Common of Several Martyrs

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.    Omnes Sancti * quanta passi sunt torménta, ut secúri pervenírent ad palmam martyrii!

Ant.    O how many torments * have all the Saints endured, that they might make sure and certain their palm of martyrdom!

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.

Ant.    Mártyrum chorus, laudáte Dóminum de cælis, allelúja.

Ant.    O ye heavenly choir of Martyrs, praise the Lord of heaven, alleluia.

STAND

Sanctórum méritis inclyta gáudia
Pangámus, sócii, géstaque fórtia :
Gliscens fert ánimus prómere cántibus
Victórum genus óptimum.

Hi sunt, quos fátue mundus abhórruit ;
Hunc fructu vácuum, flóribus áridum
Contempsére tui nóminis ásseclæ,
Jesu, Rex bone Cælitum.

Hi pro te fúrias atque minas truces
Calcárunt hóminum, sævaque vérbera :
His cessit lácerans fórtiter úngula,
Nec carpsit penetrália.

Cædúntur gládiis more bidéntium :
Non murmur résonat, non quærimónia ;
Sed corde impávido mens bene cónscia
Consérvat patiéntiam.

Quæ vox, quæ póterit lingua retéxere
Quæ tu Martyribus múnera præparas?
Rubri nam flúido sánguine, fúlgidis
Cingunt témpora láureis.

Te, summa o Déitas, únaque póscimus ;
Ut culpas ábigas, nóxia súbtrahas,
Des pacem fámulis; ut tibi glóriam,
Annórum in sériem, canant.  Amen.

The merits of the Saints, the toils they bravely bore,
The love that never faints, their glory evermore, —
For these the Church today pours forth her joyous lay;
What victors wear so rich a bay?

This clinging world of ill them and their works abhorred;
Its withering flowers still they spurned with one accord:
They knew them shortlived all, how soon they fade and fall,
And followed, Jesu, at thy call.

For thee all pangs they bare, fury and mortal hate,
The cruel scourge to tear, the hook to lacerate;
But vain their foes' intent: for, every torment spent,
Their valiant spirits stood unbent.

Like sheep their blood they poured: and without groan or tear
They bent before the sword for that their King most dear:
Their souls, serenely blest, in patience they possessed,
And looked in hope to-wards their rest.

What tongue may here declare, fancy or thought descry,
The joys thou dost prepare, for these thy Saints on high?
Empurpled in the flood of their victorious blood,
They won the laurel from their God.

O Lord Most High, we pray, stretch forth thy mighty arm
To put our sins away, and shelter us from harm;
O give thy servants peace, from guilt and pain release;
Our praise to thee shall never cease.  Amen.

Ant. on Magnif:  Blessed are they * who have despised earthly pleasure, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven: they have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, and have won the heavenly great reward.

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.

Christo profúsum sánguinem,
Et Mártyrum victórias,
Dignámque cælo láuream
Lætis sequámur vócibus.

Terróre victo sæculi
Pœnísque spretis córporis,
Mortis sacræ compéndio
Vitam beátam póssident.

Tradúntur igni Mártyres
Et bestiárum déntibus ;
Armáta sævit úngulis
Tortóris insáni manus.

Nudáta pendent víscera,
Sanguis sacrátus fúnditur ;
Sed pérmanent immóbiles,
Vitæ perénnis grátia.

Sequens Conclusio numquam mutatur.
Laus et perénnis glória
Patri sit, atque Fílio,
Sancto simul Paráclito,
In sempitérna sæcula.  Amen.

The Martyrs' triumphs let us sing,
Whose blood was poured for Christ the King;
And while due hymns of praise we pray,
Our thankful hearts cast grief away.

The terrors of the world despised,
The body's torments lightly prized,
By one brief space of death and pain
Life everlasting they obtain.

To flames the Martyr-Saints are haled,
By teeth of savage beasts assailed;
Against them, armed with ruthless brand
And hooks of steel, the torturers stand.

The mangled frame is tortured sore,
The holy life-drops freshly pour;
They stand unmoved amidst the strife,
By grace of everlasting life.

This Ending is never changed:
Redeemer, hear us of thy love,
That with the Martyr-host above,
Hereafter, of thine endless grace,
Thy servants also may have place.  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.    Secus decúrsus aquárum * plantávit víneam justórum, et in lege Dómini fuit volúntas eórum.

Ant.    By the rivers of water * hath he planted the vineyard of the righteous, and their delight was in the law of the Lord.

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.    Secus decúrsus aquárum plantávit víneam justórum, et in lege Dómini fuit volúntas eórum.

