CatholicaF. E. Warren (ed.), Henry Bradshaw Society 10 (1893) — Latin text. Rendered into modern English. Bracketed words are supplied where the manuscript is defective; refrains indicated by the first words only are given in full.
In the name of the most high God!*
[1.] The Canticle of Moses (Deuteronomy 32) #
1 Give ear, O heavens, to what I speak; let the earth hear the words of my mouth. 2 Let my doctrine gather as the rain; let my speech flow down as the dew, as the shower upon the herb, and as drops upon the grass. 3 For I will invoke the name of the Lord; give magnificence to our God. 4 God’s works are perfect, and all His ways are judgements.
Give ear.
God is faithful, and without any iniquity; just and right. 5 They sinned against Him, and they are not His sons in their filth,
Give ear.
a crooked and perverse generation. 6 Do you so repay the Lord, O foolish and senseless people? Is not He your father, who possessed you, and made you, and created you?
Give ear.
7 Remember the days of old; consider the generations one by one; ask your father, and he shall show you; your elders, and they shall tell you.
Give ear.
8 When the Most High divided the nations, when He separated the sons of Adam, He set the bounds of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God.
Give ear.
9 And the Lord’s portion is His people; Jacob is the lot of His inheritance. 10 He found him in a desert land, in a place of horror and of vast wilderness; He led him about and taught him, and kept him as the apple of His eye.
Give ear.
11 As the eagle provoking her young to fly, and hovering over them, He spread His wings and took him and bore him upon His shoulders.
Give ear.
12 The Lord alone was his leader, and there was no strange god with him. 13 He set him upon the high places of the earth, that he might eat the fruits of the field; that he might suck honey out of the rock and oil out of the hard stone;
Give ear.
14 Butter of the herd and milk of the sheep, with the fat of lambs and rams of the sons of Bashan, and kids with the marrow of wheat, and might drink the purest blood of the grape.
Give ear.
15 The beloved grew fat and kicked; he grew fat and thick and gross; he forsook God his Maker, and departed from God his salvation.
Give ear.
16 They provoked Him to jealousy with strange gods; with abominations they stirred Him to anger.
Give ear.
17 They sacrificed to devils and not to God; to gods whom they knew not; to new gods that came newly up, whom their fathers worshipped not.
Give ear.
18 You have forsaken the God that fathered you, and have forgotten the Lord your Creator.
Give ear.
19 The Lord saw and was moved to anger, because His own sons and daughters provoked Him.
Give ear.
20 And He said: I will hide My face from them, and will consider what their last end shall be; for they are a perverse generation and unfaithful children.
Give ear.
21 They have moved Me to jealousy with that which is no god; they have provoked Me to anger with their idols; and I will move them to jealousy with those who are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
Give ear.
22 A fire is kindled in My anger, and shall burn even to the lowest hell; and it shall devour the earth with her increase, and shall burn the foundations of the mountains.
Give ear.
23 I will heap evils upon them, and will spend My arrows among them.
Give ear.
24 They shall be consumed with hunger, and the birds of the air shall devour them with a most bitter bite; I will send upon them the teeth of beasts, with the fury of creatures that trail upon the ground and of serpents.
Give ear.
25 Without, the sword shall bereave them, and within there shall be terror: the young man with the virgin, the sucking child with the man that is old.
Give ear.
26 I said: Where are they? I will make the memory of them to cease from among men.
Give ear.
27 But for the wrath of the enemies I have deferred it, lest their enemies should be proud and say: Our high hand, and not the Lord, has done all these things.
Give ear.
28 They are a nation without counsel, and without wisdom.
Give ear.
29 Would that they were wise and understood, and would consider their latter end!
Give ear.
30 How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, unless their God had sold them, and the Lord had shut them up?
Give ear.
31 For our God is not as their gods; our enemies also are judges.
Give ear.
32 Their vines are of the vineyard of Sodom, and of the suburbs of Gomorrah; their grapes are grapes of gall, and their clusters most bitter.
Give ear.
33 Their wine is the gall of dragons and the venom of asps, which is incurable.
Give ear.
34 Are not these things laid up in store with Me, and sealed up among My treasures?
Give ear.
35 Revenge is Mine, and I will repay in due time, that their foot may slide; the day of destruction is at hand, and the times make haste to come.
Give ear.
36 The Lord shall judge His people, and shall have mercy on His servants; He shall see that their hand is weakened, that they which were shut up have failed, and they that remained are consumed.
Give ear.
37 And He shall say: Where are their gods, in whom they trusted?
Give ear.
38 Of whose victims they ate the fat, and drank the wine of their drink-offerings? Let them arise and help you and protect you.
Give ear.
39 See you that I alone am, and there is no other god beside Me; I will kill and I will make to live; I will wound and I will heal; and there is none that can deliver out of My hand.
Give ear.
40 For I will lift up My hand to heaven, and I will say: I live for ever.
Give ear.
41 If I shall whet My sword as the lightning, and My hand shall lay hold on judgement, I will render vengeance to Mine enemies, and will repay them that hate Me.
Give ear.
42 I will make My arrows drunk with blood, and My sword shall devour flesh — of the blood of the slain and of the captives, of the stripped head of the enemies.
Give ear.
43 Rejoice, O you nations, with His people, for He will avenge the blood of His servants, and will render vengeance to His adversaries, and will be merciful to the land of His people for ever and ever.
Give ear.
[2.] The Hymn of St Hilary on Christ #
1 Let the company of the brethren sing a hymn;
let the hymn resound in song;
singing in concert to Christ the King,
let us render the praises that are due.
2 You are the Word from the heart of God,
You are the Way, You the Truth,
You are called the Rod of Jesse,
we read of You as the Lion.
3 Right hand of the Father, the Mountain, and the Lamb;
You the corner-stone;
Bridegroom and likewise the Dove;
Flame, the Shepherd, the Door.
4 You are found in the prophets,
born into our age;
before the ages You were,
the Maker of the first world.
5 Maker of heaven, Maker of earth,
Gatherer of the sea,
and Creator of all things
which the Father bids to be born.
6 Received into the Virgin’s members
at Gabriel’s annunciation,
the womb grows with holy offspring;
we are admonished to believe
7 a new thing, never before seen:
a virgin a mother.
Then the Magi, following the star,
first adore the little one,
8 offering frankincense and gold,
gifts worthy of a King;
at once it is told to Herod;
envying the Power,
9 he then bids the little ones be slain:
he made a throng of martyrs.
The Child is carried, to be hidden,
to where the river Nile flows;
10 after Herod He is brought back,
to be nurtured in Nazareth.
Many a sign, small and grown,
He wrought from heaven —
11 some hidden and some read of —
before many witnesses;
preaching the kingdom of heaven
He proved His words by deeds.
12 He made the feeble strong,
He enlightens the blind with light,
with words He purges the disease of leprosy,
He raises the dead.
13 The wine that failed in the water-pots
He bids be changed from water;
at the marriage-feast, with wine retained,
He gives drink to the people.
14 With five loaves and two fishes
He feeds five thousand;
the fragments of the banquet for the refreshed —
in four-times-three baskets.
15 The whole multitude reclining
gave perpetual praise;
He chose twelve men
through whom Life is learned.
16 Of whom one is found to be
Judas the traitor of Christ.
Those sent by Annas are taught
the sign of the betrayer’s kiss.
17 The Innocent is taken and held;
unresisting He is led;
He is set before false accusers;
they rage, offering Him to Pontius.
18 The Governor examines the charges;
he finds no crime;
but when the Jewish mob,
for Caesar’s safety,
19 said Christ must be denied,
the Holy One is delivered to the mobs;
they rage with impious words;
He endures spittings and scourges.
20 He is bidden to mount the cross,
the Innocent for the guilty;
by the death of the flesh which He bore
He conquered the death of all.
21 Then hanging on the cross
He calls on God the Father with a loud cry;
death following loosed
the strict bonds of Christ’s members.
22 The veils of the temple hang rent;
night darkens the world;
bodies long shut up are aroused
from the sepulchres.
23 Blessed Joseph comes;
the body, anointed with myrrh
and bound in a rough linen,
he laid in the tomb with sorrow.
24 Annas the chief commands soldiers
to guard the body,
that he might see whether Christ would prove
what He had promised.
25 Trembling, they see the Angel of God
clothed in white clothing,
who in whiteness of brightness
outshone the silken fleece.
26 He removed the stone from the sepulchre,
Christ rising whole.
Lying Judaea saw these things —
and denies them, though she saw them.
27 The women are first warned
that the Saviour lives;
He Himself greets them in their grief,
and fills the sad ones with joy.
28 He tells the apostles that, raised
by the Father’s right hand,
He returned from the dead
on the third day.
29 Soon He is seen by the blessed
whom He proved as brethren;
to them doubting that He had returned,
He enters, the doors being shut.
