Common of Apostles

1st Vespers

Matins

Lauds

Prime

Terce

Sext

None

2nd Vespers

First Vespers

The first part of Vespers is in the Ordinary

Psalmus 109.  Dixit Dominus

Dixit Dóminus Dómino meo: * Sede a dextris meis:
2  Donec ponam inimícos tuos, * scabéllum pedum tuórum.
3  Virgam virtútis tuæ emíttet Dóminus ex Sion: * domináre in médio inimicórum tuórum.
4  Tecum princípium in die virtútis tuæ in splendóribus sanctórum: * ex útero ante lucíferum génui te.
5  Jurávit Dóminus, et non pœnitébit eum: * Tu es sacérdos in ætérnum secúndum órdinem Melchísedech.
6  Dóminus a dextris tuis, * confrégit in die iræ suæ reges.
7  Judicábit in natiónibus, implébit ruínas: * conquassábit cápita in terra multórum.
8  De torrénte in via bibet: * proptérea exaltábit caput.

The Lord said unto my Lord, * Sit thou on my right hand:
2  Until I make thine enemies * thy footstool.
3  The Lord shall send the rod of thy power out of Sion: * be thou ruler, even in the midst among thine enemies.
4  Thine shall be the dominion in the day of thy power, amid the brightness of the saints : * from the womb before the day star have I begotten thee.
5  The Lord sware, and will not repent, * Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedech.
6  The Lord upon thy right hand * shall wound even kings in the day of his wrath.
7  He shall judge among the heathen; he shall fill the places with the dead bodies: * and smite in sunder the heads over divers countries.
8  He shall drink of the brook in the way; * therefore shall he lift up his head.

Psalmus 110.  Confitebor

Confitébor tibi, Dómine, in toto corde meo: * in consílio justórum, et congregatióne.
2  Magna ópera Dómini: * exquisíta in omnes voluntátes ejus.
3  Conféssio et magnificéntia opus ejus: * et justítia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.
4  Memóriam fecit mirabílium suórum, miséricors et miserátor Dóminus: * escam dedit timéntibus se.
5  Memor erit in sæculum testaménti sui: * virtútem óperum suórum annuntiábit pópulo suo:
6  Ut det illis hereditátem géntium: * ópera mánuum ejus véritas, et judícium.
7  Fidélia ómnia mandáta ejus: confirmáta in sæculum sæculi, * facta in veritáte et æquitáte.
8  Redemptiónem misit pópulo suo: * mandávit in ætérnum testaméntum suum.
9  (fit reverentia) Sanctum, et terríbile nomen ejus: * inítium sapiéntiæ timor Dómini.
10  Intelléctus bonus ómnibus faciéntibus eum: * laudátio ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.

Psalm 110.  Confitebor

I will give thanks unto the Lord with my whole heart, * in the assembly of the righteous, and in the congregation.
2  The works of the Lord are great, * meet to serve for the doing of his will.
3  His work is worthy to be praised and had in honour, * and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4  He hath made a memorial of his marvellous works; the Lord is merciful and gracious : * he hath given meat unto them that fear him.
5  He shall ever be mindful of his covenant : * he will shew his people the power of his works.
6  That he may give them the heritage of the heathen : * the works of his hands are verity and judgment.
7  All his commandments are true; they stand fast for ever and ever : * and are done in truth and equity.
8  He sent redemption unto his people; * he hath commanded his covenant for ever.
9  (all bow) Holy and terrible is his Name : * the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
10  A good understanding have all they that do thereafter; * his praise endureth for ever.

Psalmus 111.  Beatus vir

Beátus vir, qui timet Dóminum: * in mandátis ejus volet nimis.
2  Potens in terra erit semen ejus: * generátio rectórum benedicétur.
3  Glória, et divítiæ in domo ejus: * et justítia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.
4  Exórtum est in ténebris lumen rectis: * miséricors, et miserátor, et justus.
5  Jucúndus homo qui miserétur et cómmodat, dispónet sermónes suos in judício: * quia in ætérnum non commovébitur.
6  In memória ætérna erit justus: * ab auditióne mala non timébit.
7  Parátum cor ejus speráre in Dómino, confirmátum est cor ejus: * non commovébitur donec despíciat inimícos suos.
8  Dispérsit, dedit paupéribus: justítia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi, * cornu ejus exaltábitur in glória.
9  Peccátor vidébit, et irascétur, déntibus suis fremet et tabéscet: * desidérium peccatórum períbit.

Psalm 111.  Beatus vir

Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord; * he hath great delight in his commandments.
2  His seed shall be mighty upon earth; * the generation of the righteous shall be blessed.
3  Glory and riches shall be in his house; * and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4  Unto the godly there ariseth up light in the darkness; * he is merciful, loving, and righteous.
5  Happy is the man that sheweth mercy, and lendeth; he will guide his words with discretion : * for he shall never be moved.
6  The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance : * he shall not be afraid of any evil tidings.
7  His heart is ready, trusting in the Lord, his heart is stablished, * he shall not be afraid until he see his desire upon his enemies.
8  He hath dispersed abroad, and given to the poor, and his righteousness remaineth for ever; * his horn shall be exalted with honour.
9  The ungodly shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and consume away; * the desire of the ungodly shall perish.

