Common of Several Martyrs

1st Vespers

Matins

Lauds

Prime

Terce

Sext

None

2nd Vespers

First Vespers

The first part of Vespers is in the Ordinary

On excepted feasts the Antiphons and Psalms are as follows.  Otherwise the Antiphons and Psalms are of the current weekday, with what follows as below from the Chapter onwards.

Ant.    Omnes Sancti * quanta passi sunt torménta, ut secúri pervenírent ad palmam martyrii!

Ant.    O how many torments * have all the Saints endured, that they might make sure and certain their palm of martyrdom!

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 merciful kindness is established upon us; * and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever.

STAND

Sanctórum méritis inclyta gáudia
Pangámus, sócii, géstaque fórtia :
Gliscens fert ánimus prómere cántibus
Victórum genus óptimum.

Hi sunt, quos fátue mundus abhórruit ;
Hunc fructu vácuum, flóribus áridum
Contempsére tui nóminis ásseclæ,
Jesu, Rex bone Cælitum.

Hi pro te fúrias atque minas truces
Calcárunt hóminum, sævaque vérbera :
His cessit lácerans fórtiter úngula,
Nec carpsit penetrália.

Cædúntur gládiis more bidéntium :
Non murmur résonat, non quærimónia ;
Sed corde impávido mens bene cónscia
Consérvat patiéntiam.

Quæ vox, quæ póterit lingua retéxere
Quæ tu Martyribus múnera præparas?
Rubri nam flúido sánguine, fúlgidis
Cingunt témpora láureis.

Te, summa o Déitas, únaque póscimus ;
Ut culpas ábigas, nóxia súbtrahas,
Des pacem fámulis; ut tibi glóriam,
Annórum in sériem, canant.  Amen.

The merits of the Saints, the toils they bravely bore,
The love that never faints, their glory evermore, —
For these the Church today pours forth her joyous lay;
What victors wear so rich a bay?

This clinging world of ill them and their works abhorred;
Its withering flowers still they spurned with one accord:
They knew them shortlived all, how soon they fade and fall,
And followed, Jesu, at thy call.

For thee all pangs they bare, fury and mortal hate,
The cruel scourge to tear, the hook to lacerate;
But vain their foes' intent: for, every torment spent,
Their valiant spirits stood unbent.

Like sheep their blood they poured: and without groan or tear
They bent before the sword for that their King most dear:
Their souls, serenely blest, in patience they possessed,
And looked in hope to-wards their rest.

What tongue may here declare, fancy or thought descry,
The joys thou dost prepare, for these thy Saints on high?
Empurpled in the flood of their victorious blood,
They won the laurel from their God.

O Lord Most High, we pray, stretch forth thy mighty arm
To put our sins away, and shelter us from harm;
O give thy servants peace, from guilt and pain release;
Our praise to thee shall never cease.  Amen.

Ant. on Magnif:  Blessed are they * who have despised earthly pleasure, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven: they have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, and have won the heavenly great reward.

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 Mártyrum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

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

Regem Mártyrum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Martyrs, * 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 Mártyrum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Martyrs, * 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 Mártyrum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Martyrs, * 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 Mártyrum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Martyrs, * 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 Mártyrum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

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

Christo profúsum sánguinem,
Et Mártyrum victórias,
Dignámque cælo láuream
Lætis sequámur vócibus.

Terróre victo sæculi
Pœnísque spretis córporis,
Mortis sacræ compéndio
Vitam beátam póssident.

Tradúntur igni Mártyres
Et bestiárum déntibus ;
Armáta sævit úngulis
Tortóris insáni manus.

Nudáta pendent víscera,
Sanguis sacrátus fúnditur ;
Sed pérmanent immóbiles,
Vitæ perénnis grátia.

Sequens Conclusio numquam mutatur.
Laus et perénnis glória
Patri sit, atque Fílio,
Sancto simul Paráclito,
In sempitérna sæcula.  Amen.

The Martyrs' triumphs let us sing,
Whose blood was poured for Christ the King;
And while due hymns of praise we pray,
Our thankful hearts cast grief away.

The terrors of the world despised,
The body's torments lightly prized,
By one brief space of death and pain
Life everlasting they obtain.

To flames the Martyr-Saints are haled,
By teeth of savage beasts assailed;
Against them, armed with ruthless brand
And hooks of steel, the torturers stand.

The mangled frame is tortured sore,
The holy life-drops freshly pour;
They stand unmoved amidst the strife,
By grace of everlasting life.

This Ending is never changed:
Redeemer, hear us of thy love,
That with the Martyr-host above,
Hereafter, of thine endless grace,
Thy servants also may have place.  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.    Secus decúrsus aquárum * plantávit víneam justórum, et in lege Dómini fuit volúntas eórum.

Ant.    By the rivers of water * hath he planted the vineyard of the righteous, and their delight was in the law of the Lord.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 1.  Beatus vir

Beátus vir, qui non ábiit in consílio impiórum, et in via peccatórum non stetit, * et in cáthedra pestiléntiæ non sedit :
2  Sed in lege Dómini volúntas ejus, * et in lege ejus meditábitur die ac nocte.
3  Et erit tamquam lignum, quod plantátum est secus decúrsus aquárum, * quod fructum suum dabit in témpore suo:
4  Et fólium ejus non défluet: * et ómnia quæcúmque fáciet, prosperabúntur.
5  Non sic ímpii, non sic: * sed tamquam pulvis, quem prójicit ventus a fácie terræ.
6  Ideo non resúrgent ímpii in judício: * neque peccatóres in concílio justórum.
7  Quóniam novit Dóminus viam justórum: * et iter impiórum períbit.

Blessed is the man that hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, * and hath not sat in the seat of pestilence.
2  But his delight is in the law of the Lord; * and in his law will he exercise himself day and night.
3  And he shall be like a tree planted by the water-side, * that will bring forth his fruit in due season.
4  His leaf also shall not wither; * and all whatsoever he doeth, it shall prosper.
5  As for the ungodly, it is not so with them; * but they are like the chaff, which the wind scattereth away from the face of the earth.
6  Therefore the ungodly shall not rise again in judgment; * neither the sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
7  For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous; * and the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Ant.    Secus decúrsus aquárum plantávit víneam justórum, et in lege Dómini fuit volúntas eórum.

Ant.    By the rivers of water hath he planted the vineyard of the righteous, and their delight was in the law of the Lord.

Ant.    Tamquam aurum * in fornáce probávit eléctos Dóminus, et quasi holocáusta accépit eos in ætérnum.

Ant.    As gold in the furnace * doth the Lord try his Elect, and as a burnt-offering doth he receive them into eternity.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 2.  Quare fremuerunt gentes?

Quare fremuérunt Gentes: * et pópuli meditáti sunt inánia?
2  Astitérunt reges terræ, et príncipes convenérunt in unum * advérsus Dóminum, et advérsus Christum ejus.
3  Dirumpámus víncula eórum: * et projiciámus a nobis jugum ipsórum.
4  Qui hábitat in cælis, irridébit eos: * et Dóminus subsannábit eos.
5  Tunc loquétur ad eos in ira sua, * et in furóre suo conturbábit eos.
6  Ego autem constitútus sum Rex ab eo super Sion montem sanctum ejus, * prædicans præcéptum ejus.
7  Dóminus dixit ad me: * Fílius meus es tu, ego hódie génui te.
8  Póstula a me, et dabo tibi Gentes hereditátem tuam, * et possessiónem tuam términos terræ.
9  Reges eos in virga férrea, * et tamquam vas fíguli confrínges eos.
10  Et nunc, reges, intellígite: * erudímini, qui judicátis terram.
11  Servíte Dómino in timóre: * et exsultáte ei cum tremóre.
12  Apprehéndite disciplínam, nequándo irascátur Dóminus, * et pereátis de via justa.
13  Cum exárserit in brevi ira ejus: * beáti omnes qui confídunt in eo.

Psalm 2.  Quare fremuerunt gentes?

