The Invitatory

First is said the Triple Prayer as in Common Forms:

The Triple Prayer having been said, Matins is begun immediately with the Invitatory as follows :

STAND

Regem, cui ómnia vivunt, * Veníte adorémus

The King, for whom all things live, * O come, let us worship.

Regem, cui ómnia vivunt, * Veníte adorémus

The King, for whom all things live, * O come, let us worship.

Psalmus 94.
Veníte, exsultémus Dómino

Veníte, exsultémus Dómino, jubilémus Deo, salutári nostro : præoccupémus fáciem ejus in confessióne, et in psalmis jubilémus ei.

O come, let us sing unto the Lord ; let us heartily rejoice in the God of our salvation.  Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving ; and shew ourselves glad in him with psalms.

Regem, cui ómnia vivunt, * Veníte adorémus

The King, for whom all things live, * O come, let us worship.

Quóniam Deus magnus Dóminus, et Rex magnus super omnes deos : quóniam non repéllet Dóminus plebem suam : quia in manu ejus sunt omnes fines terræ, et altitúdines móntium ipse cónspicit.

For the Lord is a great God ; and a great King above all gods:  For the Lord will not cast off his people:  In his hand are all the corners of the earth, and the strength of the hills is his also.

Veníte adorémus

O come, let us worship.

In the following verse of the Psalm, at the words veníte, adorémus, et procidámus ante Deum (O come, let us worship and fall down, and kneel before the Lord our Maker) all genuflect.

Quóniam ipsíus est mare, et ipse fecit illud, et áridam fundavérunt manus ejus : veníte, adorémus, et procidámus ante Deum : plorémus coram Dómino, qui fecit nos, quia ipse est Dóminus Deus noster ; nos autem pópulus ejus, et oves páscuæ ejus.

The sea is his and he made it ; and his hands prepared the dry land.  O come, let us worship and fall down, and kneel before the Lord our Maker: For he is the Lord our God ; and we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Regem, cui ómnia vivunt, * Veníte adorémus

The King, for whom all things live, * O come, let us worship.

Hódie, si vocem ejus audiéritis, nolíte obduráre corda vestra, sicut in exacerbatióne, secúndum diem tentatiónis in desérto : ubi tentavérunt me patres vestri, probavérunt et vidérunt ópera mea.

Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness ; when your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works.

Veníte adorémus

O come, let us worship.

Quadragínta annis próximus fui generatióni huic, et dixi : Semper hi errant corde ; ipsi vero non cognovérunt vias meas : quibus jurávi in ira mea : Si introíbunt in réquiem meam.

Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their hearts, for they have not known my ways:  unto whom I sware in my wrath, that they should not enter into my rest.

Regem, cui ómnia vivunt, * Veníte adorémus

The King, for whom all things live, * O come, let us worship.

Veníte adorémus

O come, let us worship.

Regem, cui ómnia vivunt, * Veníte adorémus

The King, for whom all things live, * O come, let us worship.

As soon as the Invitatory is finished, there is begun The First Nocturn. 
 

First Nocturn

For the day of burial, and for Sunday, Monday, and Thursday

Ant.    Dirige, * Dómine, Deus meus, in conspéctu tuo viam meam.

Ant.    Make my way * straight before thy face, O Lord my God.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 5.  Verba mea

Verba mea áuribus pércipe, Dómine, * intéllige clamórem meum.
2  Inténde voci oratiónis meæ: * Rex meus et Deus meus.
3  Quóniam ad te orábo: * Dómine, mane exáudies vocem meam.
4  Mane astábo tibi et vidébo: * quóniam non Deus volens iniquitátem tu es.
5  Neque habitábit juxta te malígnus: * neque permanébunt injústi ante óculos tuos.
6  Odísti omnes, qui operántur iniquitátem: * perdes omnes, qui loquúntur mendácium.
7  Virum sánguinum et dolósum abominábitur Dóminus: * ego autem in multitúdine misericórdiæ tuæ.
8  Introíbo in domum tuam: * adorábo ad templum sanctum tuum in timóre tuo.
9  Dómine, deduc me in justítia tua: * propter inimícos meos dírige in conspéctu tuo viam meam.
10  Quóniam non est in ore eórum véritas: * cor eórum vanum est.
11  Sepúlcrum patens est guttur eórum, linguis suis dolóse agébant, * júdica illos, Deus.
12  Décidant a cogitatiónibus suis, secúndum multitúdinem impietátum eórum expélle eos, * quóniam irritavérunt te, Dómine.
13  Et læténtur omnes, qui sperant in te, * in ætérnum exsultábunt: et habitábis in eis.
14  Et gloriabúntur in te omnes, qui díligunt nomen tuum: * quóniam tu benedíces justo.
15  Dómine, ut scuto bonæ voluntátis tuæ * coronásti nos.
16  Réquiem ætérnam * dona eis, Dómine.
17  Et lux perpétua * lúceat eis.

Psalm 5.  Verba mea

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

Ant.    Dirige, Dómine, Deus meus, in conspéctu tuo viam meam.

Ant.    Make my way straight before thy face, O Lord my God.

Ant.    Convértere, * Dómine, et éripe ánimam meam : quóniam non est in morte, qui memor sit tui.