Psalmus 112.  Laudate, pueri

Laudáte, púeri, Dóminum: * laudáte nomen Dómini.
2  (fit reverentia) Sit nomen Dómini benedíctum, * ex hoc nunc, et usque in sæculum.
3  A solis ortu usque ad occásum, * laudábile nomen Dómini.
4  Excélsus super omnes gentes Dóminus, * et super cælos glória ejus.
5  Quis sicut Dóminus, Deus noster, qui in altis hábitat, * et humília réspicit in cælo et in terra?
6  Súscitans a terra ínopem, * et de stércore érigens páuperem:
7  Ut cóllocet eum cum princípibus, * cum princípibus pópuli sui.
8  Qui habitáre facit stérilem in domo, * matrem filiórum lætántem.

Psalm 112.  Laudate, pueri

Praise the Lord, O ye his servants; * O praise the Name of the Lord.
2  (all bow) Blessed be the Name of the Lord * from this time forth for evermore.
3  From the rising up of the sun unto the going down of the same, * the Lord's Name be praised.
4  The Lord is high above all nations, * and his glory above the heavens.
5  Who is like unto the Lord our God, that hath his dwelling on high, * and beholdeth what is lowly in heaven and in the earth?
6  He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, * and lifteth the needy out of the dung hill.
7  That he may set him with the princes, * even with the princes of his people.
8  He maketh the barren woman to keep house, * and to be a joyful mother of children.

Psalmus 116.  Laudate Dominum

Laudáte Dóminum, omnes Gentes: * laudáte eum, omnes pópuli :
2  Quóniam confirmáta est super nos misericórdia ejus: * et véritas Dómini manet in ætérnum.

Psalm 116.  Laudate Dominum

O praise the Lord, all ye nations; * praise him, all ye peoples.
2  For his mercy is confirmed upon us; * and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever.

STAND

Exsúltet orbis gáudiis,
Cælum resúltet láudibus :
Apostolórum glóriam
Tellus et astra cóncinunt.

Vos, sæculórum júdices,
Et vera mundi lúmina,
Votis precámur córdium :
Audíte voces súpplicum.

Qui templa cæli cláuditis
Serásque verbo sólvitis,
Nos a reátu nóxios
Solvi jubéte, quæsumus.

Præcépta quorum prótinus
Languor salúsque séntiunt,
Sanáte mentes lánguidas,
Augéte nos virtútibus :

Ut, cum redíbit árbiter
In fine Christus sæculi,
Nos sempitérni gáudii
Concédat esse cómpotes.

* Patri, simúlque Fílio,
Tibíque, Sancte Spíritus,
Sicut fuit, sit júgiter
Sæclum per omne glória.  Amen.

Let heav'n with acclamations ring,
And earth with joy responsive sing:
The Apostles' deeds and high estate
This festal-tide we celebrate.

O ye who, thron'd in glory dread,
Shall judge the living and the dead,
True lights, the world illumining,
Regard the suppliant pray'r we bring.

The gates of heav'n, at your command,
To all or clos'd or open stand:
May we, at your august decree,
Be loos'd from our iniquity.

The pow'r of old to you convey'd,
Sickness and health alike obey'd;
May ye our ailing souls once more
To strength and holiness restore.

That Christ the unerring Judge of doom,
When he at time's last end shall come,
May grant us for his mercy's sake,
Of joys eternal to partake.

Ordinary Doxology:
All laud to God the Father be;
All praise, eternal Son, to thee;
All glory, as is ever meet,
To God the Holy Paraclete.  Amen.

Ant. on Magnif:  They will deliver you up * to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall be brought before governours and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

COMMEMORATIONS, if there be any

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

Matins

The first part of Matins is in the Ordinary

Invitatory and Hymn

Regem Apostolórum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Apostles, * O come, let us worship.

Regem Apostolórum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Apostles, * O come, let us worship.

Psalmus 94.
Venite, exsultemus Domino

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

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

Regem Apostolórum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Apostles, * 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 Apostolórum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Apostles, * 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 géneration, 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 Apostolórum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Apostles, * O come, let us worship.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.  Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper,  et in sæcula sæculórum.  Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen.

Veníte, adorémus.

O come, let us worship.

Regem Apostolórum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Apostles, * O come, let us worship.

Ætérna Christi múnera,
Apostolórum glóriam,
Palmas et hymnos débitos
Lætis canámus méntibus.

Ecclesiárum Príncipes,
Belli triumpháles duces,
Cæléstis aulæ mílites,
Et vera mundi lúmina.

Devóta Sanctórum fides,
Invícta spes credéntium,
Perfécta Christi cáritas
Mundi tyránnum cónterit.

In his Patérna glória,
In his triúmphat Fílius,
In his volúntas Spíritus,
Cælum replétur gáudio.

* Patri, simúlque Fílio,
Tibíque, Sancte Spíritus,
Sicut fuit, sit júgiter
Sæclum per omne glória.  Amen.

The eternal gifts of Christ, the King,
The Apostles' glory, let us sing!
Let all with hearts of gladness raise,
Due hymns of thankfulness and praise.

