St. Agnes

Virgin and Martyr

Double

1st Vespers

Matins

Lauds

Prime

Terce

Sext

None

2nd Vespers

COLLECT OF THE DAY

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

First Vespers

The first part of Vespers is in the Ordinary

Psalms of current feria

STAND

Capitulum           Eccli. 51. 1.
Confitébor tibi, Dómine, Rex, et collaudábo te Deum Salvatórem meum.  Confitébor nómini tuo : quóniam adjútor et protéctor factus es mihi, et liberásti corpus meum a perditióne.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter        Eccli. 51. 1.
I will thank thee, O Lord and King, and praise thee, O God my Saviour:  for thou art my defender and helper, and hast preserved my body from destruction.
R.  Thanks be to God.

Jesu, coróna Vírginum,
Quem Mater illa cóncipit
Quæ sola Virgo párturit,
Hæc vota clemens áccipe :

Qui pergis inter lília
Septus choréis Vírginum,
Sponsus decórus glória
Sponsísque reddens præmia.

Quocúmque tendis, Vírgines
Sequúntur, atque láudibus
Post te canéntes cúrsitant,
Hymnósque dulces pérsonant ;

Te deprecámur súpplices,
Nostris ut addas sénsibus
Nescíre prorsus ómnia
Corruptiónis vúlnera.

*  Virtus, honor, laus, glória
Deo Patri cum Fílio,
Sancto simul Paráclito,
In sæculórum sæcula.  Amen.

Jesu, the Virgins' Crown, do thou
Accept us, as in prayer we bow;
Born of that Virgin, whom alone
The Mother and the Maid we own.

Amongst the lilies thou dost feed,
With virgin choirs accompanied;
With glory deck'd, the spotless brides
Whose bridal gifts thy love provides.

They, wheresoe'er thy footsteps bend,
With hymns and praises still attend;
In blessed troops they follow thee,
With dance, and song, and melody.

We pray thee therefore to bestow
Upon our senses here below
Thy grace, that so we may endure
From taint of all corruption pure.

Ordinary Doxology
To God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Spirit, Three in One,
Laud, honour, might, and glory be,
From age to age eternally.  Amen.

Ad Magnif. Ant:  Beáta Agnes * in médio flammárum expánsis mánibus orábat : Te déprecor, omnípotens, adoránde, colénde, Pater metuénde, quia per sanctum Fílium tuum evási minas sacrílegi tyránni, et carnis spurcítias immaculáto calle transívi : et ecce vénio ad te, quem amávi, quem quæsívi, quem semper optávi.

Ant. on Magnif:  Blessed Agnes, * in the midst of the fire, stretched forth her hands unto the Lord and said : I call on thee, O Father Almighty, august and dread, for by thy holy Son's protection, I did escape the threats of a godless tyrant, and was made to walk with clean feet  through the filthy slough of fleshly sin; and now behold, I come unto thee, whom I have loved, whom I have sought, whom I have alway desired.

MAGNIFICAT

THE MAGNIFICAT

Oremus.
Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui infírma mundi éligis, ut fórtia quæque confúndas : concéde propítius ; ut, qui beátæ Agnétis Vírginis et Mártyris tuæ solémnia cólimus, ejus apud te patrocínia sentiámus.  Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, who dost choose the weak things of the world to confound those things that are strong : mercifully grant that we who keep the feast of blessed Agnes thy Virgin and Martyr, may feel the succour of her intercession in thy sight.  Through.

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:  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.

Oremus.
Infirmitátem nostram réspice, omnípotens Deus : et, quia pondus própriæ actiónis gravat, beatórum Mártyrum tuórum Fabiáni et Sebastiáni intercéssio gloriósa nos prótegat.  Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.
Protect us, O Lord, we beseech thee : who observe the feast of blessed Fabian and Sebastian, thy holy Martyrs; and grant that by their meritorious supplication we may ever find favour in thy sight.  Through.

COMMEMORATIONS, if there be any

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

Compline of the Feria

Matins

The first part of Matins is in the Ordinary

Invitatory and Hymn

First Nocturn

Second Nocturn

Third Nocturn

Invitatory and Hymn

Regem Vírginum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

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

Regem Vírginum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Virgins, * 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 Vírginum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Virgins, * 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 Vírginum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Virgins, * 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 Vírginum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Virgins, * 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 Vírginum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

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

As soon as the introductory part of Matins is finished, there is begun The First Nocturn.

First Nocturn

Ant.    Discéde a me, * pábulum mortis, quia jam ab alio amatóre prævénta sum.

Ant.    I will none of thee, * prey of death, for I am prevented by another Lover.

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

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

Ant.    Discéde a me, pábulum mortis, quia jam ab alio amatóre prævénta sum.

Ant.    I will none of thee, prey of death, for I am prevented by another Lover.

Ant.    Déxteram meam * et collum meum cinxit lapídibus pretiósis, trádidit áuribus meis inæstimábiles margarítas.

Ant.    My right hand * and my neck hath he clasped with precious stones, and put pearls beyond price in mine ears.

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.    Déxteram meam et collum meum cinxit lapídibus pretiósis, trádidit áuribus meis inæstimábiles margarítas.

Ant.    My right hand and my neck hath he clasped with precious stones, and put pearls beyond price in mine ears.

Ant.    Pósuit signum * in fáciem meam, ut nullum præter eum amatórem admíttam.

Ant.    He hath sealed me * in my forehead that I may let in no other lover but him.

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.    Pósuit signum in fáciem meam, ut nullum præter eum amatórem admíttam.

Ant.    He hath sealed me in my forehead that I may let in no other lover but him.

STAND

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

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

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

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

Confitébor tibi, Dómine, Rex, et collaudábo te Deum Salvatórem meum.  Confitébor nómini tuo : quóniam adjútor et protéctor factus es mihi, et liberásti corpus meum a perditióne, a láqueo linguæ iníquæ et a lábiis operántium mendácium, et in conspéctu astántium factus est mihi adjútor.  Et liberásti me secúndum multitúdinem misericórdiæ nóminis tui a rugiéntibus, præparátis ad escam, de mánibus quæréntium ánimam meam, et de portis tribulatiónum, quæ circumdedérunt me : a pressúra flammæ, quæ circúmdedit me, et in médio ignis non sum æstuáta : de altitúdine ventris ínferi, et a lingua coinquináta, et a verbo mendácii, a rege iníquo, et a lingua injústa.