Ant.    Turn thee, * O Lord, and deliver my soul : for in death no man remembereth thee.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 6.  Domine, ne in furore

Dómine, ne in furóre tuo árguas me, * neque in ira tua corrípias me.
2  Miserére mei, Dómine, quóniam infírmus sum : * sana me, Dómine, quóniam conturbáta sunt ossa mea.
3  Et ánima mea turbáta est valde : * sed tu, Dómine, úsquequo?
4  Convértere, Dómine, et éripe ánimam meam : * salvum me fac propter misericórdiam tuam.
5  Quóniam non est in morte qui memor sit tui : * in inférno autem quis confitébitur tibi?
6  Laborávi in gémitu meo, lavábo per síngulas noctes lectum meum : * lácrimis meis stratum meum rigábo.
7  Turbátus est a furóre óculus meus : *  inveterávi inter omnes inimícos meos.
8  Discédite a me, omnes, qui operámini iniquitátem : *  quóniam exaudívit Dóminus vocem fletus mei.
9  Exaudívit Dóminus deprecatiónem meam, *  Dóminus oratiónem meam suscépit.
10  Erubéscant, et conturbéntur veheménter omnes inimíci mei : * convertántur et erubéscant valde velóciter.
11  Réquiem ætérnam * dona eis, Dómine.
12  Et lux perpétua * lúceat eis.

O Lord, rebuke me not in thine indignation, * neither chasten me in thy displeasure.
2  Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am weak; * O Lord, heal me, for my bones are vexed.
3  My soul also is sore troubled: * but, thou, O Lord, how long?
4  Turn thee, O Lord, and deliver my soul; * O save me, for thy mercy's sake.
5  For in death no man remembereth thee; * and who will give thee thanks in the pit?
6  I have laboured in my groanings, every night wash I my bed, * and water my couch with my tears.
7  Mine eye is grieved with tribulation, * I have grown old amongst all mine enemies.
8  Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; * for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping.
9  The Lord hath heard my petition; * the Lord hath received my prayer.
10  All mine enemies shall be confounded, and sore vexed; * they shall be turned back, and put to shame suddenly.
11  Eternal rest * grant unto them, O Lord.
12  And let perpetual light * shine upon them.

Ant.    Convértere, Dómine, et éripe ánimam meam : quóniam non est in morte, qui memor sit tui.

Ant.    Turn thee, O Lord, and deliver my soul : for in death no man remembereth thee.

Ant.    Nequando rápiat * ut leo ánimam meam, dum non est qui rédimat, neque qui salvum fáciat.

Ant.    Lest he tear my soul * like a lion, while there is none to deliver, or to save.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 7. Domine, Deus meus

Dómine, Deus meus, in te sperávi : * salvum me fac ex ómnibus persequéntibus me, et líbera me.
2  Nequándo rápiat ut leo ánimam meam, * dum non est qui rédimat, neque qui salvum fáciat.
3  Dómine, Deus meus, si feci istud. * si est iníquitas in mánibus meis :
4  Si réddidi retribuéntibus mihi mala, * décidam mérito ab inimícis meis inánis.
5  Persequátur inimícus ánimam meam, et comprehéndat, et concúlcet in terra vitam meam, * et glóriam meam in púlverem dedúcat.
6  Exsúrge, Dómine, in ira tua : * et exaltáre in fínibus inimicórum meórum.
7  Et exsúrge, Dómine Deus meus, in præcépto quod mandásti : * et synagóga populórum circúmdabit te.
8  Et propter hanc in altum regrédere : * Dóminus júdicat pópulos.
9  Júdica me, Dómine, secúndum justítiam meam, * et secúndum innocéntiam meam super me.
10  Consumétur nequítia peccatórum, et díriges justum, *  scrutans corda et renes Deus.
11 Justum adjutórium meum a Dómino, * qui salvos facit rectos corde.
12  Deus judex justus, fortis, et pátiens : * numquid iráscitur per síngulos dies?
13  Nisi convérsi fuéritis, gládium suum vibrábit : * arcum suum teténdit, et parávit illum.
14  Et in eo parávit vasa mortis : * sagíttas suas ardéntibus effécit.
15  Ecce partúriit injustítiam : * concépit dolórem, et péperit iniquitátem.
16  Lacum apéruit, et effódit eum : * et íncidit in fóveam quam fecit.
17  Convertétur dolor ejus in caput ejus : * et in vérticem ipsíus iníquitas ejus descéndet.
18  Confitébor Dómino secúndum justítiam ejus : * et psallam nómini Dómini altíssimi.
19  Réquiem ætérnam * dona eis, Dómine.
20  Et lux perpétua * lúceat eis.

O Lord my God, in thee have I put my trust: * save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me;
2  Lest he devour my soul like a lion, * while there is none to redeem me, nor to save.
3  O Lord my God, if I have done any such thing; * or if there be any wickedness in my hands;
4  If I have rewarded evil unto him that dealt friendly with me; * let me deservedly fall empty before mine enemies.
5  Then let mine enemy persecute my soul, yea, let him take it, and tread my life down upon the earth, * and lay mine honour in the dust.
6  Arise, O Lord, in thy wrath, * and be thou exalted in the land of mine enemies.
7  And rise up, O Lord my God, in the judgment that thou hast commanded; * and so shall the congregation of the people come about thee.
8  For their sakes therefore lift up thyself again on high, * the Lord judgeth the people.
9  Give sentence with me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, * and according to the innocency that is in me.
10  The wickedness of the ungodly shall be brought to nought, and thou shalt guide the just, * for God is the searcher of the hearts and reins.
11  My help is just that cometh of the Lord, * who saveth them that are true of heart.
12  God is a righteous Judge, strong, and patient; * and shall he be provoked every day?
13  If a man will not turn, he will whet his sword; * he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
14  He hath prepared for him the instruments of death; * he hath ordained his arrows against them that burn.
15  Behold, he travaileth with injustice; * he hath conceived sorrow, and brought forth ungodliness.
16  He hath graven and digged up a pit, * and is fallen himself into the hole that he hath made.
17  For his sorrow shall come upon his own head, * and his wickedness shall fall on his own pate.
18  I will give thanks unto the Lord, according to his righteousness; * and I will praise the Name of the Lord Most High.
19  Eternal rest * grant unto them, O Lord.
20  And let perpetual light * shine upon them.