The princes of the Church are they,
Her chiefs triumphant in the fray,
The heavenly King's own warrior band,
True lights, to lighten every land.

Theirs was the stedfast faith of Saints,
The hope that never yields nor faints,
The love of Christ in full degree,
Victorious o'er sin's tyranny.

In them the Father's glory shone,
In them the Spirit's will was done,
The Son himself exults in them;
Joy fills the new Jerusalem.

Ordinary Doxology
Praise to the Father, with the Son,
And Holy Spirit, Three in One;
As ever was in ages past,
And so shall be while ages last.  Amen.

As soon as the introductory part of Matins is finished, there is begun The First Nocturn.  The Psalms with their Antiphons are taken from either the Proper, if today have a proper Office, or from the Common, as given below, or from the occurring weekday, if today be not an excepted Feast.

Proper Office

Common Office

First Nocturn

Ant.    In omnem terram * exívit sonus eórum, et in fines orbis terræ verba eórum.

Ant.    Their sound is gone out * into all lands; and their words unto the ends of the earth.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 18.  Cæli enarrant

Cæli enárrant glóriam Dei: * et ópera mánuum ejus annúntiat firmaméntum.
2  Dies diéi erúctat verbum, * et nox nocti índicat sciéntiam.
3  Non sunt loquélæ, neque sermónes, * quorum non audiántur voces eórum.
4  In omnem terram exívit sonus eórum: * et in fines orbis terræ verba eórum.
5  In sole pósuit tabernáculum suum: * et ipse tamquam sponsus procédens de thálamo suo.
6  Exsultávit ut gigas ad curréndam viam, * a summo cæli egréssio ejus.
7  Et occúrsus ejus usque ad summum ejus: * nec est qui se abscóndat a calóre ejus.
8  Lex Dómini immaculáta, convértens ánimas: * testimónium Dómini fidéle, sapiéntiam præstans párvulis.
9  Justítiæ Dómini rectæ, lætificántes corda: * præcéptum Dómini lúcidum illúminans óculos.
10  Timor Dómini sanctus, pérmanens in sæculum sæculi: * judícia Dómini vera, justificáta in semetípsa.
11  Desiderabília super aurum et lápidem pretiósum multum: * et dulcióra super mel et favum.
12  Etenim servus tuus custódit ea, * in custodiéndis illis retribútio multa.
13  Delícta quis intélligit? ab occúltis meis munda me: * et ab aliénis parce servo tuo.
14  Si mei non fúerint domináti, tunc immaculátus ero: * et emundábor a delícto máximo.
15  Et erunt ut compláceant elóquia oris mei: * et meditátio cordis mei in conspéctu tuo semper.
16  Dómine, adjútor meus, * et redémptor meus.

Psalm 18.  Cæli enarrant

The heavens declare the glory of God; * and the firmament sheweth his handy-work.
2  One day uttereth speech unto another; * and night sheweth knowledge unto night.
3  There is neither speech nor language; * where their voices are not heard.
4  Their sound is gone out unto all the lands; * and their words unto the ends of the earth.
5  In the sun hath he set his tabernacle; * and he, as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
6  Hath rejoiced as a giant to run his course, * his going forth is from the uttermost part of the heaven.
7  And his circuit even unto the end thereof; * and there is no one that can hide himself from his heat.
8  The law of the Lord is an undefiled law, converting the soul; * the testimony of the Lord is sure, and giveth wisdom unto the simple.
9  The statutes of the Lord are right, and rejoice the heart; * the commandment of the Lord is pure, and giveth light unto the eyes.
10  The fear of the Lord is holy, and endureth for ever; * the judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves.
11  More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much precious stone; * sweeter also than honey, and the honeycomb.
12  For thy servant keepeth them; * and in keeping of them there is great reward.
13  Who can tell how oft he offendeth? O cleanse thou me from my secret faults : * save thy servant also from the sins of others.
14  If they get not the dominion over me, so shall I be undefiled, * and innocent from the great offence.
15  And the words of my mouth shall be such as may please, * and the meditation of my heart be alway in thy sight.
16  O Lord, my strength * and my redeemer.

Ant.    In omnem terram exívit sonus eórum, et in fines orbis terræ verba eórum.

Ant.    Their sound is gone out unto all the lands; and their words unto the ends of the earth.

Ant.    Clamavérunt justi, * et Dóminus exaudívit eos.

Ant.    The righteous have cried out, * and the Lord heard them.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 33.  Benedicam Dominum

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

Psalm 33.  Benedicam Dominum

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

Ant.    Clamavérunt justi, et Dóminus exaudívit eos.

Ant.    The righteous have cried out, and the Lord heard them.

Ant.    Constítues eos * príncipes super omnem terram : mémores erunt nóminis tui, Dómine.