I will thank thee, O Lord and King, and praise thee, O God my Saviour : I do give praise unto thy Name : for thou art my defender and helper, and hast preserved my body from destruction, and from the snare of the slanderous tongue, and from the lips that forge lies, and hast been mine helper against mine adversaries : and hast delivered me, according to the multitude of thy mercies and greatness of thy Name, from the teeth of them that were ready to devour me, and out of the hands of such as sought after my life, and from the manifold afflictions which I had ; from the choking of fire on every side, and from the midst of the fire which I kindled not ; from the depth of the belly of hell, from an unclean tongue, and from lying words.  By an accusation to the king from an unrighteous tongue.

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

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

R.  Diem festum sacratíssimæ Vírginis celebrémus, quáliter passa sit beáta Agnes ad memóriam revocémus : tertiodécimo ætátis suæ anno mortem pérdidit, et vitam invénit : * Quia solum vitæ diléxit auctórem.
V.  Infántia quidem computabátur in annis, sed erat senéctus mentis imménsa.
R.  Quia solum vitæ diléxit auctórem.

R.  Let us keep with joy and gladness the feast of this most holy maiden, let us call to mind the holy passion of blessed Agnes, who in her thirteenth year overcame death and found life eternal, * Because she loved the only Giver of life.
V.  Reckoned but a child in this world, she understood more than the ancients.
R.  Because she loved the only Giver of life.

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.

Laudábit usque ad mortem ánima mea Dóminum, et vita mea appropínquans erat in inférno deórsum.  Circumdedérunt me úndique, et non erat qui adjuváret.  Respíciens eram ad adjutórium hóminum, et non erat.  Memoráta sum misericórdiæ tuæ, Dómine, et operatiónis tuæ, quæ a sæculo sunt : quóniam éruis sustinéntes te, Dómine, et líberas eos de mánibus géntium.

My soul drew near even unto death, my life was near to the hell beneath.  They compassed me on every side, and there was no man to help me : I looked for the succour of men, but there was none.  Then thought I upon thy mercy, O Lord, and upon thy acts of old, how thou deliverest such as wait for thee, and savest them out of the hands of the enemies, O Lord our 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.  Déxteram meam et collum meum cinxit lapídibus pretiósis, trádidit áuribus meis inæstimábiles margarítas, * Et circúmdedit me vernántibus atque coruscántibus gemmis.
V.  Pósuit signum in fáciem meam, ut nullum præter eum amatórem admíttam.
R.  Et circúmdedit me vernántibus atque coruscántibus gemmis.

R.  My right hand and my neck hath he adorned with precious stones, and put pearls beyond price in mine ears, * And hath crowned me with bright blossoms of the eternal springtime.
V.  He hath put his Sign upon my forehead, that I should accept no other lover than himself.
R.  And hath crowned me with bright blossoms of the eternal springtime.

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.

Exaltásti super terram habitatiónem meam, et pro morte defluénte deprecáta sum.  Invocávi Dóminum, Patrem Dómini mei, ut non derelínquat me in die tribulatiónis meæ, et in témpore superbórum sine adjutório.  Laudábo nomen tuum assídue, et collaudábo illud in confessióne, et exaudíta est orátio mea.  Et liberásti me de perditióne, et eripuísti me de témpore iníquo.  Proptérea confitébor, et laudem dicam tibi, et benedícam nómini Dómini.

Thou hast exalted my dwelling place upon the earth, and I have prayed for deliverance from death.  I called upon the Lord, the Father of my Lord, that he would not leave me in the days of my trouble, and in the time of the proud, when there was no help.  I will praise thy Name continually, and will sing praise with thanksgiving ; and so my prayer was heard : for thou savedst me from destruction, and deliveredst me from the evil time : therefore will I give thanks, and praise thee, and bless thy Name, O 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.  Amo Christum, in cujus thálamum introíbo, cujus mater virgo est, cujus pater féminam nescit, cujus mihi órgana modulátis vócibus cantant : * Quem cum amávero, casta sum ; cum tetígero, munda sum ; cum accépero, virgo sum.
V.  Anulo fídei suæ subarrhávit me, et imménsis monílibus ornávit me.
R.  Quem cum amávero, casta sum ; cum tetígero, munda sum ; cum accépero, virgo sum.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Quem cum amávero, casta sum ; cum tetígero, munda sum ; cum accépero, virgo sum.

R.  It is Christ whom I love ; I am become the bride of him whose Mother is a virgin, and whose Father hath not known a woman ; yea, the music he maketh now soundeth sweetly in mine ears. * When I love him I am chaste ; when I touch him I am clean ; when I embrace him I am stablished in virginity.
V.  He hath espoused me with his betrothal ring, and adorned me with a necklace of great price.
R.  When I love him I am chaste ; when I touch him I am clean ; when I embrace him I am stablished in virginity.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  When I love him I am chaste ; when I touch him I am clean ; when I embrace him I am stablished in virginity.

Second Nocturn

Ant.    Induit me Dóminus, * cyclade auro texta, et imménsis monílibus ornávit me.

Ant.    The Lord hath clothed me * with a vesture of wrought gold, and adorned me with a necklace of great price.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 4. Cum invocarem

Cum invocárem exaudívit me Deus justítiæ meæ: *  in tribulatióne dilatásti mihi.
2  Miserére mei, * et exáudi oratiónem meam.
3  Fílii hóminum, úsquequo gravi corde? *  ut quid dilígitis vanitátem et quæritis mendácium?
4  Et scitóte quóniam mirificávit Dóminus sanctum suum: * Dóminus exáudiet me cum clamávero ad eum.
5  Irascímini, et nolíte peccáre: * quæ dícitis in córdibus vestris, in cubílibus vestris compungímini.
6  Sacrificáte sacrifícium justítiæ, et speráte in Dómino, * multi dicunt quis osténdit nobis bona?
7  Signátum est super nos lumen vultus tui, Dómine: *  dedísti lætítiam in corde meo.
8  A fructu fruménti, vini et ólei sui * multiplicáti sunt.
9  In pace in idípsum * dórmiam et requiéscam;
10  Quóniam tu, Dómine, singuláriter in spe * constituísti me.

