The Ascension of our Lord

Commonly Called

Ascension Day

Double of I Class with privileged Octave of the Third Order

1st Vespers

Matins

Lauds

Prime

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.    Viri Galilæi, * quid aspícitis in cælum?  Hic Jesus qui assúmptus est a vobis in cælum, sic véniet, allelúja.

Ant.    Ye men of Galilee, * why stand ye gazing up into heaven?  this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come, alleluia.

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.    Viri Galilæi, quid aspícitis in cælum?  Hic Jesus qui assúmptus est a vobis in cælum, sic véniet, allelúja.

Ant.    Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven?  this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come, alleluia.

Ant.    Cumque intueréntur * in cælum eúntem illum, dixérunt, allelúja.

Ant.    And while they looked * stedfastly toward heaven, as he went up they sang Alleluia.

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.

Ant.    Cumque intueréntur in cælum eúntem illum, dixérunt, allelúja.

Ant.    And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven, as he went up they sang Alleluia.

Ant.    Elevátis mánibus, * benedíxit eis, et ferebátur in cælum, allelúja.

Ant.    And he lifted up his hands, * and blessed them, and was taken up into heaven, alleluia.

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.

Ant.    Elevátis mánibus, benedíxit eis, et ferebátur in cælum, allelúja.

Ant.    And he lifted up his hands, and blessed them, and was taken up into heaven, alleluia.

Ant.    Exaltáte Regem regum, * et hymnum dícite Deo, allelúja.

Ant.    Praise ye the King of kings, * yea, sing a hymn to God, alleluia.

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.    Exaltáte Regem regum, et hymnum dícite Deo, allelúja.

Ant.    Praise ye the King of kings, yea, sing a hymn to God, alleluia.

Ant.    Vidéntibus illis, * elevátus est, et nubes suscépit eum in cælo, allelúja.

Ant.    And while they beheld, * he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight, alleluia.

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.    Vidéntibus illis, elevátus est, et nubes suscépit eum in cælo, allelúja.

Ant.    And while they beheld, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight, alleluia.

STAND

Capitulum           Act. 1. 1-2.
Primum quidem sermónem feci de ómnibus, o Theóphile, quæ cœpit Jesus fácere et docére usque in diem, qua præcípiens Apóstolis per Spíritum Sanctum, quos elégit assúmptus est.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter        Act. 1. 1-2.
The former Treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the Apostles whom he had chosen.
R.  Thanks be to God.

Salútis humánæ Sator,
Jesu, volúptas córdium
Orbis redémpti Cónditor,
Et casta lux amántium:

Qua victus es cleméntia,
Ut nostra ferres crímina?
Mortem subíres ínnocens,
A morte nos ut tólleres?

Perrúmpis inférnum chaos:
Vinctis caténas détrahis;
Victor triúmpho nóbili
Ad déxteram Patris sedes.

Te cogat indulgéntia,
Ut damna nostra sárcias,
Tuíque vultus cómpotes
Dites beáto lúmine.

Sequens Conclusio numquam mutatur.
Tu, dux ad astra, et sémita,
Sis meta nostris córdibus,
Sis lacrimárum gáudium,
Sis dulce vitæ præmium.  Amen.

Hail, thou who man's Redeemer art,
Jesu, the joy of every heart;
Great maker of the world's wide frame,
And purest love's delight and flame:

What nameless mercy thee o'ercame,
To bear our load of sin and shame?
For guiltless, thou thy life didst give,
That sinful erring man might live.

The realms of woe are forced by thee,
Its captives from their chains set free;
And thou, amid thy ransomed train,
At God's right hand dost victor reign.

Let mercy sweet with thee prevail,
To cure the wounds we now bewail;
Oh, bless us with thy holy sight,
And fill us with eternal light.

The following Ending is never changed.
Our guide, our way to heavenly rest,
Be thou the aim of every breast;
Be thou the soother of our tears,
Our sweet reward above the spheres.  Amen.

V.  God is gone up with a merry noise, alleluia.
R.  And the Lord with the sound of the trump, alleluia.

Ad Magnif. Ant:  Pater, * manifestávi nomen tuum homínibus quos dedísti mihi : nunc autem pro eis rogo, non pro mundo, quia ad te vénio, allelúja.