Ant.    Thou shalt make them * princes over all the earth : they shall remember thy Name, O Lord.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 44.  Eructavit cor meum

Eructávit cor meum verbum bonum: * dico ego ópera mea Regi.
2  Lingua mea cálamus scribæ: * velóciter scribéntis.
3  Speciósus forma præ fíliis hóminum, diffúsa est grátia in lábiis tuis: * proptérea benedíxit te Deus in ætérnum.
4  Accíngere gládio tuo super femur tuum, * potentíssime.
5  Spécie tua et pulchritúdine tua: * inténde, próspere procéde, et regna.
6  Propter veritátem, et mansuetúdinem, et justítiam: * et dedúcet te mirabíliter déxtera tua.
7  Sagíttæ tuæ acútæ, pópuli sub te cadent: * in corde inimicórum Regis.
8  Sedes tua, Deus, in sæculum sæculi: * virga directiónis virga regni tui.
9  Dilexísti justítiam, et odísti iniquitátem: * proptérea unxit te, Deus, Deus tuus, óleo lætítiæ præ consórtibus tuis.
10  Myrrha, et gutta, et cásia a vestiméntis tuis, a dómibus ebúrneis: * ex quibus delectavérunt te fíliæ regum in honóre tuo.
11  Astitit regína a dextris tuis in vestítu deauráto: * circúmdata varietáte.
12  Audi, fília, et vide, et inclína aurem tuam: * et oblivíscere pópulum tuum, et domum patris tui.
13  Et concupíscet Rex decórem tuum: * quóniam ipse est Dóminus Deus tuus, et adorábunt eum.
14  Et fíliæ Tyri in munéribus * vultum tuum deprecabúntur: omnes dívites plebis.
15  Omnis glória ejus fíliæ Regis ab intus, * in fímbriis áureis circumamícta varietátibus.
16  Adducéntur Regi vírgines post eam: * próximæ ejus afferéntur tibi.
17  Afferéntur in lætítia et exsultatióne: * adducéntur in templum Regis.
18  Pro pátribus tuis nati sunt tibi fílii: * constítues eos príncipes super omnem terram.
19  Mémores erunt nóminis tui: * in omni generatióne et generatiónem.
20  Proptérea pópuli confitebúntur tibi in ætérnum: * et in sæculum sæculi.

My heart is inditing of a good matter; * I speak my works unto the King.
2  My tongue is the pen of a writer : * that writeth swiftly.
3  Thou art fairer than the children of men, full of grace are thy lips, * therefore hath God hath blessed thee for ever.
4  Gird thee with thy sword upon thy thigh, * O thou Most Mighty.
5  In thy comeliness, yea in thy beauty : * go forth, ride prosperously, and reign.
6  Because of truth, of meekness, and righteousness; * and thy right hand shall wondrously lead thee.
7  Thy arrows are very sharp, and the people shall be subdued unto thee; *  even in the hearts of the King's enemies.
8  Thy seat, O God, endureth for ever; * the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.
9  Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; * wherefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
10  All thy garments smell of myrrh, aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, * whereby the daughters of kings have made thee glad in thy glory.
11  Upon thy right hand did stand the queen in a vesture of gold, * wrought about with divers colours.
12  Hearken, O daughter, consider, and incline thine ear; * forget also thine own people, and thy father's house.
13  So shall the King have pleasure in thy beauty; * for he is the Lord thy God, and they shall worship him.
14  And the daughters of Tyre shall be there with a gift; * yea, all the rich among the people shall entreat thy countenance.
15  The King's daughter is all glorious within; * in wrought gold clothed round about with divers colours.
16  Virgins shall be brought after her unto the King : * her neighbours shall be brought unto thee.
17  With joy and gladness shall they be brought, * they shall be brought into the King's temple.
18  Instead of thy fathers, thou shalt have children, * whom thou shalt make princes over all the earth..
19  They shall remember thy Name * throughout all generations.
20  Therefore shall the people give thanks unto thee for ever, * yea, and for ever, and world without end.

Ant.    Constítues eos príncipes super omnem terram : mémores erunt nóminis tui, Dómine.

Ant.    Thou shalt make them princes over all the earth : they shall remember thy Name, O Lord.

STAND

The Lessons for the First Nocturn are taken either from the Common, as given below, or from either the occurrent Scripture, an alternate Common, or the Proper, as given in their proper place.

Scripture Lessons

Lessons from an alternate Common

Proper Lessons

Absolutio: Exáudi, Dómine Jesu Christe, preces servórum tuórum, et miserére nobis : Qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivis et regnas in sæcula sæculórum.
R.  Amen.

Absolution:  Graciously hear, O Lord Jesu Christ, the prayers of thy servants, and have mercy upon us.  Who, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, for ever and ever.
R.  Amen.

Benedíctio 1: Benedictióne perpétua benedícat nos Pater ætérnus.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 1:  May the Father Eternal bless us with a never-ending blessing.
R.  Amen.

De Epístola prima beáti Pauli Apóstoli ad Corínthios

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

Sic nos exístimet homo ut minístros Christi, et dispensatóres mysteriórum Dei.  Hic jam quæritur inter dispensatóres, ut fidélis quis inveniátur.  Mihi autem pro mínimo est ut a vobis júdicer, aut ab humáno die: sed neque meípsum júdico.  Nihil enim mihi cónscius sum: sed non in hoc justificátus sum: qui autem júdicat me, Dóminus est.  Itaque nolíte ante tempus judicáre, quoadúsque véniat Dóminus: qui et illuminábit abscóndita tenebrárum, et manifestábit consília córdium; et tunc laus erit unicuíque a Deo.

