * preaching his commandment.
7  The Lord hath said unto me : * Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
8  Desire of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, * and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession.
9  Thou shalt rule them with a rod of iron, * and break them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
10  Be wise now therefore, O ye kings; * be learned, ye that are judges of the earth.
11  Serve the Lord in fear, * and rejoice unto him with reverence.
12  Embrace discipline, lest at any time the Lord be angry, * and so ye perish from the right way.
13  If his wrath be kindled, yea, but in a short time : *  blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Ant.    Prædicans præcéptum Dómini constitútus est in monte sancto ejus.

Ant.    The Lord hath set him upon his holy hill, to declare his decree.

Ant.    Voce mea * ad Dóminum clamávi : et exaudívit me de monte sancto ejus.

Ant.    I did call * upon the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 3.  Domine quid multiplicati?

Dómine quid multiplicáti sunt qui tríbulant me? * multi insúrgunt advérsum me.
2  Multi dicunt ánimæ meæ: * Non est salus ipsi in Deo ejus.
3  Tu autem, Dómine, suscéptor meus es, * glória mea, et exáltans caput meum.
4  Voce mea ad Dóminum clamávi: * et exaudívit me de monte sancto suo.
5  Ego dormívi, et soporátus sum: * et exsurréxi, quia Dóminus suscépit me.
6  Non timébo míllia pópuli circumdántis me: * exsúrge, Dómine, salvum me fac, Deus meus.
7  Quóniam tu percussísti omnes adversántes mihi sine causa: * dentes peccatórum contrivísti.
8  Dómini est salus: * et super pópulum tuum benedíctio tua.

Psalm 3.  Domine quid multiplicati?

Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! * many are they that rise against me.
2  Many one there be that say of my soul, * There is no help for him in his God.
3  But thou, O Lord, art my defender; * thou art my worship, and the lifter up of my head.
4  I did call upon the Lord with my voice, * and he heard me out of his holy hill.
5  I laid me down and slept, * and rose up again, for the Lord sustained me.
6  I will not be afraid for thousands of the people that have set themselves against me round about ; * up, Lord, and help me, O my God.
7  For thou smitest all that are mine enemies without cause ; * thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
8  Salvation belongeth unto the Lord; * and thy blessing is upon thy people.

Ant.    Voce mea ad Dóminum clamávi : et exaudívit me de monte sancto ejus.

Ant.    I did call upon the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill.

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.

The following Lessons for the First Nocturn are said in Feasts of a Martyr Bishop.  In Feasts of a Martyr who is not a Bishop, however, the Lessons Fratres: Debitores are given in their proper place.

De Actibus Apostolórum

The Lesson is taken from the Acts of the Apostles

A Miléto Paulus autem mittens Ephesum, vocávit majóres natu Ecclésiæ.  Qui cum veníssent ad eum, et simul essent, dixit eis : Vos scitis a prima die, qua ingréssus sum in Asiam, quáliter vobíscum per omne tempus fúerim, sérviens Dómino cum omni humilitáte, et lácrimis, et tentatiónibus, quæ mihi accidérunt ex insídiis Judæórum : quómodo nihil subtráxerim utílium, quóminus annuntiárem vobis, et docérem vos públice et per domos, testíficans Judæis, atque Gentílibus in Deum pœniténtiam, et fidem in Dóminum nostrum Jesum Christum.  Et nunc ecce alligátus ego spíritu, vado in Jerúsalem : quæ in ea ventúra sint mihi, ignórans : nisi quod Spíritus Sanctus per omnes civitátes protestátur, dicens : Quóniam víncula, et tribulatiónes me manent.  Sed nihil horum véreor : nec fácio ánimam pretiosiórem quam me, dúmmodo consúmmem cursum meum, et ministérium verbi, quod accépi a Dómino Jesu, testificári Evangélium grátiæ Dei

From Miletus Paul sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.  And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons; serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and in trials which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews : and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.  And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:  save that the Holy Ghost testifieth unto me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.  But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I may finish my course with joy, and the Ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace of God.

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

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

R.  Iste Sanctus pro lege Dei sui certávit usque ad mortem, et a verbis impiórum non tímuit: * Fundátus enim erat supra firmam petram.
V.  Iste est, qui contémpsit vitam mundi, et pervénit ad cæléstia regna.
R.  Fundátus enim erat supra firmam petram.