Ant.    By the rivers of water hath he planted the vineyard of the righteous, and their delight was in the law of the Lord.

Ant.    Tamquam aurum * in fornáce probávit eléctos Dóminus, et quasi holocáusta accépit eos in ætérnum.

Ant.    As gold in the furnace * doth the Lord try his Elect, and as a burnt-offering doth he receive them into eternity.

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.    Tamquam aurum in fornáce probávit eléctos Dóminus, et quasi holocáusta accépit eos in ætérnum.

Ant.    As gold in the furnace doth the Lord try his Elect, and as a burnt-offering doth he receive them into eternity.

Ant.    Si coram homínibus * torménta passi sunt, spes electórum est immortális in ætérnum.

Ant.    Though the Elect be punished * in the sight of men, yet is their hope full of immortality for ever.

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.    Si coram homínibus torménta passi sunt, spes electórum est immortális in ætérnum.

Ant.    Though the Elect be punished in the sight of men, yet is their hope full of immortality for ever.

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 Epístola beáti Pauli Apóstoli
ad Romános

The Lesson is taken from the Epistle of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Romans

Fratres : Debitóres sumus non carni, ut secúndum carnem vivámus.  Si enim secúndum carnem vixéritis, moriémini ; si autem spíritu facta carnis mortificavéritis, vivétis.  Quicúmque enim spíritu Dei agúntur, ii sunt fílii Dei.  Non enim accepístis spíritum servitútis íterum in timóre, sed accepístis spíritum adoptiónis filiórum, in quo clamámus : Abba (Pater).  Ipse enim Spíritus testimónium reddit spíritui nostro, quod sumus fílii Dei.  Si autem fílii, et herédes : herédes quidem Dei, coherédes autem Christi ; si tamen compátimur, ut et conglorificémur.  Exístimo enim quod non sunt condígnæ passiónes hujus témporis ad futúram glóriam, quæ revelábitur in nobis.  Nam exspectátio creatúræ revelatiónem filiórum Dei exspéctat.

Brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.  For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.  For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons 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.  Abstérget Deus omnem lácrimam ab óculis Sanctórum : et jam non erit ámplius neque luctus, neque clamor, sed nec ullus dolor, * Quóniam prióra transiérunt.
V.  Non esúrient, neque sítient ámplius, neque cadet super illos sol neque ullus æstus.
R.  Quóniam prióra transiérunt.

R.  God shall wipe away all tears from the eyes of the Saints ; and there shall be no more sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; * For the former things are passed away.
V.  They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more : neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
R.  For the former things are passed away.

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.

Scimus autem quóniam diligéntibus Deum ómnia cooperántur in bonum, iis qui secúndum propósitum vocáti sunt sancti.  Nam quos præscívit, et prædestinávit confórmes fíeri imáginis Fílii sui, ut sit ipse primogénitus in multis frátribus.  Quos autem prædestinávit, hos et vocávit : et quos vocávit, hos et justificávit : quos autem justificávit, illos et glorificávit.  Quid ergo dicémus ad hæc?  Si Deus pro nobis, quis contra nos?  Qui étiam próprio Fílio suo non pepércit, sed pro nobis ómnibus trádidit illum, quómodo non étiam cum illo ómnia nobis donávit?  Quis accusábit advérsus eléctos Dei?  Deus, qui justíficat, quis est qui condémnet?  Christus Jesus, qui mórtuus est, immo qui et resurréxit, qui est ad déxteram Dei, qui étiam interpéllat pro nobis.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, even to them who are the called according to his purpose.  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's Elect? It is God that justifieth.  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

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

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

R.  Viri sancti gloriósum sánguinem fudérunt pro Dómino, amavérunt Christum in vita sua, imitáti sunt eum in morte sua; * Et ídeo corónas triumpháles meruérunt.
V.  Unus spíritus, et una fides erat in eis.
R.  Et ídeo corónas triumpháles meruérunt.

R.  Holy are these men who for the Lord's sake have gloriously shed their blood, for they loved Christ in life, and in death were made like unto him, * And thereby they won their crowns of triumph.
V.  They stood fast in one spirit, and one faith.
R.  And thereby they won their crowns of triumph.

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.

