III. classis

S. Agnetis Virginis et Martyris

Tempora: Feria IV infra Hebdomadam II post Epiphaniam

Ad Matutinum

Incipit

Invitatorium

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

Hymnus

1. Son of a virgin, maker of thy mother, Thou, rod and blossom from a stem unstainèd, While we a Virgin's triumphs are rehearsing, Hear our petition! 2. Lo, on thy handmaid fell a two-fold blessing, Who, in her body vanquishing the weakness, In that same body, grace from heaven obtaining, Bore the world witness. 3. Death, nor the rending pains of death appalled her; Bondage and torment found her undefeated: So by the shedding of her blood attained she Heavenly guerdon. 4. Fountain of mercy, hear the prayers she offers; Purge our offences, pardon our transgressions, So that hereafter we to thee may render Praise with thanksgiving. 5. Thou, the All-Father, thou, the One-Begotten, Thou, Holy Spirit, Three in One co-equal, Glory be henceforth thine through all the ages, World without ending. Amen.

Nocturnus I

Psalmus 1

Depart from me, prey of death, for I am prevented by another Lover.

Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, * nor sat in the chair of pestilence.

  1. Sed in lege Dómini volúntas ejus, * et in lege ejus meditábitur die ac nocte.

    2. But his will is in the law of the Lord, * and on his law he shall meditate day and night.

  2. Et erit tamquam lignum, quod plantátum est secus decúrsus aquárum, * quod fructum suum dabit in témpore suo:

    3. And he shall be like a tree which is planted near the running waters, * which shall bring forth its fruit, in due season.

  3. Et fólium ejus non défluet: * et ómnia quæcúmque fáciet, prosperabúntur.

    4. And his leaf shall not fall off: * and all whatsoever he shall do shall prosper.

  4. Non sic ímpii, non sic: * sed tamquam pulvis, quem prójicit ventus a fácie terræ.

    5. Not so the wicked, not so: * but like the dust, which the wind driveth from the face of the earth.

  5. Ideo non resúrgent ímpii in judício: * neque peccatóres in concílio justórum.

    6. Therefore the wicked shall not rise again in judgment: * nor sinners in the council of the just.

  6. Quóniam novit Dóminus viam justórum: * et iter impiórum períbit.

    7. For the Lord knoweth the way of the just: * and the way of the wicked shall perish.

  7. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    8. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  8. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

    9. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Depart from me, prey of death, for I am prevented by another Lover.

Psalmus 2

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

Why have the Gentiles raged, * and the people devised vain things?

  1. Astitérunt reges terræ, et príncipes convenérunt in unum * advérsus Dóminum, et advérsus Christum ejus.

    2. The kings of the earth stood up, and the princes met together, * against the Lord and against his Christ.

  2. Dirumpámus víncula eórum: * et projiciámus a nobis jugum ipsórum.

    3. Let us break their bonds asunder: * and let us cast away their yoke from us.

  3. Qui hábitat in cælis, irridébit eos: * et Dóminus subsannábit eos.

    4. He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh at them: * and the Lord shall deride them.

  4. Tunc loquétur ad eos in ira sua, * et in furóre suo conturbábit eos.

    5. Then shall he speak to them in his anger, * and trouble them in his rage.

  5. Ego autem constitútus sum Rex ab eo super Sion montem sanctum ejus, * prǽdicans præcéptum ejus.

    6. But I am appointed king by him over Sion his holy mountain, * preaching his commandment.

  6. Dóminus dixit ad me: * Fílius meus es tu, ego hódie génui te.

    7. The Lord hath said to me: * Thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee.

  7. Póstula a me, et dabo tibi Gentes hereditátem tuam, * et possessiónem tuam términos terræ.

    8. Ask of me, and I will give thee the Gentiles for thy inheritance, * and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession.