He hath heard me when I call, the God of my righteousness: * thou hast set me at liberty when I was in trouble.
2  Have mercy upon me, * and hearken unto my prayer.
3  O ye sons of men, how long will ye be dull of heart? * and have such pleasure in vanity, and seek after leasing?
4  Know this also, that the Lord hath chosen to himself the man that is godly; * when I call upon the Lord he will hear me.
5  Be ye angry, and sin not; * the things that ye say in your hearts, repent ye them upon your beds.
6  Offer the sacrifice of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord, * there be many that say, who will shew us any good?
7  The light of thy countenance, O Lord, is sealed upon us, * thou hast put gladness in my heart.
8  By the fruit of their corn and wine and oil * have they been multiplied.
9  I will lay me down in peace, * and take my rest;
10  For it is thou, Lord, only, * that makest me dwell in safety.

Ant.    Induit me Dóminus, cyclade auro texta, et imménsis monílibus ornávit me.

Ant.    The Lord hath clothed me with a vesture of wrought gold, and adorned me with a necklace of great price.

Ant.    Mel et lac * ex ejus ore suscépi, et sanguis ejus ornávit genas meas.

Ant.    Honey and milk * have I received from his mouth, and his Blood is red upon my cheeks.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 5.  Verba mea

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

Psalm 5.  Verba mea

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

Ant.    Mel et lac ex ejus ore suscépi, et sanguis ejus ornávit genas meas.

Ant.    Honey and milk have I received from his mouth, and his Blood is red upon my cheeks.

Ant.    Ipsi soli servo fidem, * ipsi me tota devotióne commítto.

Ant.    I plight my troth * to him alone, and commit myself altogether to him.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 8.  Domine, Dominus noster

Dómine, Dóminus noster, * quam admirábile est nomen tuum in univérsa terra!
2  Quóniam eleváta est magnificéntia tua, * super cælos.
3  Ex ore infántium et lacténtium perfecísti laudem propter inimícos tuos, * ut déstruas inimícum et ultórem.
4  Quóniam vidébo cælos tuos, ópera digitórum tuórum: * lunam et stellas, quæ tu fundásti.
5  Quid est homo quod memor es ejus? * aut fílius hóminis, quóniam vísitas eum?
6  Minuísti eum paulo minus ab Angelis, glória et honóre coronásti eum: * et constituísti eum super ópera mánuum tuárum.
7  Omnia subjecísti sub pédibus ejus, * oves et boves univérsas : ínsuper et pécora campi.
8  Vólucres cæli, et pisces maris, * qui perámbulant sémitas maris.
9  Dómine, Dóminus noster, * quam admirábile est nomen tuum in univérsa terra!

O Lord our Governour, * how excellent is thy Name in all the world!
2  For thou hast set thy glory * above the heavens.
3  Out of the mouth of very babes and sucklings hast thou perfected praise, because of thine enemies, * that thou mightest destroy the enemy and the avenger.
4  For I will consider thy heavens, even the works of thy fingers; * the moon and the stars which thou hast ordained;
5  What is man, that thou art mindful of him? * and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
6  Thou madest him lower than the Angels, thou hast crowned him with glory and worship : * thou makest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands.
7  Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet : * all sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
8  The fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea; * and whatsoever walketh through the paths of the seas.
9  O Lord our Governour, * how excellent is thy Name in all the world!

Ant.    Ipsi soli servo fidem, ipsi me tota devotióne commítto.

Ant.    I plight my troth to him alone, and commit myself altogether to him.

STAND

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

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

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

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

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

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

Hódie natális est Vírginis, integritátem sequámur.  Natális est Mártyris, hóstias immolémus.  Natális est sanctæ Agnétis, miréntur viri, non despérent párvuli, stúpeant nuptæ, imiténtur innúptæ.  Sed quid dignum ea loqui póssumus, cujus ne nomen quidem vácuum laudis est?  Devótio supra ætátem, virtus supra natúram : ut mihi videátur non hóminis habuísse nomen, sed oráculum Mártyris, quod indicávit, quid esset futúra.  Nomen Vírginis títulus est pudóris.  Appellábo Mártyrem : prædicávi satis.  Prolíxa laudátio est, quæ non quæritur, sed tenétur.  Nemo est laudabílior, quam qui ab ómnibus laudári potest.  Quot hómines, tot præcónes, qui Mártyrem prædicant, dum loquúntur.

This is a virgin's birthday; let us then follow the example of her chastity.  It is a Martyr's birthday ; let us then offer sacrifices.  It is the birthday of the holy Agnes ; let men then be filled with wonder, little ones with hope, married women with awe, and the unmarried with emulation.  But how shall I set forth the glory of her whose very name is an utterance of praise?  It seemeth to me that this being, holy beyond her years, and strong beyond human nature, received the name of Agnes, not as an earthly designation, but as a revelation from God of what she was to be.  For this name Agnes is from the Greek, and being interpreted, signifieth Pure.  So that this saintly maiden is known by the very title of Chastity : and when I have added thereto the word Martyr, I have said enough.  She needeth not the praise which we could utter, but do not.  None is more praiseworthy than she for whose praise all mouths are fitted.  As many as name her, so many praise her, by the noble title of martyr.

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

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

R.  Induit me Dóminus vestiménto salútis, et induménto lætítiæ circúmdedit me : * Et tamquam sponsam decorávit me coróna.
V.  Trádidit áuribus meis inæstimábiles margarítas, circúmdedit me vernántibus atque coruscántibus gemmis.
R.  Et tamquam sponsam decorávit me coróna.

R.  The Lord hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, and covered me with the robe of righteousness : * And hath set a crown upon my head, as the crown of his bride.
V.  He hath put pearls beyond price in mine ears, and hath crowned me with bright blossoms of the eternal springtime.
R.  And hath set a crown upon my head, as the crown of his bride.

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.

Hæc trédecim annórum martyrium fecísse tráditur.  Quo detestabílior crudélitas quæ nec minúsculæ pepércit ætáti ; immo magna vis fídei, quæ étiam ab illa testimónium invénit ætáte.  Fuítne in illo corpúsculo vúlneri locus?  Et quæ non hábuit quo ferrum recíperet, hábuit quo ferrum vínceret.  Hæc inter cruéntas carníficum impávida manus, hæc stridéntium grávibus immóbilis tráctibus catenárum, nunc furéntis mucróni mílitis totum offérre corpus, mori adhuc néscia, sed paráta, vel si ad aras invíta raperétur, téndere Christo inter ignes manus, atque in ipsis sacrílegis focis trophæum Dómini signáre victóris : nunc ferrátis colla manúsque ambas insérere néxibus.  Sed nullus tam tenúia membra póterat nexus inclúdere.  Novum martyrii genus!  Nondum idónea pœnæ, et jam matúra victóriæ ; certáre diffícilis, fácilis coronári : magistérium virtútis implévit, quæ præjudícium vehébat ætátis.

