The Annunciation of the
Blessed Virgin Mary

sometimes called Lady Day

Double of I Class

1st Vespers

Matins

Lauds

Terce

Sext

None

2nd Vespers

COLLECT OF THE DAY

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH
 

First Vespers

The first part of Vespers is in the Ordinary

Ant.    Missus est * Gábriel Angelus ad Maríam Vírginem desponsátam Joseph.

Ant.    The Angel Gabriel * was sent to Mary, a virgin espoused to Joseph.

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.

Ant.    Missus est Gábriel Angelus ad Maríam Vírginem desponsátam Joseph.

Ant.    The Angel Gabriel was sent to Mary, a virgin espoused to Joseph.

Ant.    Ave, María, * grátia plena ; Dóminus tecum : benedícta tu in muliéribus.

Ant.    Hail Mary, * full of grace, the Lord is with thee : blessed art thou among women.

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.

Ant.    Ave, María, grátia plena ; Dóminus tecum : benedícta tu in muliéribus.

Ant.    Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee : blessed art thou among women.

Ant.    Ne tímeas, María, * invenísti grátiam apud Dóminum : ecce concípies et páries fílium.

Ant.    Fear not, Mary; * thou hast found favour with the Lord ; behold, thou shalt conceive and bring forth a Son.

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.

Ant.    Ne tímeas, María, invenísti grátiam apud Dóminum : ecce concípies et páries fílium.

Ant.    Fear not, Mary; thou hast found favour with the Lord ; behold, thou shalt conceive and bring forth a Son.

Ant.    Dabit ei Dóminus * sedem David, patris ejus, et regnábit in ætérnum.

Ant.    The Lord shall give unto him * the throne of his father David, and he shall reign for ever.

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.

Ant.    Dabit ei Dóminus sedem David, patris ejus, et regnábit in ætérnum.

Ant.    The Lord shall give unto him the throne of his father David, and he shall reign for ever.

Ant.    Ecce ancílla Dómini : * fiat mihi secúndum verbum tuum.

Ant.    Behold the handmaid of the Lord : * be it done unto me according to thy word.

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.

Ant.    Ecce ancílla Dómini : fiat mihi secúndum verbum tuum.

Ant.    Behold the handmaid of the Lord : be it done unto me according to thy word.

STAND

Capitulum           Is. 7. 14.
Ecce virgo concípiet, et páriet fílium, et vocábitur nomen ejus Emmánuel.  Butyrum et mel cómedet, ut sciat reprobáre malum, et elígere bonum.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter        Is. 7. 14.
Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel, butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.
R.  Thanks be to God.

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.

Basilica of the Annunciation, Nazareth

Ad Magnif. Ant:  Spíritus Sanctus * in te descéndet, María, et virtus Altíssimi obumbrábit tibi.

Ant. on Magnif:  The Holy Ghost * shall come upon thee, O Mary, and the power of the highest shall overshadow thee.

MAGNIFICAT

THE MAGNIFICAT

Oremus.
Deus, qui de beátæ Maríæ Vírginis útero Verbum tuum, Angelo nuntiánte, carnem suscípere voluísti : præsta supplícibus tuis ; ut, qui vere eam Genitrícem Dei crédimus, ejus apud te intercessiónibus adjuvémur.  Per eúmdem Dóminum.

Let us pray.
O God, who didst will that at the message of an Angel thy Word should take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary : grant that we, thy suppliants, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be helped by her intercession with thee.  Through the same.

COMMEMORATIONS, if there be any

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

Sunday Compline
 

Compline

Matins

The first part of Matins is in the Ordinary

Invitatory and Hymn

First Nocturn

Second Nocturn

Third Nocturn
 

Invitatory and Hymn

Ave, María, grátia plena ; * Dóminus tecum.

Hail Mary, full of grace ; * The Lord is with thee.

Ave, María, grátia plena ; * Dóminus tecum.

Hail Mary, full of grace ; * The Lord is with thee.

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.

Ave, María, grátia plena ; * Dóminus tecum.

Hail Mary, full of grace ; * The Lord is with thee.

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.

Dóminus tecum.

The Lord is with thee.

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.

Ave, María, grátia plena ; * Dóminus tecum.

Hail Mary, full of grace ; * The Lord is with thee.

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.

Dóminus tecum.

The Lord is with thee.

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.

Ave, María, grátia plena ; * Dóminus tecum.

Hail Mary, full of grace ; * The Lord is with thee.

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.

Dóminus tecum.

The Lord is with thee.

Ave, María, grátia plena ; * Dóminus tecum.

Hail Mary, full of grace ; * The Lord is with thee.

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. 
 

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 frequentate 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 frequentate 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

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.

Et adjécit Dóminus loqui ad Achaz, dicens : Pete tibi signum a Dómino, Deo tuo, in profúndum inférni, sive in excélsum supra.  Et dixit Achaz : Non petam, et non tentábo Dóminum.  Et dixit : Audíte ergo, domus David : Numquid parum vobis est, moléstos esse homínibus, quia molésti estis et Deo meo?  Propter hoc dabit Dóminus ipse vobis signum.  Ecce virgo concípiet, et páriet fílium, et vocábitur nomen ejus Emmánuel.  Butyrum et mel cómedet, ut sciat reprobáre malum, et elígere bonum.