Ant. on Magnif:  Father, * I have manifested thy Name unto the men whom thou hast given me: and now I pray for them, not for the world, because I come to thee, alleluia.

Oremus.
Concéde, quæsumus, omnípotens Deus : ut, qui hodiérna die Unigénitum tuum Redemptórem nostrum ad cælos ascendísse crédimus; ipse quoque mente in cæléstibus habitémus.  Per eúmdem Dóminum.

Let us pray.
Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God : that like as we do believe thine only-begotten Son our Saviour to have ascended into the heavens; so we may also in heart and mind thither ascend, and with him continually dwell.  Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity.

COMMEMORATIONS, if there be any

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

Sunday Compline
 

Compline

All as at Sunday Compline, except the proper Doxology of the Hymn, which is said as follows, and likewise at the other Hours until None on Whitsun Eve, where the Hymn is of the common meter.

Invitatory and Hymn

Allelúja, Christum Dóminum ascendéntem in cælum, * Veníte adorémus, allelúja.

Alleluia, Christ the Lord, who hath ascended into heaven, * O come, let us worship, alleluia.

Allelúja, Christum Dóminum ascendéntem in cælum, * Veníte adorémus, allelúja.

Alleluia, Christ the Lord, who hath ascended into heaven, * O come, let us worship, alleluia.

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.

Allelúja, Christum Dóminum ascendéntem in cælum, * Veníte adorémus, allelúja.

Alleluia, Christ the Lord, who hath ascended into heaven, * O come, let us worship, alleluia.

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, allelúja.

O come, let us worship, alleluia.

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.

Allelúja, Christum Dóminum ascendéntem in cælum, * Veníte adorémus, allelúja.

Alleluia, Christ the Lord, who hath ascended into heaven, * O come, let us worship, alleluia.

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, allelúja.

O come, let us worship, alleluia.

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.

Allelúja, Christum Dóminum ascendéntem in cælum, * Veníte adorémus, allelúja.

Alleluia, Christ the Lord, who hath ascended into heaven, * O come, let us worship, alleluia.

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, allelúja.

O come, let us worship, alleluia.

Allelúja, Christum Dóminum ascendéntem in cælum, * Veníte adorémus, allelúja.

Alleluia, Christ the Lord, who hath ascended into heaven, * O come, let us worship, alleluia.

Æterne Rex altíssime,
Redémptor et fidélium,
Cui mors perémpta détulit
Summæ triúmphum glóriæ :

Ascéndis orbes síderum,
Quo te vocábat cælitus
Colláta, non humánitus,
Rerum potéstas ómnium :

Ut trina rerum máchina,
Cæléstium, terréstrium,
Et inferórum cóndita,
Flectat genu jam súbdita.

Tremunt vidéntes Angeli
Versam vicem mortálium :
Peccat caro, mundat caro,
Regnat Deus Dei caro.

Sis ipse nostrum gáudium,
Manens olympo præmium,
Mundi regis qui fábricam,
Mundána vincens gáudia.

Hinc te precántes quæsumus,
Ignósce culpis ómnibus,
Et corda sursum súbleva
Ad te supérna grátia.

Ut, cum repénte cœperis
Clarére nube júdicis,
Pœnas repéllas débitas,
Reddas corónas pérditas.

Jesu, tibi sit glória,
Qui victor in cælum redis,
Cum Patre, et almo Spíritu,
In sempitérna sæcula.  Amen.

Eternal Monarch, King most high,
Whose blood hath brought redemption nigh,
By whom the death of Death was wrought,
And conquering grace to man was brought :

Ascending to the throne of might,
And seated at the Father's right,
All power, O Jesu, is thine own
That here thy Manhood had not known.

To thee the whole creation now
Doth in its three-fold order bow,
Of things on earth, and things on high,
And things that underneath do lie.

With awe the Angels contemplate
The wondrous change of man's estate;
Though flesh hath sinned, Flesh purged the stain,
And in that Flesh our God doth reign.

Be thou our joy, O mighty Lord,
As thou wilt be our great reward;
Earth's joys to thee are nothing worth,
Thou joy and crown of heaven and earth.

We therefore beg, dear Lord, of thee
To pardon our iniquity;
Yea, of thine own supernal grace
Uplift our hearts to seek thy face :

That when in clouds, O Judge of doom,
Thy glory shall this earth illume,
Thou mayst remit our debt of pain,
And grant our long-lost crowns again.