Quis ergo nos separábit a caritáte Chrísti?  tribulátio, an angústia, an fames, an núditas, an perículum, an persecútio, an gládius?  (sicut scriptum est : Quia propter te mortificámur tota die : æstimáti sumus sicut oves occisiónis).  Sed in his ómnibus superámus propter eum, qui diléxit nos.  Certus sum enim quia neque mors, neque vita, neque Angeli, neque Principátus, neque Virtútes, neque instántia, neque profúndum, neque creatúra ália póterit nos separáre a caritáte Dei, quæ est in Christo Jesu Dómino nostro.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.  For I am persuaded, that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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

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

R.  Tradidérunt córpora sua propter Deum ad supplícia, * Et meruérunt habére corónas perpétuas.
V.  Isti sunt qui venérunt ex magna tribulatióne, et lavérunt stolas suas in sánguine Agni.
R.  Et meruérunt habére corónas perpétuas.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Et meruérunt habére corónas perpétuas.

R.  They delivered their bodies for God's sake to suffer torment, * Whereby they were made meet for that crown of glory that fadeth not away.
V.  They stood fast in one spirit, and one faith.
R.  Whereby they were made meet for that crown of glory that fadeth not away.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  Whereby they were made meet for that crown of glory that fadeth not away.

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.

Third Nocturn

Ant.    Justi autem * in perpétuum vivent, et apud Dóminum est merces eórum.

Ant.    The righteous * live for evermore; their reward also is with the Lord.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 32.  Exsultate, justi

Exsultáte, justi in Dómino: * rectos decet collaudátio.
2  Confitémini Dómino in cíthara: * in psaltério decem chordárum psállite illi.
3  Cantáte ei cánticum novum: * bene psállite ei in vociferatióne.
4  Quia rectum est verbum Dómini, * et ómnia ópera ejus in fide.
5  Díligit misericórdiam et judícium: * misericórdia Dómini plena est terra.
6  Verbo Dómini cæli firmáti sunt: * et spíritu oris ejus omnis virtus eórum.
7  Cóngregans sicut in utre aquas maris: * ponens in thesáuris abyssos.
8  Tímeat Dóminum omnis terra: * ab eo autem commoveántur omnes inhabitántes orbem.
9  Quóniam ipse dixit, et facta sunt: * ipse mandávit, et creáta sunt.
10  Dóminus díssipat consília Géntium: * réprobat autem cogitatiónes populórum et réprobat consília príncipum.
11  Consílium autem Dómini in ætérnum manet: * cogitatiónes cordis ejus in generatióne et generatiónem.
12  Beáta gens, cujus est Dóminus, Deus ejus: * pópulus, quem elégit in hereditátem sibi.
13  De cælo respéxit Dóminus: * vidit omnes fílios hóminum.
14  De præparáto habitáculo suo * respéxit super omnes, qui hábitant terram.
15  Qui finxit sigillátim corda eórum: * qui intélligit ómnia ópera eórum.
16  Non salvátur rex per multam virtútem: * et gigas non salvábitur in multitúdine virtútis suæ.
17  Fallax equus ad salútem: * in abundántia autem virtútis suæ non salvábitur.
18  Ecce óculi Dómini super metuéntes eum: * et in eis, qui sperant super misericórdia ejus :
19  Ut éruat a morte ánimas eórum: * et alat eos in fame.
20  Anima nostra sústinet Dóminum: * quóniam adjútor et protéctor noster est.
21  Quia in eo lætábitur cor nostrum: * et in nómine sancto ejus sperávimus.
22  Fiat misericórdia tua, Dómine, super nos: * quemádmodum sperávimus in te.

Psalm 32.  Exsultate, justi

Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous; * for it becometh well the just to be thankful.
2  Praise the Lord with harp; * sing praises unto him with the lute, and instrument of ten strings.
3  Sing unto the Lord a new song; * sing praises well unto him with a loud noise.
4  For the word of the Lord is true; * and all his works are faithful.
5  He loveth mercy and judgment; * the earth is full of the mercy of the Lord.
6  By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; * and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
7  He gathereth the waters of the sea together, as it were upon an heap; * and layeth up the deep, as in a treasure-house.
8  Let all the earth fear the Lord: * stand in awe of him, all ye that dwell in the world.
9  For he spake, and they were made; * he commanded, and they were created.
10  The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought, * and maketh the devices of the people to be of none effect, and casteth out the counsels of princes.
11  But the counsel of the Lord shall endure for ever, * and the thoughts of his heart from generation to generation.
12  Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord; * and blessed are the folk that he hath chosen to him, to be his inheritance.
13  The Lord looketh down from heaven, * and beholdeth all the children of men.
14  From the habitation of his dwelling, * he considereth all them that dwell on the earth.
15  He who hath fashioned all the hearts of them, * and understandeth all their works.
16  The king is not saved by the multitude of an host; * neither is the mighty man delivered by his great strength.
17  A horse is counted but a vain thing to save a man; * neither shall he be delivered by the abundance of his strength.
18  Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, * and upon them that put their trust in his mercy;
19  To deliver their soul from death, * and to feed them in the time of dearth.
20  Our soul hath patiently tarried for the Lord; * for he is our help and our protector.
21  For our heart shall rejoice in him; * because we have hoped in his holy Name.
22  O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us, * as our trust is in thee.