  8. Reges eos in virga férrea, * et tamquam vas fíguli confrínges eos.

    9. Thou shalt rule them with a rod of iron, * and shalt break them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.

  9. Et nunc, reges, intellígite: * erudímini, qui judicátis terram.

    10. And now, O ye kings, understand: * receive instruction, you that judge the earth.

  10. Servíte Dómino in timóre: * et exsultáte ei cum tremóre.

    11. Serve ye the Lord with fear: * and rejoice unto him with trembling.

  11. Apprehéndite disciplínam, nequándo irascátur Dóminus, * et pereátis de via justa.

    12. Embrace discipline, lest at any time the Lord be angry, * and you perish from the just way.

  12. Cum exárserit in brevi ira ejus: * beáti omnes qui confídunt in eo.

    13. When his wrath shall be kindled in a short time, * blessed are all they that trust in him.

  13. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    14. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  14. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

    15. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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

Psalmus 3

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

Why, O Lord, are they multiplied that afflict me? * many are they who rise up against me.

  1. Multi dicunt ánimæ meæ: * Non est salus ipsi in Deo ejus.

    2. Many say to my soul: * There is no salvation for him in his God.

  2. Tu autem, Dómine, suscéptor meus es, * glória mea, et exáltans caput meum.

    3. But thou, O Lord art my protector, * my glory, and the lifter up of my head.

  3. Voce mea ad Dóminum clamávi: * et exaudívit me de monte sancto suo.

    4. I have cried to the Lord with my voice: * and he hath heard me from his holy hill.

  4. Ego dormívi, et soporátus sum: * et exsurréxi, quia Dóminus suscépit me.

    5. I have slept and taken my rest: * and I have risen up, because the Lord hath protected me.

  5. Non timébo míllia pópuli circumdántis me: * exsúrge, Dómine, salvum me fac, Deus meus.

    6. I will not fear thousands of the people, surrounding me: * arise, O Lord; save me, O my God.

  6. Quóniam tu percussísti omnes adversántes mihi sine causa: * dentes peccatórum contrivísti.

    7. For thou hast struck all them who are my adversaries without cause: * thou hast broken the teeth of sinners.

  7. Dómini est salus: * et super pópulum tuum benedíctio tua.

    8. Salvation is of the Lord: * and thy blessing is upon thy people.

  8. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    9. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  9. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

    10. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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

Psalmus 4

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

When I called upon him, the God of my justice heard me: * when I was in distress, thou hast enlarged me.

  1. Miserére mei, * et exáudi oratiónem meam.

    2. Have mercy on me: * and hear my prayer.

  2. Fílii hóminum, úsquequo gravi corde? * ut quid dilígitis vanitátem et quǽritis mendácium?

    3. O ye sons of men, how long will you be dull of heart? * Why do you love vanity, and seek after lying?

  3. Et scitóte quóniam mirificávit Dóminus sanctum suum: * Dóminus exáudiet me cum clamávero ad eum.

    4. Know ye also that the Lord hath made his holy one wonderful: * the Lord will hear me when I shall cry unto him.

  4. Irascímini, et nolíte peccáre: † quæ dícitis in córdibus vestris, * in cubílibus vestris compungímini.

    5. Be ye angry, and sin not: * the things you say in your hearts, be sorry for them upon your beds.

  5. Sacrificáte sacrifícium justítiæ, † et speráte in Dómino. * Multi dicunt: quis osténdit nobis bona?

    6. Offer up the sacrifice of justice, and trust in the Lord: * many say, Who sheweth us good things?

  6. Signátum est super nos lumen vultus tui, Dómine: * dedísti lætítiam in corde meo.

    7. The light of thy countenance, O Lord, is signed upon us: * thou hast given gladness in my heart.

  7. A fructu fruménti, vini et ólei sui * multiplicáti sunt.

    8. By the fruit of their corn, their wine, and oil, * they are multiplied.

  8. In pace in idípsum * dórmiam et requiéscam;

    9. In peace in the selfsame * I will sleep, and I will rest:

  9. Quóniam tu, Dómine, singuláriter in spe * constituísti me.

    10. For thou, O Lord, singularly * hast settled me in hope.

  10. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    11. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  11. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

    12. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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

Psalmus 5

I have sucked honey and milk out of His Mouth, and His Blood is red on my cheeks.

Give ear, O Lord, to my words * understand my cry.