Proper Doxology
All praise from every heart and tongue
To thee, ascended Lord, be sung;
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.    Eleváta est * magnificéntia tua super cælos, Deus, allelúja.

Ant.    Thou hast set thy glory * above the heavens, O God, alleluia.

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.    Eleváta est magnificéntia tua super cælos, Deus, allelúja.

Ant.    Thou hast set thy glory above the heavens, O God, alleluia.

Ant.    Dóminus in templo * sancto suo, Dóminus in cælo, allelúja.

Ant.    The Lord is in his holy Temple, * the Lord's throne is in heaven, alleluia.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 10.  In Domino confido

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

Psalm 10.  In Domino confido

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

Ant.    Dóminus in templo sancto suo, Dóminus in cælo, allelúja.

Ant.    The Lord is in his holy Temple, the Lord's throne is in heaven, alleluia.

Ant.    A summo cælo * egréssio ejus, et occúrsus ejus usque ad summum ejus, allelúja.

Ant.    His going forth * is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit even to the end thereof, alleluia.

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.    A summo cælo egréssio ejus, et occúrsus ejus usque ad summum ejus, allelúja.

Ant.    His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit even to the end thereof, alleluia.

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.

Primum quidem sermónem feci de ómnibus, o Theóphile, quæ cœpit Jesus fácere, et docére, usque in diem, qua præcípiens Apóstolis per Spíritum Sanctum, quos elégit, assúmptus est : quibus et præbuit seípsum vivum post passiónem suam in multis arguméntis, per dies quadragínta appárens eis, et loquens de regno Dei.  Et convéscens, præcépit eis ab Jerosólymis ne discéderent, sed exspectárent promissiónem Patris, quam audístis (inquit) per os meum : quia Joánnes quidem baptizávit aqua, vos autem baptizabímini Spíritu Sancto non post multos hos dies.

The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: to whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: and, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.  For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

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

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

R.  Post passiónem suam per dies quadragínta appárens eis, et loquens de regno Dei, allelúja : * Et, vidéntibus illis, elevátus est, allelúja : et nubes suscépit eum ab óculis eórum, allelúja.
V.  Et convéscens præcépit eis, ab Jerosólymis ne discéderent, sed exspectárent promissiónem Patris.
R.  Et, vidéntibus illis, elevátus est, allelúja : et nubes suscépit eum ab óculis eórum, allelúja.

R.  After his passion he was seen of them forty days, wherein he spake of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God, alleluia :  *  And while they beheld he was taken up, alleluia : and a cloud received him out of their sight, alleluia.
V.  And as he sat at meat with them, he commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the Promise of the Father.
R.  And while they beheld he was taken up, alleluia : and a cloud received him out of their sight, alleluia.

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.

Igitur qui convénerant, interrogábant eum, dicéntes : Dómine, si in témpore hoc restítues regnum Israël?  Dixit autem eis : Non est vestrum nosse témpora vel moménta, quæ Pater pósuit in sua potestáte : sed accipiétis virtútem superveniéntis Spíritus Sancti in vos, et éritis mihi testes in Jerúsalem, et in omni Judæa et Samaría, et usque ad últimum terræ.  Et cum hæc dixísset, vidéntibus illis, elevátus est : et nubes suscépit eum ab óculis eórum.

 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?  And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.  And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

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

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

R.  Omnis pulchritúdo Dómini exaltáta est super sídera : * Spécies ejus in núbibus cæli, et nomen ejus in ætérnum pérmanet, allelúja.
V.  A summo cælo egréssio ejus, et occúrsus ejus usque ad summum ejus.
R.  Spécies ejus in núbibus cæli, et nomen ejus in ætérnum pérmanet, allelúja.

R.  Like as the moon shining in the firmament, so is the Lord exalted to be the beauty of heaven, *  Giving light above the glory of the stars in the highest places, wherein his Name endureth for ever and ever, alleluia.
V.  He goeth forth from the uttermost part of the heaven, and runneth about unto the end of it again.
R.  Giving light above the glory of the stars in the highest places, wherein his Name endureth for ever and ever, alleluia.

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.