R.  This man is holy, for he hath striven for the law of his God even unto death, and hath not feared for the words of the ungodly; * For he had his foundation upon a strong rock.
V.  This is he which loved not his life in this world, and is come unto an everlasting kingdom.
R.  For he had his foundation upon a strong rock.

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.

Et nunc ecce ego scio quia ámplius non vidébitis fáciem meam vos omnes, per quos transívi prædicans regnum Dei.  Quaprópter contéstor vos hodiérna die, quia mundus sum a sánguine ómnium.  Non enim subterfúgi quóminus annuntiárem omne consílium Dei vobis.  Atténdite vobis, et univérso gregi, in quo vos Spíritus Sanctus pósuit epíscopos régere Ecclésiam Dei, quam acquisívit sánguine suo.  Ego scio quóniam intrábunt post discessiónem meam lupi rapáces in vos, non parcéntes gregi.  Et ex vobis ipsis exsúrgent viri loquéntes pervérsa, ut abdúcant discípulos post se.  Propter quod vigiláte memória retinéntes : quóniam per triénnium nocte et die non cessávi, cum lácrimis monens, unumquémque vestrum.

And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.  Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.  For I have not shunned to declare unto you the whole counsel of God.  Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you bishops, to feed the Church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.  For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.  Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.  Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

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

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

R.  Justus germinábit sicut lílium: * Et florébit in ætérnum ante Dóminum.
V.  Plantátus in domo Dómini, in átriis domus Dei nostri.
R.  Et florébit in ætérnum ante Dóminum.

R.  The righteous shall grow as the lily; *  Yea, he shall flourish in the presence of the Lord for ever.
V.  Those that be planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish in the courts of the house of our God.
R.  Yea, he shall flourish in the presence of the Lord for ever.

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.

Et nunc comméndo vos Deo, et verbo grátiæ ipsíus. qui potens est ædificáre, et dare hereditátem in sanctificátis ómnibus.  Argéntum, aut aurum, aut vestem nullíus concupívi, sicut ipsi scitis : quóniam ad ea, quæ mihi opus erant, et his, qui mecum sunt, ministravérunt manus istæ.  Omnia osténdi vobis, quóniam sic laborántes, opórtet suscípere infírmos, ac meminísse verbi Dómini Jesu, quóniam ipse dixit : Beátius est magis dare, quam accípere.  Et cum hæc dixísset, pósitis génibus suis, orávit cum ómnibus illis.  Magnus autem fletus factus est ómnium : et procumbéntes super collum Pauli, osculabántur eum, doléntes máxime in verbo, quod díxerat, quóniam ámplius fáciem ejus non essent visúri.  Et deducébant eum ad navem.

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all them which are sanctified.  I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.  Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.  In all things I gave you an example, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.  And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.  And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he had spoken, that they should behold his face no more. And they brought him on his way unto the ship.

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

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

R.  Iste cognóvit justítiam, et vidit mirabília magna, et exorávit Altíssimum: * Et invéntus est in número Sanctórum.
V.  Iste est, qui contémpsit vitam mundi, et pervénit ad cæléstia regna.
R.  Et invéntus est in número Sanctórum.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Et invéntus est in número Sanctórum.

R.  This is he which knew righteousness, and saw great wonders, and made his prayer unto the Most High; * And he is numbered among the Saints.
V.  This is he which loved not his life in this world, and is come unto an everlasting kingdom.
R.  And he is numbered among the Saints.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  And he is numbered among the Saints.

Second Nocturn

Ant.    Fílii hóminum, * scitóte quia Dóminus sanctum suum mirificávit.

Ant.    O ye sons of men, * know this also, that the Lord hath chosen to himself the man that is godly.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 4. Cum invocarem

Cum invocárem exaudívit me Deus justítiæ meæ: *  in tribulatióne dilatásti mihi.
2  Miserére mei, * et exáudi oratiónem meam.
3  Fílii hóminum, úsquequo gravi corde? *  ut quid dilígitis vanitátem et quæritis mendácium?
4  Et scitóte quóniam mirificávit Dóminus sanctum suum: * Dóminus exáudiet me cum clamávero ad eum.
5  Irascímini, et nolíte peccáre: * quæ dícitis in córdibus vestris, in cubílibus vestris compungímini.
6  Sacrificáte sacrifícium justítiæ, et speráte in Dómino, * multi dicunt quis osténdit nobis bona?
7  Signátum est super nos lumen vultus tui, Dómine: *  dedísti lætítiam in corde meo.
8  A fructu fruménti, vini et ólei sui * multiplicáti sunt.
9  In pace in idípsum * dórmiam et requiéscam;
10  Quóniam tu, Dómine, singuláriter in spe * constituísti me.