Why do the heathen so furiously rage together? * and why do the people imagine a vain thing?
2  The kings of the earth have arisen, and the rulers have taken counsel together * against the Lord, and against his Anointed.
3  Let us break their bonds asunder, * and cast away their cords from us.
4  He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh them to scorn: *  the Lord shall have them in derision.
5  Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, * and vex them in his sore displeasure :
6  Yet I have been stablished King by him upon his holy hill of Sion, * preaching his commandment.
7  The Lord hath said unto me : * Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
8  Desire of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, * and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession.
9  Thou shalt rule them with a rod of iron, * and break them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
10  Be wise now therefore, O ye kings; * be learned, ye that are judges of the earth.
11  Serve the Lord in fear, * and rejoice unto him with reverence.
12  Embrace discipline, lest at any time the Lord be angry, * and so ye perish from the right way.
13  If his wrath be kindled, yea, but in a short time : *  blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Ant.    Tamquam aurum in fornáce probávit eléctos Dóminus, et quasi holocáusta accépit eos in ætérnum.

Ant.    As gold in the furnace doth the Lord try his Elect, and as a burnt-offering doth he receive them into eternity.

Ant.    Si coram homínibus * torménta passi sunt, spes electórum est immortális in ætérnum.

Ant.    Though the Elect be punished * in the sight of men, yet is their hope full of immortality for ever.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 3.  Domine quid multiplicati?

Dómine quid multiplicáti sunt qui tríbulant me? * multi insúrgunt advérsum me.
2  Multi dicunt ánimæ meæ: * Non est salus ipsi in Deo ejus.
3  Tu autem, Dómine, suscéptor meus es, * glória mea, et exáltans caput meum.
4  Voce mea ad Dóminum clamávi: * et exaudívit me de monte sancto suo.
5  Ego dormívi, et soporátus sum: * et exsurréxi, quia Dóminus suscépit me.
6  Non timébo míllia pópuli circumdántis me: * exsúrge, Dómine, salvum me fac, Deus meus.
7  Quóniam tu percussísti omnes adversántes mihi sine causa: * dentes peccatórum contrivísti.
8  Dómini est salus: * et super pópulum tuum benedíctio tua.

Psalm 3.  Domine quid multiplicati?

Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! * many are they that rise against me.
2  Many one there be that say of my soul, * There is no help for him in his God.
3  But thou, O Lord, art my defender; * thou art my worship, and the lifter up of my head.
4  I did call upon the Lord with my voice, * and he heard me out of his holy hill.
5  I laid me down and slept, * and rose up again, for the Lord sustained me.
6  I will not be afraid for thousands of the people that have set themselves against me round about ; * up, Lord, and help me, O my God.
7  For thou smitest all that are mine enemies without cause ; * thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
8  Salvation belongeth unto the Lord; * and thy blessing is upon thy people.

Ant.    Si coram homínibus torménta passi sunt, spes electórum est immortális in ætérnum.

Ant.    Though the Elect be punished in the sight of men, yet is their hope full of immortality for ever.

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.

The following Lessons for the First Nocturn are said in Feasts of a Martyr Bishop.  In Feasts of a Martyr who is not a Bishop, however, the Lessons Fratres: Debitóres are given in their proper place.

De Epístola beáti Pauli Apóstoli
ad Romános

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

Fratres : Debitóres sumus non carni, ut secúndum carnem vivámus.  Si enim secúndum carnem vixéritis, moriémini ; si autem spíritu facta carnis mortificavéritis, vivétis.  Quicúmque enim spíritu Dei agúntur, ii sunt fílii Dei.  Non enim accepístis spíritum servitútis íterum in timóre, sed accepístis spíritum adoptiónis filiórum, in quo clamámus : Abba (Pater).  Ipse enim Spíritus testimónium reddit spíritui nostro, quod sumus fílii Dei.  Si autem fílii, et herédes : herédes quidem Dei, coherédes autem Christi ; si tamen compátimur, ut et conglorificémur.  Exístimo enim quod non sunt condígnæ passiónes hujus témporis ad futúram glóriam, quæ revelábitur in nobis.  Nam exspectátio creatúræ revelatiónem filiórum Dei exspéctat.

Brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.  For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.  For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons 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.  Abstérget Deus omnem lácrimam ab óculis Sanctórum : et jam non erit ámplius neque luctus, neque clamor, sed nec ullus dolor, * Quóniam prióra transiérunt.
V.  Non esúrient, neque sítient ámplius, neque cadet super illos sol neque ullus æstus.
R.  Quóniam prióra transiérunt.

R.  God shall wipe away all tears from the eyes of the Saints ; and there shall be no more sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; * For the former things are passed away.
V.  They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more : neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
R.  For the former things are passed away.

R.  Iste Sanctus pro lege Dei sui certávit usque ad mortem, et a verbis impiórum non tímuit: * Fundátus enim erat supra firmam petram.
V.  Iste est, qui contémpsit vitam mundi, et pervénit ad cæléstia regna.
R.  Fundátus enim erat supra firmam petram.

R.  This man is holy, for he hath striven for the law of his God even unto death, and hath not feared for the words of the ungodly; * For he had his foundation upon a strong rock.
V.  This is he which loved not his life in this world, and is come unto an everlasting kingdom.
R.  For he had his foundation upon a strong rock.

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.

Scimus autem quóniam diligéntibus Deum ómnia cooperántur in bonum, iis qui secúndum propósitum vocáti sunt sancti.  Nam quos præscívit, et prædestinávit confórmes fíeri imáginis Fílii sui, ut sit ipse primogénitus in multis frátribus.  Quos autem prædestinávit, hos et vocávit : et quos vocávit, hos et justificávit : quos autem justificávit, illos et glorificávit.  Quid ergo dicémus ad hæc?  Si Deus pro nobis, quis contra nos?  Qui étiam próprio Fílio suo non pepércit, sed pro nobis ómnibus trádidit illum, quómodo non étiam cum illo ómnia nobis donávit?  Quis accusábit advérsus eléctos Dei?  Deus, qui justíficat, quis est qui condémnet?  Christus Jesus, qui mórtuus est, immo qui et resurréxit, qui est ad déxteram Dei, qui étiam interpéllat pro nobis.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, even to them who are the called according to his purpose.  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's Elect? It is God that justifieth.  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

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

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

R.  Viri sancti gloriósum sánguinem fudérunt pro Dómino, amavérunt Christum in vita sua, imitáti sunt eum in morte sua; * Et ídeo corónas triumpháles meruérunt.
V.  Unus spíritus, et una fides erat in eis.
R.  Et ídeo corónas triumpháles meruérunt.

R.  Holy are these men who for the Lord's sake have gloriously shed their blood, for they loved Christ in life, and in death were made like unto him, * And thereby they won their crowns of triumph.
V.  They stood fast in one spirit, and one faith.
R.  And thereby they won their crowns of triumph.

R.  Justus germinábit sicut lílium: * Et florébit in ætérnum ante Dóminum.
V.  Plantátus in domo Dómini, in átriis domus Dei nostri.
R.  Et florébit in ætérnum ante Dóminum.

R.  The righteous shall grow as the lily; *  Yea, he shall flourish in the presence of the Lord for ever.
V.  Those that be planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish in the courts of the house of our God.
R.  Yea, he shall flourish in the presence of the Lord for ever.

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.

Quis ergo nos separábit a caritáte Chrísti?  tribulátio, an angústia, an fames, an núditas, an perículum, an persecútio, an gládius?  (sicut scriptum est : Quia propter te mortificámur tota die : æstimáti sumus sicut oves occisiónis).  Sed in his ómnibus superámus propter eum, qui diléxit nos.  Certus sum enim quia neque mors, neque vita, neque Angeli, neque Principátus, neque Virtútes, neque instántia, neque profúndum, neque creatúra ália póterit nos separáre a caritáte Dei, quæ est in Christo Jesu Dómino nostro.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.  For I am persuaded, that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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

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

R.  Tradidérunt córpora sua propter Deum ad supplícia, * Et meruérunt habére corónas perpétuas.
V.  Isti sunt qui venérunt ex magna tribulatióne, et lavérunt stolas suas in sánguine Agni.
R.  Et meruérunt habére corónas perpétuas.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Et meruérunt habére corónas perpétuas.