30 He gives them, teaching, the precepts of the Law;
He gives the divine Spirit —
the perfect Spirit of God,
the bond of the Trinity.
31 He bids all the believing
to be baptized throughout the whole world,
invoking the name of the Father,
confessing the Son.
32 With mystic faith He reveals
those dipped in the Holy Spirit,
dipped in the font, made new,
made sons of God.
33 Before the light let us, the throng of brethren,
sing in concert the glory
wherewith we are taught that we shall be
for everlasting ages.
34 The cock’s crow, the cock’s clapping,
feels the day at hand;
we singing and praying believe
the things that are to come.
35 And the immense Majesty
let us hymn together;
before the light let us proclaim
Christ the King to the world —
36 before the light let us proclaim
Christ the King to the world,
who shall rightly believe in Him,
to reign with Him.
37 Glory to the Father unbegotten,
glory to the Only-begotten,
together with the Holy Spirit,
for everlasting ages.
[3.] The Hymn of the Apostles, as others say #
1 We pray the Father
the almighty King,
and Jesus Christ,
and also the Holy Spirit.
Alleluia.
2 God, in one substance
perfect,
threefold in three persons
to be adored.
3 Fountain
of the heavenly lights’ beam,
and of those
that shine for the world.
4 For this day,
like a firstborn,
from the citadel of heaven
shone upon the world’s mass.
5 So the Word was made flesh
from the beginning,
the eternal Light
sent by the Father into the world.
6 And He, taking strength
from the primeval chaos,
then unlooked-for
drove night from the world.
7 So when that ancient
enemy was subdued
He loosed the pole(?)
from the knotty bond of death.
8 Darkness was over
the deep before
the first of days
shone forth.
9 When it came forth, the true Light,
mortal hearts
were wrapped about
by deep ignorance.
10 On the same day,
as they say, Israel set free
left the Red Sea
behind.
11 By this we are taught
to spurn the deeds of the world,
and to stand in the desert
of the virtues.
12 The savage rival being drowned,
they sing eagerly
to God praises
to the fiery Leader.
13 And so being rescued
we are bidden
to praise God over the wicked straits,
our enemies being cast out.
14 And as that day
was the beginning of light,
so this
is the commencement of salvation.
15 The one is set first
in the order of day;
the other
in the heat of faith.
16 At the end of the world,
after so many mysteries,
the Saviour shall come
with great clemency.
17 And as openly
shall the elements be stretched out
as the mouths of the prophets
luminously proclaim together.
18 Born as man
in mortal covering,
He is not absent from heaven,
remaining in the Trinity.
19 He wails in swaddling-clothes;
is worshipped by the Magi;
He shines in the stars;
is adored in the heavens.
20 In lowly stature
He is contained in a manger —
He in whose fist
the world can be enclosed.
21 And His first sign
He showed to His disciples —
of water changed
into the flavour of nectar.
22 Then is fulfilled
what was said through the prophet:
“The lame shall leap
nimbly as the hart.”
23 And speaks plainly,
the bond being loosed,
the tongue of the dumb,
the Lord commanding.
24 The deaf are healed,
and the blind and the lepers;
the dead, thrust down to the grave,
are raised.
25 The same number of loaves — five —
He divides among men,
about to satisfy,
beyond doubt, five thousands.
26 After such great masses
of divine clemency,
that one was hated
by the goad of envy —
27 who envies
and hates the soul,
on behalf of the enemies,
prolonging the strife.
28 Against Him
a council is held —
He who is called the Angel
of the Great Counsel.
29 They come to Him
as to a robber with swords,
about to deliver the Thief
to the eternal flames.
30 At last He is delivered
to human judgement;
the Immortal is condemned
by a mortal king.
31 Nailed to the cross,
He wondrously shakes the pole,
and covers the light of the sun
for three hours.
32 The rocks are rent;
the veil of the temple is torn;
the living dead rise
from the sepulchres.
33 Corroded by knots
for well-near a thousand years,
He sets them free
from the infernal bier.
34 And the first-made man
and his shameful progeny
He freed from the fierce
avenging death of evil.
35 And the ancient
dweller of paradise
by His return
He mercifully restored.
36 Exalting the head
of the whole body
in the Trinity
He established the Church.
37 In this, from heaven
He commands the princes
to open the eternal gates
for the King with His company.
38 The straying
hundredth sheep He carries
on His heavenly shoulders
to the fold.
39 Whom we await
as the Judge to come,
to render to each
his work.
40 What, I ask, in return for such
and so great gifts
can we mortals
fittingly repay?
41 What do we so petty mortals
attempt to tell,
which no one
can declare?
42 One thing alone we pray,
and the same the greatest:
have mercy upon us
for ever, O Lord.
Alleluia.
[4.] The Blessing of St Zachary (Benedictus) #
1 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and wrought the redemption of His people; 2 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of David His servant.
3 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, who are from the beginning; 4 and has delivered us from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us;
5 to perform mercy with our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant;
6 the oath which He swore to Abraham our father, that He would grant to us,
7 that we, being delivered without fear from the hands of our enemies, might serve Him; 8 in holiness and justice before Him all our days.
9 And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High; for you shall go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
10 to give the knowledge of salvation to His people, in the remission of their sins;
11 through the bowels of the mercy of our God, in which the Orient from on high has visited us,
12 to enlighten them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet into the way of peace.
13 And the child grew and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts until the day of his manifestation to Israel.
[5.] The Canticle of Moses (Exodus 15) #
1 Let us sing to the Lord, for gloriously is He magnified; the horse and the rider He has thrown into the sea.
2 He was my helper and protector to salvation. This is my God, and I will glorify Him; the God of my father, and I will exalt Him.
3 The Lord who breaks battles — the Lord is His name.
4 Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He has thrown into the sea; his chosen riders, his three-man chariot-soldiers, He drowned in the Red Sea.
5 With the deep He covered them; they went down into the depth like a stone. 6 Your right hand, O Lord, is glorified in power; Your right hand, O Lord, shall dash in pieces the enemies.
7 And in the multitude of Your majesty You have broken Your adversaries; You sent Your wrath, and it devoured them like stubble.
8 And by the spirit of Your wrath the water was divided; the waters congealed like a wall; the waves congealed in the middle of the sea.
9 The enemy said: “Pursuing I shall overtake, I will divide the spoils, I will satisfy my soul; I will slay with my sword; my hand shall have dominion.”
10 You sent Your Spirit, and the sea covered them; they sank like lead in the most mighty water.
11 Who is like to You among the gods, O Lord? who is like to You, glorious in holiness, wonderful in majesty, doing wonders?
12 You stretched out Your right hand, and the earth devoured them. 13 You governed in Your justice this Your people whom You delivered; You exalted them in Your strength into Your holy habitation.
14 The nations heard and were angry; pangs took hold on the inhabitants of Philistia.
15 Then the dukes of Edom made haste, and the princes of the Moabites; trembling took hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan melted away.
16 Let fear and trembling fall upon them at the greatness of Your arm; let them become as a stone until Your people pass over, O Lord — until this Your people, whom You delivered, pass over.
17 You shall bring them in and plant them in the mountain of Your inheritance, in Your prepared habitation, which You have prepared, O Lord — Your sanctuary, O Lord, which Your hands have established.
18 You, O Lord, reign for ever, and for ever and ever, and yet more. 19 For the cavalry of Pharaoh with his chariots and his riders went into the sea; and the Lord brought the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went through the middle of the sea on dry ground.
[6.] The Blessing of the Three Children (Benedicite — Daniel 3) #
1 Bless all the works of the Lord — the Lord: sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
2 Bless you the heavens of the Lord — the Lord: sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
3 Bless you angels of the Lord — the Lord: sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
4 Bless you all waters above the heavens — the Lord: sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
5 Bless you all powers of the Lord — the Lord: sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
6 Bless you sun and moon — the Lord: sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
7 Bless you stars of heaven — the Lord: sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
8 Bless you rain and dew — the Lord: sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
9 Bless you all spirits — the Lord: sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
10 Bless you fire and heat — the Lord: sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
11 Bless you nights and days — the Lord: sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
12 Bless you darkness and light — the Lord: sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
13 Bless you cold and summer — the Lord: sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
14 Bless you hoarfrost and snows — the Lord: sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
15 Bless you lightnings and clouds — the Lord: sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
16 Let the earth bless the Lord: let it sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
17 Bless you mountains and hills — the Lord: sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
18 Bless you all things that spring up in the earth — the Lord: sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
19 Bless you seas and rivers — the Lord: sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
20 Bless you fountains of waters — the Lord: sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
21 Bless you whales and all things that move in the waters — the Lord: sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
22 Bless you all birds of heaven — the Lord: sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
23 Bless you beasts and cattle — the Lord: sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
24 Bless you Israelites — the Lord: sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
25 Bless you sons of men — the Lord: sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
26 Bless you priests of the Lord — the Lord: sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
27 Bless you servants of the Lord — the Lord: sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
28 Bless you spirits and souls of the just — the Lord: sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
29 Bless you holy and humble of heart — the Lord: sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
30 Bless you, Ananias, Azarias, Misael — the Lord: sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
31 Let us bless the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit — the Lord: let us sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
[7.] The Hymn for the Lord’s Day #
Praise the Lord, O you children: praise the name of the Lord. 1 We praise You, O God; we acknowledge You to be the Lord.