Ant.    Nequando rápiat ut leo ánimam meam, dum non est qui rédimat, neque qui salvum fáciat.

Ant.    Lest he tear my soul like a lion, while there is none to deliver, or to save.

STAND

The Lessons are read without Absolution, Blessings, or Title.

Parce mihi, Dómine ; nihil enim sunt dies mei.  Quid est homo, quia magníficas eum? aut quid appónas erga eum cor tuum?  Vísitas eum dilúculo, et súbito probas illum.  Usquequo non parcis mihi, nec dimíttis me, ut glútiam salívam meam?  Peccávi, quid fáciam tibi, o custos hóminum? quare posuísti me contrárium tibi, et factus sum mihimetípsi gravis?  Cur non tollis peccátum meum, et quare non aufers iniquitátem meam?  Ecce nunc in púlvere dórmiam : et, si mane me quæsíeris, non subsístam.

Spare me, O Lord, for my days are as a breath.  What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?  And that thou shouldest visit him every morning, and try him every moment?  How long wilt thou refuse me respite from thy visitation, and suffer me not even to swallow down my spittle?  If I have sinned, what can I do unto thee, O thou Watcher of men? why hast thou set me over against thee as a mark for thy buffetings, so that I am a burden to myself?  And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity? for soon shall I sleep in the dust; and if then thou dost seek for me, I shall not be.

The Lessons of all three Nocturns are ended without the V. Tu autem, or any other ending.

R.  Credo quod Redémptor meus vivit, et in novíssimo die de terra surrectúrus sum, * Et in carne mea vidébo Deum Salvatórem meum.
V.  Quem visúrus sum ego ipse, et non álius ; et óculi mei conspectúri sunt.
R.  Et in carne mea vidébo Deum Salvatórem meum.

R.  I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand in the latter day upon the earth, *  And in my flesh shall I see God my Saviour.
V.  Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not as a stranger.
R.  And in my flesh shall I see God my Saviour.

R.  Qui Lázarum resuscitásti a monuménto fœtidum, * Tu eis, Dómine, dona réquiem, et locum indulgéntiæ.
V.  Qui ventúrus es judicáre vivos et mórtuos, et sæculum per ignem.
R.  Tu eis, Dómine, dona réquiem, et locum indulgéntiæ.

R.  Thou that didst raise Lazarus from the grave after that he had begun to corrupt, *  Do thou, O Lord, grant them rest and a place of forgiveness.
V.  Thou who shalt come to judge the quick and the dead, and the world by fire.
R.  Do thou, O Lord, grant them rest and a place of forgiveness.

R.  Dómine, quando véneris judicáre terram, ubi me abscóndam a vultu iræ tuæ? * Quia peccávi nimis in vita mea.
V.  Commíssa mea pavésco, et ante te erubésco : dum véneris judicáre, noli me condemnáre.
R.  Quia peccávi nimis in vita mea.
V.  Réquiem ætérnam dona eis, Dómine : et lux perpétua lúceat eis.
R.  Quia peccávi nimis in vita mea.

R.  O Lord, when thou comest to judge the earth, whither shall I hide me from the presence of thy wrath? * For I have sinned grievously in my life.
V.  I begin to fear my misdeeds, and blush before thee : when thou comest to judgment, condemn me not.
R.  For I have sinned grievously in my life.
V.  Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
R.  For I have sinned grievously in my life.

After this Lauds follows if one Nocturn only be said.  But if for some reason Matins is now to be ended without Lauds following, here is said Pater noster and the rest, as after Lauds.

Second Nocturn

For Tuesday and Friday

Ant.    In loco páscuæ * ibi me collocávit.

Ant.    In a green pasture * he shall feed me.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 22.  Dominus regit me

Dóminus regit me, et nihil mihi déerit: *  in loco páscuæ ibi me collocávit.
2  Super aquam refectiónis educávit me: * ánimam meam convértit.
3  Dedúxit me super sémitas justítiæ: * propter nomen suum.
4  Nam, et si ambulávero in médio umbræ mortis, non timébo mala: * quóniam tu mecum es.
5  Virga tua, et báculus tuus: * ipsa me consoláta sunt.
6  Parásti in conspéctu meo mensam, * advérsus eos, qui tríbulant me.
7  Impinguásti in óleo caput meum: * et calix meus inébrians quam præclárus est!
8  Et misericórdia tua subsequétur me * ómnibus diébus vitæ meæ. 
9  Et ut inhábitem in domo Dómini, * in longitúdinem diérum.
10  Réquiem ætérnam * dona eis, Dómine.
11  Et lux perpétua * lúceat eis.