Moreover the Lord spake again unto Ahaz, saying, Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.  But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the Lord.  And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?  Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel.  Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.

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

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

R.  Missus est Gábriel Angelus ad Maríam Vírginem desponsátam Joseph, núntians ei verbum ; et expavéscit Virgo de lúmine : ne tímeas, María, invenísti grátiam apud Dóminum : * Ecce concípies et páries, et vocábitur Altíssimi Fílius.
V.  Dabit ei Dóminus Deus sedem David, patris ejus, et regnábit in domo Jacob in ætérnum.
R.  Ecce concípies et páries, et vocábitur Altíssimi Fílius.

R.  The Angel Gabriel was sent to Mary, a Virgin espoused to Joseph, to bring unto her the Word ; and when the Virgin saw the light she was troubled till the Angel said : Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace from the Lord : * Behold, thou shalt conceive and bring forth a Son, and he shall be called the Son of the Highest.
V.  The Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David, and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever.
R.  Behold, thou shalt conceive and bring forth a Son, and he shall be called the Son of the Highest.

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 egrediétur virga de radíce Jesse, et flos de radíce ejus ascéndet.  Et requiéscet super eum Spíritus Dómini : spíritus sapiéntiæ et intelléctus, spíritus consílii et fortitúdinis, spíritus sciéntiæ et pietátis ; et replébit eum spíritus timóris Dómini : non secúndum visiónem oculórum judicábit, neque secúndum audítum áurium árguet : sed judicábit in justítia páuperes, et árguet in æquitáte pro mansuétis terræ : et percútiet terram virga oris sui, et spíritu labiórum suórum interfíciet ímpium.  Et erit justítia cíngulum lumbórum ejus : et fides cinctórium renum ejus.

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: and the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; and shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: but with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.  And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

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

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

R.  Ave, María, grátia plena ; Dóminus tecum : * Spíritus Sanctus supervéniet in te, et virtus Altíssimi obumbrábit tibi : quod enim ex te nascétur Sanctum, vocábitur Fílius Dei.
V.  Quómodo fiet istud, quóniam virum non cognósco?  Et respóndens Angelus, dixit ei.
R.  Spíritus Sanctus supervéniet in te, et virtus Altíssimi obumbrábit tibi : quod enim ex te nascétur Sanctum, vocábitur Fílius Dei.

R.  Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee : * The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the Power of the Highest shall overshadow thee : therefore also that Holy Thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
V.  How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?  And the Angel made answer.
R.  The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the Power of the Highest shall overshadow thee : therefore also that Holy Thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

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.

Lætábitur desérta et ínvia, et exsultábit solitúdo, et florébit quasi lílium.  Gérminans germinábit, et exsultábit lætabúnda et laudans : glória Líbani data est ei : decor Carméli et Saron, ipsi vidébunt glóriam Dómini, et decórem Dei nostri.  Confortáte manus dissolútas, et génua debília roboráte.  Dícite pusillánimis : Confortámini, et nolíte timére : ecce Deus vester ultiónem addúcet retributiónis : Deus ipse véniet, et salvábit vos.  Tunc aperiéntur óculi cæcórum, et aures surdórum patébunt.  Tunc sáliet sicut cervus claudus, et apérta erit lingua mutórum : quia scissæ sunt in desérto aquæ, et torréntes in solitúdine.  Et quæ erat árida, erit in stagnum, et sítiens in fontes aquárum.

The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.  It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God.  Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.  Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.  Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.  Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.  And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water.

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

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

R.  Súscipe verbum, Virgo María, quod tibi a Dómino per Angelum transmíssum est : concípies et páries Deum páriter et hóminem, * Ut benedícta dicáris inter omnes mulíeres.
V.  Páries quidem fílium, et virginitátis non patiéris detriméntum : efficiéris grávida, et eris mater semper intácta.
R.  Ut benedícta dicáris inter omnes mulíeres.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Ut benedícta dicáris inter omnes mulíeres.

R.  Receive the Word, O Virgin Mary, which is sent thee by the Angel from the Lord ; thou shalt conceive, and bring forth him who is God and Man, * And thou shalt be called blessed among all women.
V.  Thou a Maiden undefiled shalt bear for us the Holy Child ; this grace is given alone to thee, a Virgin and Mother both to be.
R.  And thou shalt be called blessed among all women.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  And thou shalt be called blessed among all women.

Second Nocturn

Shrine of the Annunciation, Nazareth

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

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.

Deus omnípotens et clemens, cujus natúra bónitas, cujus volúntas poténtia, cujus opus misericórdia est, statim ut nos diabólica malígnitas venéno suæ mortificávit invídiæ, prædestináta renovándis mortálibus suæ pietátis remédia, inter ipsa mundi primórdia præsignávit ; denúntians serpénti futúrum semen mulíeris, quod nóxii cápitis elatiónem sua virtúte contéreret, Christum scílicet in carne ventúrum ; Deum hominémque signans, qui natus ex Vírgine, violatórem humánæ propáginis incorrúpta nativitáte damnáret.