2 All the earth worships You, the everlasting Father. 3 To You all angels, to You the heavens and all powers,
4 To You Cherubim and Seraphim cry with unceasing voice: 5 Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts.
6 Full are the heavens and the whole earth of the honour of Your glory.
7 The glorious choir of the apostles, 8 the praiseworthy number of the prophets,
9 the white-robed army of the martyrs praise You. 10 The holy Church throughout all the world acknowledges You:
11 the Father of boundless majesty, 12 Your venerable, true, only-begotten Son,
13 and the Holy Spirit the Paraclete. 14 You are the King of glory, O Christ.
15 You are the everlasting Son of the Father. 16 To deliver the world You took upon You man;
You did not abhor the Virgin’s womb. 17 You, having overcome the sting of death, did open to believers the kingdoms of heaven.
18 You sit at the right hand of God in the glory of the Father. 19 You are believed to be the Judge to come.
20 We therefore beseech You: help Your servants, whom You have redeemed with Your precious blood.
21 Make them to be numbered with Your saints in eternal glory.
22 Save Your people, O Lord, and bless Your inheritance. 23 And rule them, and lift them up for ever.
24 Day by day we bless You. 25 And we praise Your name for ever, and for ever and ever. Amen.
26 Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we have hoped in You.
[8.] Hymn when the priests communicate #
1 Draw near, you holy;
take the body of Christ,
drinking the holy blood
whereby you were redeemed.
2 Saved by the body
and blood of Christ,
refreshed by Him,
let us sing praises to God.
3 By this sacrament
of the body and blood
all are freed
from the jaws of hell.
4 The giver of salvation,
Christ the Son of God,
saved the world
by the cross and by blood.
5 For all men
was the Lord sacrificed:
He is at once the priest
and the victim.
6 By the Law it was commanded
that victims be sacrificed,
whereby the divine mysteries
are foreshadowed.
7 The bestower of light
and saviour of all
has bestowed on the saints
a glorious grace.
8 Let all approach
believing with pure mind;
let them take the eternal
safeguard of salvation.
9 The guardian of the saints
and ruler, the Lord,
the bestower on believers
of the life eternal.
10 He gives the heavenly bread
to the hungry;
from the living fountain
He gives drink to the thirsty.
11 Alpha and Omega,
He, Christ the Lord,
is coming — coming
to judge mankind.
[9.] Hymn when the wax candle is blessed #
1 Fiery creator of fire,
giving light to light,
creator of life for life,
giver of salvation and salvation itself.
2 Let not the vigil’s lamp desert
the joys of this night;
You who will not man to die,
give light to our heart.
3 To those migrating from Egypt
You grant a double grace:
You show the veil of cloud;
You offer a light by night.
4 By day with a pillar of cloud
You protect the coming people;
at evening with a pillar of fire
You drive away the night with light.
5 From the flame You call Your servant;
You do not spurn the thorny bush;
and, though You are a consuming fire,
You burn not what You illumine.
6 When the cloudy dregs are purged away,
the waxen flesh purified of its dross,
it gleams in season
by the fervent Holy Spirit.
7 The breath of the divine honey,
now storing up the honeycomb’s secret cells,
has filled the inmost chambers of the heart,
cleansed by the Word.
8 As a swarm of new-born offspring,
going forth by the mouth at the Spirit’s bidding,
having left its burdens,
seeks heaven on secure little wings.
9 Glory to the Father unbegotten;
glory to the Only-begotten,
together with the Holy Spirit,
for everlasting ages.
[10.] Hymn of the middle of the night #
1 It is the time of the middle of the night;
the prophetic voice admonishes
that we should sing praises to God
the Father ever and to the Son,
2 and to the Holy Spirit also;
for the perfect Trinity
of one substance
is ever to be praised by us.
3 This hour has terror:
when the destroying angel
brought death upon Egypt,
he destroyed the firstborn.
4 This hour is salvation for the just:
because there the same angel
dared not punish those,
dreading the sign of blood.
5 Egypt was weeping bitterly
at the dire death of so many;
Israel alone rejoiced,
protected by the blood of the Lamb.
6 But we are the true Israel;
let us rejoice in You, O Lord,
despising the enemy and evil,
defended by the blood of Christ.
7 That is surely the time
at which, by the evangelic voice,
the Bridegroom is believed to come —
the founder of the heavenly kingdom.
8 The holy virgins then
meet His advent,
bearing bright lamps,
rejoicing with great joy.
9 But the foolish remain,
who have extinguished lamps,
in vain knocking at the doors,
the palace of the kingdom now shut.
10 Therefore let us watch, sober,
bearing shining minds,
that we may worthily
run to meet the advent of Jesus.
11 And in the middle time of night
Paul and Silas also,
bound in prison, praising Christ,
were set free.
12 This world is a prison to us;
we praise You, O Christ our God:
loose the bonds of sins
of them that believe in You, O Holy One.
13 Make us worthy, O holy King,
of the glory of the kingdom to come,
that we may deserve
to hymn You with eternal praises.
14 Glory to the Father unbegotten;
glory to the Only-begotten,
together with the Holy Spirit,
for everlasting ages.
[11.] Hymn on the Feast of Martyrs, or on Saturday at matins #
1 Most holy martyrs of the most high God,
bravest warriors of Christ the King,
most mighty leaders of the army of God,
victors in the heavens, singing to God:
Alleluia.
2 Most high Christ, God of the heavens,
for whom Cherubim with the Father are the sacred throne;
there the shining choir of angels and of martyrs
to You the saints cry:
Alleluia.
3 Magnificent One, who first of all suffered the cross;
who, death being conquered, shine forth upon the world,
who ascend to the heavens to the right hand of God —
to You the saints cry:
Alleluia.
4 Armed in mind with spiritual arms,
the holy apostles followed You;
while they suffered that very death of the cross,
to You the saints sang:
Alleluia.
5 Christ, You are the mighty helper of Your martyrs
fighting in holiness for Your glory;
when they went forth victorious from this world,
to You the saints sang:
Alleluia.
6 Your illustrious power, O Lord, is to be praised,
which through the Holy Spirit strengthened the martyrs,
that they might cast down the devil and conquer death —
to You the saints sang:
Alleluia.
7 Protected by the high hand of the Lord,
they stood firm against the devil,
ever keeping the faith in the Trinity with their whole heart —
to You the saints sang:
Alleluia.
8 Truly reigning with You, O Christ our God,
who have the crowns by merit of their passion,
and rejoice filled with the hundredfold fruit —
to You the saints cry:
Alleluia.
9 Let us suppliantly beseech
the grace of Christ our God,
that we may be consummated in His glory,
and in holy Jerusalem, the city of God,
may say to the Trinity with the saints:
Alleluia.
[12.] Hymn at matins on the Lord’s Day #
1 Spirit of the divine light of glory —
look upon me, O Lord.
2 God of truth,
Lord God of hosts,
God of Israel —
look upon me, O Lord.
3 Light of light:
we render the Son of the Father,
and the Holy Spirit in one substance —
look upon me, O Lord.
4 Only-begotten and First-begotten,
from You we obtain
our redemption —
look upon me, O Lord.
5 You were born of the Holy Spirit
of the Virgin Mary,
for this very thing — for the adoption
of the sons who, begotten for You,
live from the fountain —
look upon me, O Lord.
6 Heirs and co-heirs
of Your Christ, in whom
and through whom You created all things —
because in predestination
from the ages is
God Jesus, who now began —
look upon me, O Lord.
7 Only-begotten from the dead,
possessing a body divine;
the brightness of God, remaining
for ever and ever,
King of the eternals —
look upon me, O Lord.
8 For He now began who ever was,
the Son of Your nature,
of the divine light of Your glory,
who is the form and the fulness
of Your divinity —
look upon me, O Lord.
9 The person of the only-begotten
and first-begotten,
who is wholly from the Whole —
we have said, light of light —
look upon me, O Lord.
10 And we confess true God
from true God
in three persons
in one substance —
look upon me, O Lord.
[13.] Hymn of St Patrick, teacher of the Irish #
1 Hear, all you that love
God, the holy merits
of the blessed man in Christ,
Patrick the bishop:
how for his good living
he is made like to the angels,
and for his perfect life
is counted equal to the apostles.