We learn by tradition that this holy martyr testified in the thirteenth year of her age.  We will pass by the foul cruelty which did not spare her tender years, to contemplate the great power of her faith, whereby she overcame the weakness of childhood, and witnessed a good confession.  Her little body was hardly big enough to give play to the instruments of their cruelty, but if they could scare sheath their swords in her slight frame, they found in her that which laughed the power of the sword to scorn.  She had no fear when she found herself grasped by the bloody hands of the executioners.  She was unmoved when they dragged her with clanging chains.  Hardly entered on life, she stood fully prepared to die.  She quailed not when the weapons of the angry soldiery were pointed at her breast.  If they forced her against her will to approach the altars of devils, she could stretch forth her hands to Christ amid the very flames which consumed the idolatrous offerings, and mark on the heathen shrine the victorious Cross of the Lord.  She was ready to submit her neck and hands to the iron shackles, but they were too big to clasp her slender limbs.  Behold a strange martyr!  She is not grown of stature to fight the battle, but she is ripe for the triumph ; too weak to run in the race, and yet clearly entitled to the prize ; unable from her age to be aught but a learner, she is found a teacher.

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

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

R.  Mel et lac ex ejus ore suscépi, * Et sanguis ejus ornávit genas meas.
V.  Osténdit mihi thesáuros incomparábiles, quos mihi se datúrum repromísit.
R.  Et sanguis ejus ornávit genas meas.

R.  Honey and milk have I received from his mouth, * And his Blood is red upon my cheeks.
V.  He hath shewn me countless treasures, and hath sworn to endow me therewith.
R.  And his Blood is red upon my cheeks.

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.

Non sic ad thálamum nupta properáret, ut ad supplícii locum, læta succéssu, gradu festína Virgo procéssit.  Flere omnes, ipsa sine fletu.  Mirári pleríque, quod tam fácile vitæ suæ pródiga, quam nondum háuserat, jam quasi perfúncta donáret.  Stupére univérsi, quod jam divinitátis testis exsísteret, quæ adhuc árbitra sui per ætátem esse non posset.  Quanto terróre egit cárnifex ut timerétur, quantis blandítiis ut suadéret, quantórum vota, ut sibi ad núptias proveníret!  At illa : Et hæc Sponsi injúria est, inquit, exspectáre  placitúram.  Qui me sibi prior elégit, accípiet : quid, percússor, moráris?  Péreat corpus, quod amári potest óculis, quibus nolo.  Stetit, orávit, cérvicem infléxit.  Cérneres trepidáre carníficem, quasi ipse addíctus fuísset, trémere percussóris déxteram, pallére ora aliéno timéntis perículo, cum puélla non timéret suo.  Habétis ígitur in una hóstia duplex martyrium, pudóris et religiónis.  Et virgo permánsit, et martyrium obtínuit.

She went to the place of execution a virgin, with more willing and joyful footsteps than she would have gone with to the nuptial chamber as a bride.  The spectators were all in tears, and she alone did not weep.  They beheld her with wonder, laying down that life of which she had hardly begun to taste the sweets, as freely as though she had drained it to the dregs and was weary of its burden.  All men were amazed when they saw her whose years had not made her her own mistress, arise as a witness for the Deity.  Consider how many threats her murderer used to excite her fears, how many arguments to shake her resolution, how many promises to bribe her to accept his offers of marriage.  But she answered him : It is an insult to him whom I have wedded to expect me to comply.  He that first chose me, his will I be.  Headsmen, why waitest thou?  Perish the body which draweth the admiration of eyes from which would turn away.  She stood, prayed, and then bent her neck for the stroke.  Now mightest thou have seen the murderer trembling as though he himself were the criminal, and the executioner's hand shake, and the faces of them that stood by turn white at the sight of her position, and all the while herself remain without fear.  This one victim brought God a double offering, that of her purity, and that of her faith.  She preserved virginity and achieved martyrdom.

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

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

R.  Jam corpus ejus córpori meo sociátum est, et sanguis ejus ornávit genas meas : * Cujus mater virgo est, cujus pater féminam nescit.
V.  Ipsi sum desponsáta, cui Angeli sérviunt, cujus pulchritúdinem sol et luna mirántur.
R.  Cujus mater virgo est, cujus pater féminam nescit.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Cujus mater virgo est, cujus pater féminam nescit.

R.  His holy Body is already united to me, and his Blood is red upon my cheeks : * He it is whose Mother is a virgin, and whose Father hath not known a woman.
V.  I am wedded to the Lord of Angels, at whose beauty the sun and the moon do wonder.
R.  He it is whose Mother is a virgin, and whose Father hath not known a woman.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  He it is whose Mother is a virgin, and whose Father hath not known a woman.

If this Feast be reduced to the rank of Simple, and Lesson IX of this Feast is to be said according to the Rubrics, the following abbreviated version may be used.

Hódie natális est Vírginis, integritátem sequámur.  Natalis est Mártyris, hóstias immolémus.  Natalis est sanctæ Agnétis, miréntur viri, non despérent párvuli, stúpeant nuptæ, imiténtur innúptæ.  Sed quid dignum ea loqui póssumus, cujus ne nomen quidem vácuum laudis est?  Devótio supra ætátem, virtus supra natúram : ut mihi videátur non hóminis habuísse nomen, sed oráculum Mártyris, quod indicávit, quid esset futúra.  Nomen Vírginis títulus est pudóris.  Appellábo Mártyrem : prædicávi satis.  Prolíxa laudátio est, quæ non quæritur, sed tenétur.  Nemo est laudabílior, quam qui ab ómnibus laudári potest.  Quot hómines, tot præcónes, qui Mártyrem prædicant, dum loquúntur.  Hæc trédecim annórum martyrium fecísse tráditur.  Quo destabílior crudélitas quæ nec minúsculæ pepércit ætáti ; immo magna vis fídei, quæ étiam ab illa testimónium invénit ætáte.