He hath heard me when I call, the God of my righteousness: * thou hast set me at liberty when I was in trouble.
2  Have mercy upon me, * and hearken unto my prayer.
3  O ye sons of men, how long will ye be dull of heart? * and have such pleasure in vanity, and seek after leasing?
4  Know this also, that the Lord hath chosen to himself the man that is godly; * when I call upon the Lord he will hear me.
5  Be ye angry, and sin not; * the things that ye say in your hearts, repent ye them upon your beds.
6  Offer the sacrifice of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord, * there be many that say, who will shew us any good?
7  The light of thy countenance, O Lord, is sealed upon us, * thou hast put gladness in my heart.
8  By the fruit of their corn and wine and oil * have they been multiplied.
9  I will lay me down in peace, * and take my rest;
10  For it is thou, Lord, only, * that makest me dwell in safety.

Ant.    Fílii hóminum, scitóte quia Dóminus sanctum suum mirificávit.

Ant.    O ye sons of men, know this also, that the Lord hath chosen to himself the man that is godly.

Ant.    Scuto bonæ voluntátis * tuæ coronásti eum, Dómine.

Ant.    Thou hast crowned him, * O Lord, with the shield of thy good will.

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.

Psalm 5.  Verba mea

Ponder my words, O Lord, * consider my cry.
2  O hearken thou unto the voice of my calling, * my King and my God.
3  For unto thee will I make my prayer : * in the morning shalt thou hear my voice, O Lord.
4  Early in the morning will I stand before thee, and will see : * for thou art the God that hast no pleasure in wickedness.
5  Neither shall any evil dwell with thee : * nor shall the unjust abide before thine eyes.
6  For thou hatest all them that work iniquity : * thou shalt destroy them that speak lies.
7  The Lord will abhor both the blood-thirsty and deceitful man : * but as for me, in the multitude of thy mercy.
8   I will come into thine house; * and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.
9  Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness, * because of mine enemies make my way plain before thy face.
10  For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; * their heart is vain.
11  Their throat is an open sepulchre, they flatter with their tongue : * judge thou them, O God.
12  Let them perish through their own imaginations; cast them out in the multitude of their ungodliness; * for they have rebelled against thee, O Lord.
13  And let all them that put their trust in thee rejoice: * they shall for ever be glad, and thou shalt dwell amongst them.
14  And all they that love thy Name shall be joyful in thee; * for thou, Lord, wilt give thy blessing unto the righteous.
15  Thou hast crowned us, O Lord, * as with a shield of thy good will.

Ant.    Scuto bonæ voluntátis tuæ coronásti eum, Dómine.

Ant.    Thou hast crowned him, O Lord, with the shield of thy good will.

Ant.    In univérsa terra * glória et honóre coronásti eum.

Ant.    Thou hast crowned him * with glory and worship in all the earth.

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.    In univérsa terra glória et honóre coronásti eum.

Ant.    Thou hast crowned him with glory and worship in all the earth.

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.

Triumphális beáti Mártyris N. dies hódie nobis anniversária celebritáte recúrrit ; cujus glorificatióni sicut congáudet Ecclésia, sic ejus propónit sequénda vestígia.  Si enim compátimur, et conglorificábimur.  In cujus glorióso agóne duo nobis præcípue consideránda sunt : induráta vidélicet tortóris sævítia, et Mártyris invícta patiéntia.  Sævítia tortóris ut eam detestémur ; patiéntia Mártyris, ut eam imitémur.  Audi Psalmístam advérsus malítiam increpántem : Noli æmulári in malignántibus, quóniam tamquam fœnum velóciter aréscent.  Quod autem advérsus malignántes patiéntia exhibénda sit, audi Apóstolum suadéntem : Patiéntia vobis necessária est, ut reportétis promissiónes.