2 He keeps the blessed commands of Christ
in all things;
his works shine
bright among men;
and they follow
his wonderful and holy example,
from which also they magnify
God the Father in heaven.
3 Constant in the fear of God
and steadfast in faith,
upon whom the Church is built
as upon Peter;
and whose apostleship
he has received from God —
against whom the gates of hell
prevail not.
4 The Lord chose him
to teach the barbarous
nations, and to fish
with the nets of doctrine,
and to draw believers
from the world to grace —
who should follow the Lord
to the heavenly seat.
5 He sells the chosen talents
of Christ by the Gospel,
which among the Irish peoples
he exacts with usury —
of this voyage of labour
the price of work
is to possess the joy
of the heavenly kingdom with Christ.
6 A faithful minister of God
and a famous messenger,
he gives an apostolic example
and pattern to the good —
who preaches to the people of God
by words and by deeds alike,
that he whom words do not convert
he may provoke by a good deed.
7 He has glory with Christ
and honour in the world,
he who is venerated by all
as an angel of God —
whom God sent as an apostle
to the nations like Paul,
that he might afford men
guidance toward the kingdom of God.
8 Humble for the fear of God
in spirit and body,
upon whom for his good living
the Lord rests;
and who bears in his just flesh
the stigmata of Christ,
and who, sustained by the Alone,
glories in the cross.
9 Untiring he feeds the believers
with heavenly feasts,
lest they who are seen with Christ
should faint in the way;
to whom he deals out
the evangelic words as loaves,
and by whom they are multiplied
in his hands like manna.
10 Who keeps his flesh chaste
for the love of the Lord —
which flesh he prepared
as a temple for the Holy Spirit,
by whom it is constantly
possessed with pure works —
and which he offers to the Lord
as a pleasing living victim.
11 And the great evangelic light
of the world, enkindled,
lifted on the candlestick,
shining for all the age;
the fortified city of the King
set on a mountain,
in which is great plenty,
which the Lord possesses.
12 For he shall be called greatest
in the kingdom of heaven
who fulfils in good deeds
what he teaches in holy words;
who goes before in good example
the pattern of the faithful,
and has in a pure heart
confidence toward God.
13 Boldly he proclaims
the name of the Lord to the nations,
to whom he gives
the alternating grace of the basin of salvation;
for whose transgressions he prays
to God daily;
for whom he sacrifices
victims worthy of God.
14 For the divine law
he spurns all the glory of the world;
he who counts all things
at His table as refuse;
nor is he moved
by the thunderbolt of this raging world,
but rejoices in adversities
when he suffers for Christ.
15 Good shepherd and faithful
of the evangelic flock,
whom God chose
to guard the people of God,
and to feed His people
with divine doctrines —
for whom after Christ’s example
he lays down his life.
16 Whom for his merits the Saviour
advanced as bishop,
that he might admonish the clergy
in heavenly warfare,
to whom he deals out
the heavenly allowance together with the vestments —
which is fulfilled
in the divine and sacred utterances.
17 The King’s herald inviting
believers to the marriage-feast,
who is adorned clad
in the wedding-garment;
who draws the heavenly wine
in heavenly vessels,
and gives the people of God
the spiritual cup to drink.
18 He found the holy treasure
in the holy volume,
and he saw through the Godhead
in the flesh of the Saviour —
which treasure he bought
with holy and perfect merits;
his soul is called Israel,
seeing God.
19 A faithful witness of the Lord
in the catholic law,
whose words are seasoned
with divine oracles —
lest human flesh should rot
and be food for worms,
but be salted with heavenly savour
for the sacrifice.
20 A true and famous husbandman
of the evangelic field,
whose seeds are seen to be
the Gospels of Christ,
which he sows with divine mouth
into the ears of the prudent —
whose hearts and minds
he ploughs with the Holy Spirit.
21 Christ chose him for Himself
as vicar in the lands,
who delivers captives
from a double servitude;
and many whom He redeemed
from the bondage of men,
He freed unnumbered
from the dominion of the devil.
22 He sings hymns with the Apocalypse,
and the Psalms of God,
and handles them
to build up the people of God —
which Law in the Trinity
he believes of the holy Name,
and teaches one substance
in three Persons.
23 Girt with the girdle of the Lord
by days and nights,
without intermission
he prays to God the Lord;
the reward of whose mighty labour
he shall receive,
and the saint shall reign with the apostles
over Israel.
Patrick the bishop,
let him pray for us all,
that the sins we have committed
may at once be blotted out.
Let us ever sing the praises of Patrick,
that we may live for ever with him.
[14.] Hymn of St Comgall our Abbot #
Let us remember the righteousness
of our bright patron,
the holy Comgall by name,
shining in his work —
aided by the Spirit of God,
the holy and clear light
of the most high Trinity,
who holds all things in His sway —
whom God led
to the ethereal habitations,
guarded by angels,
to abide for ever.
1 Hear, all, the deeds
borne to the angelic,
hidden, of God’s athlete —
grown from flowering youth
in the page of the Law;
high through the Saint’s inmost;
justice fitted by faith;
led to the joys of God;
high merits brought,
abundantly concordant.
Guarded by angels, etc.
2 A good life, justice,
flowering kindness,
firmest charity
shown first to God,
steadfast according to the commandment,
most excellent in the kingdom,
often owed to neighbours,
pleasing to a serene heart —
He made it fruitful
in the future.
Whom God, etc.
3 The firmest contempt
of worldly desires,
of present vices
destroying the feeble,
of verbal broodings
turning on the left side —
he held them in the secrets
of watchful hearts.
Guarded by angels, etc.
4 Learned in the laws of God
in the divine sayings;
enlarged with holy wealth
ever pleasing to God;
dedicated in his ways —
the holy Stephen of God
so taught the others also,
learned sayings with works.
Whom God, etc.
5 He chose from the beginning
what was in the beginning —
the eternal Word uttered
by the Father’s most holy heart,
the true most high,
the dear pledge to that clear
and noble mind,
constant in placid work.
Guarded by angels, etc.
6 He shone with the splendour of the high
sun in the stead of its zenith
shining at noonday,
with the brightness of faith;
confirmed from the heart
ever to trust in God,
trusting in holiness
by the chiefest safeguard.
Whom God, etc.
7 The joy of the Holy Spirit
he had in his breast;
the kingdom which is for the sublime,
worthy and strong for God;
and the sword of the Spirit,
lifted against the most wicked,
wherewith he might overthrow the proud —
holding it in holy hands.
Guarded by angels, etc.
8 Humble, holy, kindly,
upright in the laws of God,
humane, just, gracious,
laudable in manners,
cheerful of countenance, sober,
adorned with the flowers
of charity — he was made
manifest to mortal ranks.
Whom God, etc.
9 Erudite in the Scriptures,
divinely inspired,
provident in the Sacraments,
resplendent in canonical sayings
of the Old, in the acts
of the New Testament,
fervent in spirit, placid,
dear to God, and most pious.
Guarded by angels, etc.
10 He trod underfoot the deceitful world
by the study of most firm
holiness,
despising every vice,
sowing the flowering field,
adorning the shining breast —
the divine habitation
made holy by the threefold Name.
Whom God, etc.
11 He set the lamp of wisdom
in his breast,
in the treasury of knowledge
stored by God’s gift;
inflamed greatly
with the light of true justice,
exalted by the bulwark
of law, spirit, and letter.
Guarded by angels, etc.
12 He obtained the great prize
worthy of eternal life,
having gained the holy reward
after the firmest labour;
whose perfect merit
we call to our aid,
that we may deserve
the destruction of all vices.
Whom God, etc.
13 Known to the gatherings of the saints,
in the ranks of the abbots,
to the soldiers of monks,
to the minds of anchorites,
to the synod of holy peoples —
no, a man apostolic,
famous in all lots,
increased among the sublime.
Guarded by angels, etc.
14 O most solid rock
set in the foundation!
O despiser of all
worthless present things!
O holy leader of the soldiers
warring for the Lord!
O bravest recruit
wholly given to the Lord!
Whom God, etc.
15 Set in the stead of an iron wall
in the light of the people —
to scatter, to destroy,
to overthrow all evils;
to build, to plant
all goods in common —
after the manner of holy Jeremiah
set in the height.
Guarded by angels, etc.
16 Who despised the falling things
of this present age,
who ascended to the heavenly
joys with his whole soul,
who wished to fly to the aether,
the flesh being laid aside —
how has this man attained
such holy merits?
Whom God, etc.
17 He ruled the holy catholic
church by the Rule,
keeping the solid faith
against evil wickedness,
exercising his soul
in the page of the holy law —
whose grace, I pray,
may adorn my soul!