Psalm 22.  Dominus regit me

The Lord is my shepherd, and I shall want nothing : * he hath set me in a green pasture.
2  He hath led me forth beside the waters of comfort : * he hath converted my soul.
3  He hath brought me forth in the paths of righteousness * for his Name's sake.
4  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; * for thou art with me.
5  Thy rod and thy staff, * they have comforted me.
6  Thou hast prepared a table before me * in the presence of them that trouble me.
7  Thou hast anointed my head with oil : * and my cup which inebriateth me, how goodly it is.
8  And thy mercy shall follow me * all the days of my life.
9  And I will dwell in the house of the Lord * unto length of days.
10  Eternal rest * grant unto them, O Lord.
11  And let perpetual light * shine upon them.

Ant.    In loco páscuæ ibi me collocávit.

Ant.    In a green pasture he shall feed me.

Ant.    Delícta * juventútis meæ, et ignorántias meas ne memíneris, Dómine.

Ant.    O remember not * the sins and offences of my youth.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 24.  Ad te Domine

Ad te, Dómine, levávi ánimam meam: * Deus meus, in te confído, non erubéscam.
2  Neque irrídeant me inimíci mei: *  étenim univérsi, qui sústinent te, non confundéntur.
3  Confundántur omnes iníqua agéntes * supervácue.
4  Vias tuas, Dómine, demónstra mihi * et sémitas tuas édoce me.
5  Dírige me in veritáte tua, et doce me: * quia tu es, Deus, Salvátor meus, et te sustínui tota die.
6  Reminíscere miseratiónum tuárum, Dómine, * et misericordiárum tuárum, quæ a sæculo sunt.
7  Delícta juventútis meæ, * et ignorántias meas ne memíneris.
8  Secúndum misericórdiam tuam meménto mei tu, * propter bonitátem tuam, Dómine.
9  Dulcis et rectus Dóminus: * propter hoc legem dabit delinquéntibus in via.
10  Diriget mansuétos in judício: * docébit mites vias suas.
11  Univérsæ viæ Dómini, misericórdia et véritas, * requiréntibus testaméntum ejus et testimónia ejus.
12  Propter nomen tuum, Dómine, propitiáberis peccáto meo: * multum est enim.
13  Quis est homo qui timet Dóminum? * legem státuit ei in via, quam elégit.
14  Anima ejus in bonis demorábitur: * et semen ejus hereditábit terram.
15  Firmaméntum est Dóminus timéntibus eum: * et testaméntum ipsíus ut manifestétur illis.
16  Oculi mei semper ad Dóminum: * quóniam ipse evéllet de láqueo pedes meos.
17  Réspice in me, et miserére mei: * quia únicus et pauper sum ego.
18  Tribulatiónes cordis mei multiplicátæ sunt: * de necessitátibus meis érue me.
19  Vide humilitátem meam, et labórem meum: * et dimítte univérsa delícta mea.
20  Réspice inimícos meos quóniam multiplicáti sunt: * et ódio iníquo odérunt me.
21  Custódi ánimam meam, et érue me: * non erubéscam quóniam sperávi in te.
22  Innocéntes et recti adhæsérunt mihi: * quia sustínui te.
23  Líbera, Deus, Israël: * ex ómnibus tribulatiónibus suis.
24  Réquiem ætérnam * dona eis, Dómine.
25  Et lux perpétua * lúceat eis.

Unto thee, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul : * my God, in thee do I trust, O let me not be confounded.
2  Neither let mine enemies triumph over me : * for all they that hope in thee shall not be confounded.
3  Let all be put to confusion such as transgress * without a cause.
4  Shew me thy ways, O Lord, * and teach me thy paths.
5  Lead me forth in thy truth, and teach me: * for thou art my Saviour, O God, and in thee hath been my hope all the day long.
6  Call to remembrance, O Lord, thy tender mercies, * and thy loving-kindnesses, which have been ever of old.
7  O remember not * the sins and offences of my youth.
8  But according to thy mercy think thou upon me, * for the sake of thy goodness, O Lord.
9  Gracious and righteous is the Lord; * therefore, will he give a law unto them that sin in the way.
10  Them that are meek shall he guide in judgment; * and such as are gentle, them shall he teach his way.
11  All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, * unto such as seek after his covenant and his testimonies.
12  For thy Name's sake, O Lord, be merciful unto my sin; * for it is great.
13  What man is he that feareth the Lord? * him hath he appointed a law in the way that he hath chosen.
14  His soul shall dwell at ease, * and his seed shall inherit the land.
15  The Lord is a firmament among them that fear him; * and he will shew them his covenant.
16  Mine eyes are ever looking unto the Lord; * for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
17  Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; * for I am alone and in need.
18  The sorrows of my heart are enlarged: * O bring thou me out of my necessities.
19  Look upon my abjection and my labour, * and forgive me all my sin.
20  Consider mine enemies, for they are multiplied : * and have hated me with a tyrannous hatred.
21  O keep my soul, and deliver me: * let me not be confounded, for I have put my trust in thee.
22  The innocent and the righteous have adhered unto me; * for my hope hath been in thee.
23  Deliver Israel, O God, * out of all his troubles.
24  Eternal rest * grant unto them, O Lord.
25  And let perpetual light * shine upon them.

Ant.    Delícta juventútis meæ, et ignorántias meas ne memíneris, Dómine.