The illustrious day whereon the blessed Martyr N. conquered, doth this day come round to us again : and as the Church doth rejoice with him in his glory, so doth she set before us his footsteps to be followed.  For if we suffer, we shall also reign with him.  In his glorious battle we have two things chiefly to consider : the hardened cruelty of the tormentor, and the unconquered patience of the Martyr : the cruelty of the tormentor, that we may abhor it ; the patience of the Martyr, that we may imitate it.  Hear what the Psalmist saith, complaining against sin : Fret not thyself because of the ungodly, for they shall soon be cut down like the grass.  But touching the patience which is to be shewn against the ungodly, hear the word wherewith the Apostle moveth us : Ye have need of patience, that ye may receive the promise.

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

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

R.  Honéstum fecit illum Dóminus, et custodívit eum ab inimícis, et a seductóribus tutávit illum: * Et dedit illi claritátem ætérnam.
V.  Descendítque cum illo in fóveam, et in vínculis non derelíquit eum.
R.  Et dedit illi claritátem ætérnam.

R.  The Lord multiplied the fruit of his labours and defended him from his enemies, and kept him safe from those that lay in wait: * And gave him perpetual glory.
V.  The Lord went down with him into the pit, and left him not in bonds.
R.  And gave him perpetual glory.

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.

Coronáta ítaque est beáti Mártyris patiéntia : mancipáta est ætérnis cruciátibus tortóris incorrécta malítia.  Hoc atténdens in agóne suo gloriósus Christi Athléta, non exhórruit cárcerem.  Ad imitatiónem cápitis sui tolerávit probra, sustínuit irrisiónes, flagélla non tímuit ; et quot ante mortem pro Christo pértulit supplícia, tot ei de se óbtulit sacrifícia.  Quod enim, propinánte Apóstolo, bíberat, alte retinébat : Quia non sunt condígnæ passiónes hujus témporis ad futúram glóriam, quæ revelábitur in nobis ; et Quia momentáneum hoc et leve nostræ tribulatiónis, ætérnum glóriæ pondus operátur in cælis.  Hujus promissiónis amóre a terrénis suspénsus, et prægustáta supérnæ suavitátis dulcédine ineffabíliter afféctus, dicébat cum Psalmísta : Quid mihi est in cælo, et a te quid vólui super terram?  Defécit caro mea et cor meum : Deus cordis mei, et pars mea Deus in ætérnum.

So the patience of the blessed Martyr was crowned, and the unchastened spite of the tormentor is given over to everlasting torture.  Christ's glorious champion looked for this during his battle, and shrank not from prison.  Like his Master, he bore reproach, endured mocking, and feared not for scourges : and as many sufferings as he endured before he died for Christ, so many offerings did he make of himself unto Christ.  For he kept in his heart those words of which he had drunk deep wherewith the Apostle doth pledge us: The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us; for our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.  Being uplifted above earthly things in the love inspired by this promise, and greatly moved by the pleasant foretaste of the heavenly sweetness, he could say with the Psalmist : Whom have I in heaven but thee, and there is none upon earth that I desire in comparison of thee?  My flesh and my heart faileth, but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

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

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

R.  Desidérium ánimæ ejus tribuísti ei, Dómine, * Et  voluntáte labiórum ejus non fraudásti eum.
V.  Quóniam prævenísti eum in benedictiónibus dulcédinis, posuísti in cápite ejus corónam de lápide pretióso.
R.  Et  voluntáte labiórum ejus non fraudásti eum.

R.  Thou hast given him, O Lord, his heart's desire, * And hast not denied him the request of his lips.
V.  For thou hast prevented him with the blessings of goodness, and hast set a crown of precious stones upon his head.
R.  And hast not denied him the request of his lips.

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.

Contemplabátur enim quantum in ænígmate infírmitas humána óculum mentis in æternitáte fígere potest, quanta sint supérnæ civitátis gáudia ; et, ea enárrare non suffíciens, admirándo clamábat : Quid mihi est in cælo?  Quasi díceret : Excédit vires meas, excédit facultátem eloquéntiæ meæ, transcéndit capacitátem intelligéntiæ meæ illud decus, illa glória, illa celsitúdo, qua nobis, a conturbatióne hóminum remótis, in abscóndito faciéi suæ Jesus Christus Dóminus noster reformábit corpus humilitátis nostræ, configurátum córpori claritátis suæ.  Hujus perféctæ libertátis contemplatióne nullum vitábat perículum, nullum horrébat supplícium ; et, si míllies posset mori, non putábat se hanc digne posse áliqua ratióne promeréri.