R.  They delivered their bodies for God's sake to suffer torment, * Whereby they were made meet for that crown of glory that fadeth not away.
V.  They stood fast in one spirit, and one faith.
R.  Whereby they were made meet for that crown of glory that fadeth not away.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  Whereby they were made meet for that crown of glory that fadeth not away.

R.  Iste cognóvit justítiam, et vidit mirabília magna, et exorávit Altíssimum: * Et invéntus est in número Sanctórum.
V.  Iste est, qui contémpsit vitam mundi, et pervénit ad cæléstia regna.
R.  Et invéntus est in número Sanctórum.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Et invéntus est in número Sanctórum.

R.  This is he which knew righteousness, and saw great wonders, and made his prayer unto the Most High; * And he is numbered among the Saints.
V.  This is he which loved not his life in this world, and is come unto an everlasting kingdom.
R.  And he is numbered among the Saints.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  And he is numbered among the Saints.

After the conclusion of the First Nocturn, the Second Nocturn is begun according to the proper of today's Feast, or according to the Common, or according to the current weekday, as given in the table below.

Proper Office

Common Office

Second Nocturn

Ant.    Dabo Sanctis meis * locum nominátum in regno Patris mei, dicit Dóminus.

Ant.    I will give unto my Saints * a place in the kingdom of my Father, every one by his own name, saith the Lord.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 14.  Domine, quis habitabit?

Dómine, quis habitábit in tabernáculo tuo? * aut quis requiéscet in monte sancto tuo?
2  Qui ingréditur sine mácula, * et operátur justítiam :
3  Qui lóquitur veritátem in corde suo, * qui non egit dolum in lingua sua :
4  Nec fecit próximo suo malum, * et oppróbrium non accépit advérsus próximos suos.
5  Ad níhilum dedúctus est in conspéctu ejus malígnus: * timéntes autem Dóminum gloríficat :
6  Qui jurat próximo suo, et non décipit, * qui pecúniam suam non dedit ad usúram, et múnera super innocéntem non accépit.
7  Qui facit hæc: * non movébitur in ætérnum.

Psalm 14.  Domine, quis habitabit?

Lord, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle? * or who shall rest upon thy holy hill?
2  Even he that leadeth an uncorrupt life, * and doeth the thing which is right.
3  He that speaketh the truth in his heart, * and that hath used no deceit in his tongue.
4  Nor done evil to his neighbour, * and hath not taken up slander against his neighbour.
5  In his sight the malicious is brought to nought, * but he glorifieth them that fear the Lord.
6  He that sweareth unto his neighbour, and disappointeth him not, * he that hath not given his money upon usury, nor taken reward against the innocent.
7  Whoso doeth these things * shall never fall.

Ant.    Dabo Sanctis meis locum nominátum in regno Patris mei, dicit Dóminus.

Ant.    I will give unto my Saints a place in the kingdom of my Father, every one by his own name, saith the Lord.

Ant.    Sanctis, qui in terra sunt ejus, * mirificávit omnes voluntátes meas inter illos.

Ant.    To the Saints that are in the earth * thou hast made all my counsels admirable.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 15.  Conserva me, Domine

Consérva me, Dómine, quóniam sperávi in te. * Dixi Dómino : Deus meus es tu, quóniam bonórum meórum non eges.
2  Sanctis, qui sunt in terra ejus, * mirificávit omnes voluntátes meas in eis.
3  Multiplicátæ sunt infirmitátes eórum : * póstea acceleravérunt.
4  Non congregábo conventícula eórum de sanguínibus, *  nec memor ero nóminum eórum per lábia mea.
5  Dóminus pars hereditátis meæ, et cálicis mei : * tu es, qui restítues hereditátem meam mihi.
6  Funes cecidérunt mihi in præcláris : * étenim heréditas mea præclára est mihi.
7  Benedícam Dóminum, qui tríbuit mihi intelléctum : * ínsuper et usque ad noctem increpuérunt me renes mei.
8  Providébam Dóminum in conspéctu meo semper : * quóniam a dextris est mihi, ne commóvear.
9  Propter hoc lætátum est cor meum, et exsultávit lingua mea : * ínsuper et caro mea requiéscet in spe.
10  Quóniam non derelínques ánimam meam in inférno : * nec dabis sanctum tuum vidére corruptiónem.
11  Notas mihi fecísti vias vitæ, adimplébis me lætítia cum vultu tuo : * delectatiónes in déxtera tua usque in finem.

Psalm 15.  Conserva me, Domine

Preserve me, O God, for in thee have I put my trust. *  I have said unto the Lord, thou art my God; for thou hast no need of my goods.
2  To the saints that are in his land, * he hath exalted in them all my desires.
3  Their infirmities were multiplied : * they made haste thereafter.
4  Their meetings for blood-offerings will I not gather together, * neither be mindful of their names within my lips.
5  The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance, and of my cup; * it is thou that shalt restore mine inheritance.
6  The lot is fallen unto me in a fair ground; * yea, I have a goodly heritage.
7  I will bless the Lord, who hath given me understanding; * my reins also have chastened me in the night season.
8  I have set the Lord alway before me; * for he is on my right hand, therefore shall I not fall.
9  Wherefore my heart is glad, and my tongue hath rejoiced: * my flesh also shall rest in hope.
10  Because thou shalt not leave my soul in hell; * neither shalt thou suffer thy Holy One to see corruption.
11  Thou hast shewn me the paths of life: thou shalt fill me with joy with thy countenance, * and at thy right hand there is pleasure for evermore.

Ant.    Sanctis, qui in terra sunt ejus, mirificávit omnes voluntátes meas inter illos.

Ant.    To the Saints that are in the earth thou hast made all my counsels admirable.

Ant.    Sancti qui sperant in Dómino, * habébunt fortitúdinem, assúment pennas ut áquilæ, volábunt, et non defícient.

Ant.    The Saints that wait upon the Lord * shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall fly and not faint.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 23. Domini est terra

Dómini est terra, et plenitúdo ejus: * orbis terrárum, et univérsi qui hábitant in eo.
2  Quia ipse super mária fundávit eum: * et super flúmina præparávit eum.
3  Quis ascéndet in montem Dómini? * aut quis stabit in loco sancto ejus?
4  Innocens mánibus et mundo corde, * qui non accépit in vano ánimam suam, nec jurávit in dolo próximo suo.
5  Hic accípiet benedictiónem a Dómino: * et misericórdiam a Deo, salutári suo.
6  Hæc est generátio quæréntium eum, * quæréntium fáciem Dei Jacob.
7  Attóllite portas príncipes vestras, et elevámini portæ æternáles: * et introíbit Rex glóriæ.
8  Quis est iste Rex glóriæ? * Dóminus fortis et potens : Dóminus potens in prælio.
9  Attóllite portas príncipes vestras,  et elevámini portæ æternáles: * et introíbit Rex glóriæ.
10  Quis est iste Rex glóriæ? * Dóminus virtútum ipse est Rex glóriæ.

The earth is the Lord's, and all the fulness thereof; * the compass of the world, and they that dwell therein.
2  For he hath founded it upon the seas, * and stablished it upon the rivers.
3  Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord? * or who shall stand in his holy place?
4  Even he that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; * and that hath not lift up his soul unto vanity, nor deceitfully sworn to his neighbour.
5  He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, * and mercy from God his saviour.
6  This is the generation of them that seek him; * even of them that seek the face of the God of Jacob.
7  Lift up your gates, O ye princes; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting gates; * and the King of glory shall come in.
8  Who is this King of glory? * It is the Lord strong and mighty, even the Lord mighty in battle.
9  Lift up your gates, O ye princes; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting gates; * and the King of glory shall come in.
10  Who is this King of glory? * Even the Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.

Ant.    Sancti qui sperant in Dómino, habébunt fortitúdinem, assúment pennas ut áquilæ, volábunt, et non defícient.

Ant.    The Saints that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall fly and not faint.

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.