Guarded by angels, etc.
18 The wise man, lifting up
his holy inward eyes,
led them to the heavenly ones,
fixed on the holy head,
setting his inward parts
on the holy right side —
having the holy deeds
of the centurion through zeal.
Whom God, etc.
19 He bore his memory
to the supernal mansion,
exercising his soul
dear to God and flourishing,
despising the deceitful earth,
subduing all vain madness,
going with Abraham
to that best of lands.
Guarded by angels, etc.
20 He obtained eternal
shining life under the crown,
where he shall receive
the rewards abiding for ever,
about to accompany
the chief hosts of the angels —
ever seeking such things,
watching in the church.
Whom God, etc.
21 He prayed Christ the Teacher,
adorning the highest worship,
bearing the office of Christ
through the apostolic act;
following His footsteps,
leading the army to God
into the holy habitation,
most choice, of the Trinity.
Guarded by angels, etc.
22 He offered a hymn to God
most high with a song;
in the circuit of day and night
praying often with triumph.
Now he has sung a new song
to the Lord in number,
the saint joined to the angelic choir
in highest jubilation.
Whom God, etc.
23 Girded with the zone of justice,
of rare chastity,
covered to the world
with a linen sheet in the sign of chastity,
having the feminine(?) bright
through the whole of his heart —
for whose holy work
the reward shall be worthily rendered.
Whom God led
to the ethereal habitations,
guarded by angels,
to abide for ever.
Through the merits and prayers of our holy abbot Comgall, keep us all, O Lord, in Your peace.
[15.] Hymn of St Camelac #
1 Hear the good example
of the blessed poor man
Camelac of Cumae(?),
the just servant of God.
2 He gives an example in all things,
faithful in work,
giving thanks to God,
cheerful in all things.
3 Fasting and gentle,
this chaste man serves God;
he rejoices in poverty;
he is meek in all things.
4 By nights and days
he prays to his Lord —
prudent, just, and faithful,
whom his kinsfolk love.
5 He saw the King, the Lord,
and his Saviour:
He granted to him
eternal life with the faithful.
6 Christ commended him
to the patriarch Abraham;
he reigned in Paradise
with holy Lazarus.
[16.] Collect at the second hour #
1 Be our protector this day, O Lord, holy Father, almighty everlasting God, and our compassionate and merciful One, our helper and leader, and the enlightener of our hearts. Guard, O Lord, our thoughts, words, and works, that we may be able to please in Your sight, O Lord, and to fulfil Your will, and to walk in the right way all the time of our life.
[17.] Another likewise at the second hour #
1 You we pray, O Most High,
at the arising of the sun’s light;
O Christ, rising by name,
be present to us, O Lord,
who reign for ever.
2 At the third hour. At the third hour of Christ
we pray His clemency,
that He may grant us
His perpetual grace —
who reign, etc.
3 At the sixth hour. Spare Your suppliants
praying at the sixth hour,
at which You, O Christ,
were set on the cross for all —
who reign, etc.
4 At the ninth hour. Hear the prayers
of all praying at the ninth hour,
at which, O Christ,
You did visit Cornelius by an angel —
who reign, etc.
5 At vespers. At the vesper time
we invoke You, O Lord;
grant our prayers;
pardon our sins —
who reign, etc.
6 Collect at the beginning of night. We pass the time of night,
O Christ, in Your praises;
have mercy on all
who pray You from the heart —
who reign, etc.
7 At the night-office. O Jesus, graciously visit
those praying at midnight,
at which by divine power
You did loose Peter’s chains —
who reign, etc.
8 At matins. O God, succour all
who thrice praise You, Holy One,
and confess You One
with the sacred songs of hymns —
who reign, etc.
9 Another at matins. At the crowings of the cocks,
O Christ, I pray You sounding;
as once to Peter’s tears,
so attend to our prayers —
who reign, etc.
10 Another at matins. O God, who give the day’s light,
the darkness driven away,
pour out upon Your servants
the advent of the true Light —
who reign, etc.
11 Another at the second hour. Hear us, O Lord, Your suppliants, who at this first hour of the day render thanks to You, O Lord our God, who have redeemed us by Your holy blood — that You may mercifully and graciously receive our prayers and petitions offered to You as first-fruits — who reign, etc.
12 At the third hour. With prostrate prayers we supplicate Christ the Lord, who at the third hour of the day sent forth the Holy Spirit to the praying apostles — command that the participation of that same grace be granted to us who ask — who reign, etc.
13 At the sixth hour. Almighty everlasting God, who have wrought great things for us, who at the sixth hour did ascend the holy cross and did lighten the darkness of the world — so deign also to lighten our hearts — who reign, etc.
14 At the ninth hour. The ninth hour of the day is offered to You, O Lord, with directed supplication, at which divine miracles are shown to Your worshippers — lighten our hearts also by their imitation — who reign, etc.
15 At vespers. Let our evening prayer ascend to the ears of Your divine majesty, and let Your blessing descend upon us, O Lord, as we have hoped in You — who reign, etc.
16 At the beginning of night. O God, who enlightenest the inextricable darknesses of the nights, illuminating the density of gloom — keep our hearts, we pray You, O Lord, in the work of Your commandments — who reign, etc.
17 At the beginning of night. The times of the day being now run out and the spaces of night coming on, let us pray the mercy of God, that, supplied with divine senses, we may be able to renounce the works of darkness — who reign, etc.
[34.] For the celebration of peace #
1 We have dealt unjustly; we have done iniquity.
2 Collect. You have redeemed us, O Lord God of truth, in Your holy blood; now help us in all things, O Jesus Christ — who reign, etc.
3 Antiphon. Much peace to them that love Your law; and to them there is no stumbling-block.
4 Collect. Let Your peace, O Lord, heavenly King, abide ever in our hearts, that we may not fear the terror by night — who reign, etc.
[35.] Here begins the Creed #
1 I believe in God the Father almighty, invisible, maker of all creatures visible and invisible.
2 I believe also in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, God almighty, conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate; who was crucified and buried, descended to the dead, the third day rose again from the dead, ascended into the heavens, and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
3 I believe also in the Holy Spirit, God almighty, having one substance with the Father and the Son. That the Church is holy and catholic, the remission of sins, the communion of saints, the resurrection of the flesh.
4 I believe life after death, and eternal life in the glory of Christ. All these things I believe in God. Amen.
[36.] The divine Prayer #
1 Our Father who are in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, as in heaven so on earth. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. And let us not to be led into temptation. But deliver us from evil.
2 At the night-office. At the hour of midnight the angels rejoiced at the nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ; so ought we also to rejoice in Your peace, almighty God — who reign, etc.
3 At matins. You are, O Lord, the enlightener of darkness and the maker of the elements, the remitter of sins; Your mercy, O Lord, is great over them that seek You with the whole heart. May Your majesty, O Lord, hear us in the morning, and blot out our transgressions which are not hidden from You — who reign, etc.
4 Another at matins. You are hope and salvation; You are life and strength; You are our helper in tribulations; You are the defender of our souls, O God of Israel, in all things — who reign, etc.
5 The common prayer of the brethren.
6 Antiphon. Remember not our former iniquities; let Your mercies speedily prevent us, for we are become exceeding poor.
7 Prayer. Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; O Lord, deliver us, and be merciful to our sins for Your name’s sake. Give not over to the beasts the soul that confesses You. Forget not the souls of Your poor in the end. Have respect to Your covenant, O Lord — who reign, etc.
8 For our sins.
9 Antiphon. O God, attend to my help; O Lord, make haste to help me.
10 Prayer. Make haste, O Lord, to deliver us from all our sins — who reign, etc.
11 For the baptized.
12 Antiphon. Save Your people, O Lord, and bless Your inheritance; and rule them and lift them up for ever.
13 Prayer. Have mercy, O Lord, on Your catholic Church, which You have redeemed in Your holy blood — who reign, etc.
14 For priests.
15 Antiphon. Arise, O Lord, into Your rest, You and the ark of Your sanctification. Let Your priests be clothed with justice, and let Your saints rejoice.
16 Prayer. Let all Your saints rejoice in You, O Lord, who hope in You in all truth — who reign, etc.
17 For the abbot.
18 Antiphon i. The Lord preserve him, and give him life, and make him blessed upon the earth.
19 Antiphon ii. The Lord keep you from all evil; the Lord keep your soul.
20 Antiphon iii. The Lord keep your going in and your going out, from henceforth, now, and for ever.
21 For the brethren.
22 Antiphon. Keep us, O Lord, as the apple of the eye; under the shadow of Your wings protect us.
23 Prayer. Deign to protect and to sanctify all, almighty God — who reign, etc.
24 For the confraternity.
25 Antiphon. You, O Lord, shall keep us and guard us from this generation and for ever.
26 Prayer. Hear our prayers for our brethren, that You, O God, may have mercy on them — who reign, etc.
27 For the peace of peoples and kings.
28 Antiphon. The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.
29 Prayer. Deign to grant peace to all, almighty God — who reign, etc.
30 For blasphemers.
31 Antiphon. Your mercy, O Lord, is for ever; despise not the works of Your hands.
32 Prayer. O Lord God of hosts, lay not this to their charge as sin — who reign, etc.
33 For the impious.
34 Antiphon. Judge them, O God; let them fall from their counsels; according to the multitude of their impieties drive them out, for they have provoked You, O Lord.