  1. Inténde voci oratiónis meæ: * Rex meus et Deus meus.

    2. Hearken to the voice of my prayer, * O my King and my God.

  2. Quóniam ad te orábo: * Dómine, mane exáudies vocem meam.

    3. For to thee will I pray: * O Lord, in the morning thou shalt hear my voice.

  3. Mane astábo tibi et vidébo: * quóniam non Deus volens iniquitátem tu es.

    4. In the morning I will stand before thee, and will see: * because thou art not a God that willest iniquity.

  4. Neque habitábit juxta te malígnus: * neque permanébunt injústi ante óculos tuos.

    5. Neither shall the wicked dwell near thee: * nor shall the unjust abide before thy eyes.

  5. Odísti omnes, qui operántur iniquitátem: * perdes omnes, qui loquúntur mendácium.

    6. Thou hatest all the workers of iniquity: * thou wilt destroy all that speak a lie.

  6. Virum sánguinum et dolósum abominábitur Dóminus: * ego autem in multitúdine misericórdiæ tuæ.

    7. The bloody and the deceitful man the Lord will abhor. * But as for me in the multitude of thy mercy,

  7. Introíbo in domum tuam: * adorábo ad templum sanctum tuum in timóre tuo.

    8. I will come into thy house; * I will worship towards thy holy temple, in thy fear.

  8. Dómine, deduc me in justítia tua: * propter inimícos meos dírige in conspéctu tuo viam meam.

    9. Conduct me, O Lord, in thy justice: * because of my enemies, direct my way in thy sight.

  9. Quóniam non est in ore eórum véritas: * cor eórum vanum est.

    10. For there is no truth in their mouth: * their heart is vain.

  10. Sepúlcrum patens est guttur eórum, † linguis suis dolóse agébant, * júdica illos, Deus.

    11. Their throat is an open sepulchre: they dealt deceitfully with their tongues: * judge them, O God.

  11. Décidant a cogitatiónibus suis, † secúndum multitúdinem impietátum eórum expélle eos, * quóniam irritavérunt te, Dómine.

    12. Let them fall from their devices: according to the multitude of their wickednesses cast them out: * for they have provoked thee, O Lord.

  12. Et læténtur omnes, qui sperant in te, * in ætérnum exsultábunt: et habitábis in eis.

    13. But let all them be glad that hope in thee: * they shall rejoice for ever, and thou shalt dwell in them.

  13. Et gloriabúntur in te omnes, qui díligunt nomen tuum: * quóniam tu benedíces justo.

    14. And all they that love thy name shall glory in thee: * For thou wilt bless the just.

  14. Dómine, ut scuto bonæ voluntátis tuæ * coronásti nos.

    15. O Lord, thou hast crowned us, * as with a shield of thy good will.

  15. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    16. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  16. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

    17. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

I have sucked honey and milk out of His Mouth, and His Blood is red on my cheeks.

Psalmus 8

I keep my troth to Him alone, and commit me altogether to Him.

O Lord our Lord, * how admirable is thy name in the whole earth!

  1. Quóniam eleváta est magnificéntia tua, * super cælos.

    2. For thy magnificence is elevated * above the heavens.

  2. Ex ore infántium et lacténtium perfecísti laudem propter inimícos tuos, * ut déstruas inimícum et ultórem.

    3. Out of the mouth of infants and of sucklings thou hast perfected praise, because of thy enemies, * that thou mayst destroy the enemy and the avenger.

  3. Quóniam vidébo cælos tuos, ópera digitórum tuórum: * lunam et stellas, quæ tu fundásti.

    4. For I will behold thy heavens, the works of thy fingers: * the moon and the stars which thou hast founded.

  4. Quid est homo quod memor es ejus? * aut fílius hóminis, quóniam vísitas eum?

    5. What is man that thou art mindful of him? * or the son of man that thou visitest him?

  5. Minuísti eum paulo minus ab Angelis, † glória et honóre coronásti eum: * et constituísti eum super ópera mánuum tuárum.

    6. Thou hast made him a little less than the angels, thou hast crowned him with glory and honour: * and hast set him over the works of thy hands.