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.  But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.  For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.  Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

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

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

R.  Ecce ego mitto vos sicut oves in médio lupórum, dicit Dóminus: * Estóte ergo prudéntes sicut serpéntes, et símplices sicut colúmbæ.
V.  Dum lucem habétis, crédite in lucem, ut fílii lucis sitis.
R.  Estóte ergo prudéntes sicut serpéntes, et símplices sicut colúmbæ.

R.  Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves, saith the Lord.  *  Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
V.  While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.
R.  Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Benedíctio 2: Unigénitus Dei Fílius nos benedícere et adjuváre dignétur.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 2: May the Son of God, the sole-begotten, mercifully bless and keep us.
R.  Amen.

Hæc autem, fratres, transfigurávi in me et Apóllo, propter vos, ut in nobis discátis; ne, supra quam scriptum est, unus advérsus álterum inflétur pro álio.  Quis enim te discérnit?  Quid autem habes, quod non accepísti?  Si autem accepísti, quid gloriáris quasi non accéperis?  Jam saturáti estis, jam dívites facti estis: sine nobis regnátis: et útinam regnétis, ut et nos vobíscum regnémus!  Puto enim quod Deus nos Apóstolos novíssimos osténdit, tamquam morti destinátos: quia spectáculum facti sumus mundo, et Angelis, et homínibus.

And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.  For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?  Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.  For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.

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

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

R.  Tóllite jugum meum super vos, dicit Dóminus, et díscite a me, quia mitis sum et húmilis corde: * Jugum enim meum suáve est, et onus meum leve.
V.  Et inveniétis réquiem animábus vestris.
R.  Jugum enim meum suáve est, et onus meum leve.

R.  Take my yoke upon you, saith the Lord, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart; *  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
V.  And ye shall find rest unto your souls.
R.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Benedíctio 3: Spíritus Sancti grátia illúminet sensus et corda nostra.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 3: May the grace of the Holy Spirit all our heart and mind enlighten.
R.  Amen.

Nos stulti propter Christum, vos autem prudéntes in Christo: nos infírmi, vos autem fortes: vos nóbiles, nos autem ignóbiles.  Usque in hanc horam et esurímus et sitímus, et nudi sumus, et cólaphis cædimur, et instábiles sumus, et laborámus operántes mánibus nostris: maledícimur, et benedícimus: persecutiónem pátimur, et sustinémus: blasphemámur, et obsecrámus: tamquam purgaménta hujus mundi facti sumus, ómnium peripséma usque adhuc.  Non ut confúndam vos, hæc scribo, sed ut fílios meos caríssimos móneo.  Nam si decem míllia pædagogórum habeátis in Christo: sed non multos patres; nam in Christo Jesu per Evangélium ego vos génui.

We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.  Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; and labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.  I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.  For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the Gospel.

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

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

R.  Dum stetéritis ante reges et præsides, nolíte cogitáre quómodo aut quid loquámini: * Dábitur enim vobis in illa hora quid loquámini.
V.  Non enim vos estis qui loquímini; sed Spíritus Patris vestri, qui lóquitur in vobis.
R.  Dábitur enim vobis in illa hora quid loquámini.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Dábitur enim vobis in illa hora quid loquámini.

R.  When ye stand before kings and princes, take no thought how or what ye shall speak; * For it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
V.  For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
R.  For it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  For it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.

Second Nocturn

Ant.    Príncipes populórum * congregáti sunt cum Deo Abraham.

Ant.    The princes of the people * are joined unto the God of Abraham.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 46.  Omnes Gentes

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

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

Ant.    Príncipes populórum congregáti sunt cum Deo Abraham.

Ant.    The princes of the people are joined unto the God of Abraham.

Ant.    Dedísti hereditátem * timéntibus nomen tuum, Dómine.

Ant.    For thou hast given an heritage, * O Lord, unto those that fear thy Name.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 60.  Exaudi, Deus

Exáudi, Deus, deprecatiónem meam : * inténde oratióni meæ.
2  A fínibus terræ ad te clamávi : * dum anxiarétur cor meum, in petra exaltásti me.
3  Deduxísti me, quia factus es spes mea : * turris fortitúdinis a fácie inimíci.
4  Inhabitábo in tabernáculo tuo in sæcula : * prótegar in velaménto alárum tuárum.
5  Quóniam tu, Deus meus, exaudísti oratiónem meam : * dedísti hereditátem timéntibus nomen tuum.
6  Dies super dies regis adjícies : * annos ejus usque in diem generatiónis et generatiónis.
7  Pérmanet in ætérnum in conspéctu Dei : * misericórdiam et veritátem ejus quis requíret?
8  Sic psalmum dicam nómini tuo in sæculum sæculi : * ut reddam vota mea de die in diem.