Quotiescúmque, fratres caríssimi, sanctórum Mártyrum solémnia celebrámus, ita, ipsis intercedéntibus, exspectémus a Dómino cónsequi temporália beneficia, ut, ipsos Mártyres imitándo, accípere mereámur ætérna.  Ab ipsis enim sanctórum Mártyrum in veritáte festivitátum gáudia celebrántur, qui ipsórum Mártyrum exémpla sequúntur.  Solemnitátes enim Mártyrum exhortatiónes sunt martyriórum ; ut imitári non pígeat, quod celebráre deléctat.

Dearly beloved brethren, as often as keep the Feasts of the holy Martyrs, we look to obtain of the Lord, by their intercession, such good things in this life that thereby we, following them, may gain better in that which is to come.  For they only do truly keep Holiday on the Feasts of the Martyrs, who follow after the Martyrs' example.  These Feasts of the Martyrs are their preaching of martyrdom to us, whereby  to stir us up to imitate what we are not loath to honour.

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

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

R.  Sancti tui, Dómine, mirábile consecúti sunt iter, serviéntes præcéptis tuis, ut inveniréntur illæsi in aquis válidis : * Terra appáruit árida, et in Mari Rubro via sine impediménto.
V.  Quóniam percússit petram, et fluxérunt aquæ, et torréntes inundavérunt.
R.  Terra appáruit árida, et in Mari Rubro via sine impediménto.

R.  Thy Saints, O Lord, have passed a wonderful way, serving thy commandments, that they might be found without hurt in the midst of the mighty waters. * Dry land appeared, and out of the Red Sea, a way without impediment.
V.  He smote the rock, and the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed.
R.  Dry land appeared, and out of the Red Sea, a way without impediment.

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.

Sed nos vólumus gaudére cum Sanctis ; et tribulatiónem mundi nólumus sustinére cum ipsis.  Qui enim sanctos Mártyres, in quantum potúerit, imitári nolúerit, ad eórum beatitúdinem non póterit perveníre.  Sed et Paulus Apóstolus prædicat dicens : Si fuérimus sócii passiónum, érimus et consolatiónum.  Et Dóminus in Evangélio : Si mundus vos odit, scitóte quia me priórem vobis ódio hábuit.  Recúsat esse in córpore, qui ódium non vult sustinére cum cápite.

But although we would fain rejoice with the Saints, yet are we not fain to share with them the tribulations of this life.  Nevertheless, whosoever will not follow the example of the holy Martyrs, as far as lieth in him, cannot attain unto their blessedness.  Thus preacheth the Apostle Paul : As ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.  Yea, the Lord himself saith in the Gospel : If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.  In sooth, he who will not endure hatred with the Head, doth thereby refuse to be part of the body itself.

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

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

R.  Vérbera carníficum non timuérunt Sancti Dei, moriéntes pro Christi nómine : * Ut herédes fíerent in domo Dómini.
V.  Tradidérunt córpora sua propter Deum ad supplícia.
R.  Ut herédes fíerent in domo Domini.

R.  The Saints of God shrank not from the stripes of the executioners, but chose to die for the Name of Christ,  * That they might be made joint-heirs in the house of the Lord.
V.  They delivered their bodies for God's sake to suffer torment.
R.  That they might be made joint-heirs in the house of the Lord.

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.

Sed dicit áliquis : Et quis est qui possit beatórum Mártyrum vestígia sequi?  Huic ego respóndeo quia non solum Mártyres, sed étiam ipsum Dóminum, cum ipsíus adjutório, si vólumus, póssumus imitári.  Audi non me, sed ipsum Dóminum géneri humáno clamántem : Díscite a me, quia mitis sum et húmilis corde.  Audi et Petrum Apóstolum admonéntem : Christus passus est pro nobis relínquens nobis exémplum, ut sequámur vestígia ejus.

But some will say : And who is he that can tread in the footsteps of the blessed Martyrs?  To such an one, I answer that, by the Lord's help, we are able, if we so will, to tread in the footsteps, not of the blessed Martyrs only, but even of the same Lord himself.  Hearken, not to me, but to the same Lord, who crieth unto all men : Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart.  Hear also with what words the Apostle Peter warneth us : Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps.

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

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

R.  Tamquam aurum in fornáce probávit eléctos Dóminus, et quasi holocáusti hóstiam accépit illos; et in témpore erit respéctus illórum, * Quóniam donum et pax est eléctis Dei.
V.  Qui confídunt in illum, intélligent veritátem : et fidéles in dilectióne acquiéscent illi.
R.  Quóniam donum et pax est eléctis Dei.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Quóniam donum et pax est eléctis Dei.

R.  As gold in the furnace hath the Lord tried his chosen ones, and received them as a burnt-offering, and yet a while, and they shall be regarded; * For the grace of God, and his peace, are with his chosen.
V.  They that put their trust in him shall understand the truth : and such as be faithful in love shall abide with him.
R.  For the grace of God, and his peace, are with his chosen.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  For the grace of God, and his peace, are with his chosen.

Third Nocturn

Ant.    Justi autem * in perpétuum vivent, et apud Dóminum est merces eórum.

Ant.    The righteous * live for evermore; their reward also is with the Lord.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 32.  Exsultate, justi

Exsultáte, justi in Dómino: * rectos decet collaudátio.
2  Confitémini Dómino in cíthara: * in psaltério decem chordárum psállite illi.
3  Cantáte ei cánticum novum: * bene psállite ei in vociferatióne.
4  Quia rectum est verbum Dómini, * et ómnia ópera ejus in fide.
5  Díligit misericórdiam et judícium: * misericórdia Dómini plena est terra.
6  Verbo Dómini cæli firmáti sunt: * et spíritu oris ejus omnis virtus eórum.
7  Cóngregans sicut in utre aquas maris: * ponens in thesáuris abyssos.
8  Tímeat Dóminum omnis terra: * ab eo autem commoveántur omnes inhabitántes orbem.
9  Quóniam ipse dixit, et facta sunt: * ipse mandávit, et creáta sunt.
10  Dóminus díssipat consília Géntium: * réprobat autem cogitatiónes populórum et réprobat consília príncipum.
11  Consílium autem Dómini in ætérnum manet: * cogitatiónes cordis ejus in generatióne et generatiónem.
12  Beáta gens, cujus est Dóminus, Deus ejus: * pópulus, quem elégit in hereditátem sibi.
13  De cælo respéxit Dóminus: * vidit omnes fílios hóminum.
14  De præparáto habitáculo suo * respéxit super omnes, qui hábitant terram.
15  Qui finxit sigillátim corda eórum: * qui intélligit ómnia ópera eórum.
16  Non salvátur rex per multam virtútem: * et gigas non salvábitur in multitúdine virtútis suæ.
17  Fallax equus ad salútem: * in abundántia autem virtútis suæ non salvábitur.
18  Ecce óculi Dómini super metuéntes eum: * et in eis, qui sperant super misericórdia ejus :
19  Ut éruat a morte ánimas eórum: * et alat eos in fame.
20  Anima nostra sústinet Dóminum: * quóniam adjútor et protéctor noster est.
21  Quia in eo lætábitur cor nostrum: * et in nómine sancto ejus sperávimus.
22  Fiat misericórdia tua, Dómine, super nos: * quemádmodum sperávimus in te.

Psalm 32.  Exsultate, justi

Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous; * for it becometh well the just to be thankful.
2  Praise the Lord with harp; * sing praises unto him with the lute, and instrument of ten strings.
3  Sing unto the Lord a new song; * sing praises well unto him with a loud noise.
4  For the word of the Lord is true; * and all his works are faithful.
5  He loveth mercy and judgment; * the earth is full of the mercy of the Lord.
6  By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; * and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
7  He gathereth the waters of the sea together, as it were upon an heap; * and layeth up the deep, as in a treasure-house.
8  Let all the earth fear the Lord: * stand in awe of him, all ye that dwell in the world.
9  For he spake, and they were made; * he commanded, and they were created.
10  The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought, * and maketh the devices of the people to be of none effect, and casteth out the counsels of princes.
11  But the counsel of the Lord shall endure for ever, * and the thoughts of his heart from generation to generation.
12  Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord; * and blessed are the folk that he hath chosen to him, to be his inheritance.
13  The Lord looketh down from heaven, * and beholdeth all the children of men.
14  From the habitation of his dwelling, * he considereth all them that dwell on the earth.
15  He who hath fashioned all the hearts of them, * and understandeth all their works.
16  The king is not saved by the multitude of an host; * neither is the mighty man delivered by his great strength.
17  A horse is counted but a vain thing to save a man; * neither shall he be delivered by the abundance of his strength.
18  Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, * and upon them that put their trust in his mercy;
19  To deliver their soul from death, * and to feed them in the time of dearth.
20  Our soul hath patiently tarried for the Lord; * for he is our help and our protector.
21  For our heart shall rejoice in him; * because we have hoped in his holy Name.
22  O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us, * as our trust is in thee.