God is he whose nature is goodness, whose will is power, and whose work is mercy.  Wherefore, at the very beginning of the world, as soon as the devil's hatred had mortally poisoned mankind with the venom of his envy, this almighty and merciful God even then foretold those remedies which his mercy had foreordained for our healing.  At that time he bade the serpent know that there was to be a Seed of the woman who yet should crush the prideful swelling of his pestilential head.  This Seed was none other than the Christ to come in the flesh, even God and Man in one Person, who should be born of the Virgin, and by his virgin-birth should condemn the seducer of man.

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

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

R.  Ecce virgo concípiet, et páriet fílium, dicit Dóminus : * Et vocábitur nomen ejus Admirábilis, Deus, Fortis.
V.  Super sólium David, et super regnum ejus sedébit in ætérnum.
R.  Et vocábitur nomen ejus Admirábilis, Deus, Fortis.

R.  Behold, a Virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, saith the Lord : * And his Name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God.
V.  He shall sit upon the throne of his father David, and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
R.  And his Name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Pray, Sir (Lord), give me 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.

Nam quia gloriabátur diábolus hóminem sua fraude decéptum divínis caruísse munéribus, et immortalitátis dote nudátum, duram mortis subísse senténtiam, seque in malis suis quoddam de prævaricatiónis consórtio invenísse solátium ; Deum quoque, justæ severitátis exigénte ratióne, erga hóminem, quem in tanto honóre condíderat, antíquam mutásse senténtiam : opus fuit, dilectíssimi, secréti dispensatióne consílii ut incommutábilis Deus, cujus volúntas non potest sua benignitáte privári, primam pietátis suæ dispositiónem sacraménto occultióre compléret ; et homo diabólicæ iniquitátis versútia actus in culpam, contra Dei propósitum non períret.

The devil rejoiced that he had, by his artful cunning, so deceived man as to make him lose the gifts of God, and forfeit the privilege of eternal life.  Yea, when the devil had thus brought man under the hard sentence of death, he found a certain solace for his own misery in the fact that he now had a comrade in his guilt.  He thought also that God, in his just anger, would change his original design towards man, whom he had made in such honour.  But, dearly beloved, that unchangeable God, whose will cannot be baulked of its loving-kindness, in the dispensation of his own secret counsel, had already provided a mysterious way for carrying out his original purpose of goodness.  So it was that mankind, which had been led into sin by the wicked craft of the devil, was not suffered to perish, and frustrate that gracious purpose 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.  Egrediétur virga de radíce Jesse, et flos de radíce ejus ascéndet : * Et erit justítia cíngulum lumbórum ejus, et fides cinctórium renum ejus.
V.  Et requiéscet super eum Spíritus Dómini : spíritus sapiéntiæ et intelléctus, spíritus consílii et fortitúdinis.
R.  Et erit justítia cíngulum lumbórum ejus, et fides cinctórium renum ejus.

R.  There shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a flower shall grow out of his roots : * And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.
V.  And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might.
R.  And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

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.

Adveniéntibus ergo tempóribus, dilectíssimi, quæ redemptióni hóminum fúerant præstitúta, ingréditur hæc ínfima Jesus Christus, Dóminus noster, de cælésti sede descéndens, et a patérna glória non recédens, novo órdine, nova nativitáte generátus : novo órdine, quia, invisíbilis in suis, visíbilis factus est in nostris ; incomprehensíbilis, vóluit comprehéndi ; ante témpora manens, esse cœpit ex témpore ; universitátis Dóminus servílem formam, obumbráta majestátis suæ dignitáte, suscépit ; impassíbilis Deus, non dedignátus est homo esse passíbilis ; et immortális, mortis légibus subjacére.

When, therefore, dearly beloved, the fulness of that time was come, which God had appointed for our redemption, our Lord Jesus Christ entered this lower world.  Christ came down from his heavenly throne.  And, while he left not that glory which he hath with the Father before the world was, he was incarnate by a new order and a new birth, in that he who is invisible among his own, was made visible among us.  He who is before the ages, began to be in time.  He who is the Lord of all placed the glory of his majesty under a shadow, for he took upon him the form of a servant.  Thus God the Impassible vouchsafed to become a man subject to suffering, and the Immortal laid himself under the laws of death.

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.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Quia quem cæli cápere non póterant, tuo grémio contulísti.

R.  O blessed Maiden, so holy and spotless in 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.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  For thou hast borne in thy breast him whom the heavens cannot contain.

Third Nocturn

Ant.    Angelus Dómini * nuntiávit Maríæ, et concépit de Spíritu Sancto.

Ant.    The Angel of the Lord * declared unto Mary, and she conceived by the Holy Ghost.

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.    Angelus Dómini nuntiávit Maríæ, et concépit de Spíritu Sancto.

Ant.    The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, and she conceived by the Holy Ghost.

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: orbi