Cumque intueréntur in cælum eúntem illum, ecce duo viri astitérunt juxta illos in véstibus albis, qui et dixérunt : Viri Galilæi, quid statis aspiciéntes in cælum?  Hic Jesus qui assúmptus est a vobis in cælum, sic véniet, quemádmodum vidístis eum eúntem in cælum.  Tunc revérsi sunt Jerosólymam a monte, qui vocátur Olivéti, qui est juxta Jerúsalem, sábbati habens iter.  Et cum introíssent in cœnáculum, ascendérunt ubi manébant Petrus et Joánnes, Jacóbus et Andréas, Philíppus et Thomas, Bartholomæus et Matthæus, Jacóbus Alphæi et Simon Zelótes, et Judas Jacóbi.  Hi omnes erant perseverántes unanímiter in oratióne cum muliéribus, et María Matre Jesu, et frátribus ejus.

And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.  Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.  And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.  These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

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

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

R.  Exaltáre, Dómine, allelúja, * In virtúte tua, allelúja.
V.  Eleváta est, magnificéntia tua super cælos, Deus.
R.  In virtúte tua, allelúja.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  In virtúte tua, allelúja.

R.  Be thou exalted, Lord, alleluia : * In thine own strength, alleluia.
V.  Thou hast set thy glory above the heavens, O God.
R.  In thine own strength, alleluia.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  In thine own strength, alleluia.

Second Nocturn

Ant.    Exaltáre, Dómine, * in virtúte tua : cantábimus et psallémus, allelúja.

Ant.    Be thou exalted, O Lord, * in thine own strength : so will we sing, and praise thy power, alleluia.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 20.  Domine, in virtute tua

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

Psalm 20.  Domine, in virtute tua

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

Ant.    Exaltáre, Dómine, in virtúte tua : cantábimus et psallémus, allelúja.

Ant.    Be thou exalted, O Lord, in thine own strength : so will we sing, and praise thy power, alleluia.

Ant.    Exaltábo te, * Dómine, quóniam suscepísti me, allelúja.

Ant.    I will magnify thee, * O Lord, for thou hast set me up, alleluia.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 29.  Exaltabo te, Domine

Exaltábo te, Dómine, quóniam suscepísti me: * nec delectásti inimícos meos super me.
2  Dómine, Deus meus, clamávi ad te, * et sanásti me.
3  Dómine, eduxísti ab inférno ánimam meam: * salvásti me a descendéntibus in lacum.
4  Psállite Dómino, sancti ejus: * et confitémini memóriæ sanctitátis ejus.
5  Quóniam ira in indignatióne ejus: * et vita in voluntáte ejus.
6  Ad vésperum demorábitur fletus: * et ad matutínum lætítia.
7  Ego autem dixi in abundántia mea: * Non movébor in ætérnum.
8  Dómine, in voluntáte tua, * præstitísti decóri meo virtútem.
9 Avertísti fáciem tuam a me, * et factus sum conturbátus.
10  Ad te, Dómine, clamábo: * et ad Deum meum deprecábor.
11  Quæ utílitas in sánguine meo, * dum descéndo in corruptiónem?
12  Numquid confitébitur tibi pulvis, * aut annuntiábit veritátem tuam?
13  Audívit Dóminus, et misértus est mei: * Dóminus factus est adjútor meus.
14  Convertísti planctum meum in gáudium mihi: * conscidísti saccum meum, et circumdedísti me lætítia:
15  Ut cantet tibi glória mea, et non compúngar: * Dómine, Deus meus, in ætérnum confitébor tibi.

Psalm 29.  Exaltabo te, Domine

I will magnify thee, O Lord, for thou hast set me up, * and not made my foes to triumph over me.
2  O Lord my God, I cried unto thee; * and thou hast healed me.
3  Thou, Lord, hast brought my soul out of hell: * thou hast saved me from them that go down to the pit.
4  Sing praises unto the Lord, O ye saints of his : and give thanks to the memory of his holiness.
5  For wrath is in his indignation : * and life in his good will.
6  Weeping may endure for a night, * but with the morning cometh joy..
7  And in my prosperity I said, * I shall never be removed.
8  Thou, Lord, in thy favour * gavest strength to my beauty.
9  Thou didst turn thy face from me, * and I was troubled.
10  Unto thee, O Lord, will I cry; * and gat me to my Lord right humbly.
11  What profit is there in my blood, * when I go down to corruption?
12  Shall the dust give thanks unto thee? * or shall it declare thy truth?
13  The Lord hath heard, and was merciful unto me; * the Lord became my helper.
14 Thou hast turned my mourning into joy; * thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness :
15  To the end that my glory shall sing unto thee : * O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

Ant.    Exaltábo te, Dómine, quóniam suscepísti me, allelúja.