Psalm 60.  Exaudi, Deus

Hear my crying, O God, * give ear unto my prayer.
2  From the ends of the earth have I called upon thee, * when my heart was in heaviness, thou didst set me up upon a rock.
3  Thou hast conducted me, for thou hast been my hope, * and a strong tower for me against the enemy.
4  I will dwell in thy tabernacle for ever, * and my trust shall be under the covering of thy wings.
5  For thou, my God, hast heard my prayer, * and hast given an heritage unto those that fear thy Name.
6  Thou shalt grant the king a long life, * that his years may endure throughout all generations.
7  He shall dwell before God for ever: * his loving mercy and faithfulness who shall search?
8  So will I sing praise unto thy Name for ever and ever, * that I may daily perform my vows.

Ant.    Dedísti hereditátem timéntibus nomen tuum, Dómine.

Ant.    For thou hast given an heritage, O Lord, unto those that fear thy Name.

Ant.    Annuntiavérunt * ópera Dei, et facta ejus intellexérunt.

Ant.    They have declared * the works of God, and understood that which he hath done.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 63.  Exaudi, Deus

Exáudi, Deus, oratiónem meam cum déprecor: * a timóre inimíci éripe ánimam meam.
2  Protexísti me a convéntu malignántium: * a multitúdine operántium iniquitátem.
3  Quia exacuérunt ut gládium linguas suas: * intendérunt arcum rem amáram, ut sagíttent in occúltis immaculátum.
4  Súbito sagittábunt eum, et non timébunt: * firmavérunt sibi sermónem nequam.
5  Narravérunt ut abscónderent láqueos: * dixérunt: Quis vidébit eos?
6  Scrutáti sunt iniquitátes: * defecérunt scrutántes scrutínio.
7  Accédet homo ad cor altum: * et exaltábitur Deus.
8  Sagíttæ parvulórum factæ sunt plagæ eórum: * et infirmátæ sunt contra eos linguæ eórum.
9  Conturbáti sunt omnes qui vidébant eos: * et tímuit omnis homo.
10  Et annuntiavérunt ópera Dei, * et facta ejus intellexérunt.
11  Lætábitur justus in Dómino, et sperábit in eo: * et laudabúntur omnes recti corde.

Psalm 63.  Exaudi, Deus

Hear my prayer, O God, when I make supplication to thee : * preserve my soul from the fear of the enemy.
2  Thou hast protected me from the gathering together of the froward, * and from the multitude of wicked doers.
3  Who have whet their tongue like a sword, * and have bent their bow a bitter thing, to shoot out their arrows in secret at the undefiled.
4  They shall shoot at him on a sudden, and shall not fear : * they are resolute in wickedness.
5  They have communed among themselves, how they may lay snares; * and they have said, Who shall see them?
6  They have searched after wickedness : * they have failed in their search.
7  Man shall come to the deep of his heart : * and God shall be exalted.
8  The arrows of children are their wounds : * yea, their tongues shall make them fall.
9  All they that saw them were troubled : * and every man feared.
10  And they have declared the works of God : * and understood that which he hath done.
11  The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord, and put his trust in him; * and all they that are true of heart shall be glad.

Ant.    Annuntiavérunt ópera Dei, et facta ejus intellexérunt.

Ant.    They have declared the works of God, and understood that which he hath done.

STAND

The Lessons for the Second Nocturn are taken either from the Common, as given below, or from an alternate Common, or from the Proper, as given in their proper place.

Lessons from an alternate Common

Proper Lessons

Absolutio: Ipsíus píetas et misericórdia nos ádjuvet, qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivit et regnat in sæcula sæculórum.
R.  Amen.

Absolution:  May his loving-kindness and mercy assist us.  Who, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, for ever and ever.
R.  Amen.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

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

Benedíctio 4: Deus Pater omnípotens sit nobis propítius et clemens.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 4:  May God the Father Almighty shew us his mercy and pity.
R.  Amen.

Scriptum est : Spíritus Dómini ornávit cælos.  Ornaménta enim cælórum sunt virtútes prædicántium.  Quæ vidélicet ornaménta Paulus enúmerat, dicens:  Alii datur per Spíritum sermo sapiéntiæ, álii sermo sciéntiæ secúndum eúmdem Spíritum, álteri fides in eódem Spíritu, álii grátia sanitátum in uno Spíritu, álii operátio virtútum, álii prophetía, álii discrétio spirítuum, álii génera linguárum, álii interpretátio sermónum.  Hæc autem ómnia operátur unus atque idem Spíritus, dívidens síngulis prout vult.

It is written : By his Spirit the Lord hath garnished the heavens.  Now the garniture of the heavens are the godly powers of preachers, and this garniture, what it is, Paul teacheth us thus:  To one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues; but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

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

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

R.  Vidi conjúnctos viros, habéntes spléndidas vestes, et Angelus Dómini locútus est ad me, dicens: * Isti sunt viri sancti facti amíci Dei.
V.  Vidi Angelum Dei fortem, volántem per médium cælum, voce magna clamántem et dicéntem.
R.  Isti sunt viri sancti facti amíci Dei.