35 Prayer. Let them be confounded who trust in themselves, and not us, O Lord, who trust in You — who reign, etc.
36 For those on a journey.
37 Antiphon. O Lord, save; O Lord, give good prosperity.
38 Prayer. Grant prosperity of journey to Your servants — who reign, etc.
39 For those giving thanks.
40 Antiphon. Let all Your works confess You, O Lord, and let Your saints confess You.
41 Prayer. Our souls give thanks to You for Your innumerable benefits, O Lord — who reign, etc.
42 For almsgivers.
43 Antiphon. He has dispersed, he has given to the poor; his justice remains for ever and ever; his horn shall be exalted in glory.
44 Prayer. To those doing alms in this world render, O Lord, in Your holy kingdom — who reign, etc.
45 For the sick.
46 Antiphon. And they cried to the Lord when they were afflicted, and He delivered them out of their necessities.
47 Prayer. Grant to Your servants, O Lord, health of mind and body — who reign, etc.
48 For captives.
49 Antiphon i. Arise, O Lord, help us, and redeem us for Your name’s sake.
50 Antiphon ii. Our help is in the name of the Lord.
51 Prayer. Deign to save us by the invocation of Your holy name — who reign, etc.
52 Of martyrs. O God, who did grant to Your holy elect the crown of martyrdom, we pray You, O Lord, that by their merits we may obtain pardon, who deserve not so great glory — who reign, etc.
53 For the afflicted.
54 Antiphon i. To You, O Lord, will I cry; O my God, be not silent from me.
55 Antiphon ii. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our protector.
56 Prayer. O God of Jacob, our helper, have mercy on us, O Lord — who reign, etc.
57 Collect. Holy One among the holy, spotless Lamb, glorious in the heavens, wonderful on the earth, grant us, O Lord, according to Your great mercy, O God, the things we ask and pray of You — who reign, etc.
58 To the martyrs. The eternal name of Your might, almighty God, we pray — that You may make us, joined with the merits of the martyrs and of all Your saints, equal in faith, strenuous in devotion, like in passion, to be made equal in the resurrection of the blessed — who reign, etc.
59 For penitents.
60 Antiphon. Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy.
61 Prayer. Grant, O Lord, pardon to them that ask You in faith, according to Your great mercy, O God — who reign, etc.
62 At the night-office. At midnight the cry being made, grant that we may be found ready for the Bridegroom — who reign, etc.
63 At matins. O God, our God, to You we ought to watch from the light; and do You arouse our souls from heavy sleep and deliver them from slumber, that in our beds we may be pricked and may deserve to be mindful of You — who reign, etc.
64 At matins. You are hope and salvation; You are life and strength; You are our helper in tribulations; You are the defender of our souls, O God of Israel, in all things — who reign, etc.
65 At matins. O You who dwell on high and regard the lowly things in heaven and in earth, in the sea and in all the deeps — from the depth of the heart we beseech You that You strengthen our hands to the battle and our fingers to the fight, whereby we may in the morning slay all the sinners of our land, and may deserve to be Your holy temple unfailingly, O Christ — who reign, etc.
66 Of martyrs. O God, who prove Your saints with measure and glorifiest them without measure, whose commandments have an end and whose rewards have no limit — hear our prayers through their merits, and grant that their intercessions may help us to the increase of faith, to the fruit of good works, to the good of prosperity, to the benefit of health, to the worship of religion, to the increase of divine fear — through our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son, who is King of kings and Lord of lords and the glory of things to come, reigning and abiding together with the eternal Holy Spirit for ever and ever.
67 Collect after the canticle [Cantemus]. O God, who to Your people going out of Egypt did divide the seas, and did command the flowing waters to be raised in the fashion of a wall on either side — deign also to deliver our souls from the flood of sins, that, the enemy being despised, we may be able to cross the whirlpool of vices, O Saviour of the world, who with the eternal Father live, reign, and rule, with the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever.
68 Collect after the blessing of the children. Hear our prayers, almighty God, and grant that as in the often-sung hymn we follow the blessed children, so by Your gift, loosed from the snares of sins, we may not be encompassed by the flames of the eternal fire, O Saviour of the world — who with the Father live, etc.
69 Collect after the three psalms, at the end. You, O Lord, from the heavens we praise, that we may deserve to sing You a new song. To You, O Lord, in Your saints we reverently pray, that You may receive all our vows and forgive our sins, O Saviour of the world — who reign, etc.
70 Collect after the Gospel. Rejoicing with gladness for the light of this day restored to us, let us render praises and thanks to almighty God, beseeching His mercy that to us solemnly celebrating the day of the Lord’s resurrection He may deign to grant peace, tranquillity, and joy — that from the morning vigil even to night, protected by the favour of His clemency, exulting we may rejoice in perpetual gladness, through our Lord Jesus Christ the holy.
71 Upon the hymn. Holy Lord, the illumination and true salvation of believers, the resurrection of the Lord’s brightness — lighten our heart, that by the knowledge of the Trinity and the recognition of the Unity we may deserve to be sons of light and members of Christ and the temple of the Holy Spirit — who reign for ever and ever.
72 Of martyrs. These are they, O Lord, who, sprinkled with happy blood, while they despise the flattering allurement of this world by glorious passion, conquered death by death; and weighing that the darkness of this light shall fall to ruin at a certain bound and end, took life from pain and victory from death. We pray You, O Christ, that we may deserve to be helped by their prayers, whose companions we cannot be — through You, O Christ, who with the Father live, reign, and rule.
73 Upon “Let us sing to the Lord, for gloriously.” O God, who daily deliver Your people from the yoke of Egyptian servitude and through the streams of the spiritual basin bring them over into the land of promise, the enemy being vanquished — give us the victory over the assaults of vices, that, our darkness being conquered, You may lead us as an inheritance into the sanctuary which Your hands have prepared, O Saviour of the world — who with the eternal, etc.
74 Upon the blessing of the three children. Holy Lord and glorious, worker of marvels and powers, who, to the three children placed amid the torments, are present as a fourth — to whom it is made easy to temper the nature of fires and in a manner to repress the force of the burning flames, so that amid the conflagration, being cool, they might exult singing a hymn to You with great victory — now grant us the same virtue, O Lord, for our deliverance and protection, O Saviour of the world — who reign, etc.
75 Upon “Praise the Lord from the heavens.” Let them praise the Lord whom all the elements sing; whose sacred confession, the same in heaven and on earth, and you children of Sion, utter a new hymn to the Thunderer; resound with various modes of spiritual melody, about to do judgement on the wicked at the appointed end, that all spirits may praise Christ together for ever — who with the Father lives, etc.
76 Upon the canticle. O God, who scourge impious Egypt with ten plagues and grantest to the people a level way through the divided sea — hear our prayers we beseech You, and in like manner save us from our enemies, O Saviour of the world — who reign, etc.
77 After the blessing of the three children. O God, who to the children fervent in faith make the furnace-flame cold, and are present as a fourth to three unconquered, death being vanquished — we pray that to us, burned by the heats of the flesh, You would grant such virtue — through You, O Jesus Christ, who reign, etc.
78 After “Praise the Lord from the heavens.” Our God, God of all souls, we adore You, that You would grant our vows to be accomplished in this vigil of the solemnity, until the darkness of our iniquity be turned into light, as the sun shines at noonday, O Saviour of the world — who reign, etc.
79 After the Gospel. Venerating the Lord’s day, the beginning of our resurrection, let us with united affection render due praises and thanks to the Trinity, our God, beseeching His mercy that He may grant us the participation of the blessed resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, both in spirit and in body — who with the Father lives, etc.
80 After the hymn. Regard, O Lord, our prayers, You who did visit human infirmities, and bestow upon us Your sanctification and immortality, O Christ — who reign, etc.
81 Another after the canticle. Pharaoh being drowned in the sea, Israel is delivered; we also beseech to be delivered by the grace of baptism and the triumph of the cross from all evil — through You, O Christ, who reign, etc.
82 Another after the Benedicite. O God, who did deliver the three children from the furnace, so deliver us from the punishments of hell — who reign for ever, etc.
83 After “Praise the Lord from the heavens.” You we praise, O Lord, with Your saints; deign to receive our prayers — who reign, etc.