  6. Omnia subjecísti sub pédibus ejus, * oves et boves univérsas: ínsuper et pécora campi.

    7. Thou hast subjected all things under his feet, * all sheep and oxen: moreover the beasts also of the fields.

  7. Vólucres cæli, et pisces maris, * qui perámbulant sémitas maris.

    8. The birds of the air, and the fishes of the sea, * that pass through the paths of the sea.

  8. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    9. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  9. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

    10. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

I keep my troth to Him alone, and commit me altogether to Him.

Psalmus 14

I keep my troth to Him Alone, at Whose beauty the sun and the moon do wonder.

Lord, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle? * or who shall rest in thy holy hill?

  1. Qui ingréditur sine mácula, * et operátur justítiam:

    2. He that walketh without blemish, * and worketh justice:

  2. Qui lóquitur veritátem in corde suo, * qui non egit dolum in lingua sua:

    3. He that speaketh truth in his heart, * who hath not used deceit in his tongue:

  3. Nec fecit próximo suo malum, * et oppróbrium non accépit advérsus próximos suos.

    4. Nor hath done evil to his neighbour: * nor taken up a reproach against his neighbours.

  4. Ad níhilum dedúctus est in conspéctu ejus malígnus: * timéntes autem Dóminum gloríficat:

    5. In his sight the malignant is brought to nothing: * but he glorifieth them that fear the Lord:

  5. Qui jurat próximo suo, et non décipit, * qui pecúniam suam non dedit ad usúram, et múnera super innocéntem non accépit.

    6. He that sweareth to his neighbour, and deceiveth not; * He that hath not put out his money to usury, nor taken bribes against the innocent:

  6. Qui facit hæc: * non movébitur in ætérnum.

    7. He that doth these things, * shall not be moved for ever.

  7. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    8. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  8. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

    9. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

I keep my troth to Him Alone, at Whose beauty the sun and the moon do wonder.

Psalmus 44

Christ hath crowned me with the bright and priceless blossoms of the eternal spring-time.

My heart hath uttered a good word; * I speak my works to the King.

  1. Lingua mea cálamus scribæ: * velóciter scribéntis.

    2. My tongue is the pen of a scrivener * that writeth swiftly.

  2. Speciósus forma præ fíliis hóminum, † diffúsa est grátia in lábiis tuis: * proptérea benedíxit te Deus in ætérnum.

    3. Thou art beautiful above the sons of men: grace is poured abroad in thy lips; * therefore hath God blessed thee for ever.

  3. Accíngere gládio tuo super femur tuum, * potentíssime.

    4. Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, * O thou most mighty.

  4. Spécie tua et pulchritúdine tua: * inténde, próspere procéde, et regna.

    5. With thy comeliness and thy beauty * set out, proceed prosperously, and reign.

  5. Propter veritátem, et mansuetúdinem, et justítiam: * et dedúcet te mirabíliter déxtera tua.

    6. Because of truth and meekness and justice: * and thy right hand shall conduct thee wonderfully.

  6. Sagíttæ tuæ acútæ, pópuli sub te cadent: * in corda inimicórum Regis.

    7. Thy arrows are sharp: under thee shall people fall, * into the hearts of the king’s enemies.

  7. Sedes tua, Deus, in sǽculum sǽculi: * virga directiónis virga regni tui.

    8. Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: * the sceptre of thy kingdom is a sceptre of uprightness.

  8. Dilexísti justítiam, et odísti iniquitátem: * proptérea unxit te, Deus, Deus tuus, óleo lætítiæ præ consórtibus tuis.

    9. Thou hast loved justice, and hated iniquity: * therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

  9. Myrrha, et gutta, et cásia a vestiméntis tuis, a dómibus ebúrneis: * ex quibus delectavérunt te fíliæ regum in honóre tuo.

    10. Myrrh and stacte and cassia perfume thy garments, from the ivory houses: * out of which the daughters of kings have delighted thee in thy glory.

  10. Astitit regína a dextris tuis in vestítu deauráto: * circúmdata varietáte.

    11. The queen stood on thy right hand, in gilded clothing; * surrounded with variety.

  11. Audi, fília, et vide, et inclína aurem tuam: * et oblivíscere pópulum tuum, et domum patris tui.

    12. Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thy ear: * and forget thy people and thy father’s house.