Ant.    O remember not the sins and offences of my youth.

Ant.    Credo vidére * bona Dómini in terra vivéntium.

Ant.    I believe verily * to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 26. Dominus illuminatio mea

Dóminus illuminátio mea, et salus mea, * quem timébo?
2  Dóminus protéctor vitæ meæ, * a quo trepidábo?
3  Dum apprópiant super me nocéntes, * ut edant carnes meas :
4  Qui tríbulant me inimíci mei, * ipsi infirmáti sunt et cecidérunt.
5  Si consístant advérsum me castra, * non timébit cor meum.
6   Si exsúrgat advérsum me prælium, * in hoc ego sperábo.
7  Unam pétii a Dómino, hanc requíram, * ut inhábitem in domo Dómini ómnibus diébus vitæ meæ :
8  Ut vídeam voluptátem Dómini, * et vísitem templum ejus.
9  Quóniam abscóndit me in tabernáculo suo: * in die malórum protéxit me in abscóndito tabernáculi sui.
10  In petra exaltávit me: * et nunc exaltávit caput meum super inimícos meos.
11  Circuívi et immolávi in tabernáculo ejus hóstiam vociferatiónis: * cantábo et psalmum dicam Dómino.
12  Exáudi, Dómine, vocem meam, qua clamávi ad te: * miserére mei, et exáudi me.
13  Tibi dixit cor meum, exquisívit te fácies mea : * fáciem tuam, Dómine, requíram.
14  Ne avértas fáciem tuam a me, * ne declínes in ira a servo tuo.
15  Adjútor meus esto: * ne derelínquas me, neque despícias me, Deus, salutáris meus.
16  Quóniam pater meus, et mater mea dereliquérunt me: * Dóminus autem assúmpsit me.
17  Legem pone mihi, Dómine, in via tua: * et dírige me in sémitam rectam propter inimícos meos.
18  Ne tradíderis me in ánimas tribulántium me: * quóniam insurrexérunt in me testes iníqui et mentíta est iníquitas sibi.
19  Credo vidére bona Dómini * in terra vivéntium.
20  Exspécta Dóminum, viríliter age: * et confortétur cor tuum, et sústine Dóminum.
21  Réquiem ætérnam * dona eis, Dómine.
22  Et lux perpétua * lúceat eis.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; * whom then shall I fear?
2  The Lord is the protector of my life; * of whom then shall I be afraid?
3  When the wicked draw nigh against me, * to eat up my flesh,
4  Even mine enemies that trouble me, * have themselves been weakened and have fallen.
5  Though an host of men were laid against me, * yet shall not my heart be afraid.
6  And though a battle should rise up against me, * yet will I put my trust in him.
7  One thing have I desired of the Lord, which I will require; * even that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
8  To behold the fair beauty of the Lord, * and to visit his temple.
9  For he hath hidden me in his tabernacle; * in the day of evils, yea, he hath protected me in the secret place of his dwelling.
10  He hath set me up upon a rock of stone : * and now he hath lifted up mine head above mine enemies.
11  I have gone round about, and have offered a sacrifice of jubilation in his dwelling : * I will sing and speak praises unto the Lord.
12  Hearken unto my voice, O Lord, when I cry unto thee; * have mercy upon me, and hear me.
13  My heart hath said unto thee, My face hath sought thee : * thy face, Lord, will I seek.
14  O hide not thou thy face from me, * nor cast thy servant away in displeasure.
15  Thou hast been my succour; * leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
16  For my father and my mother have forsaken me, * but the Lord hath taken me up.
17  Set me a law in thy way, O Lord, * and lead me in the right way, because of mine enemies.
18  Deliver me not over into the will of mine adversaries: * for there are false witnesses risen up against me, and wickedness hath lied to itself.
19  I believe verily to see the goodness of the Lord * in the land of the living.
20  Expect thou the Lord and act manfully; * and thine heart shall be comforted; and wait thou for the Lord.
21  Eternal rest * grant unto them, O Lord.
22  And let perpetual light * shine upon them.

Ant.    Credo vidére bona Dómini in terra vivéntium.

Ant.    I believe verily to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

STAND

The Lessons are read without Absolution, Blessings, or Title.

R.  Meménto mei, Deus, quia ventus est vita mea, * Nec aspíciat me visus hóminis.
V.  De profúndis clamávi ad te, Dómine : Dómine, exáudi vocem meam.
R.  Nec aspíciat me visus hóminis.

R.  O remember, Lord God, that my life is a breath! *  Soon the eye of him that seeth me shall behold me no more.
V.  Out of the deep have I called unto thee, O Lord : Lord, hear my voice.
R.  Soon the eye of him that seeth me shall behold me no more.

R.  Hei mihi, Dómine, quia peccávi nimis in vita mea : Quid fáciam, miser? ubi fúgiam, nisi ad te, Deus meus? * Miserére mei, dum véneris in novíssimo die.
V.  Anima mea turbáta est valde, sed tu, Dómine, succúrre ei.
R.  Miserére mei, dum véneris in novíssimo die.

R.  Woe is me, O Lord, for I have grievously sinned in my life! What shall I do, wretched man that I am? Whither shall I flee, but unto thee, my God? *  Have mercy upon me, when thou comest at the last day.
V.  My soul is sore troubled ; but, Lord, be thou my helper.
R.  Have mercy upon me, when thou comest at the last day.