This is a virgin's birthday; let us then follow the example of her chastity.  It is a Martyr's birthday ; let us then offer sacrifices.  It is the birthday of the holy Agnes ; let men then be filled with wonder, little ones with hope, married women with awe, and the unmarried with emulation.  But how shall I set forth the glory of her whose very name is an utterance of praise?  It seemeth to me that this being, holy beyond her years, and strong beyond human nature, received the name of Agnes, not as an earthly designation, but as a revelation from God of what she was to be.  For this name Agnes is from the Greek, and being interpreted, signifieth Pure.  So that this saintly maiden is known by the very title of Chastity : and when I have added thereto the word Martyr, I have said enough.  She needeth not the praise which we could utter, but do not.  None is more praiseworthy than she for whose praise all mouths are fitted.  As many as name her, so many praise her, by the noble title of martyr.  We learn by tradition that this holy martyr testified in the thirteenth year of her age.  We will pass by the foul cruelty which did not spare her tender years, to contemplate the great power of her faith, whereby she overcame the weakness of childhood, and witnessed a good confession.

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

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

After the conclusion of the Second Nocturn, the Third Nocturn is begun as given in the table below.

Third Nocturn

Ant.    Cujus pulchritúdinem * sol et luna mirántur, ipsi soli servo fidem.

Ant.    I plight my troth * to him alone, at whose beauty the sun and the moon do wonder.

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.    Cujus pulchritúdinem sol et luna mirántur, ipsi soli servo fidem.

Ant.    I plight my troth to him alone, at whose beauty the sun and the moon do wonder.

Ant.    Christus circúmdedit me * vernántibus atque coruscántibus gemmis pretiósis.

Ant.    Christ hath crowned me * with bright and priceless blossoms of the eternal springtime.

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 corda 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 géneratióne et géneratiónem.
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.    Christus circúmdedit me vernántibus atque coruscántibus gemmis pretiósis.

Ant.    Christ hath crowned me with bright and priceless blossoms of the eternal springtime.

Ant.    Ipsi sum desponsáta, * cui Angeli sérviunt, cujus pulchritúdinem sol et luna mirántur.

Ant.    I am wedded * to the Lord of Angels, at whose beauty the sun and the moon do wonder.

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.    Ipsi sum desponsáta, cui Angeli sérviunt, cujus pulchritúdinem sol et luna mirántur.

Ant.    I am wedded to the Lord of Angels, at whose beauty the sun and the moon do wonder.

STAND

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 parábolam hanc :  Símile erit regnum cælórum decem virgínibus, quæ, accipiéntes lámpades suas, exiérunt óbviam sponso et sponsæ.  Et réliqua.

At that time : Jesus spake this parable unto his disciples:  The kingdom of heaven shall be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom and the bride.  And so on, and that which followeth.

Sæpe vos, fratres caríssimi, admóneo prava ópera fúgere, mundi hujus inquinaménta devitáre, sed hodiérna sancti Evangélii lectióne compéllor dícere, ut, et bona, quæ ágitis, cum magna cautéla teneátis ; ne per hoc, quod a vobis rectum géritur, favor aut grátia humána requirátur ; ne appetítus laudis subrépat, et, quod foris osténditur, intus a mercéde vacuétur.  Ecce enim Redemptóris voce decem vírgines, et omnes dicúntur vírgines, et tamen intra beatitúdinis jánuam non omnes sunt recéptæ ; quia eárum quædam, dum de virginitáte sua glóriam foris éxpetunt, in vasis suis óleum habére noluérunt.

Dearly beloved brethren : oftentimes do I warn you to flee evil, and to keep yourselves unspotted from the world.  But today's reading from the holy Gospel moveth me to warn you even further, namely, to exercise prudence when ye attempt to do good.  Look ye well to your motives lest, when ye work righteousness, ye do it for the praise and admiration of men.  For if we do things to obtain praise of men, what appeareth so fair outwardly hath nothing inwardly which deserveth reward.  Behold how the Redeemer speaketh of these ten virgins.  He calleth them all virgins.  Yet not all of them were received within the gates of blessedness.  For some of them sought outwardly the honour of virginity, but had no substance of virginity within, for they took no oil wherewith to sustain the lamp of purity.

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

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

R.  Ipsi sum desponsáta, cui Angeli sérviunt, cujus pulchritúdinem sol et luna mirántur : * Ipsi soli servo fidem, ipsi me tota devotióne commítto.
V.  Déxteram meam et collum meum cinxit lapídibus pretiósis, trádidit áuribus meis inæstimábiles margarítas.
R.  Ipsi soli servo fidem, ipsi me tota devotióne commítto.

R.  I am wedded to the Lord of Angels, at whose beauty the sun and the moon do wonder : * I plight my troth to him alone, and commit myself altogether to him.
V.  My right hand and my neck hath he adorned with precious stones, and put pearls beyond price in mine ears.
R.  I plight my troth to him alone, and commit myself altogether to him.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

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

Benedíctio 8:  Cujus festum cólimus, ipsa intercédat pro nobis ad Dóminum.
R.  Amen.

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

Sed prius quæréndum nobis est quid sit regnum cælórum, aut cur decem virgínibus comparétur, quæ étiam vírgines prudéntes et fátuæ dicántur.  Dum enim cælórum regnum constat quia reprobórum nullus ingréditur, étiam fátuis virgínibus cur símile esse perhibétur?  Sed sciéndum nobis est quod sæpe in sacro elóquio regnum cælórum præséntis témporis Ecclésia dícitur.  De quo álio in loco Dóminus dicit : Mittet Fílius hóminis Angelos suos, et cólligent de regno ejus ómnia scándala.  Neque enim in illo regno beatitúdinis, in quo pax summa est, inveníri scándala póterunt, quæ colligántur.

But first of all, it is for us to ask, What is the kingdom of heaven?  And wherefore shall the same be likened unto ten virgins, whereof, albeit five were wise, yet five were foolish?  For if the kingdom of heaven be such that there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie, how can it be like unto five virgins which were foolish?  But we should know that in language of holy Scripture, the kingdom of heaven doth oftentimes signify the Church as she now is, touching the which the Lord saith in another place : The Son of Man shall send forth his Angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend.  In that kingdom of blessedness, wherein peace shall have her perfect reign, there shall be nothing found that offendeth for the Angels to gather out.

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

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

R.  Omnípotens, adoránde, colénde, treménde, benedíco te, * Quia per Fílium tuum unigénitum evási minas hóminum impiórum, et spurcítias diáboli impollúto calle transívi.
V.  Te confíteor lábiis te corde, te totis viscéribus concupísco.
R.  Quia per Fílium tuum unigénitum evási minas hóminum impiórum, et spurcítias diáboli impollúto calle transívi.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Quia per Fílium tuum unigénitum evási minas hóminum impiórum, et spurcítias diáboli impollúto calle transívi.