  12. Et concupíscet Rex decórem tuum: * quóniam ipse est Dóminus Deus tuus, et adorábunt eum.

    13. And the king shall greatly desire thy beauty; * for he is the Lord thy God, and him they shall adore.

  13. Et fíliæ Tyri in munéribus * vultum tuum deprecabúntur: omnes dívites plebis.

    14. And the daughters of Tyre with gifts, * yea, all the rich among the people, shall entreat thy countenance.

  14. Omnis glória ejus fíliæ Regis ab intus, * in fímbriis áureis circumamícta varietátibus.

    15. All the glory of the king’s daughter is within, * in golden borders, clothed round about with varieties.

  15. Adducéntur Regi vírgines post eam: * próximæ ejus afferéntur tibi.

    16. After her shall virgins be brought to the king: * her neighbours shall be brought to thee.

  16. Afferéntur in lætítia et exsultatióne: * adducéntur in templum Regis.

    17. They shall be brought with gladness and rejoicing: * they shall be brought into the temple of the king.

  17. Pro pátribus tuis nati sunt tibi fílii: * constítues eos príncipes super omnem terram.

    18. Instead of thy fathers, sons are born to thee: * thou shalt make them princes over all the earth.

  18. Mémores erunt nóminis tui: * in omni generatióne et generatiónem.

    19. They shall remember thy name * throughout all generations.

  19. Proptérea pópuli confitebúntur tibi in ætérnum: * et in sǽculum sǽculi.

    20. Therefore shall people praise thee for ever; yea, * for ever and ever.

  20. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    21. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  21. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

    22. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Christ hath crowned me with the bright and priceless blossoms of the eternal spring-time.

Psalmus 45

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

Our God is our refuge and strength: * a helper in troubles, which have found us exceedingly.

  1. Proptérea non timébimus dum turbábitur terra: * et transferéntur montes in cor maris.

    2. Therefore we will not fear, when the earth shall be troubled; * and the mountains shall be removed into the heart of the sea.

  2. Sonuérunt, et turbátæ sunt aquæ eórum: * conturbáti sunt montes in fortitúdine ejus.

    3. Their waters roared and were troubled: * the mountains were troubled with his strength.

  3. Flúminis ímpetus lætíficat civitátem Dei: * sanctificávit tabernáculum suum Altíssimus.

    4. The stream of the river maketh the city of God joyful: * the most High hath sanctified his own tabernacle.

  4. Deus in médio ejus, non commovébitur: * adjuvábit eam Deus mane dilúculo.

    5. God is in the midst thereof, it shall not be moved: * God will help it in the morning early.

  5. Conturbátæ sunt Gentes, et inclináta sunt regna: * dedit vocem suam, mota est terra.

    6. Nations were troubled, and kingdoms were bowed down: * he uttered his voice, the earth trembled.

  6. Dóminus virtútum nobíscum: * suscéptor noster Deus Jacob.

    7. The Lord of armies is with us: * the God of Jacob is our protector.

  7. Veníte, et vidéte ópera Dómini, † quæ pósuit prodígia super terram: * áuferens bella usque ad finem terræ.

    8. Come and behold ye the works of the Lord: what wonders he hath done upon earth, * making wars to cease even to the end of the earth.

  8. Arcum cónteret, et confrínget arma: * et scuta combúret igni.

    9. He shall destroy the bow, and break the weapons: * and the shield he shall burn in the fire.

  9. Vacáte, et vidéte quóniam ego sum Deus: * exaltábor in Géntibus, et exaltábor in terra.

    10. Be still and see that I am God; * I will be exalted among the nations, and I will be exalted in the earth.

  10. Dóminus virtútum nobíscum: * suscéptor noster Deus Jacob.

    11. The Lord of armies is with us: * the God of Jacob is our protector.

  11. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    12. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  12. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

    13. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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

Versus

Pater

Pater noster, qui es in cælis, sanctificétur nomen tuum: advéniat regnum tuum: fiat volúntas tua, sicut in cælo et in terra. Panem nostrum cotidiánum da nobis hódie: et dimítte nobis débita nostra, sicut et nos dimíttimus debitóribus nostris:


℣. Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem:
℟. Sed líbera nos a malo.