Ant.    Justi autem in perpétuum vivent, et apud Dóminum est merces eórum.

Ant.    The righteous live for evermore; their reward also is with the Lord.

Ant.    Tradidérunt * córpora sua in mortem, ne servírent idólis; ídeo coronáti póssident palmam.

Ant.    They gave up their bodies * unto death, rather than do service unto idols; therefore have they crowns on their heads and palms in their hands.

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 liberábit 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.    Tradidérunt córpora sua in mortem, ne servírent idólis; ídeo coronáti póssident palmam.

Ant.    They gave up their bodies unto death, rather than do service unto idols; therefore have they crowns on their heads and palms in their hands.

Ant.    Ecce merces * Sanctórum copiósa est apud Deum ; ipsi vero mórtui sunt pro Christo, et vivent in ætérnum.

Ant.    Behold, how great * with God is the reward of his Saints; yea, all that die for Christ do live for ever and ever.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 45.  Deus noster refugium

Deus noster refúgium, et virtus: * adjútor in tribulatiónibus, quæ invenérunt nos nimis.
2  Proptérea non timébimus dum turbábitur terra: * et transferéntur montes in cor maris.
3  Sonuérunt, et turbátæ sunt aquæ eórum: * conturbáti sunt montes in fortitúdine ejus.
4  Flúminis ímpetus lætíficat civitátem Dei: * sanctificávit tabernáculum suum Altíssimus.
5  Deus in médio ejus, non commovébitur: * adjuvábit eam Deus mane dilúculo.
6  Conturbátæ sunt Gentes, et inclináta sunt regna: * dedit vocem suam, mota est terra.
7  Dóminus virtútum nobíscum: * suscéptor noster Deus Jacob.
8  Veníte, et vidéte ópera Dómini, quæ pósuit prodígia super terram: * áuferens bella usque ad finem terræ.
9  Arcum cónteret, et confrínget arma: * et scuta combúret igni.
10  Vacáte, et vidéte quóniam ego sum Deus: * exaltábor in Géntibus, et exaltábor in terra.
11  Dóminus virtútum nobíscum: * suscéptor noster Deus Jacob.

Psalm 45.  Deus noster refugium

God is our hope and strength, * a very present help in trouble, which hath found us exceedingly.
2  Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be moved, * and though the hills be carried into the midst of the sea;
3  Though the waters thereof rage and swell, * and though the mountains shake at the strength of the same.
4  The rivers of the flood thereof shall make glad the city of God; * the Most Highest hath made holy his tabernacle.
5  God is in the midst of her, therefore shall she not be removed; * God shall help her, and that right early.
6  The nations were troubled, and the kingdoms were bowed down; * but he hath shewed his voice, and the earth hath been moved.
7  The Lord of Hosts is with us; * the God of Jacob is our refuge.
8  O come hither, and behold the works of the Lord : what wonders he hath brought upon the earth : * he maketh wars to cease even to the end of the earth.
9  He shall break the bow, and break the spear in sunder, * and the shield he shall burn in the fire.
10  Be still then, and know that I am God: * I will be exalted among the heathen, and I will be exalted in the earth.
11  The Lord of Hosts is with us; * the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Ant.    Ecce merces Sanctórum copiósa est apud Deum ; ipsi vero mórtui sunt pro Christo, et vivent in ætérnum.

Ant.    Behold, how great with God is the reward of his Saints; yea, all that die for Christ do live for ever and ever.

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.
R.  Amen.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

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

Benedíctio 7: Evangélica léctio sit nobis salus et protéctio.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 7:  May the Gospel's holy lection be our safeguard and protection.
R.  Amen.

In illo témpore : Dixit Jesus discípulis suis : Cum audiéritis prælia, et seditiónes, nolíte terréri : opórtet primum hæc fíeri, sed nondum statim finis.  Et réliqua.

At that time : Jesus said unto his disciples : When ye shall hear of wars and commótions, be not terrified : for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.  And so on, and that which followeth.

Dóminus ac Redémptor noster peritúri mundi præcurréntia mala denúntiat, ut eo minus pertúrbent veniéntia, quo fúerint  præscíta.  Minus enim jácula fériunt quæ prævidéntur ; et nos tolerabílius mundi mala suscípimus, si contra hæc per præsciéntiæ clypeum munímur.  Ecce enim dicit : Cum audiéritis prælia et seditiónes, nolíte terréri ; opórtet enim primum hæc fíeri, sed nondum statim finis.  Pensánda sunt verba Redemptóris nostri, per quæ nos áliud intérius, áliud extérius passúros esse denúntiat ; bella quippe ad hostes pértinent, seditiónes ad cives.  Ut ergo nos índicet intérius exteriúsque turbári, áliud nos fatétur ab hóstibus, áliud a frátribus pérpeti.

Our Lord and Redeemer declareth the evils that are to come before the end of the world, so that, foreseeing their coming, they may disturb us the less.  Darts strike less which are seen coming : and the plagues of the earth will be to us more bearable, if we are harnessed against them with the shield of foreknowledge.  Behold, how he saith : When ye shall hear of wars and commótions be not terrified ; for these things must first come to pass ; but the end is not by and by.  It behoveth us to ponder these words of our Redeemer, wherein he warneth us of suffering, some from without, some from within.  Wars are the work of a foreign enemy, commótions result from the seditions arising amongst fellow-citizens.  Therefore, that he may let us know that we shall be troubled from within and from without, he sheweth that our wrestling  shall be in part against strangers, and in part against our brethren.

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

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

R.  Propter testaméntum Dómini et leges patérnas, Sancti Dei perstitérunt in amóre fraternitátis : * Quia unus fuit semper spíritus in eis, et una fides.
V.  Ecce quam bonus et quam jucúndum habitáre fratres in unum!
R.  Quia unus fuit semper spíritus in eis, et una fides.

R.  Because of the Covenant of the Lord and the laws of their fathers, the Saints of God stood fast in brotherly love:  *  For there was ever one spirit among them, and one faith.
V.  Behold how good and joyful a thing it is, brethren, to dwell together in unity.
R.  For there was ever one spirit among them, and one faith.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

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

Benedíctio 8:  Quorum festum cólimus, ipsi intercédant pro nobis ad Dóminum.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 8:  May they whose feast day we are keeping, be our Advocates with God.
R.  Amen.

Sed, his malis præveniéntibus, quia non statim finis sequátur, adjúngit : Surget gens contra gentem et regnum advérsus regnum ; et terræmótus magni erunt per loca, et pestiléntiæ et fames, terrorésque de cælo et signa magna erunt.  Ultima tribulátio multis tribulatiónibus prævenítur ; et, per crebra mala quæ prævéniunt, indicántur mala perpétua quæ subsequéntur.  Et ídeo post bella et seditiónes non statim finis ; quia multa debent mala præcúrrere, ut malum váleant sine fine nuntiáre.

But since the end is not by and by (that is, not soon), many evils shall first come to pass.  And so he saith : Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom ; and great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and pestilences, and famines, and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.  That is to say, the last tribulation shall be preceded by many other tribulations.  And these increasing woes, which come first, do but point to the everlasting woe which shall come in the end.  And therefore, after wars and commótions, the end is not by and by.  For many woes must come first, to give warning of the woe that hath no end.