R.  Ne recordéris peccáta mea, Dómine, * Dum véneris judicáre sæculum per ignem.
V.  Dírige, Dómine, Deus meus, in conspéctu tuo viam meam.
R.  Dum véneris judicáre sæculum per ignem.
V.  Réquiem ætérnam dona eis, Dómine : et lux perpétua lúceat eis.
R.  Dum véneris judicáre sæculum per ignem.

R.  Remember not my sins, O Lord, * When thou shalt come to judge the world by fire.
V.  Make thy way plain, O Lord my God, before my face.
R.  When thou shalt come to judge the world by fire.
V.  Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
R.  When thou shalt come to judge the world by fire.

Third Nocturn

For Wednesday and Saturday

Ant.    Compláceat * tibi, Dómine, ut erípias me : Dómine, ad adjuvándum me réspice.

Ant.    Let it be thy pleasure * to deliver me, O Lord : make haste, O Lord, to help me.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 39. Exspectans exspectavi

Exspéctans exspectávi Dóminum, * et inténdit mihi.
2  Et exaudívit preces meas: * et edúxit me de lacu misériæ, et de luto fæcis.
3  Et státuit super petram pedes meos: * et diréxit gressus meos.
4  Et immísit in os meum cánticum novum * carmen Deo nostro.
5  Vidébunt multi, et timébunt: * et sperábunt in Dómino.
6  Beátus vir, cujus est nomen Dómini spes ejus * et non respéxit in vanitátes et insánias falsas.
7  Multa fecísti tu, Dómine, Deus meus, mirabília tua: * et cogitatiónibus tuis non est qui símilis sit tibi.
8  Annuntiávi et locútus sum: * multiplicáti sunt super númerum.
9  Sacrifícium et oblatiónem noluísti: * aures autem perfecísti mihi.
10  Holocáustum et pro peccáto non postulásti: * tunc dixi: Ecce vénio.
11  In cápite libri scriptum est de me ut fácerem voluntátem tuam: * Deus meus, vólui, et legem tuam in médio cordis mei.
12  Annuntiávi justítiam tuam in ecclésia magna, * ecce lábia mea non prohibébo: Dómine, tu scisti.
13  Justítiam tuam non abscóndi in corde meo: * veritátem tuam et salutáre tuum dixi.
14  Non abscóndi misericórdiam tuam et veritátem tuam * a concílio multo.
15  Tu autem, Dómine, ne longe fácias miseratiónes tuas a me: * misericórdia tua et véritas tua semper suscepérunt me.
16  Quóniam circumdedérunt me mala, quorum non est númerus: * comprehendérunt me iniquitátes meæ, et non pótui ut vidérem.
17  Multiplicátæ sunt super capíllos cápitis mei: * et cor meum derelíquit me.
18  Compláceat tibi, Dómine, ut éruas me: * Dómine, ad adjuvándum me réspice.
19  Confundántur et revereántur simul, qui quærunt ánimam meam, * ut áuferant eam.
20  Convertántur retrórsum et revereántur: * qui volunt mihi mala.
21  Ferant conféstim confusiónem suam: * qui dicunt mihi: Euge, euge.
22  Exsúltent et læténtur super te omnes quæréntes te: * et dicant semper: Magnificétur Dóminus : qui díligunt salutáre tuum.
23  Ego autem mendícus sum, et pauper: * Dóminus sollícitus est mei.
24  Adjútor meus et protéctor meus tu es: * Deus meus, ne tardáveris.
25  Réquiem ætérnam * dona eis, Dómine.
26  Et lux perpétua * lúceat eis.

Psalm 39. Exspectans exspectavi

With expectation I have waited for the Lord, * and he inclined unto me.
2  And he heard my prayers : * and he brought me also out of the horrible pit, out of the mire and clay.
3  And he hath set my feet upon the rock, * and ordered my goings.
4  And he hath put a new canticle in my mouth, * even a song unto our God.
5  Many shall see it, and fear, * and shall put their trust in the Lord.
6  Blessed is the man that hath set his hope in the Name of the Lord, * and who hath not turned unto vanity, and to lying follies.
7  O Lord my God, great are the wondrous works which thou hast done, * and in thy thoughts there is no one like unto thee.
8  I have declared and I have spoken : * they are multiplied above number.
9  Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, * but mine ears hast thou opened.
10  Burnt-offering and sacrifice for sin hast thou not required: * then said I, Lo, I come;
11  In the volume of the book it is written of me, that I should fulfil thy will, * O my God, I am content to do it; yea, thy law is within my heart.
12  I have declared thy righteousness in the great congregation: * lo, I will not refrain my lips, O Lord, and that thou knowest.
13  I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; * I have declared thy truth and thy salvation.
14  I have not concealed thy loving mercy and truth * from the great congregation.
15  Withdraw not thou thy mercy from me, O Lord; * thy loving-kindness and thy truth have ever preserved me.
16  For evils without number are come about me; * my sins have taken such hold upon me, that I am not able to look up.
17  Yea, they are more in number than the hairs of my head, and my heart hath failed me.
18  O Lord, let it be thy pleasure to deliver me; * make haste, O Lord, to help me.19  Let them be ashamed, and confounded together, that seek after my soul * to destroy it.
20  Let them be driven backward, and put to rebuke, * that wish me evil.
21  Let them immediately be rewarded with shame : * that say unto me, Fie upon thee! fie upon thee!
22  Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee; * and let such as love thy salvation, say alway, The Lord be magnified.
23  As for me, I am poor and needy; * but the Lord careth for me.
24  Thou art my helper and protector; * make no long tarrying, O my God.
25  Eternal rest * grant unto them, O Lord.
26  And let perpetual light * shine upon them.