Ant.    I will magnify thee, O Lord, for thou hast set me up, alleluia.

Ant.    Ascéndit Deus * in jubilatióne, et Dóminus in voce tubæ, allelúja.

Ant.    God is gone up * with a merry noise, and the Lord with the sound of the trump, alleluia.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 46.  Omnes Gentes

Omnes Gentes, pláudite mánibus: * jubiláte Deo in voce exsultatiónis.
2  Quóniam Dóminus excélsus, terríbilis: * Rex magnus super omnem terram.
3  Subjécit pópulos nobis: * et Gentes sub pédibus nostris.
4  Elégit nobis hereditátem suam : * spéciem Jacob, quam diléxit.
5  Ascéndit Deus in júbilo: * et Dóminus in voce tubæ.
6  Psállite Deo nostro, psállite: * psállite Regi nostro, psállite.
7  Quóniam Rex omnis terræ Deus: * psállite sapiénter.
8  Regnábit Deus super Gentes: * Deus sedet super sedem sanctam suam.
9  Príncipes populórum congregáti sunt cum Deo Abraham: * quóniam dii fortes terræ veheménter eleváti sunt.

O clap your hands, all ye nations: * O shout unto God with the voice of joy.
2  For the Lord is high, and to be feared; * he is the great King upon all the earth.
3  He hath subdued the peoples under us, * and the nations under our feet.
4  He hath chosen out an heritage for us, * even the excellency of Jacob, whom he loved.
5  God is gone up with a merry noise, * and the Lord with the sound of the trump.
6  O sing praises, sing praises unto our God; * O sing praises, sing praises unto our King.
7  For God is the King of all the earth: * sing ye praises with understanding.
8  God shall reign over the nations; * God sitteth upon his holy throne.
9  The princes of the peoples are joined unto the God of Abraham; * for the strong gods of the earth are very high exalted.

Ant.    Ascéndit Deus in jubilatióne, et Dóminus in voce tubæ, allelúja.

Ant.    God is gone up with a merry noise, and the Lord with the sound of the trump, alleluia.

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.

Post beátam et gloriósam resurrectiónem Dómini nostri Jesu Christi, qua verum Dei templum Judáica impietáte resolútum, divína in tríduo poténtia suscitávit, quadragenárius hódie, dilectíssimi, sanctórum diérum explétus est númerus, sacratíssima ordinatióne dispósitus, et ad utilitátem nostræ eruditiónis impénsus : ut, dum a Dómino in hoc spátio mora præséntiæ corporális exténditur, fides resurrectiónis documéntis necessáriis munirétur.  Mors enim Christi multum discipulórum corda turbáverat : et de supplício crucis, de emissióne spíritus, de exanimáti córporis sepultúra gravátis mœstitúdine méntibus, quidam diffidéntiæ torpor obrépserat.

After the blessed and glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ (wherein was raised up in three days that true Temple of God which had been destroyed by the ímpiety of Jewry), there came by God's providential ordering a season of forty days, the annual commemoration of which endeth on this day.  The original great forty days, dearly beloved, were spent by the Lord in profitable instruction for our benefit.  On this wise, his bodily presence was still given to the earth during all these forty days, that our faith in his resurrection might be armed with all needful proofs.  For the death of Christ had troubled the hearts of many of his disciples ; their thoughts were sad when they remembered his agony upon the cross, his giving up of the Ghost, and the burial in the grave of his lifeless body : and so a sort of hesitation had begun to weigh on them.

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

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

R.  Tempus est, ut revértar ad eum, qui me misit, dicit Dóminus : nolíte contristári, nec turbétur cor vestrum : * Rogo pro vobis Patrem, ut ipse vos custódiat, allelúja, allelúja.
V.  Nisi ego abíero, Paráclitus non véniet : cum assúmptus fúero, mittam vobis eum.
R.  Rogo pro vobis Patrem, ut ipse vos custódiat, allelúja, allelúja.