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

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

The following Respond is said, unless the alternate Respond below is to be used:

R.  Sancti mei, qui in carne pósiti, certámen habuístis:  *  Mercédem labóris ego reddam vobis.
V.  Veníte, benedícti Patris mei, percípite regnum.
R.  Mercédem labóris ego reddam vobis.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Mercédem labóris ego reddam vobis.

R.  O ye my Saints and Righteous Ones, who have conténded valiantly in the flesh,  *  I will render you a reward of your labours.
V.  Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom.
R.  I will render you a reward of your labours.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  I will render you a reward of your labours.

For Martyrs who are known as Brethren the following Respond is said, even if they are venerated along with others called Companions; provided that the Brothers are by number the majority of the group, or that if equal in number to their Companions, they are named first in the title of the Feast.

R.  Hæc est vera fratérnitas, quæ numquam pótuit violári certámine : qui, effúso sánguine, secúti sunt Dóminum : * Contemnéntes aulam régiam, pervenérunt ad regna cæléstia.
V.  Ecce quam bonum et quam jucúndum habitáre fratres in unum!
R.  Contemnéntes aulam régiam, pervenérunt ad regna cæléstia.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Contemnéntes aulam régiam, pervenérunt ad regna cæléstia.

R.  This is indeed the love of brethren wherein the strife of man could make no breach ; yea, in resisting even unto blood they did follow their Lord, * For they held in contempt the court of the earthly king, and thereby attained to the kingdom of heaven.
V.  Behold how good and joyful a thing it is, brethren, to dwell together in unity.
R.  For they held in contempt the court of the earthly king, and thereby attained to the kingdom of heaven.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  For they held in contempt the court of the earthly king, and thereby attained to the kingdom of heaven.

If Lesson ix is to be taken from an occurring Feast or Sunday, or in Lent from the Feria, it is given in its proper place, as announced in the Ordo.

Alternate Ninth Lesson

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

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

Benedíctio 9: Ad societátem cívium supernórum perdúcat nos Rex Angelórum.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 9: May the King of Angels give us fellowship with all the citizens of heaven.
R.  Amen.

Sed cum tot signa perturbatiónis dicta sint, opórtet ut eórum consideratiónem bréviter per síngula perstringámus ; quia necésse est, ut ália e cælo, ália e terra, ália ab eleméntis, ália ab homínibus patiámur.  Ait enim : Surget gens contra gentem, ecce perturbátio hómimum : erunt terræmótus magni per loca, ecce respéctus iræ désuper : erunt pestiléntiæ, ecce inæquálitas córporum : erit fames, ecce sterílitas terræ : terrorésque de cælo et tempestátes, ecce inæquálitas áëris.  Quia ergo ómnia consummánda sunt, ante consummatiónem ómnia perturbántur ; et, qui in cunctis delíquimus, in cunctis ferímur, ut impleátur quod dícitur : Et pugnábit pro eo orbis terrárum contra insensátos.

But verily, forasmuch as the signs and troubles whereof the Lord speaketh are so manifold, it is meet that we should consider each one briefly.  Now of necessity, we must suffer some things from heaven, some from the earth, some from the powers of nature, and some from men.  For where he saith : Nation shall rise against nation, he speaketh concerning the troubling of men.  Where he saith: Great earthquakes shall be in divers places : he hinteth at wrath from heaven.   Where he saith: And pestilences, it is concerneth our own nature in its frailty.   Where he saith: And famines : it concerneth the earth in its barrenness. Where he saith: Fearful signs from heaven, and tempests, it concerneth commótions of the air.  As, then, all things shall have an end, shall all things be troubled : and we who have sinned and come short in all things, shall in all things be afflicted, that it may be fulfilled that is written : And the world shall fight with him against the unwise.

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

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

Lauds

The first part of Lauds is in the Ordinary

Psalmus 92.  Dominus regnavit

Dóminus regnávit, decórem indútus est: * indútus est Dóminus fortitúdinem, et præcínxit se.
2  Etenim firmávit orbem terræ, * qui non commovébitur.
3  Paráta sedes tua ex tunc: * a sæculo tu es.
4  Elevavérunt flúmina, Dómine: * elevavérunt flúmina vocem suam.
5  Elevavérunt flúmina fluctus suos, * a vócibus aquárum multárum.
6  Mirábiles elatiónes maris: * mirábilis in altis Dóminus.
7  Testimónia tua credibília facta sunt nimis: * domum tuam decet sanctitúdo, Dómine, in longitúdinem diérum.

The Lord hath reigned, and hath put on glorious apparel; * the Lord hath put on his apparel, and girded himself with strength.
2  For he hath stablished the round world, * that it cannot be moved.
3  Thy throne is prepared from of old : * thou art from everlasting.
4  The floods have lift up, O Lord, * yea, the floods have lift up their voice.
5  The floods have lift up their waves, * with the noise of many waters.
6  The waves of the sea are mighty, * glorious is the Lord, who dwelleth on high.
7  Thy testimonies are become exceeding credible: * holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever and ever.

Psalmus 99.  Jubilate

Jubiláte Deo, omnis terra: * servíte Dómino in lætítia.
2  Introíte in conspéctu ejus, * in exsultatióne.
3  Scitóte quóniam Dóminus ipse est Deus: * ipse fecit nos, et non ipsi nos.
4  Pópulus ejus, et oves páscuæ ejus: * introíte portas ejus in confessióne, átria ejus in hymnis: confitémini illi.
5  Laudáte nomen ejus: quóniam suávis est Dóminus, in ætérnum misericórdia ejus, * et usque in generatiónem et generatiónem véritas ejus.

Psalm 99.  Jubilate

O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands: * serve the Lord with gladness,
2  And come before his presence * with a song..
3  Be ye sure that the Lord he is God; * it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves.
4  We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture : * O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be ye thankful unto him.
5  Give praises unto his Name: for the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting; * and his truth endureth from generation to generation.

Psalmus 62.  Deus, Deus meus

Deus, Deus meus, * ad te de luce vígilo.
2  Sitívit in te ánima mea, * quam multiplíciter tibi caro mea.
3  In terra desérta, et ínvia, et inaquósa: * sic in sancto appárui tibi, ut vidérem virtútem tuam, et glóriam tuam.
4  Quóniam mélior est misericórdia tua super vitas: * lábia mea laudábunt te.
5  Sic benedícam te in vita mea: * et in nómine tuo levábo manus meas.
6  Sicut ádipe et pinguédine repleátur ánima mea: * et lábiis exsultatiónis laudábit os meum.
7  Si memor fui tui super stratum meum, in matutínis meditábor in te: * quia fuísti adjútor meus.
8  Et in velaménto alárum tuárum exsultábo, adhæsit ánima mea post te: * me suscépit déxtera tua.
9  Ipsi vero in vanum quæsiérunt ánimam meam, introíbunt in inferióra terræ: * tradéntur in manus gládii, partes vúlpium erunt.
10  Rex vero lætábitur in Deo, laudabúntur omnes qui jurant in eo: * quia obstrúctum est os loquéntium iníqua.

Psalm 62.  Deus, Deus meus

O God, thou art my God; * to thee do I watch at break of day.
2  My soul hath thirsted for thee, * my flesh also in many different ways.
3  In a barren and dry land where no water is: * so in the sanctuary have I come before thee, that I might behold thy power and thy glory.
4  For thy mercy is better than the life itself : * my lips shall praise thee.
5  Thus will I bless thee as long as I live : * and I will lift up my hands in thy Name.
6  My soul shall be filled as with marrow and fatness, * and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips.
7  If I have remembered thee in my bed, I will think upon thee in the morning : * because thou hast been my helper.
8  And under the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice, my soul hath hung upon thee; * thy right hand hath upholden me.
9  But they have sought my soul in vain, they shall go down into the nether parts of the earth : * they shall be delivered into the hands of the sword, they shall be a portion for foxes.
10  But the king shall rejoice in God; all they also that swear by him shall be commended; * for the mouth of them that speak wicked things shall be stopped.

Canticum trium Puerorum
Benedicite, omnia opera   Dan. 3, 57-88 et 56

Benedícite, ómnia ópera Dómini, Dómino: * laudáte et superexaltáte eum in sæcula.