For as far as man's weakness could do so, in this our darkness, he fixed the eyes of his soul on things eternal, and contemplated the joys of the heavenly city.  And being unable to describe it, he could only cry in wonder : Whom have I in heaven but thee?  As though to say : What thou art passeth my strength to contemplate.  It passeth the power of my utterance.  It goeth beyond the reach of my understanding.  Such is that beauty, that glory, that exaltation, wherein, far from the provoking of men, in the secret of his presence, our Lord Jesus Christ shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his own glorious body!  Because of his vision of this perfect liberty he shrank from no danger, and quailed before no torment.  And if he could have died a thousand times, he would not have thought that he had paid a price high enough of this perfect liberty.

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

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

R.  Stola jucunditátis índuit eum Dóminus : * Et corónam pulchritúdinis pósuit super caput ejus.
V.  Cibávit illum Dóminus pane vitæ et intelléctus : et aqua sapiéntiæ salutáris potávit illum.
R.  Et corónam pulchritúdinis pósuit super caput ejus.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Et corónam pulchritúdinis pósuit super caput ejus.

R.  The Lord hath put on him a robe of honour, * And hath put about his head a crown of joy.
V.  With the bread of life and understanding the Lord hath fed him, and hath given him the water of wisdom to drink.
R.  And hath put about his head a crown of joy.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  And hath put about his head a crown of joy.

Third Nocturn

Ant.    Justus Dóminus, * et justititam diléxit : æquitátem vidit vultus ejus.

Ant.    The righteous Lord * loveth righteousness; his countenance hath beholden the thing that is just.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 10.  In Domino confido

In Dómino confído : quómodo dícitis ánimæ meæ: * Tránsmigra in montem sicut passer?
2  Quóniam ecce peccatóres intendérunt arcum, paravérunt sagíttas suas in pháretra, * ut sagíttent in obscúro rectos corde.
3  Quóniam quæ perfecísti, destruxérunt: * justus autem quid fecit?
4  Dóminus in templo sancto suo, * Dóminus in cælo sedes ejus.
5  Oculi ejus in páuperem respíciunt: * pálpebræ ejus intérrogant fílios hóminum.
6  Dóminus intérrogat justum et ímpium: * qui autem díligit iniquitátem, odit ánimam suam.
7  Pluet super peccatóres láqueos: * ignis, et sulphur, et spíritus procellárum pars cálicis eórum.
8  Quóniam justus Dóminus, et justítias diléxit: * æquitátem vidit vultus ejus.

Psalm 10.  In Domino confido

In the Lord do I put my trust : how say ye then to my soul, * that she should flee as a bird unto the hill?
2  For lo, the ungodly bend their bow, and make ready their arrows within the quiver, * that they may shoot in the dark at them which are true of heart.
3  For they have destroyed the things which thou hast made : * and what hath the righteous done?
4  The Lord is in his holy temple; * the Lord's seat is in heaven.
5  His eyes consider the poor, * and his eyelids try the children of men.
6  The Lord trieth the righteous and the wicked : * but he that delighteth in wickedness, abhoreth his own soul.
7  Upon the ungodly he shall rain snares, * fire and brimstone, storm and tempest shall be their portion to drink.
8  For the Lord is righteous and loveth righteousness; * his countenance hath beholden the thing that is just.

Ant.    Justus Dóminus, et justititam diléxit : æquitátem vidit vultus ejus.

Ant.    The righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance hath beholden the thing that is just.

Ant.    Habitábit * in tabernáculo tuo : requiéscet in monte sancto tuo.

Ant.    He shall dwell * in thy tabernacle : he shall rest upon thy holy hill.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 14.  Domine, quis habitabit?

Dómine, quis habitábit in tabernáculo tuo? * aut quis requiéscet in monte sancto tuo?
2  Qui ingréditur sine mácula, * et operátur justítiam :
3  Qui lóquitur veritátem in corde suo, * qui non egit dolum in lingua sua :
4  Nec fecit próximo suo malum, * et oppróbrium non accépit advérsus próximos suos.
5  Ad níhilum dedúctus est in conspéctu ejus malígnus: * timéntes autem Dóminum gloríficat :
6  Qui jurat próximo suo, et non décipit, * qui pecúniam suam non dedit ad usúram, et múnera super innocéntem non accépit.
7  Qui facit hæc: * non movébitur in ætérnum.