Ant.    Compláceat tibi, Dómine, ut erípias me : Dómine, ad adjuvándum me réspice.

Ant.    Let it be thy pleasure to deliver me, O Lord : make haste, O Lord, to help me.

Ant.    Sana, Dómine, * ánimam meam, quia peccávi tibi.

Ant.    Heal my soul, * O Lord, for I have sinned against thee.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 40.  Beatus qui intelligit

Beátus qui intélligit super egénum, et páuperem: * in die mala liberábit eum Dóminus.
2  Dóminus consérvet eum, et vivíficet eum, et beátum fáciat eum in terra: * et non tradat eum in ánimam inimicórum ejus.
3  Dóminus opem ferat illi super lectum dolóris ejus: * univérsum stratum ejus versásti in infirmitáte ejus.
4  Ego dixi : Dómine, miserére mei: * sana ánimam meam, quia peccávi tibi.
5  Inimíci mei dixérunt mala mihi: * Quando moriétur, et períbit nomen ejus?
6  Et si ingrediebátur ut vidéret, vana loquebátur: * cor ejus congregávit iniquitátem sibi.
7  Egrediebátur foras, * et loquebátur in idípsum.
8  Advérsum me susurrábant omnes inimíci mei: * advérsum me cogitábant mala mihi.
9  Verbum iníquum constituérunt advérsum me: * Numquid qui dormit non adjíciet ut resúrgat?
10  Etenim homo pacis meæ, in quo sperávi: * qui edébat panes meos, magnificávit super me supplantatiónem.
11  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére mei, et resúscita me: * et retríbuam eis.
12  In hoc cognóvi quóniam voluísti me: * quóniam non gaudébit inimícus meus super me.
13  Me autem propter innocéntiam suscepísti: * et confirmásti me in conspéctu tuo in ætérnum.
14  Benedíctus Dóminus, Deus Israël, a sæculo et usque in sæculum: * fiat, fiat.
15  Réquiem ætérnam * dona eis, Dómine.
16  Et lux perpétua * lúceat eis.

Blessed is he that considereth the poor and needy; * the Lord shall deliver him in the time of trouble.
2  The Lord preserve him, and give him life, and make him blessed upon earth; * and deliver him not up into the will of his enemies.
3  The Lord comfort him upon his bed of sorrows; * thou hast turned all his couch in his sickness.
4  I said, Lord, be merciful unto me; * heal my soul, for I have sinned against thee.
5  Mine enemies have spoken evil of me, * When shall he die, and his name perish?
6  And if he came to see me, he spake vanity, * and his heart conceived falsehood within itself.
7  He went forth, * and spake in the selfsame.
8  All mine enemies whispered together against me; * against me did they imagine evils.
9  They established an evil word against me : * Shall he that sleepeth rise again no more?
10  Yea, even the man of my peace, in whom I trusted, * who did also eat of my bread, hath laid great wait for me.
11  But be thou merciful unto me, O Lord, and raise thou me up again, * and I shall reward them.
12  By this I know thou hast favoured me, * for mine enemy shall not triumph against me.
13  And because of my innocency thou upholdest me, * and shalt set me before thy face for ever.
14  Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for ever and ever, and world without end: * Amen, Amen.
15  Eternal rest * grant unto them, O Lord.
16  And let perpetual light * shine upon them.

Ant.    Sana, Dómine, ánimam meam, quia peccávi tibi.

Ant.    Heal my soul, O Lord, for I have sinned against thee.

Ant.    Sitívit * ánima mea ad Deum vivum : quando véniam, et apparébo ante fáciem Domini?

Ant.    My soul is athirst * for God, yea, even for the living God : when shall I come to appear before the presence of God?

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 41. Quemadmodum

Quemádmodum desíderat cervus ad fontes aquárum: * ita desíderat ánima mea ad te, Deus.
2  Sitívit ánima mea ad Deum fortem vivum: * quando véniam, et apparébo ante fáciem Dei?
3  Fuérunt mihi lácrimæ meæ panes die ac nocte: * dum dícitur mihi quotídie: Ubi est Deus tuus?
4  Hæc recordátus sum, et effúdi in me ánimam meam: * quóniam transíbo in locum tabernáculi admirábilis, usque ad domum Dei.
5  In voce exsultatiónis, et confessiónis: * sonus epulántis.
6  Quare tristis es, ánima mea? * et quare contúrbas me?
7  Spera in Deo, quóniam adhuc confitébor illi: * salutáre vultus mei, et Deus meus.
8  Ad meípsum ánima mea conturbáta est : * proptérea memor ero tui de terra Jordánis, et Hermóniim a monte módico.
9  Abyssus abyssum ínvocat, * in voce cataractárum tuárum.
10  Omnia excélsa tua, et fluctus tui * super me transiérunt.
11  In die mandávit Dóminus misericórdiam suam : * et nocte cánticum ejus.
12  Apud me orátio Deo vitæ meæ, * dicam Deo : Suscéptor meus es.
13  Quare oblítus es mei? * et quare contristátus incédo, dum afflígit me inimícus?
14  Dum confringúntur ossa mea, * exprobravérunt mihi qui tríbulant me inimíci mei.
15  Dum dicunt mihi per síngulos dies : Ubi est Deus tuus? * quare tristis es, ánima mea? et quare contúrbas me?
16  Spera in Deo, quóniam adhuc confitébor illi : * salutáre vultus mei, et Deus meus.
17  Réquiem ætérnam * dona eis, Dómine.
18  Et lux perpétua * lúceat eis.