R.  O thou who alone art Almighty, who alone art to be adored, who alone art to be worshipped, who alone art to be feared, I bless thee : * Because that through thine Only-begotten Son thou hast delivered me from the threatenings of wicked men, and hast made me to walk with clean feet through the filthy haunts of devils.
V.  My lips praise thee, my heart and all that is within me do long after thee.
R.  Because that through thine Only-begotten Son thou hast delivered me from the threatenings of wicked men, and hast made me to walk with clean feet through the filthy haunts of devils.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  Because that through thine Only-begotten Son thou hast delivered me from the threatenings of wicked men, and hast made me to walk with clean feet through the filthy haunts of devils.

If Lesson ix is to be taken from an occurring Feast or Sunday, 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.

In quinque autem córporis sénsibus unusquísque subsístit ; geminátus autem quinárius denárium pérficit.  Et, quia ex utróque sexu fidélium multitúdo collígitur, sancta Ecclésia decem virgínibus símilis esse denuntiátur.  In qua quia mali cum bonis et réprobi cum eléctis admíxti sunt, recte símilis virgínibus prudéntibus et fátuis esse perhibétur.  Sunt namque pleríque continéntes, qui ab appetítu se exterióri custódiunt et spe ad interióra rapiúntur, carnem mácerant, et toto desidério ad supérnam pátriam anhélant, ætérna præmia éxpetunt, pro labóribus suis recípere laudes humánas nolunt.  Hi nimírum glóriam suam non in ore hóminum ponunt, sed intra consciéntiam cóntegunt.  Et sunt pleríque, qui corpus per abstinéntiam afflígunt, sed de ipsa sua abstinéntia humános favóres éxpetunt.

The body of every man doth consist of five senses, and five being doubled is ten.  Forasmuch, therefore, as the whole body of the faithful doth consist of two sexes, the Holy Church may be likened unto ten virgins.  And forasmuch as in the Church the good are for the present mingled with the bad, and the reprobate with the elect, it is rightly said that, of the ten virgins, five are wise and five are foolish.  There are many who have self-control, which do keep themselves from lusting after things outward, whose hope beareth them to things inward, who chastise their flesh, and are moved by intense homesickness for their Fatherland which is in heaven.  These are they who reckon their glory, not in the mouths of men, but in the testimony of their own conscience.  But also there are many who afflict the body by self-control, and yet, in that very self-control, do seek only the applause of men.

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

Ant.    Ingréssa Agnes * turpitúdinis locum, Angelum Dómini præparátum invénit.

Ant.    When Agnes was taken * into the place of shame, she found the Angel of the Lord there, ready to protect her.

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.

Ant.    Ingréssa Agnes turpitúdinis locum, Angelum Dómini præparátum invénit.

Ant.    When Agnes was taken into the place of shame, she found the Angel of the Lord there, ready to protect her.

Ant.    Mecum enim hábeo * custódem córporis mei, Angelum Dómini.

Ant.    I have with me * an Angel of the Lord, as the Guardian of my body.

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 géneratiónem et géneratiónem véritas ejus.

Psalm 99.  Jubilate

O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands: * serve the Lord with gladness.
2  Come before his presence * with exceeding great joy.
3  Know ye 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.

Ant.    Mecum enim hábeo custódem córporis mei, Angelum Dómini.

Ant.    I have with me an Angel of the Lord, as the Guardian of my body.

Ant.    Anulo suo * subarrhávit me Dóminus meus Jesus Christus, et tamquam sponsam decorávit me coróna.

Ant.   With his betrothal ring * hath my Lord Jesus Christ espoused me, and hath set a crown upon mine head, as the crown of his bride.

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.

Ant.    Anulo suo subarrhávit me Dóminus meus Jesus Christus, et tamquam sponsam decorávit me coróna.

Ant.   With his betrothal ring hath my Lord Jesus Christ espoused me, and hath set a crown upon mine head, as the crown of his bride.

Ant.    Benedíco te, * Pater Dómini mei Jesu Christi, quia per Fílium tuum ignis exstínctus est a látere meo.

Ant.    I bless thee, * O Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, because through thy Son the fire doth not prevail against thine handmaiden.

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.

Ant.    Benedíco te, Pater Dómini mei Jesu Christi, quia per Fílium tuum ignis exstínctus est a látere meo.

Ant.    I bless thee, O Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, because through thy Son the fire doth not prevail against thine handmaiden.

Ant.    Congaudéte mecum * et congratulámini, quia cum his ómnibus lúcidas sedes accépi.

Ant.    Rejoice with me * and make merry, for with these my companions I shall receive a throne in light eternal.

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.

Ant.    Congaudéte mecum et congratulámini, quia cum his ómnibus lúcidas sedes accépi.

Ant.    Rejoice with me and make merry, for with these my companions I shall receive a throne in light eternal.

STAND

Capitulum           Eccli. 51. 1.
Confitébor tibi, Dómine, Rex, et collaudábo te Deum Salvatórem meum.  Confitébor nómini tuo : quóniam adjútor et protéctor factus es mihi, et liberásti corpus meum a perditióne.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter        Eccli. 51. 1.
I will thank thee, O Lord and King, and praise thee, O God my Saviour:  for thou art my defender and helper, and hast preserved my body from destruction.
R.  Thanks be to God.

Jesu, coróna Vírginum,
Quem Mater illa cóncipit
Quæ sola Virgo párturit,
Hæc vota clemens áccipe :

Qui pergis inter lília
Septus choréis Vírginum,
Sponsus decórus glória
Sponsísque reddens præmia.

Quocúmque tendis, Vírgines
Sequúntur, atque láudibus
Post te canéntes cúrsitant,
Hymnósque dulces pérsonant ;

Te deprecámur súpplices,
Nostris ut addas sénsibus
Nescíre prorsus ómnia
Corruptiónis vúlnera.

*  Virtus, honor, laus, glória
Deo Patri cum Fílio,
Sancto simul Paráclito,
In sæculórum sæcula.  Amen.

Jesu, the Virgins' Crown, do thou
Accept us, as in prayer we bow;
Born of that Virgin, whom alone
The Mother and the Maid we own.

Amongst the lilies thou dost feed,
With virgin choirs accompanied;
With glory deck'd, the spotless brides
Whose bridal gifts thy love provides.