84 After the Gospel. We pray the Lord rising again at this daybreak, that we also may rise again into eternal life, for ever and ever.
85 After the hymn. We venerate Your resurrection, O Christ, by which we may deserve to be saved for ever, for all ages.
86 After the canticle. O Christ our God, who were a helper and protector for the salvation of Your people Israel, whom You led out of Egypt through the dry sea — save us in like manner from the yoke of sin — who reign for ever, etc.
87 After the hymn of the three children. For You, almighty God, we rightly bless: who did deliver the three children from the fire — deliver us also from the punishment of eternal death for Your mercy’s sake — who reign, etc.
88 After “Praise the Lord from the heavens.” O God most high, King of the angels;
O God, praise of all the elements;
O God, glory and exultation of the saints —
guard the souls of Your servants —
who reign for ever and ever.
89 After the Gospel. Delighted with spiritual canticles, let us sing hymns in concord to You, O Christ, wherewith Your majesty may be appeased, the spiritual sacrifice of praise being offered — who with You lives, etc.
90 Another after the Gospel. At the daybreak of light, its Author rising again, let us exult in the Lord, death being vanquished, whereby we may ever meet death in our sins and walk in newness of life — who with You lives, etc.
91 After the hymn. Light arose in the first light, made in the beginning of ancient days — Your Only-begotten, O Lord, who came to wash away our sins through the cross — who with You lives, etc.
92 Of martyrs. Mindful of Your triumphant martyrs, who for You bore the standards of the passions, we pray that through their holy merits we may obtain pardon for our sins — who reign, etc.
93 After the Cantemus. The people of Israel, as a figure of us, is delivered in the passage of the sea; do You therefore deliver us through the grace of baptism from the perils of the world — who reign, etc.
94 After the Benedicite. As You did save the three children in the flame by the descent of the heavenly messenger into the furnace, so deign to deliver us by the angel of the great counsel from the fire of hell — who reign, etc.
95 After “Praise the Lord from the heavens.” O God, whom the army of the heavens sings,
whom the Church of the saints praises,
whom the spirit of all things hymns —
have mercy, I beseech, on us all —
who reign for ever and ever.
96 Upon the Cantemus. Let us sing to You, O Lord of hosts, O Christ, praying that as You did deliver Your beloved people from the yoke of sharpest captivity — a pillar of cloud showing them the way by day, and the same of fire by night — so the sea was split on the right hand and the left into steepness; the amazed wave stands solid with ordered heaps; Your people voyages on the soles of its feet. A wondrous thing! neither horseman nor ship can follow its way. Miriam shakes the timbrel; this hymn is sung; the peculiar flock is kept safe. So also deign to deliver us from the pursuit of the old enemy and from every peril of the world, O Saviour of the world — who with the eternal Father live, reign, and rule, together with the eternal Holy Spirit for ever and ever.
97 Upon the blessing of the three children. Three Hebrews, venerable in number, armed with the sacrament, tender in age but robust in the firmness of faith, for love of the divine religion despised to worship the king’s image — as those who had despised the king himself, who, swelling with wrath, commanded the furnace to be heated sevenfold beyond its custom, and bade the fire armed with pitch and tow be kindled in blazing masses. The very heaven blushes at alien fires. There the guiltless are hurled, and there they find You, for whom they are hurled, O Christ. So deign to deliver us both from the fury of the intellectual tyrant and from the inborn fire, O Saviour of the world — who with the eternal Father lives, etc.
98 After “Praise the Lord from the heavens.” Let the angels praise You, O Lord, the virtues, the stars, the powers; and let the things which owe their origin to You exult in the office of Your praise — that through the harmony of the universe singing in concord to You Your will may be done as in heaven so also on earth. May it be well-pleasing to You, we pray, O Lord, in Your people, that through Your exaltations set in their mouths there may remain in each both the armour of Your word whereby You may teach, and the truth of our life whereby You may ever regard, and the salvation whereby You may exalt the meek — because according to the multitude of Your greatness we praise You, O Lord, by the grace of the praise shown forth, by the immolation of the psaltery, by the mortification of the timbrel, by the congregation of the choir, by the exultation of the organ, by the jubilation of the cymbal — that we may ever deserve to have Your mercy, O Christ, Saviour of the world — who with the eternal Father lives, etc.
99 Upon the Cantemus Domino. O Lord, who guardest those fleeing Egypt through twice six journeys unknown to the envious tribe — the waves being first drawn into two heaps of lofty mountains on either side as it were a wall of the sea standing abruptly dry, and as it were drawing waters from the rock — let there be drowned, as once the ministers of the eternal foe’s punishment, the chariot-marshals, we pray — whose speech and act with swift thought is wicked to Pharaoh; the King of Israel the true, which the wave saves, that it may sing songs to Christ for ever — who with the Father lives, etc.
[95.] Verses of the family of Bangor #
1 Bangor — a good Rule,
right and divine,
strict, holy, diligent,
supreme, just, and wonderful.
2 The blessed household of Bangor,
founded on sure faith,
adorned with the hope of salvation,
perfect in charity.
3 A ship never shaken,
though cut by the waves;
a bride also prepared
for the King, the Lord, at the wedding.
4 A house full of delights,
built upon the rock;
and a true vine
brought over out of Egypt.
5 Surely a firm city,
strong and united,
glorious and worthy,
set upon a mountain.
6 The ark covered with cherubim,
gilded on every side,
found in the Holy of Holies,
borne by four men.
7 A queen meet for Christ,
clothed with the light of the sun,
simple and likewise learned,
unconquered on every side.
8 Truly a royal hall,
adorned with various gems,
and the sheepfold of Christ’s flock,
kept by the most high Father.
9 A virgin greatly fruitful
she is, and a mother untouched;
glad and trembling,
subdued by the Word of God.
10 For whom the blessed life
with the perfect shall come,
prepared by God the Father,
abiding in faith.
Bangor — a good Rule.
[96.] Collect over a man that has a devil #
1 O Lord, holy Father, almighty everlasting God, drive out the devil and heathenism from this man — from the head, from the hair, from the brain, from the crown, from the forehead, from the eyes, from the ears, from the nostrils, from the lips, from the mouth, from the tongue, from beneath the tongue, from the jaws, from the throat, from the neck, from the heart, from the whole body, from all the structures of his members within and without, from the bones, from the veins, from the sinews, from the blood, from the sense, from the thoughts, from the words, from all his works, from his strength, from his whole manner of life — here and in the world to come. But may the power of Christ work in you — in Him who suffered that we may obtain eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ His Son, etc.
[97.] Prayer of the Martyrs #
1 O God, who have granted the kingdom to Your martyrs, deign to grant pardon to us sinners. They deserved their crown by passion through faith; but we, for our iniquities and transgressions, ask remission and mercy from You — through You, O Jesus Christ, etc.
[98.] Here begins the antiphon on the Lord’s Nativity, upon “Lord, You have been our refuge” #
1 At the second hour. From this day the night diminishes, the day increases; the darkness is shaken, the light is increased, and the losses of night are converted into the gain of light.
[99.] Here begin antiphons upon the Cantemus and the Benedicite #
1 Upon the Cantemus. Our fathers, led out of Egypt, passed through the Red Sea on foot, and sang praise to our Lord.
2 Upon the Benedicite. The three children were cast into the furnace,
and they feared not
the flame of fire, and they sang
praise to our Lord.
3 Upon the Cantemus. The sons of the Hebrews pierced through;
the Israelite peoples passed
through the dry sea, and sang praise.
4 Upon the Benedicite. The three children prayed to You;
from the middle of the fire they cried to You;
with one voice they sang a hymn.
5 Upon the Cantemus. Glorious in holiness, wonderful in majesties, doing wonders.
6 Upon the Benedicite. Let us bless God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, the Lord.
7 Upon the Cantemus. On the right hand and on the left Moses looked;
he led the people out by the royal way;
he brought them even to the shore of the sea.
8 Upon the Benedicite. The children despised the flames of the furnace;
they sacrificed to Christ continually;
they forsook the way of iniquity.
9 Upon “Praise the Lord from the heavens.” From the heavens praise the Lord; offer the pleasant psaltery; praise Him in the sound of the trumpet.
10 Antiphons upon the Cantemus and the Benedicite.
11 Upon the Cantemus. Pharaoh is drowned in the Red Sea;
Moses passed through the seas with dry foot, and said: Sing to God.
12 Upon the Benedicite. The three children thrown into the furnace
by the word of the compelling wicked king
sang a hymn to the Lord their King.