2    Benedícite, Angeli Dómini, Dómino: * benedícite, cæli, Dómino.

3    Benedícite, aquæ omnes, quæ super cælos sunt, Dómino: * benedícite, omnes virtútes Dómini, Dómino.

4    Benedícite, sol et luna, Dómino: * benedícite, stellæ cæli, Dómino.

5    Benedícite, omnis imber et ros, Dómino: * benedícite, omnes spíritus Dei, Dómino.

6    Benedícite, ignis et æstus, Dómino: * benedícite, frigus et æstus, Dómino.

7    Benedícite, rores et pruína, Dómino: * benedícite, gelu et frigus, Dómino.

8    Benedícite, glácies et nives, Dómino: * benedícite, noctes et dies, Dómino.

9    Benedícite, lux et ténebræ, Dómino: * benedícite, fúlgura et nubes, Dómino.

10  Benedícat terra Dóminum: * laudet et superexáltet eum in sæcula.

11  Benedícite, montes et colles, Dómino: * benedícite, univérsa germinántia in terra, Dómino.

12  Benedícite, fontes, Dómino: * benedícite, mária et flúmina, Dómino.

13  Benedícite, cete, et ómnia, quæ movéntur in aquis, Dómino: * benedícite, omnes vólucres cæli, Dómino.

14    Benedícite, omnes béstiæ et pécora, Dómino: * benedícite, fílii hóminum, Dómino.

15    Benedícat Israël Dóminum: * laudet et superexáltet eum in sæcula.

16    Benedícite, sacerdótes Dómini, Dómino: * benedícite, servi Dómini, Dómino.

17    Benedícite, spíritus, et ánimæ justórum, Dómino: * benedícite, sancti et húmiles corde, Dómino.

18    Benedícite, Ananía, Azaría, Mísaël, Dómino: * laudáte et superexaltáte eum in sæcula.
(Fit reverentia:)

19    Benedicámus Patrem et Fílium cum Sancto Spíritu: * laudémus et superexaltémus eum in sæcula.
20  Benedíctus es, Dómine, in firmaménto cæli: * et laudábilis, et gloriósus, et superexaltátus in sæcula.
Hic non dícitur Glória Patri, neque Amen.

The Song of the Three Holy Children
Benedicite, omnia opera   Dan. 3, 57-88 and 56

O all ye Works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord : * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
2  O ye Angels of the Lord, bless ye the Lord : * O ye Heavens, bless ye the Lord.
3  O ye Waters that be above the Firmament, bless ye the Lord: * O all ye Powers of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.
4  O ye Sun and Moon, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Stars of Heaven, bless ye the Lord.
5  O ye Showers and Dew, bless ye the Lord: * O ye winds of God, bless ye the Lord.
6  O ye Fire and Heat, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Winter and Summer, bless ye the Lord.
7  O ye Dews and Frosts, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Frost and Cold, bless ye the Lord.
8  O ye Ice and Snow, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Nights and Days, bless ye the Lord.
9  O ye Light and Darkness, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Lightnings and Clouds, bless ye the Lord.
10  O let the Earth bless the Lord; * yea, let it praise him, and magnify him for ever.
11  O ye Mountains and Hills, bless ye the Lord: * O all ye Green Things upon the earth, bless ye the Lord. 
12  O ye Wells, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Seas and Floods, bless ye the Lord.
13  O ye Whales, and all that move in the waters, bless ye the Lord: * O all ye Fowls of the Air, bless ye the Lord.
14  O all ye Beasts and Cattle, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Children of Men, bless ye the Lord.
15  O let Israël bless the Lord; * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
16  O ye Priests of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Servants of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.
17  O ye Spirits and Souls of the Righteous, bless ye the Lord: * O ye holy and humble Men of heart, bless ye the Lord.
18  O Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, bless ye the Lord: praise him and magnify him for ever:
(During the following verse, all bow:)
19  Let us bless the Father and the Son, with the Holy Ghost; * let us praise him and magnify him for ever.
20  Blessed art thou, O Lord, in the firmament of heaven; * and to be praised and exalted above all for ever.
Here is not said Amen or Glory be.

Psalmus 148.  Laudate Dominum

Laudáte Dóminum de cælis: * laudáte eum in excélsis.
2  Laudáte eum, omnes Angeli ejus: * laudáte eum, omnes virtútes ejus.
3  Laudáte eum, sol et luna: * laudáte eum, omnes stellæ et lumen.
4  Laudáte eum, cæli cælórum: * et aquæ omnes, quæ super cælos sunt, laudent nomen Dómini.
5  Quia ipse dixit, et facta sunt: * ipse mandávit, et creáta sunt.
6  Státuit ea in ætérnum, et in sæculum sæculi: * præcéptum pósuit, et non præteríbit.
7  Laudáte Dóminum de terra, * dracónes, et omnes abyssi.
8  Ignis, grando, nix, glácies, spíritus procellárum: * quæ fáciunt verbum ejus:
9  Montes, et omnes colles: * ligna fructífera, et omnes cedri.
10  Béstiæ, et univérsa pécora: * serpéntes, et vólucres pennátæ:
11  Reges terræ, et omnes pópuli: * príncipes, et omnes júdices terræ.
12  Júvenes, et vírgines : senes cum junióribus laudent nomen Dómini: * quia exaltátum est nomen ejus solíus.
13  Conféssio ejus super cælum et terram: * et exaltávit cornu pópuli sui.
14  Hymnus ómnibus sanctis ejus: * fíliis Israël, pópulo appropinquánti sibi.

Psalm 148.  Laudate Dominum

O praise ye the Lord from the heavens: * praise ye him in the height.
2  Praise him, all ye Angels of his: * praise him, all his host.
3  Praise ye him, O sun and moon: * praise him, all ye stars and light.
4  Praise him, all ye heavens of heavens, * and ye waters that are above the heavens, praise the Name of the Lord.
5  For he spake the word, and they were made; * he commanded, and they were created.
6  He hath established them for ever, yea, unto ages of ages : * he hath set forth a law, and it shall not pass away.
7  Praise the Lord from the earth, * ye dragons and all deeps;
8  Fire and hail, snow and ice, wind and storm, * fulfilling his word;
9  Mountains and all hills; * fruitful trees and all cedars;
10  Beasts and all cattle; * creeping things and flying fowls;
11  Kings of the earth, and all people; * princes, and all judges of the world;
12  Young men and maidens, old men and children, praise the Name of the Lord: * for his Name only is exalted.
13  His praise is above heaven and earth : * and he shall exalt the horn of his people.
14  A hymn unto all his saints : * even unto the children of Israel, a people that draw nigh unto him.

STAND

Rex glorióse Mártyrum,
Coróna confiténtium,
Qui respuéntes térrea
Perdúcis ad cæléstia.

Aurem benígnam prótinus
Inténde nostris vócibus :
Trophæa sacra pángimus :
Ignósce quod delíquimus.

Tu vincis inter Mártyres
Parcísque Confessóribus :
Tu vince nostra crímina,
Largítor indulgéntiæ.

*  Deo Patri sit glória,
Ejúsque soli Fílio,
Cum Spíritu Paráclito,
Nunc, et per omne sæculum.  Amen.

O glorious King of Martyr hosts,
Thou Crown that each Confessor boasts:
Who leadest to celestial day
Those who have cast earth's joys away.

Thine ear in mercy, Saviour, lend,
While unto thee our prayers ascend;
And as we count their triumphs won,
Forgive the sins that we have done.

Martyrs in thee their triumphs gain,
From thee Confessors grace obtain;
O'ercome in us the lust of sin,
That we thy pardoning love may win.

Ordinary Doxology:
To God the Father, glory be,
And to his sole-begotten Son,
Glory, O Holy Ghost, to thee,
While everlasting ages run.  Amen.

The remainder of Lauds is provided for each Feastday in the Proper of the Saints.  Otherwise, the Common continues as follows :

Ad Bened. Ant:  Vestri capílli cápitis * omnes numeráti sunt : nolíte timére : multis passéribus melióres estis vos.