They, wheresoe'er thy footsteps bend,
With hymns and praises still attend;
In blessed troops they follow thee,
With dance, and song, and melody.

We pray thee therefore to bestow
Upon our senses here below
Thy grace, that so we may endure
From taint of all corruption pure.

Ordinary Doxology
To God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Spirit, Three in One,
Laud, honour, might, and glory be,
From age to age eternally.  Amen.

V.  Diffúsa est grátia in lábiis tuis.
R.  Proptérea benedíxit te Deus in ætérnum.

V.  Full of grace are thy lips.
R.  Because God hath blessed thee for ever.

Ad Bened. Ant:  Ecce, quod concupívi, * jam vídeo : quod sperávi jam téneo : ipsi sum juncta in cælis, quem in terris pósita, tota devotióne diléxi.

Ant. on Bened:  Lo, what I desired, * I now do see ; what I did hope for I now possess ; now am I united in heaven to him whom I loved with my whole heart upon earth.

THE BENEDICTUS

Oremus.
Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui infírma mundi éligis, ut fórtia quæque confúndas : concéde propítius ; ut, qui beátæ Agnétis Vírginis et Mártyris tuæ solémnia cólimus, ejus apud te patrocínia sentiámus.  Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, who dost choose the weak things of the world to confound those things that are strong : mercifully grant that we who keep the feast of blessed Agnes thy Virgin and Martyr, may feel the succour of her intercession in thy sight.  Through.

COMMEMORATIONS, if there be any

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

Prime

Psalms of the occurring Feria

Lectio Brevis    Eccli. 51. 8.
Laudábit usque ad mortem ánima mea Dóminum, quóniam éruis sustinéntes te, et líberas eos de manu angústiæ, Dómine Deus noster.  Tu autem,  Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

Brief Lesson    Ecclus. 51. 8.
My soul shall praise the Lord even unto death, for thou deliverest such as wait for thee, and savest them out of the hands of the enemies, O Lord our God.   But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

Return to the Office of Prime

Terce

The Tomb of St. Agnes, Rome

Psalms of the occurring Feria

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

STAND

Capitulum                      Eccli. 51. 1.
Confitébor tibi, Dómine, Rex, et collaudábo te Deum Salvatórem meum.  Confitébor nómini tuo : quóniam adjútor et protéctor factus es mihi, et liberásti corpus meum a perditióne.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter          Ecclus. 51. 1.
I will thank thee, O Lord and King, and praise thee, O God my Saviour : I do give praise unto thy Name : for thou art my defender and helper, and hast preserved my body from destruction.
R.  Thanks be to God.

V.  Spécie tua * Et pulchritúdine tua.
R.  Spécie tua * Et pulchritúdine tua.
V.  Inténde, próspere procéde, et regna.
R.  Et pulchritúdine tua.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Spécie tua * Et pulchritúdine tua.

V.  Adjuvábit eam Deus vultu suo.
R.  Deus in médio ejus, non commovébitur.

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

V.  In thy comeliness, * Yea, in thy beauty.
R.  In thy comeliness, * Yea, in thy beauty.
V.  Go forth, ride prosperously, and reign.
R.  Yea, in thy beauty.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  In thy comeliness, * Yea, in thy beauty.

V.  God shall help her with his countenance.
R.  God is in the midst of her, therefore shall she not be removed.

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

Sext

Psalms of the occurring Feria

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

STAND

Capitulum                      Eccli. 51. 4.
Liberásti me secúndum multitúdinem misericórdiæ nóminis tui a rugiéntibus, præparátis ad escam, de mánibus quæréntium ánimam meam, et de multis tribulatiónibus quæ circumdedérunt me.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter          Ecclus. 51. 4.
Thou hast delivered me, according to the multitude of thy mercies and greatness of thy Name, from the teeth of them that were ready to devour me, and out of the hands as such as sought after my life, and from the manifold afflictions which I had.
R.  Thanks be to God.

V.  Adjuvábit eam * Deus vultu suo.
R.  Adjuvábit eam * Deus vultu suo.
V.  Deus in médio ejus, non commovébitur.
R.  Deus vultu suo.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Adjuvábit eam * Deus vultu suo.

V.  Elégit eam Deus, et præelégit eam.
R.  In tabernáculo suo habitáre facit eam.

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

V.  God shall help her * With his countenance.
R.  God shall help her * With his countenance.
V.  God is in the midst of her, therefore shall she not be removed.
R.  With his countenance.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  God shall help her * With his countenance.

V.  God hath chosen her, and preferred her.
R.  And hath made her to dwell in his tabernacle.

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

None

Psalms of the occurring Feria

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

STAND

Capitulum                      Eccli. 51. 8.
Laudábit usque ad mortem ánima mea Dóminum, quóniam éruis sustinéntes te, et líberas eos de manu angústiæ, Dómine, Deus noster.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter          Ecclus. 51. 8.
My soul shall praise the Lord even unto death, for thou deliverest such as wait for thee, and savest them out of the hands of the enemies, O Lord our God. 
R.  Thanks be to God.

V.  Elégit eam Deus, * et præelégit eam.
R.  Elégit eam Deus, * et præelégit eam.
V.  In tabernáculo suo habitáre facit eam.
R.  Et præelégit eam.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Elégit eam Deus, * et præelégit eam.

V.  Diffúsa est grátia in lábiis tuis.
R.  Proptérea benedíxit te Deus in ætérnum.

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

V.  God hath chosen her, * And preferred her.
R.  God hath chosen her, * And preferred her.
V.  And hath made her to dwell in his tabernacle.
R.  And preferred her.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  God hath chosen her, * And preferred her.

V.  Full of grace are thy lips.
R.  Because God hath blessed thee for ever.

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

Second Vespers

The first part of Vespers is in the Ordinary

Ant.    Ingréssa Agnes * turpitúdinis locum, Angelum Dómini præparátum invénit.

Ant.    When Agnes was taken * into the place of shame, she found the Angel of the Lord there, ready to protect her.

Psalmus 109.  Dixit Dominus

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

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

Ant.    Ingréssa Agnes turpitúdinis locum, Angelum Dómini præparátum invénit.

Ant.    When Agnes was taken into the place of shame, she found the Angel of the Lord there, ready to protect her.

Ant.    Mecum enim hábeo * custódem córporis mei, Angelum Dómini.

Ant.    I have with me * an Angel of the Lord, as the Guardian of my body.

Psalmus 110.  Confitebor

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

Psalm 110.  Confitebor

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

Ant.    Mecum enim hábeo custódem córporis mei, Angelum Dómini.