13 Upon the Cantemus. You did guide Your people, O Lord, through the Red Sea.
14 Upon the Benedicite. The three children sang with one voice from the middle of the burning flame of fire.
15 Upon the Cantemus. O Lord, You reign for ever, and for ever and ever, and yet more.
16 Upon the Benedicite. Bless the Lord, O you holy and humble of heart.
17 Upon the Cantemus. The Lord who breaks battles — the Lord is His name.
18 Upon the Benedicite. Bless you all the works of God — the Lord.
19 Upon the Cantemus. Let us sing to the Lord, for gloriously is He magnified.
20 Upon the Benedicite. Sing a hymn and exalt Him for ever.
21 Upon the Cantemus. And the children of Israel went through the middle of the sea on dry ground.
22 Upon the Benedicite. Let us bless God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, the Lord.
[101.] Of Martyrs #
1 After fires and gridirons,
crosses and beasts,
the saints with great triumph
are borne into the kingdom
and into refreshment.
2 Another of martyrs. These are they who came out of great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
3 Of martyrs. In the memory of Your martyrs,
O Lord, be present to the prayers of Your servants,
O Christ.
4 Of martyrs. At the invocation of the holy martyrs —
have mercy, O God, on Your suppliants.
5 Upon “Lord, You have been our refuge” on the Lord’s Day. Return, O Lord — how long? — and be entreated in favour of Your servants.
6 Another. Have respect to Your servants and to Your works, O Lord.
7 Another. We are filled in the morning with Your mercy.
8 Another, daily. Let the splendour of the Lord our God be upon us.
[109.] At communion #
1 We have received the body of the Lord and have been made to drink of His blood. From all evil we shall not fear, because the Lord is with us.
2 Another. Taste and see, Alleluia, how sweet is the Lord, Alleluia.
3 Another. Upon my lips will I meditate a hymn, Alleluia; when You have taught me I will answer justices, Alleluia.
4 Another. This sacred body of the Lord and the blood of the Saviour take to you to life everlasting. Alleluia.
5 Another. How sweet are Your words to my throat, O Lord. Alleluia.
6 Another. This is the living bread which came down from heaven, Alleluia. Whoso eats thereof shall live for ever. Alleluia.
7 Another. Refreshed with the body and blood of Christ, let us ever say to You, O Lord, Alleluia.
[116.] At vespers and at matins — Gloria in excelsis #
1 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will.
2 We praise You, we bless You, we adore You, we glorify You, we magnify You; we give thanks to You for Your great mercy, O Lord, heavenly King, God, Father almighty.
3 O Lord, only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit of God — and we all say: Amen.
4 O Lord, Son of God the Father, Lamb of God, who take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us.
5 Receive our prayer, who sit at the right hand of God the Father; have mercy on us.
6 For You only are holy; You only are Lord; You only are glorious with the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
[Antiphons?]
7 Daily we bless You and praise Your name for ever and ever and ever. Amen.
8 Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day to keep us without sin.
9 Blessed are You, O Lord, God of our fathers, and laudable and glorious is Your name for ever. Amen.
10 Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us.
11 Give ear to my words, O Lord; understand my cry; attend to the voice of my prayer, my King and my God.
12 In the morning You shall hear my voice.
13 In the morning my prayer shall prevent You, O Lord.
14 By days and nights, by hours and moments, have mercy on us, O Lord.
15 By the prayers and merits of Your saints have mercy on us, O Lord.
16 By the prayers and merits of the angels, archangels, patriarchs, prophets — have mercy on us, O Lord.
17 By the prayers and merits of the apostles, martyrs, and confessors, and of the whole company of the saints — have mercy on us, O Lord.
18 Glory and honour to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and for ever and ever. Amen.
[117.] For the hours of the day, the common prayer #
1 Antiphon 1. In You, O Lord, have I hoped; let me not be confounded for ever. In Your justice deliver me and rescue me.
2 Antiphon 2. O Lord my God, depart not from me; attend to my help, O Lord of my salvation.
3 Antiphon 3. O God, attend to my help; O Lord, make haste to help me.
4 Prayer. Make haste, O Lord, to deliver us from all our sins — who reign, etc.
[118.] Prayer for our abbot #
1 Antiphon 1. The Lord preserve him, and give him life, and make him blessed upon the earth.
2 Antiphon 2. The Lord keep you from all evil; the Lord keep your soul.
3 Antiphon 3. The Lord keep your going in and your going out, from henceforth, now, and for ever.
[119.] The common prayer #
1 Antiphon. Keep us, O Lord, as the apple of the eye; under the shadow of Your wings protect us.
2 Prayer. Deign to protect and to sanctify us all, almighty God — who reign, etc.
3 Our Father, etc.
[120.] At matins #
1 O God, our God, to You we ought to watch from the light; and do You arouse our souls from heavy sleep and deliver them from slumber, that in our beds we may be pricked and may deserve to be mindful of You — who reign, etc.
[121.] At the ninth hour #
1 Coming together, most beloved brethren, to the ninth-hour prayer — at which time the robber confessed and the kingdom of paradise is promised to him — so also we confess our sins to You, O Lord, that we may obtain the kingdom of heaven and deserve eternal life — who reign, etc.
[122.] At the second hour #
1 O Lord, holy Father, almighty everlasting God, who make the day bright and shine in the light — take not Your mercy from us, O Lord; restore to us the joy of Your salvation, and confirm us with Your princely spirit, that the morning star may arise in our hearts — through You, O Jesus Christ, who reign, etc.
[123.] After “Praise the Lord, you children” on the Lord’s Day #
1 You, the eternal Father, we adore.
2 You, the sempiternal Son, we invoke.
3 And You, the Holy Spirit, remaining in one substance of the Godhead, we confess.
4 To You, one God in Trinity, we render due praises and thanks, that we may deserve to praise You with unceasing voice for everlasting ages.
[124.] Of martyrs #
1 Holy and glorious, wonderful and mighty martyrs, in whose works the Lord rejoices and is glad in the congregation — best of intercessors and bravest protectors, be ever mindful of us in the sight of the Lord, that we may deserve the Lord’s help — who reign, etc.
[125.] Another after the Laudate #
1 You, the eternal Father, we adore.
2 You, the sempiternal Son, we invoke.
3 And You, the Holy Spirit, remaining in one substance of the Godhead, we confess.
4 To You, O Trinity, we render praises and thanks. To You, one God, we sing unceasing praise. You, the Father unbegotten;
5 You, the Son only-begotten;
6 You, the Holy Spirit proceeding from the Father and the Son, we believe in our heart.
7 To You, inestimable, incomprehensible, almighty God, we give thanks — who reign for ever, etc.
[126.] Another upon the Laudate #
1 You, Father of all things, we rightly praise.
2 You in every place we confess and worship.
3 To You with willing service we minister.
4 Hear us, and grant what we ask — who reign, etc.
[127.] For blessing the wax candle #
1 In the night You were a pillar of fire, O Lord, to defend Your people from the face of Pharaoh and his host; so deign also, O Lord, to send forth Your Holy Spirit from Your flaming and jewelled terrible throne to guard Your people. On this night defend us with the shield of faith, that we may not fear the terror by night — who reign for ever, etc.
[128.] After “Praise the Lord, you children” #
1 You, the eternal Father, we adore.
2 You, the sempiternal Son, we invoke.
3 And You, the Holy Spirit, remaining in one substance of the Godhead, we confess.
4 To You, one God in Trinity, we render due praises and thanks, that we may deserve to praise You with unceasing voice for everlasting ages.
[129.] In memory of our abbots #
1 The holy deeds
of the holy fathers, O brethren,
bravest — in the best church
of Bangor, of the founders,
of the abbots eminent —
the number, the times, the names,
shining without end —
hear the great merits
of those whom the Lord has called
to the seats of the kingdom of heaven.
2 Christ loved Comgall,
and he indeed loved the Lord well;
He held Beogna dear;
He adorned Domnus Vedeus;
He chose holy Sinlan,
the famous teacher of the world —
whom the Lord has called
to the seats of the kingdom of heaven.
3 He made welcome Fintenan,
the kind, renowned heir;
He illumined Maclaisre,
head of all the abbots;
with sacred lamp He lit Seganus,
the great physician of Scripture —
whom the Lord has called
to the seats of the kingdom of heaven.
4 Berach was a famous man,
and Ornatus and Cumene;
Columba a fitting shepherd;
Aidan without complaint;
Baithene a good rector;
Critan a high bishop —
whom the Lord has called
to the seats of the kingdom of heaven.
5 To such succeeded Colman,
a man lovable to all —
in Christ he now sits supreme
singing hymns; that Cronan, fifteenth,
may pluck life, may the Lord
preserve him —
whom the Lord shall call
to the seats of the kingdom of heaven.
6 The merits of these saints,
most faithful of abbots,
meet toward Comgall,
we call upon, most high —
that we may be able
to blot out all our sins —
through Jesus Christ, reigning
for everlasting ages.
[The end.]