R.  Now I go my way to him that sent me, saith the Lord : let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid : *  For I will pray the Father that he may keep you in my Name, alleluia, alleluia.
V.  If I go not away the Comforter will not come unto you, but if I depart I will send him unto you.
R.  For I will pray the Father that he may keep you in my Name, alleluia, alleluia.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

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

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

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

Unde beatíssimi Apóstoli, omnésque discípuli, qui et de éxitu crucis fúerant trépidi, et de fide resurrectiónis ambígui, ita sunt veritáte perspícua roboráti, ut, Dómino in cælórum eúnte sublímia, non solum nulla afficeréntur tristítia, sed étiam magno gáudio repleréntur.  Et revéra magna et ineffábilis erat causa gaudéndi, cum in conspéctu sanctæ multitúdinis super ómnium creaturárum cæléstium dignitátem humáni géneris natúra conscénderet, supergressúra Angélicos órdines, et ultra Archangelórum altitúdines elevánda : nec ullis sublimitátibus modum suæ provectiónis habitúra, nisi ætérni Patris recépta conséssu, illíus glóriæ sociarétur in throno, cujus natúræ copulabátur in Fílio.

Hence the most blessed Apostles and all the disciples who had been fearful concerning the death on the cross, and doubtful of the trustworthiness of the report of Christ's resurrection, were so strengthened by the clear demonstration of the truth, that, when they saw the Lord going up into the heights of heaven, they sorrowed not ; nay, they were even filled with great joy.  And, in all verity, it was a mighty and unspeakable cause of rejoicing for all the holy multitude of believers, when they perceived that the nature of mankind was thus exalted above all creatures, even the heavenly spirits, so as to pass above the ranks of the Angels, and be raised beyond the heights of the Archangels.  For on this wise they perceived that no limit was set upon the uplifting of that nature short of the right hand of the Eternal Father, where it was to be Sharer of his throne, and Partaker of his glory ; and nevertheless it was still nothing more than that nature of man, which the Son hath taken upon him.

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

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

R.  Non turbétur cor vestrum : ego vado ad Patrem ; et cum assúmptus fúero a vobis, mittam vobis, allelúja, * Spíritum veritátis, et gaudébit cor vestrum, allelúja.
V.  Ego rogábo Patrem, et álium Paráclitum dabit vobis.
R.  Spíritum veritátis, et gaudébit cor vestrum, allelúja.

R.  Let not your heart be troubled that I go unto my Father ; for when I am taken up from you, I will send you the Paraclete, * Even the Spirit of Truth, and your heart shall rejoice, alleluia.
V.  I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter.
R.  Even the Spirit of Truth, and your heart shall rejoice, alleluia.

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.

Quia ígitur Christi ascénsio, nostra provéctio est ; et quo præcéssit glória cápitis, eo spes vocátur et córporis : dignis, dilectíssimi, exsultémus gáudiis, et pia gratiárum actióne lætémur.  Hódie enim non solum paradísi possessóres firmáti sumus, sed étiam cælórum in Christo supérna penetrávimus : amplióra adépti per ineffábilem Christi grátiam, quam per diáboli amiserámus invídiam.  Nam quos viruléntus inimícus primi habitáculi felicitáte dejécit, eos sibi concorporátos Dei Fílius ad déxteram Patris collocávit : cum quo vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sæcula sæculórum.  Amen.

Therefore, dearly beloved, let us also rejoice with fitting joy.  For the Ascension of Christ is exaltation for us.  And whither the glory of the Head of the Church is passed in, thither is the hope of the body of the Church called on to follow.  Let us rejoice with exceeding great joy, and give God glad thanks.  This day is not only the possession of paradise made sure unto us, but in Christ our Head we are actually entering into the heavenly mansions above.  Through the unspeakable goodness of Christ we have gained more than ever we lost by the envy of the devil.  For those whom our venomous enemy cast down from the happiness of their first estate, those same hath the Son of God made to be of one body with himself, and hath given them a place at the right hand of the Father : with whom he liveth and reigneth, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.  Amen.

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

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

R.  Ascéndens Christus in altum, captívam duxit captivitátem, * Dedit dona homínibus, allelúja, allelúja, allelúja.
V.  Ascéndit Deus in jubilatióne, et Dóminus in voce tubæ.
R.  Dedit dona homínibus, allelúja, allelúja, allelúja.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Dedit dona homínibus, allelúja, allelúja, allelúja.

R.  When Christ went up on high, and led captivity captive,  * He received gifts for men, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
V.  God is gone up with a merry noise, and the Lord with the sound of the trump.
R.  He received gifts for men, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  He received gifts for men, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Third Nocturn

Ant.    Nimis exaltátus est, * allelúja : super omnes deos, allelúja.

Ant.    Thou art exalted, * alleluia : far above all gods, alleluia.

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.    Nimis exaltátus est, allelúja : super omnes deos, allelúja.

Ant.    Thou art exalted, alleluia : far above all gods, alleluia.

Ant.    Dóminus in Sion, * allelúja : magnus et excélsus, allelúja.

Ant.    The Lord is great in Sion, * alleluia : and high above all people, alleluia.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 98.  Dominus regnavit

Dóminus regnávit, irascántur pópuli: * qui sedet super Chérubim, moveátur terra.
2  Dóminus in Sion magnus: * et excélsus super omnes pópulos.
3  (fit reverentia) Confiteántur nómini tuo magno : quóniam terríbile, et sanctum est : * et honor regis judícium díligit.
4  Tu parásti directiónes: * judícium et justítiam in Jacob tu fecísti.
5  Exaltáte Dóminum Deum nostrum, et adoráte scabéllum pedum ejus: * quóniam sanctum est.
6  Móyses et Aaron in sacerdótibus ejus: * et Sámuel inter eos, qui ínvocant nomen ejus:
7  Invocábant Dóminum, et ipse exaudiébat eos: * in colúmna nubis loquebátur ad eos.
8  Custodiébant testimónia ejus: * et præcéptum quod dedit illis.
9  Dómine, Deus noster, tu exaudiébas eos: * Deus, tu propítius fuísti eis, et ulcíscens in omnes adinventiónes eórum.
10  Exaltáte Dóminum Deum nostrum, et adoráte in monte sancto ejus: * quóniam sanctus Dóminus Deus noster.

The Lord hath reigned, let the people be angry : * he that sitteth upon the Cherubim, let the earth be moved.
2  The Lord is great in Sion, * and high above all people.
3  (all bow) Let them give thanks unto thy great Name, for it is terrible, and holy : * and the King's honour loveth judgment.
4  Thou hast prepared equity, * thou hast executed judgment and righteousness in Jacob.
5  O magnify the Lord our God, and worship his footstool; * for it is holy.
6  Moses and Aaron among his priests, * and Samuel among such as call upon his Name:
7  These called upon the Lord, and he heard them: * he spake unto them out of the cloudy pillar
8  They kept his testimonies, * and the law that he gave them.
9  Thou heardest them, O Lord our God; * thou wast to them a merciful God, and taking vengeance against all their inventions.
10  O magnify the Lord our God, and worship in his holy mountain; * for the Lord our God is holy.

Ant.    Dóminus in Sion, allelúja : magnus et excélsus, allelúja.

Ant.    The Lord is great in Sion, alleluia : and high above all people, alleluia.

Ant.    Dóminus in cælo, * allelúja : parávit sedem suam, allelúja.

Ant.    The Lord hath prepared, * alleluia : his seat in heaven, alleluia.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 102. Benedic, anima mea

Bénedic, ánima mea, Dómino : * et ómnia, quæ intra me sunt, nómini sancto ejus.
2  Bénedic, ánima mea, Dómino : * et noli oblivísci omnes retributiónes ejus.
3  Qui propitiátur ómnibus iniquitátibus tuis : * qui sanat omnes infirmitátes tuas.
4  Qui rédimit de intéritu vitam tuam : * qui corónat te in misericórdia et miseratiónibus.
5  Qui replet in bonis desidérium tuum : * renovábitur ut áquilæ juvéntus tua.
6  Fáciens misericórdias Dóminus : * et judícium ómnibus injúriam patiéntibus.
7  Notas fecit vias suas Móysi, * fíliis Israël voluntátes suas.
8  Miserátor, et miséricors Dóminus : * longánimis et multum miséricors.
9  Non in perpétuum irascét