Ant.    I have with me an Angel of the Lord, as the Guardian of my body.

Ant.    Anulo suo * subarrhávit me Dóminus meus Jesus Christus, et tamquam sponsam decorávit me coróna.

Ant.   With his betrothal ring * hath my Lord Jesus Christ espoused me, and hath set a crown upon mine head, as the crown of his bride.

Psalmus 111.  Beatus vir

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

Psalm 111.  Beatus vir

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

Ant.    Anulo suo subarrhávit me Dóminus meus Jesus Christus, et tamquam sponsam decorávit me coróna.

Ant.   With his betrothal ring hath my Lord Jesus Christ espoused me, and hath set a crown upon mine head, as the crown of his bride.

Ant.    Benedíco te, * Pater Dómini mei Jesu Christi, quia per Fílium tuum ignis exstínctus est a látere meo.

Ant.    I bless thee, * O Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, because through thy Son the fire doth not prevail against thine handmaiden.

Psalmus 112.  Laudate, pueri

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

Psalm 112.  Laudate, pueri

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

Ant.    Benedíco te, Pater Dómini mei Jesu Christi, quia per Fílium tuum ignis exstínctus est a látere meo.

Ant.    I bless thee, O Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, because through thy Son the fire doth not prevail against thine handmaiden.

Ant.    Congaudéte mecum * et congratulámini, quia cum his ómnibus lúcidas sedes accépi.

Ant.    Rejoice with me * and make merry, for with these my companions I shall receive a throne in light eternal.

Psalmus 147.  Lauda, Jerusalem

Lauda, Jerúsalem, Dóminum: * lauda Deum tuum, Sion.
2  Quóniam confortávit seras portárum tuárum: * benedíxit fíliis tuis in te.
3  Qui pósuit fines tuos pacem: * et ádipe fruménti sátiat te.
4  Qui emíttit elóquium suum terræ: * velóciter currit sermo ejus.
5  Qui dat nivem sicut lanam: * nébulam sicut cínerem spargit.
6  Mittit crystállum suam sicut buccéllas: * ante fáciem frígoris ejus quis sustinébit?
7  Emíttet verbum suum et liquefáciet ea: * flabit spíritus ejus et fluent aquæ.
8  Qui annúntiat verbum suum Jacob: * justítias et judícia sua Israël.
9  Non fecit táliter omni natióni: * et judícia sua non manifestávit eis.

Psalm 147.   Lauda, Jerusalem

Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; *  praise thy God, O Sion.
2  For he hath made fast the bars of thy gates, * and hath blessed thy children within thee.
3  Who hath placed peace in thy borders, * and filleth thee with the fat of the crops.
4  Who sendeth forth his commandment upon earth, * and his word runneth swiftly.
5  Who giveth snow like wool, * and scattereth the mist like ashes.
6  He sendeth his ice like morsels: * who is able to abide before the face of his frost?
7  He shall send out his word, and shall melt them: * his spirit shall breathe forth, and the waters shall flow.
8  Who declareth his word unto Jacob, * his statutes and judgments unto Israel.
9  He hath not dealt so with every nation; * neither hath he given them knowledge of his judgments.

Ant.    Congaudéte mecum et congratulámini, quia cum his ómnibus lúcidas sedes accépi.

Ant.    Rejoice with me and make merry, for with these my companions I shall receive a throne in light eternal.

STAND

Capitulum           Eccli. 51. 1.
Confitébor tibi, Dómine, Rex, et collaudábo te Deum Salvatórem meum.  Confitébor nómini tuo : quóniam adjútor et protéctor factus es mihi, et liberásti corpus meum a perditióne.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter        Eccli. 51. 1.
I will thank thee, O Lord and King, and praise thee, O God my Saviour:  for thou art my defender and helper, and hast preserved my body from destruction.
R.  Thanks be to God.

Jesu, coróna Vírginum,
Quem Mater illa cóncipit
Quæ sola Virgo párturit,
Hæc vota clemens áccipe :

Qui pergis inter lília
Septus choréis Vírginum,
Sponsus decórus glória
Sponsísque reddens præmia.

Quocúmque tendis, Vírgines
Sequúntur, atque láudibus
Post te canéntes cúrsitant,
Hymnósque dulces pérsonant ;

Te deprecámur súpplices,
Nostris ut addas sénsibus
Nescíre prorsus ómnia
Corruptiónis vúlnera.

*  Virtus, honor, laus, glória
Deo Patri cum Fílio,
Sancto simul Paráclito,
In sæculórum sæcula.  Amen.

Jesu, the Virgins' Crown, do thou
Accept us, as in prayer we bow;
Born of that Virgin, whom alone
The Mother and the Maid we own.

Amongst the lilies thou dost feed,
With virgin choirs accompanied;
With glory deck'd, the spotless brides
Whose bridal gifts thy love provides.

They, wheresoe'er thy footsteps bend,
With hymns and praises still attend;
In blessed troops they follow thee,
With dance, and song, and melody.

We pray thee therefore to bestow
Upon our senses here below
Thy grace, that so we may endure
From taint of all corruption pure.

Ordinary Doxology
To God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Spirit, Three in One,
Laud, honour, might, and glory be,
From age to age eternally.  Amen.

V.  Diffúsa est grátia in lábiis tuis.
R.  Proptérea benedíxit te Deus in ætérnum.

V.  Full of grace are thy lips.
R.  Because God hath blessed thee for ever.

Ad Magnif. Ant:  Stans beáta Agnes * in médio flammæ, expánsis mánibus orábat ad Dóminum : Omnípotens, adoránde, colénde, treménde, benedíco te, et glorífico nomen tuum in ætérnum.

Ant. on Magnif:  Blessed Agnes, * in the midst of the fire, stretched out her hands unto the Lord and said : O Mightiest, most awful and august Sovereign, who alone art to feared!  I bless thee, and glorify thy Name for ever and ever!

MAGNIFICAT

THE MAGNIFICAT

Oremus.
Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui infírma mundi éligis, ut fórtia quæque confúndas : concéde propítius ; ut, qui beátæ Agnétis Vírginis et Mártyris tuæ solémnia cólimus, ejus apud te patrocínia sentiámus.  Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, who dost choose the weak things of the world to confound those things that are strong : mercifully grant that we who keep the feast of blessed Agnes thy Virgin and Martyr, may feel the succour of her intercession in thy sight.  Through.