R.  I saw men standing together, clothed in raiment white and glistering, and the Angel of the Lord spake unto me saying, *  These men are holy, for they are the friends of God.
V.  And I saw a strong Angel of God flying in the midst of heaven, and the same did proclaim with a loud voice, saying:
R.  These men are holy, for they are the friends of God.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

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

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

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

Quot ergo sunt bona prædicántium, tot sunt ornaménta cælórum.  Hinc rursus scriptum est:  Verbo Dómini cæli firmáti sunt.  Verbum enim Dómini, Fílius est Patris.  Sed eósdem cælos, vidélicet sanctos Apóstolos, ut tota simul sancta Trínitas ostendátur operáta, repénte de Sancti Spíritus divinitáte adjúngitur : Et Spíritu oris ejus omnis virtus eórum.  Cælórum ergo virtus de Spíritu sumpta est : quia mundi hujus potestátibus contraíre non præsúmerent, nisi eos Sancti Spíritus fortitúdo solidásset.  Quales namque doctóres sanctæ Ecclésiæ ante advéntum hujus Spíritus fúerint, scimus; et post advéntum illíus, cujus fortitúdinis facti sint, conspícimus.

So much power then as have preachers, so much garniture have the heavens.  Wherefore again it is written:  By the word of the Lord were the heavens made.  For the Word of the Lord is the Son of the Father.  But, to the end that all the Holy Trinity may be made manifest as the Maker of the heavens (that is, of the Apostles), it is straightway added touching God the Holy Ghost : and all the host of them by the Breath of his mouth.  Therefore the might of the same heavens is the might of the Spirit, for they had not braved the powers of this world, unless the strength of the Holy Ghost had comforted them.  For we know what manner of men the Teachers of the Holy Church were before the coming of this Spirit : and since he came we see in whose strength they are made strong.

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

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

R.  Beáti estis, cum maledíxerint vobis hómines, et persecúti vos fúerint, et díxerint omne malum advérsum vos, mentiéntes, propter me: * Gaudéte et exsultáte, quóniam merces vestra copiósa est in cælis.
V.  Cum vos óderint hómines, et cum separáverint vos, et exprobráverint, et ejécerint nomen vestrum tamquam malum propter Fílium hóminis.
R.  Gaudéte et exsultáte, quóniam merces vestra copiósa est in cælis.

R.  Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake: * Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven.
V.  When men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil for the Son of Man's sake.
R.  Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

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

Benedíctio 6: Ignem sui amóris accéndat Deus in córdibus nostris.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 6: May God enkindle in our hearts the fire of his holy love.
R.  Amen.

Certe iste ipse pastor Ecclésiæ, ad cujus sacratíssimum corpus sedémus, quantæ debilitátis quantæque formídinis ante advéntum Spíritus fúerit, ancílla ostiária requisíta dicat.  Una enim mulíeris voce percúlsus, dum mori tímuit.  Vitam negávit.  Et pensándum, quia eum comprehénsum Petrus negávit in terra, quem suspénsum latro conféssus est in cruce.  Sed vir iste tantæ formídinis, qualis post advéntum Spíritus exsístat, audiámus.  Fit convéntus magistrátus atque seniórum, cæsis denuntiátur Apóstolis ne in nómine Jesu loqui débeant; Petrus magna auctoritáte respóndet : Obedíre opórtet Deo magis quam homínibus.

Verily, if we ask of the damsel that kept the door, she will tell us what was the measure of weakness and of strength in that Shepherd of the Church nigh to whose most holy relicks ye are now assembled, before that the Spirit came.  He was so stricken by the words of one woman, that for fear of death, he denied. Life.  And we may well remember that Peter denied in captivity him, whom the thief confessed, even when he was lifted up upon the Cross.  But let us hear what that craven was after that the Spirit came.  When the rulers and elders were gathered together, the Apostles were beaten with rods, and commanded not to speak at all nor teach in the Name of Jesus; and Peter answered with great boldness, We ought to obey God rather than men.

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

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

R.  Isti sunt triúmphatóres et amíci Dei, qui contemnéntes jussa príncipum, meruérunt præmia ætérna: * Modo coronántur, et accípiunt palmam.
V.  Isti sunt qui venérunt ex magna tribulatióne, et lavérunt stolas suas in sánguine Agni.
R.  Modo coronántur, et accípiunt palmam.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Modo coronántur, et accípiunt palmam.

R.  These are they which do celebrate an eternal triumph and are become the friends of God, who overcame the princes of this world in the service of him who rewardeth everlastingly : * And now they have crowns on their heads and palms in their hands.
V.  These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb.
R.  And now they have crowns on their heads and palms in their hands.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  And now they have crowns on their heads and palms in their hands.

Third Nocturn

Ant.    Exaltabúntur * córnua justi, allelúja.