Ant.    Justi autem in perpétuum vivent, et apud Dóminum est merces eórum.

Ant.    The righteous live for evermore; their reward also is with the Lord.

Ant.    Tradidérunt * córpora sua in mortem, ne servírent idólis; ídeo coronáti póssident palmam.

Ant.    They gave up their bodies * unto death, rather than do service unto idols; therefore have they crowns on their heads and palms in their hands.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 33.  Benedicam Dominum

Benedícam Dóminum in omni témpore : * semper laus ejus in ore meo.
2  In Dómino laudábitur ánima mea : * áudiant mansuéti, et læténtur.
3  Magnificáte Dóminum mecum : * et exaltémus nomen ejus in idípsum.
4  Exquisívi Dóminum, et exaudívit me : * et ex ómnibus tribulatiónibus meis erípuit me.
5  Accédite ad eum, et illuminámini : * et fácies vestræ non confundéntur.
6  Iste pauper clamávit, et Dóminus exaudívit eum : * et de ómnibus tribulatiónibus ejus salvávit eum.
7  Immíttet Angelus Dómini in circúitu timéntium eum : * et erípiet eos.
8  Gustáte, et vidéte quóniam suávis est Dóminus : * beátus vir, qui sperat in eo.
9  Timéte Dóminum, omnes sancti ejus : * quóniam non est inópia timéntibus eum.
10  Dívites eguérunt et esuriérunt : * inquiréntes autem Dóminum non minuéntur omni bono.
11  Veníte, fílii, audíte me : * timórem Dómini docébo vos.
12  Quis est homo qui vult vitam : * díligit dies vidére bonos?
13  Próhibe linguam tuam a malo : * et lábia tua ne loquántur dolum.
14  Divérte a malo, et fac bonum : * inquíre pacem, et perséquere eam.
15  Oculi Dómini super justos : * et aures ejus in preces eórum.
16  Vultus autem Dómini super faciéntes mala : * ut perdat de terra memóriam eórum.
17  Clamavérunt justi, et Dóminus exaudívit eos : * et ex ómnibus tribulatiónibus eórum liberávit eos.
18  Juxta est Dóminus iis, qui tribuláto sunt corde : * et húmiles spíritu salvábit.
19  Multæ tribulatiónes justórum : * et de ómnibus his liberávit eos Dóminus.
20  Custódit Dóminus ómnia ossa eórum : * unum ex his non conterétur.
21  Mors peccatórum péssima : * et qui odérunt justum, delínquent.
22  Rédimet Dóminus ánimas servórum suórum : * et non delínquent omnes qui sperant in eo.

Psalm 33.  Benedicam Dominum

I will bless the Lord alway; * his praise shall ever be in my mouth.
2  My soul shall make her boast in the Lord; * the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
3  O praise the Lord with me, * and let us magnify his Name together.
4  I sought the Lord, and he heard me; * yea, he delivered me out of all my troubles.
5  Come ye unto him, and be enlightened; * and your faces shall not be ashamed.
6  Lo, the poor hath cried out, and the Lord heard him; * yea, and hath saved him out of all his troubles.
7  The angel of the Lord shall tarry round about them that fear him, * and he shall deliver them.
8  O taste, and see that the Lord is gracious: * blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
9  O fear the Lord, ye that are his saints; * for they that fear him lack nothing.
10  The rich have wanted, and have suffered hunger; * but they who seek the Lord shall want no manner of thing that is good.
11  Come, ye children, and hearken unto me; * I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12  What man is he that lusteth to live, * and would fain see good days?
13  Keep thy tongue from evil, * and thy lips, that they speak no guile.
14  Eschew evil, and do good; * seek peace, and ensue it.
15  The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, * and his ears are open unto their prayers.
16  The countenance of the Lord is against them that do evil, * to root out the remembrance of them from the earth.
17  The righteous have cried out, and the Lord heard them, * and hath delivered them out of all their troubles.
18  The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart, * and will save such as be of an humble spirit.
19  Great are the troubles of the righteous; * but the Lord delivereth him out of all.
20  He keepeth all his bones, * so that not one of them is broken.
21  But the death of the ungodly is most evil; * and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.
22  The Lord shall redeem the souls of his servants; * and all they that put their trust in him shall not be destitute.

Ant.    Tradidérunt córpora sua in mortem, ne servírent idólis; ídeo coronáti póssid