Psalm 14.  Domine, quis habitabit?

Lord, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle? * or who shall rest upon thy holy hill?
2  Even he that leadeth an uncorrupt life, * and doeth the thing which is right.
3  He that speaketh the truth in his heart, * and that hath used no deceit in his tongue.
4  Nor done evil to his neighbour, * and hath not taken up slander against his neighbour.
5  In his sight the malicious is brought to nought, * but he glorifieth them that fear the Lord.
6  He that sweareth unto his neighbour, and disappointeth him not, * he that hath not given his money upon usury, nor taken reward against the innocent.
7  Whoso doeth these things * shall never fall.

Ant.    Habitábit in tabernáculo tuo : requiéscet in monte sancto tuo.

Ant.    He shall dwell in thy tabernacle : he shall rest upon thy holy hill.

Ant.    Posuísti, Dómine, * super caput ejus corónam de lápide pretióso.

Ant.    Thou hast set * a crown of precious stones upon his head, O Lord.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 20.  Domine, in virtute tua

Dómine, in virtúte tua lætábitur rex: * et super salutáre tuum exsultábit veheménter.
2  Desidérium cordis ejus tribuísti ei: * et voluntáte labiórum ejus non fraudásti eum.
3  Quóniam prævenísti eum in benedictiónibus dulcédinis: * posuísti in cápite ejus corónam de lápide pretióso.
4  Vitam pétiit a te: * et tribuísti ei longitúdinem diérum in sæculum, et in sæculum sæculi.
5  Magna est glória ejus in salutári tuo: * glóriam et magnum decórem impónes super eum.
6  Quóniam dabis eum in benedictiónem in sæculum sæculi: * lætificábis eum in gáudio cum vultu tuo.
7  Quóniam rex sperat in Dómino: * et in misericórdia Altíssimi non commovébitur.
8  Inveniátur manus tua ómnibus inimícis tuis: * déxtera tua invéniat omnes, qui te odérunt.
9  Pones eos ut clíbanum ignis in témpore vultus tui: * Dóminus in ira sua conturbábit eos, et devorábit eos ignis.
10  Fructum eórum de terra perdes: * et semen eórum a fíliis hóminum.
11  Quóniam declinavérunt in te mala: * cogitavérunt consília, quæ non potuérunt stabilíre.
12  Quóniam pones eos dorsum: * in relíquiis tuis præparábis vultum eórum.
13  Exaltáre, Dómine, in virtúte tua: * cantábimus et psallémus virtútes tuas.

Psalm 20.  Domine, in virtute tua

The King shall rejoice in thy strength, O Lord; * exceeding glad shall he be in thy salvation.
2  Thou hast given him his heart's desire, * and hast not denied him the request of his lips.
3  For thou hast prevented him with the blessings of goodness, * and hast set a crown of precious stones upon his head.
4  He asked life of thee; * and thou gavest him length of days, for ever, even world without end.
5  His honour is great in thy salvation; * glory and great worship shalt thou lay upon him.
6  For thou shalt give him to be a blessing for ever and ever, * and make him glad with the joy of thy countenance.
7  For the king putteth his trust in the Lord; * and in the mercy of the Most Highest he shall not be moved.
8  May all thine enemies find thy hand; * and may thy right hand find out all them that hate thee.
9  Thou shalt make them like a fiery oven in time of thy wrath: * the Lord shall destroy them in his displeasure, and the fire shall consume them.
10  Their fruit shalt thou root out of the earth, * and their seed from among the children of men.
11  For they intended mischief against thee, * and devised counsels such as they were not able to perform.
12  Therefore shalt thou put them to flight, * in thy remnants shalt thou make ready the face of them.
13  Be thou exalted, Lord, in thine own strength; * so will we sing, and praise thy power.

Ant.    Posuísti, Dómine, super caput ejus corónam de lápide pretióso.

Ant.    Thou hast set a crown of precious stones upon his head, O Lord.

STAND

The Lessons for the Third 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: A vínculis peccatórum nostrórum absólvat nos omnípotens et miséricors Dóminus.
R.  Amen.

Absolution:  May the Lord Almighty and merciful break the bonds of our sins and set us free.
R.  Amen.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

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