Ant.    And the horns of the righteous * shall be exalted, alleluia.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 74.  Confitebimur tibi

Confitébimur tibi, Deus: *  confitébimur, et invocábimus nomen tuum.
2  Narrábimus mirabília tua: * cum accépero tempus, ego justítias judicábo.
3  Liquefácta est terra, et omnes qui hábitant in ea: * ego confirmávi colúmnas ejus.
4  Dixi iníquis: Nolíte iníque ágere: * et delinquéntibus : Nolíte exaltáre cornu :
5  Nolíte extóllere in altum cornu vestrum: * nolíte loqui advérsus Deum iniquitátem.
6  Quia neque ab Oriénte, neque ab Occidénte, neque a desértis móntibus: * quóniam Deus judex est.
7  Hunc humíliat, et hunc exáltat: * quia calix in manu Dómini vini meri plenus misto.
8  Et inclinávit ex hoc in hoc: verúmtamen fæx ejus non est exinaníta: * bibent omnes peccatóres terræ.
9  Ego autem annuntiábo in sæculum: * cantábo Deo Jacob.
10  Et ómnia córnua peccatórum confríngam: * et exaltabúntur córnua justi.

Unto thee, O God, shall we give thanks; * yea, unto thee shall we give thanks, and call upon thy Name.
2  We shall declare thy wondrous works * in mine appointed time, I will judge the righteous.
3  The earth is melted, and all that dwell therein : * I have established the pillars thereof.
4  I said unto the wicked, Deal not wickedly; * and to the ungodly, Set not up your horn.
5  Set not up your horn on high, * and speak not wickedness against God.
6  For neither from the east, nor from the west, nor yet from the desert hills : * for God is the judge.
7  He putteth down one, and lifteth up another : * for in the hand of the Lord there is a cup of strong wine full mixt.
8  And he hath poured it out from this to that, but the dregs thereof are not emptied, * all the sinners of the earth shall drink.
9  But I will declare for ever, * I will sing unto the God of Jacob.
10  All the horns of the ungodly also will I break, * and the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.

Ant.    Exaltabúntur córnua justi, allelúja.

Ant.    And the horns of the righteous shall be exalted, alleluia.

Ant.    Lux orta est * justo, allelúja : rectis corde lætítia, allelúja.

Ant.    There is sprung up a light * for the righteous, alleluia, and joy for the true-hearted, alleluia.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 96.  Dominus regnavit

Dóminus regnávit exsúltet terra: * læténtur ínsulæ multæ.
2  Nubes, et calígo in circúitu ejus: * justítia, et judícium corréctio sedis ejus.
3  Ignis ante ipsum præcédet: * et inflammábit in circúitu inimícos ejus.
4  Illuxérunt fúlgura ejus orbi terræ: * vidit et commóta est terra.
5  Montes, sicut cera fluxérunt a fácie Dómini: * a fácie Dómini omnis terra.
6  Annuntiavérunt cæli justítiam ejus: * et vidérunt omnes pópuli glóriam ejus.
7  Confundántur omnes, qui adórant sculptília: * et qui gloriántur in simulácris suis.
8  Adoráte eum, omnes Angeli ejus: * audívit, et lætáta est Sion.
9  Et exsultavérunt fíliæ Judæ: * propter judícia tua, Dómine:
10  Quóniam tu Dóminus Altíssimus super omnem terram: * nimis exaltátus es super omnes deos.
11  Qui dilígitis Dóminum, odíte malum: * custódit Dóminus ánimas sanctórum suórum, de manu peccatóris liberábit eos.
12  Lux orta est justo, * et rectis corde lætítia.
13  Lætámini, justi in Dómino: * et confitémini memóriæ sanctificatiónis ejus.

The Lord hath reigned, may the earth be glad thereof; * yea, the multitude of the isles shall be joyful.
2  Clouds and darkness are round about him: * righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his seat.
3  There shall go a fire before him, * and burn up his enemies on every side.
4  His lightnings gave shine unto the world: * the earth saw it, and trembled.
5  The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord; * the whole earth at the presence of the Lord.
6  The heavens have declared his righteousness, * and all the peoples have seen his glory.
7  Confounded be all they that worship carved images, * and that delight in their vain gods.
8  Worship him, all ye his Angels : * Sion heard of it, and rejoiced.
9  And the daughters of Judah were glad, * because of thy judgments, O Lord.
10  For thou art the most high Lord over all the earth: * thou art exalted far above all gods.
11  O ye that love the Lord, hate evil: * the Lord preserveth the souls of his saints; he shall deliver them from the hand of the ungodly.
12  There is sprung up a light for the righteous, * and joy for the true-hearted.
13  Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; * and give thanks for a remembrance of his holiness.

Ant.    Lux orta est justo, allelúja : rectis corde lætítia, allelúja.

Ant.    There is sprung up a light for the righteous, alleluia, and joy for the true-hearted, alleluia.

Ant.    Custodiébant * testimónia ejus, et præcépta ejus, allelúja.

Ant.    For they kept his testimonies, * and the law that he gave them, alleluia.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 98.  Dominus regnavit

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

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

Ant.    Custodiébant testimónia ejus, et præcépta ejus, allelúja.

Ant.    For they kept his testimonies, and the law that he gave them, alleluia.

STAND

The Lessons for the Third Nocturn are taken either from the Common, as given below, or from an alternate Common, or from the Proper, as given in their proper place.

Lessons from an alternate Common

Proper Lessons

Absolutio: A vínculis peccatórum nostrórum absólvat nos omnípotens et miséricors Dóminus.
R.  Amen.

Absolution:  May the Lord Almighty and merciful break the bonds of our sins and set us free.