Psalm 41. Quemadmodum

Like as the hart desireth the water-brooks, * so longeth my soul after thee, O God.
2  My soul is athirst for God, yea, even for the strong, living God: * when shall I come to appear before the presence of God?
3  My tears have been my meat day and night, * while they daily say unto me, Where is now thy God?
4  These things I remembered, and poured out my soul within me; * for I shall go over into the place of the wondrous tabernacle, even unto the house of God.
5  In the voice of praise and thanksgiving, * the sound of one keeping holy-day.
6  Why art thou sad, O my soul? * and why dost thou trouble me?
7  O put thy trust in God, for I will yet praise him, * the salvation of my countenance, and my God.
8  My soul is vexed within me; * therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, from Hermon and the little hill.
9  The deep calleth on the deep, * at the noise of thy water-floods.
10  All thy waves and storms * are gone over me.
11  The Lord hath commanded his mercy in the daytime; * and a canticle to him in the night season.
12  The prayer to the God of my life is with me, * I will say unto God : Thou dost uphold me.
13  Why hast thou forgotten me? * and why go I mourning, whilst the enemy oppresseth me?
14  Whilst my bones are smitten asunder, * mine enemies that trouble me have reproached me.
15  While they say daily unto me: Where is now thy God? * why art thou sad, O my soul? and why dost thou trouble me?
16  O put thy trust in God, for I will yet praise him, * the salvation of my countenance, and my God.
17  Eternal rest * grant unto them, O Lord.
18  And let perpetual light * shine upon them.

Ant.    Sitívit ánima mea ad Deum vivum : quando véniam, et apparébo ante fáciem Domini?

Ant.    My soul is athirst for God, yea, even for the living God : when shall I come to appear before the presence of God?

STAND

V.  Ne tradas béstiis ánimas confiténtes tibi.
R.  Et ánimas páuperum tuórum ne obliviscáris in finem.

V.  Deliver not up unto the beasts the souls of them that praise thee.
R.  And forget not the congregation of the poor for ever.

The Lessons are read without Absolution, Blessings, or Title.

R.  Peccántem me quotídie, et non me pœniténtem, timor mortis contúrbat me : * Quia in inférno nulla est redémptio, miserére mei, Deus, et salva me.
V.  Deus, in nómine tuo salvum me fac, et in virtúte tua líbera me.
R.  Quia in inférno nulla est redémptio, miserére mei, Deus, et salva me.

R.  It is upon such an one as myself, who doth sin often and repent seldom, and then but little, that the fear of death befalleth : *  Because in hell there is no redemption, have mercy upon me, O God, and save me.
V.  Save me, O God, for thy Name's sake, and deliver me in thy strength.
R.  Because in hell there is no redemption, have mercy upon me, O God, and save me.

R.  Dómine, secúndum actum meum noli me judicáre : nihil dignum in conspéctu tuo egi ; ídeo déprecor majestátem tuam, * Ut tu, Deus, déleas iniquitátem meam.
V.  Amplius lava me, Dómine, ab injustítia mea, et a delícto meo munda me.
R.  Ut tu, Deus, déleas iniquitátem meam.

R.  O Lord, judge me not according to my deeds, for nothing have I done that is worthy in thy sight ; therefore do I come before thy Majesty as a suppliant ; *  That thou, O God, mayest blot out mine iniquity.
V.  Wash me throughly from my wickedness, and cleanse me from my sin.
R.  That thou, O God, mayest blot out mine iniquity.

The following Respond is said in place of the preceding, when all three Nocturns for the Dead have been said at Matins.

R.  Líbera me, Dómine, de morte ætérna in die illa treménda, * Quando cæli movéndi sunt et terra, * Dum véneris judicáre sæculum per ignem.
V.  Tremens factus sum ego et tímeo, dum discússio vénerit atque ventúra ira.
R.  Quando cæli movéndi sunt et terra.
V.  Dies illa, dies iræ, calamitátis et misériæ, dies magna et amára valde.
R.  Dum véneris judicáre sæculum per ignem.
V.  Réquiem ætérnam dona eis, Dómine : et lux perpétua lúceat eis.
R.  Líbera me, Dómine, de morte ætérna in die illa treménda, * Quando cæli movéndi sunt et terra, * Dum véneris judicáre sæculum per ignem.

R.  Deliver me, O Lord, from everlasting death in that fearful day : *  When the heavens and the earth shall be shaken : * When thou shalt come to judge the world by fire.
V.  I am in fear and trembling, until the sifting be upon us and the wrath to come.
R.  When the heavens and the earth shall be shaken.
V.  Woe is me, for the day of wrath, calamity and misery, the great day of exceeding bitterness.
R.  When thou shalt come to judge the world by fire.
V.  Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
R.  Deliver me, O Lord, from everlasting death in that fearful day : *  When the heavens and the earth shall be shaken : * When thou shalt come to judge the world by fire.