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

Ille nos benedícat, qui sine fine vivit et regnat.

Lectio 1
De libro Ecclesiástici
Sir 51:1-7

Confitébor tibi, Dómine, Rex, et collaudábo te Deum Salvatórem meum. Confitébor nómini tuo: quóniam adiútor 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 es mihi adiútor. 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 iniústa.

A prayer of Jesus the son of Sirach. I will give glory to thee, O Lord, O King, and I will praise thee, O God my Saviour. I will give glory to thy name: for thou hast been a helper and protector to me. And hast preserved my body from destruction, from the snare of an unjust tongue, and from the lips of them that forge lies, and in the sight of them that stood by, thou hast been my helper. And thou hast delivered me, according to the multitude of the mercy of thy name, from them that did roar, prepared to devour. Out of the hands of them that sought my life, and from the gates of afflictions, which compassed me about: From the oppression of the flame which surrounded me, and in the midst of the fire I was not burnt. From the depth of the belly of hell, and from an unclean tongue, and from lying words, from an unjust king, and from a slanderous tongue:

Benedictio:

Cuius festum cólimus, ipsa intercédat pro nobis ad Dóminum.

Lectio 2
Sir 51:8-12

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

My soul shall praise the Lord even to death. And my life was drawing near to hell beneath. They compassed me on every side, and there was no one that would help me. I looked for the succour of men, and there was none. I remembered thy mercy, O Lord, and thy works, which are from the beginning of the world. How thou deliverest them that wait for thee, O Lord, and savest them out of the hands of the nations.

Sir 51:13-17

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 adiutório. 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 death to pass away. I called upon the Lord, the father of my Lord, that he would not leave me in the day of my trouble, and in the time of the proud without help. I will praise thy name continually, and will praise it with thanksgiving, and my prayer was heard. And thou hast saved me from destruction, and hast delivered me from the evil time. Therefore I will give thanks, and praise thee, and bless the name of the Lord.


Gloria adduntur:
Benedictio:

Ad societátem cívium supernórum perdúcat nos Rex Angelórum.

Lectio 3
Ex libro S. Ambrósii Epíscopi de Virgínibus
Liber 1, post initium

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, cuius 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 quǽritur, sed tenétur. Nemo est laudabílior, quam qui ab ómnibus laudári potest. Quot hómines, tot præcónes, qui Mártyrem prǽdicant, dum loquúntur. Hæc trédecim annórum martýrium fecísse tráditur. Quo destabílior crudélitas quæ nec minúsculæ pepércit ætáti; immo magna vis fídei, quæ étiam ab illa testimónium invénit ætáte.

Today is the birthday of a Virgin; let us imitate her virginal innocence. It is the birthday of a Martyr; let us also bring sacrifice. It is the birthday of St. Agnes; let men look up in admiration and children not be disheartened. You married, be filled with wonder; you unmarried, follow in her footsteps. But where shall we find words of adequate praise, since her very name bespeaks her glory and renown? In her we see a devotion that far surpasses her age; a virtue that exceeds all Power of nature. Hence, it seems to me that she had not merely a human name, but, prophetically, she was given the name of a Martyr to indicate beforehand what she was to be. The name of our Virgin to a guarantee of her purity. If I call her Martyr, already I have praised enough. For, that is great praise indeed, which one does not need to seek but is freely given by others. No one can be more praised than one who is praised by all. As many men, so many encomiums. They have only to mention her name to praise her as a Martyr. According to tradition, it was in her thirteenth year that she suffered martyrdom. How despicable the cruelty that spared not even this tender age! But how great the power of faith that found even that age its witness.

Reliqua omittuntur, nisi Laudes separandæ sint.

Oratio

Orémus.

Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui infírma mundi éligis, ut fórtia quæque confúndas: † concéde propítius; ut, qui beátæ Agnétis Vírginis et Mártyris tuæ solémnia cólimus, * eius apud te patrocínia sentiámus.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum: † qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, * per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.

O Almighty and everlasting God, Who hast chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty, mercifully grant unto us that we who keep the solemn feast of thy blessed Virgin and Martyr Agnes, may feel the power of her intercession with thee.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.

Conclusio