Ant. on Bened:  Even the very hairs of your head * are all numbered; fear not therefore ; ye are of more value than many sparrows.

COMMEMORATIONS, if there be any

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

Prime

Ant.   Omnes Sancti * quanta passi sunt torménta, ut secúri pervenírent ad palmam martyrii !

Ant.  O how many torments * have all the Saints endured, that they might make sure and certain their palm of martyrdom !

Festal Psalms

Return to the Office of Prime

Lectio Brevis   Sap. 3.7.
Fulgébunt justi, et tamquam scintíllæ in arundinéto discúrrent.  Judicábunt natiónes et dominabúntur pópulis ; et regnábit Dóminus illórum in perpétuum.  Tu autem,  Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

Brief Lesson    Wis. 3.7.
The righteous shall shine, and run to and fro like sparks among the stubble. They shall judge the nations, and have dominion over the people, * and their Lord shall reign for ever.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

Return to the Office of Prime

Terce

Sunday Psalms

STAND

The Little Chapter          Wis. 3. 1.
The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and there shall no torment touch them.  In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: but they are in peace.
R.  Thanks be to God.

V.  Lætámini in Dómino * Et exsultáte, justi.
R.  Lætámini in Dómino * Et exsultáte, justi.
V.  Et gloriámini, omnes recti corde.
R.  Et exsultáte, justi.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Lætámini in Dómino * Et exsultáte, justi.

V.  Exsúltent justi in conspéctu Dei.
R.  Et delecténtur in lætítia.

V.  Dóminus vobíscum.
R.  Et cum spíritu tuo.

V.  The Lord be with you.
R.  And with thy spirit.

Sext

Ant.   Córpora Sanctórum * in pace sepúlta sunt, et vivent nómina eórum in ætérnum.

Ant.   The bodies of the Saints * are buried in peace; but their name liveth for evermore.

Sunday Psalms

STAND

Capitulum                      Sap. 10. 17.
Réddidit Deus mercédem labórum sanctórum suórum, et dedúxit illos in via mirábili ; et fuit illis in velaménto diéi, et in luce stellárum nocte.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter          Wis. 10. 17.
God rendered to the righteous a reward of their labours, guided them in a marvellous way, and was unto them for a cover by day, and a light of stars in the night-season.
R.  Thanks be to God.

V.  Exsúltent justi  * In conspéctu Dei.
R.  Exsúltent justi  * In conspéctu Dei.
V.  Et delecténtur in lætítia.
R.  In conspéctu Dei.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Exsúltent justi  * In conspéctu Dei.

V.  Justi autem in perpétuum vivent.
R.  Et apud Dóminum est merces eórum. 

V.  Dóminus vobíscum.
R.  Et cum spíritu tuo.

V.  The Lord be with you.
R.  And with thy spirit.

None

Sunday Psalms

After completing the Antiphon following the Psalms, the Choir stands and then is said the Little Chapter and Brief Respond as follows:

STAND

Capitulum                      Sap. 3. 7.
Fulgébunt justi, et tamquam scintíllæ in arundinéto discúrrent.  Judicábunt natiónes et dominabúntur pópulis; et regnábit Dóminus illórum in perpétuum.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter          Wis. 10. 17.
The righteous shall shine, and run to and fro like sparks among the stubble. They shall judge the nations, and have dominion over the people, * and their Lord shall reign for ever.
R.  Thanks be to God.

V.  Justi autem * In perpétuum vivent.
R.  Justi autem * In perpétuum vivent.
V.  Et apud Dóminum est merces eórum. 
R.  In perpétuum vivent.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Justi autem * In perpétuum vivent.

V.  Exsultábunt Sancti in glória.
R.  Lætabúntur in cubílibus suis.

V.  Dóminus vobíscum.
R.  Et cum spíritu tuo.

V.  The Lord be with you.
R.  And with thy spirit.

Second 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 115.  Credidi

Crédidi, propter quod locútus sum: * ego autem humiliátus sum nimis.
2  Ego dixi in excéssu meo: * Omnis homo mendax.
3  Quid retríbuam Dómino, * pro ómnibus, quæ retríbuit mihi?
4  Cálicem salutáris accípiam: * et nomen Dómini invocábo.
5  Vota mea Dómino reddam coram omni pópulo ejus: * pretiósa in conspéctu Dómini mors sanctórum ejus:
6  O Dómine, quia ego servus tuus: * ego servus tuus, et fílius ancíllæ tuæ.
7  Dirupísti víncula mea: * tibi sacrificábo hóstiam laudis, et nomen Dómini invocábo.
8  Vota mea Dómino reddam in conspéctu omnis pópuli ejus: * in átriis domus Dómini, in médio tui, Jerúsalem.

Psalm 115.  Credidi

I believed, and therefore have I spoken; * but I was sore afflicted.
2  I said in my haste, * All men are liars.
3  What shall I render unto the Lord * for all the benefits that he hath rendered unto me?
4  I will take the chalice of salvation, * and call upon the Name of the Lord.
5  I will pay my vows unto the Lord in the presence of all his people: * right dear in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
6  Behold, O Lord, how that I am thy servant; * I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid.
7  Thou hast broken my bonds in sunder : * I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the Name of the Lord.
8  I will pay my vows unto the Lord, in the sight of all his people, * in the courts of the house of the Lord; even in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem.

STAND

Sanctórum méritis inclyta gáudia
Pangámus, sócii, géstaque fórtia :
Gliscens fert ánimus prómere cántibus
Victórum genus óptimum.

Hi sunt, quos fátue mundus abhórruit ;
Hunc fructu vácuum, flóribus áridum
Contempsére tui nóminis ásseclæ,
Jesu, Rex bone Cælitum.

Hi pro te fúrias atque minas truces
Calcárunt hóminum, sævaque vérbera :
His cessit lácerans fórtiter úngula,
Nec carpsit penetrália.

Cædúntur gládiis more bidéntium :
Non murmur résonat, non quærimónia ;
Sed corde impávido mens bene cónscia
Consérvat patiéntiam.

Quæ vox, quæ póterit lingua retéxere
Quæ tu Martyribus múnera præparas?
Rubri nam flúido sánguine, fúlgidis
Cingunt témpora láureis.

Te, summa o Déitas, únaque póscimus ;
Ut culpas ábigas, nóxia súbtrahas,
Des pacem fámulis; ut tibi glóriam,
Annórum in sériem, canant.  Amen.

The merits of the Saints, the toils they bravely bore,
The love that never faints, their glory evermore, —
For these the Church today pours forth her joyous lay;
What victors wear so rich a bay?

This clinging world of ill them and their works abhorred;
Its withering flowers still they spurned with one accord:
They knew them shortlived all, how soon they fade and fall,
And followed, Jesu, at thy call.

For thee all pangs they bare, fury and mortal hate,
The cruel scourge to tear, the hook to lacerate;
But vain their foes' intent: for, every torment spent,
Their valiant spirits stood unbent.

Like sheep their blood they poured: and without groan or tear
They bent before the sword for that their King most dear:
Their souls, serenely blest, in patience they possessed,
And looked in hope to-wards their rest.

What tongue may here declare, fancy or thought descry,
The joys thou dost prepare, for these thy Saints on high?
Empurpled in the flood of their victorious blood,
They won the laurel from their God.

O Lord Most High, we pray, stretch forth thy mighty arm
To put our sins away, and shelter us from harm;
O give thy servants peace, from guilt and pain release;
Our praise to thee shall never cease.  Amen.

The remainder of Vespers is provided for each Feastday in the Proper of the Saints.  Otherwise, the Common continues as follows :

Ad Magnif. Ant:  Gaudent in cælis * ánimæ Sanctórum, qui Christi vestígia sunt secúti ; et, quia pro ejus amóre sánguinem suum fudérunt, ídeo cum Christo exsúltant sine fine.

Ant. on Magnif:  In the heavenly kingdom * the souls of the Saints are rejoicing, even such as walked in the footsteps of Christ, for love of whom they shed their very life-blood; therefore with Christ they now do reign for ever and ever.

COMMEMORATIONS, if there be any

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH