II. classis

In Purificatione Beatæ Mariæ Virginis

Tempora: Feria II infra Hebdomadam Septuagesimæ

Ad Matutinum

Incipit

Invitatorium

Behold, the Lord the Ruler cometh unto His holy temple; * Rejoice and be glad, O Zion! Go forth to meet thy God!

Hymnus

1. The God whom earth, and sea, and sky Adore, and laud, and magnify, Who o'er their threefold fabric reigns, The Virgin's spotless womb contains. 2. The God, whose will by moon and sun And all things in due course is done, Is borne upon a maiden's breast, By fullest heavenly grace possest. 3. How blest that mother, in whose shrine The great artificer divine, Whose hand contains the earth and sky, Vouchsafed, as in his ark, to lie. 4. Blest, in the message Gabriel brought; Blest, by the work the Spirit wrought; From whom the great desire of earth Took human flesh and human birth. 5. All honour, laud, and glory be, O Jesu, Virgin-born to thee; All glory, as is ever meet, To Father and to Paraclete. Amen.

Nocturnus I

Psalmus 8

Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

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.

Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

Psalmus 18

O Holy Mother of God * thou hast yielded a pleasant odor like the best myrrh.

The heavens shew forth the glory of God, * and the firmament declareth the work of his hands.

  1. Dies diéi erúctat verbum, * et nox nocti índicat sciéntiam.

    2. Day to day uttereth speech, * and night to night sheweth knowledge.

  2. Non sunt loquélæ, neque sermónes, * quorum non audiántur voces eórum.

    3. There are no speeches nor languages, * where their voices are not heard.

  3. In omnem terram exívit sonus eórum: * et in fines orbis terræ verba eórum.

    4. Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth: * and their words unto the ends of the world.

  4. In sole pósuit tabernáculum suum: * et ipse tamquam sponsus procédens de thálamo suo.

    5. He hath set his tabernacle in the sun: * and he, as a bridegroom coming out of his bride chamber,

  5. Exsultávit ut gigas ad curréndam viam, * a summo cælo egréssio ejus.

    6. Hath rejoiced as a giant to run the way: * his going out is from the end of heaven,

  6. Et occúrsus ejus usque ad summum ejus: * nec est qui se abscóndat a calóre ejus.

    7. And his circuit even to the end thereof: * and there is no one that can hide himself from his heat.

  7. Lex Dómini immaculáta, convértens ánimas: * testimónium Dómini fidéle, sapiéntiam præstans párvulis.

    8. The law of the Lord is unspotted, converting souls: * the testimony of the Lord is faithful, giving wisdom to little ones.

  8. Justítiæ Dómini rectæ, lætificántes corda: * præcéptum Dómini lúcidum illúminans óculos.

    9. The justices of the Lord are right, rejoicing hearts: * the commandment of the Lord is lightsome, enlightening the eyes.

  9. Timor Dómini sanctus, pérmanens in sǽculum sǽculi: * judícia Dómini vera, justificáta in semetípsa.

    10. The fear of the Lord is holy, enduring for ever and ever: * the judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves.

  10. Desiderabília super aurum et lápidem pretiósum multum: * et dulcióra super mel et favum.

    11. More to be desired than gold and many precious stones: * and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb.

  11. Etenim servus tuus custódit ea, * in custodiéndis illis retribútio multa.

    12. For thy servant keepeth them, * and in keeping them there is a great reward.

  12. Delícta quis intélligit? † ab occúltis meis munda me: * et ab aliénis parce servo tuo.

    13. Who can understand sins? from my secret ones cleanse me, O Lord: * and from those of others spare thy servant.

  13. Si mei non fúerint domináti, tunc immaculátus ero: * et emundábor a delícto máximo.

    14. If they shall have no dominion over me, then shall I be without spot: * and I shall be cleansed from the greatest sin.

  14. Et erunt ut compláceant elóquia oris mei: * et meditátio cordis mei in conspéctu tuo semper.

    15. And the words of my mouth shall be such as may please: * and the meditation of my heart always in thy sight.

  15. Dómine, adjútor meus, * et redémptor meus.

    16. O Lord, my helper, * and my redeemer.

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

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

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

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

O Holy Mother of God * thou hast yielded a pleasant odor like the best myrrh.

Psalmus 23

Sing for us again and again before this maiden's bed * the tender idylls of the play.

The earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof: * the world, and all they that dwell therein.

  1. Quia ipse super mária fundávit eum: * et super flúmina præparávit eum.

    2. For he hath founded it upon the seas; * and hath prepared it upon the rivers.

  2. Quis ascéndet in montem Dómini? * aut quis stabit in loco sancto ejus?

    3. Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord: * or who shall stand in his holy place?

  3. Innocens mánibus et mundo corde, † qui non accépit in vano ánimam suam, * nec jurávit in dolo próximo suo.

    4. The innocent in hands, and clean of heart, * who hath not taken his soul in vain, nor sworn deceitfully to his neighbour.

  4. Hic accípiet benedictiónem a Dómino: * et misericórdiam a Deo, salutári suo.

    5. He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, * and mercy from God his Saviour.

  5. Hæc est generátio quæréntium eum, * quæréntium fáciem Dei Jacob.

    6. This is the generation of them that seek him, * of them that seek the face of the God of Jacob.

  6. Attóllite portas, príncipes, vestras, † et elevámini, portæ æternáles: * et introíbit Rex glóriæ.

    7. Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye lifted up, O eternal gates: * and the King of Glory shall enter in.

  7. Quis est iste Rex glóriæ? † Dóminus fortis et potens: * Dóminus potens in prǽlio.

    8. Who is this King of Glory? * the Lord who is strong and mighty: the Lord mighty in battle.

  8. Attóllite portas, príncipes, vestras, † et elevámini, portæ æternáles: * et introíbit Rex glóriæ.

    9. Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye lifted up, O eternal gates: * and the King of Glory shall enter in.

  9. Quis est iste Rex glóriæ? * Dóminus virtútum ipse est Rex glóriæ.

    10. Who is this King of Glory? * the Lord of hosts, he is the King of Glory.

  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.

Sing for us again and again before this maiden's bed * the tender idylls of the play.

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. Exáudi, Dómine Iesu Christe, preces servórum tuórum, et miserére nobis: Qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivis et regnas in sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Benedictio:

Benedictióne perpétua benedícat nos Pater ætérnus.

Lectio 1
De libro Exodi
Exod 13:1-3; 13:11-13

Locútus est Dóminus ad Móysen, dicens: Sanctífica mihi omne primogénitum quod áperit vulvam in fíliis Israël, tam de homínibus quam de iuméntis; mea sunt enim ómnia. Et ait Móyses ad pópulum: Cum introdúxerit te Dóminus in terram Chananǽi, sicut iurávit tibi et pátribus tuis, et déderit tibi eam; Separábis omne quod áperit vulvam Dómino, et quod primitívum est in pecóribus tuis; quidquid habúeris masculíni sexus, consecrábis Dómino. Primogénitum ásini mutábis ove; quod, si non redémeris, interfícies. Omne autem primogénitum hóminis de fíliis tuis, prétio rédimes.

And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Sanctify unto me every firstborn that openeth the womb among the children of Israel, as well of men as of beasts: for they are all mine. And Moses said to the people: When the Lord shall have brought thee into the land of the Chanaanite, as he swore to thee and thy fathers, and shall give it thee: Thou shalt set apart all that openeth the womb for the Lord, and all that is first brought forth of thy cattle: whatsoever thou shalt have of the male sex, thou shalt consecrate to the Lord. The firstborn of an ass thou shalt change for a sheep: and if thou do not redeem it, thou shalt kill it. And every firstborn of men thou shalt redeem with a price.

Benedictio:

Unigénitus Dei Fílius nos benedícere et adiuváre dignétur.

Lectio 2
De libro Levítici
Lev 12:1-5

Locútus est Dóminus ad Móysen, dicens: Lóquere fíliis Israël, et dices ad eos: Múlier, si suscépto sémine pepérerit másculum, immúnda erit septem diébus iuxta dies separatiónis ménstruæ. Et die octávo circumcidétur infántulus: Ipsa vero trigínta tribus diébus manébit in sánguine purificatiónis suæ. Omne sanctum non tanget, nec ingrediétur in Sanctuárium donec impleántur dies purificatiónis suæ. Sin autem féminam pepérerit, immúnda erit duábus hebdomádibus iuxta ritum fluxus ménstrui, et sexagínta sex diébus manébit in sánguine purificatiónis suæ.

And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to the children of Israel, and thou shalt say to them: If a woman having received seed shall bear a man child, she shall be unclean seven days, according to the days of the separation of her flowers. And on the eighth day the infant shall be circumcised: But she shall remain three and thirty days in the blood of her purification. She shall touch no holy thing, neither shall she enter into the sanctuary, until the days of her purification be fulfilled. But if she shall bear a maid child, she shall be unclean two weeks, according to the custom of her monthly courses, and she shall remain in the blood of her purification sixty-six days.

Benedictio:

Spíritus Sancti grátia illúminet sensus et corda nostra.

Lectio 3
Lev 12:6-8

Cumque expléti fúerint dies purificatiónis suæ, pro fílio, sive pro fília, déferet agnum annículum in holocáustum, et pullum colúmbæ sive túrturem pro peccáto, ad óstium tabernáculi testimónii, et tradet sacerdóti, Qui ófferet illa coram Dómino; et orábit pro ea, et sic mundábitur a proflúvio sánguinis sui. Ista est lex pariéntis másculum aut féminam. Quod si non invénerit manus eius, nec potúerit offérre agnum, sumet duos túrtures vel duos pullos columbárum, unum in holocáustum, et álterum pro peccáto; orabítque pro ea sacérdos, et sic mundábitur.

And when the days of her purification are expired, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring to the door of the tabernacle of the testimony, a lamb of a year old for a holocaust, and a young pigeon or a turtle for sin, and shall deliver them to the priest: Who shall offer them before the Lord, and shall pray for her, and so she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that beareth a man child or a maid child. And if her hand find not sufficiency, and she is not able to offer a lamb, she shall take two turtles, or two young pigeons, one for a holocaust, and another for sin: and the priest shall pray for her, and so she shall be cleansed.


Gloria adduntur:
Resp. Obtulérunt pro eo Dómino par túrturum aut duos pullos columbárum. * Sicut scriptum est in lege Dómini. ℣. Postquam autem impléti sunt dies purgatiónis Maríæ secúndum legem Móysi, tulérunt illum in Ierúsalem, ut sísterent eum Dómino. ℟. Sicut scriptum est in lege Dómini. ℣. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

Nocturnus II

Psalmus 44

In thy comeliness and thy beauty, * go forward, fare prosperously, and reign.

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.

In thy comeliness and thy beauty, * go forward, fare prosperously, and reign.

Psalmus 45

God shall help * her with His countenance: God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved.

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.

God shall help * her with His countenance: God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved.

Psalmus 86

O Holy Mother of God * all we who dwell in thee are in gladness.

The foundations thereof are in the holy mountains: * The Lord loveth the gates of Sion above all the tabernacles of Jacob.

  1. Gloriósa dicta sunt de te, * cívitas Dei.

    2. Glorious things are said of thee, * O city of God.

  2. Memor ero Rahab, et Babylónis * sciéntium me.

    3. I will be mindful of Rahab and of Babylon * knowing me.

  3. Ecce alienígenæ, et Tyrus, et pópulus Æthíopum, * hi fuérunt illic.

    4. Behold the foreigners, and Tyre, and the people of the Ethiopians, * these were there.

  4. Numquid Sion dicet: † Homo, et homo natus est in ea: * et ipse fundávit eam Altíssimus?

    5. Shall not Sion say: This man and that man is born in her? * and the Highest himself hath founded her.

  5. Dóminus narrábit in scriptúris populórum, et príncipum: * horum, qui fuérunt in ea.

    6. The Lord shall tell in his writings of peoples and of princes, * of them that have been in her.

  6. Sicut lætántium ómnium: * habitátio est in te.

    7. The dwelling in thee * is as it were of all rejoicing.

  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.

O Holy Mother of God * all we who dwell in thee are in gladness.

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. Ipsíus píetas et misericórdia nos ádiuvet, qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivit et regnat in sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Benedictio:

Deus Pater omnípotens sit nobis propítius et clemens.

Lectio 4
Sermo sancti Augustíni Epíscopi
Sermo 13 de Tempore, post initium

Sic olim prædíctum est: Mater Sion dicit: Homo et homo factus est in ea; et ipse fundávit eam Altíssimus. O omnipoténtia nascéntis! o magnificéntia de cælo ad terram descendéntis! Adhuc in útero portabátur, et ex útero matris a Ioánne Baptísta salutabátur. In templo præsentabátur, et a Simeóne sene famóso, annóso, probáto, coronáto agnoscebátur. Tunc cognóvit, tunc adorávit, tunc dixit: Nunc, Dómine, dimíttis servum tuum in pace: quia vidérunt óculi mei salutáre tuum.

In old time it was written: And of Zion shall it not be said This and that man was born in her, and the Highest Himself shall establish her? Blessed be the omnipotence of Him That was born! Blessed the glory of Him That came from heaven to earth! While yet He was borne in His Mother's womb, He was saluted by John the Baptist; He was presented in the temple, and recognised by that famous, ancient, and glorious worthy, the old man Simeon. As soon as he knew Him he worshipped Him, and said Lord, now lettest Thou thy servant depart in peace for mine eyes have seen thy Salvation.

Resp. Símeon iustus et timorátus exspectábat redemptiónem Israël, * Et Spíritus Sanctus erat in eo. ℣. Respónsum accépit Símeon a Spíritu Sancto, non visúrum se mortem, nisi vidéret Christum Dómini.
Benedictio:

Christus perpétuæ det nobis gáudia vitæ.

Lectio 5

Differebátur exíre de sǽculo, ut vidéret natum, per quem cónditum est sǽculum. Agnóvit Infántem senex, factus est in Púero puer. Innovátus in ætáte, qui plenus erat pietáte. Símeon senex ferébat Christum infántem, Christus regébat Simeónis senectútem. Dictum ei fúerat a Dómino, quod non gustáret mortem, nisi vidéret Christum Dómini natum. Natus est Christus, et implétum est desidérium senis in mundi ipsíus senectúte. Ipse ad senem hóminem venit, qui mundum inveterátum invénit.

He lingered in the world to see the birth of Him Who made the world. The old man knew the Child, and in that Child became a child himself, for in the love wherewith he regarded the Father of all, he felt his own years to be but as of yesterday. The old man Simeon bore the new-born Christ, and all the while, Christ was the old man's Lord. It had been told him by the Lord that he should not taste of death before he had seen the birth of the Lord's Christ. Now Christ is born, and all the old man's wishes on earth are fulfilled. He That came to a decrepit world came to an old man.

Resp. Respónsum accépit Símeon a Spíritu Sancto, non visúrum se mortem, nisi vidéret Christum Dómini: * Et benedíxit Deum, et dixit: Nunc dimíttis servum tuum in pace, quia vidérunt óculi mei salutáre tuum, Dómine. ℣. Cum indúcerent púerum Iesum paréntes eius, ut fácerent secúndum consuetúdinem legis pro eo, ipse accépit eum in ulnas suas.
Benedictio:

Ignem sui amóris accéndat Deus in córdibus nostris.

Lectio 6

In isto quidem sǽculo diu esse nolébat, et Christum in hoc sǽculo vidére cupiébat, cantans cum prophéta et dicens: Osténde nobis, Dómine, misericórdiam tuam, et salutáre tuum da nobis. Dénique, ut novéritis ita esse istíus lætítiam, conclúsit dicens: Nunc dimíttis servum tuum in pace: quia vidérunt óculi mei salutáre tuum. Prophétæ cecinérunt Conditórem cæli et terræ in terra cum homínibus futúrum; Angelus nuntiávit Creatórem carnis et spíritus in carne ventúrum; salutávit Ioánnes ex útero in útero Salvatórem; Símeon senex Deum agnóvit infántem.

He wished not to remain long in the world, but he longed to see Christ in the world, singing with the Prophet, and saying: Show us thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation. (Ps. lxxxi8.) And now at last, that ye may know that the cause of his joy was that this prayer was granted, he saith: Now lettest Thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation. The Prophets have sung that the Maker of heaven and earth would converse on earth with men, an angel hath declared that the Creator of flesh and spirit would come in the flesh, the unborn John, yet in the womb, hath saluted the unborn Saviour yet in the womb. The old man Simeon hath seen God, a little Child.

Nocturnus III

Psalmus 95

Joy to thee, * O Virgin Mary, thou hast trampled down all the heresies in the whole world.

Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: * sing to the Lord, all the earth.

  1. Cantáte Dómino, et benedícite nómini ejus: * annuntiáte de die in diem salutáre ejus.

    2. Sing ye to the Lord and bless his name: * shew forth his salvation from day to day.

  2. Annuntiáte inter gentes glóriam ejus, * in ómnibus pópulis mirabília ejus.

    3. Declare his glory among the Gentiles: * his wonders among all people.

  3. Quóniam magnus Dóminus, et laudábilis nimis: * terríbilis est super omnes deos.

    4. For the Lord is great, and exceedingly to be praised: * he is to be feared above all gods.

  4. Quóniam omnes dii Géntium dæmónia: * Dóminus autem cælos fecit.

    5. For all the gods of the Gentiles are devils: * but the Lord made the heavens.

  5. Conféssio, et pulchritúdo in conspéctu ejus: * sanctimónia et magnificéntia in sanctificatióne ejus.

    6. Praise and beauty are before him: * holiness and majesty in his sanctuary.

  6. Afférte Dómino, pátriæ Géntium, † afférte Dómino glóriam et honórem: * afférte Dómino glóriam nómini ejus.

    7. Bring ye to the Lord, O ye kindreds of the Gentiles, bring ye to the Lord glory and honour: * bring to the Lord glory unto his name.

  7. Tóllite hóstias, et introíte in átria ejus: * adoráte Dóminum in átrio sancto ejus.

    8. Bring up sacrifices, and come into his courts: * adore ye the Lord in his holy court.

  8. Commoveátur a fácie ejus univérsa terra: * dícite in Géntibus quia Dóminus regnávit.

    9. Let all the earth be moved at his presence. * Say ye among the Gentiles, the Lord hath reigned.

  9. Etenim corréxit orbem terræ qui non commovébitur: * judicábit pópulos in æquitáte.

    10. For he hath corrected the world, which shall not be moved: * he will judge the people with justice.

  10. Læténtur cæli, et exsúltet terra: † commoveátur mare et plenitúdo ejus: * gaudébunt campi, et ómnia quæ in eis sunt.

    11. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad, let the sea be moved, and the fulness thereof: * the fields and all things that are in them shall be joyful.

  11. Tunc exsultábunt ómnia ligna silvárum a fácie Dómini, quia venit: * quóniam venit judicáre terram.

    12. Then shall all the trees of the woods rejoice before the face of the Lord, because he cometh: * because he cometh to judge the earth.

  12. Judicábit orbem terræ in æquitáte, * et pópulos in veritáte sua.

    13. He shall judge the world with justice, * and the people with his truth.

  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.

Joy to thee, * O Virgin Mary, thou hast trampled down all the heresies in the whole world.

Psalmus 96

Holy Virgin, my praise by thee accepted be; * give me strength against thine enemies.

The Lord hath reigned, let the earth rejoice: * let many islands be glad.

  1. Nubes, et calígo in circúitu ejus: * justítia, et judícium corréctio sedis ejus.

    2. Clouds and darkness are round about him: * justice and judgment are the establishment of his throne.

  2. Ignis ante ipsum præcédet: * et inflammábit in circúitu inimícos ejus.

    3. A fire shall go before him, * and shall burn his enemies round about.

  3. Illuxérunt fúlgura ejus orbi terræ: * vidit et commóta est terra.

    4. His lightnings have shone forth to the world: * the earth saw and trembled.

  4. Montes, sicut cera fluxérunt a fácie Dómini: * a fácie Dómini omnis terra.

    5. The mountains melted like wax, at the presence of the Lord: * at the presence of the Lord of all the earth.

  5. Annuntiavérunt cæli justítiam ejus: * et vidérunt omnes pópuli glóriam ejus.

    6. The heavens declared his justice: * and all people saw his glory.

  6. Confundántur omnes, qui adórant sculptília: * et qui gloriántur in simulácris suis.

    7. Let them be all confounded that adore graven things, * and that glory in their idols.

  7. Adoráte eum, omnes Angeli ejus: * audívit, et lætáta est Sion.

    8. Adore him, all you his angels: * Sion heard, and was glad.

  8. Et exsultavérunt fíliæ Judæ: * propter judícia tua, Dómine:

    9. And the daughters of Juda rejoiced, * because of thy judgments, O Lord.

  9. Quóniam tu Dóminus Altíssimus super omnem terram: * nimis exaltátus es super omnes deos.

    10. For thou art the most high Lord over all the earth: * thou art exalted exceedingly above all gods.

  10. Qui dilígitis Dóminum, odíte malum: * custódit Dóminus ánimas sanctórum suórum, de manu peccatóris liberábit eos.

    11. You that love the Lord, hate evil: * the Lord preserveth the souls of his saints, he will deliver them out of the hand of the sinner.

  11. Lux orta est justo, * et rectis corde lætítia.

    12. Light is risen to the just, * and joy to the right of heart.

  12. Lætámini, justi in Dómino: * et confitémini memóriæ sanctificatiónis ejus.

    13. Rejoice, ye just, in the Lord: * and give praise to the remembrance of his holiness.

  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.

Holy Virgin, my praise by thee accepted be; * give me strength against thine enemies.

Psalmus 97

After thy delivery thou still remainest a virgin; * undefiled Mother of God, pray for us.

Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: * because he hath done wonderful things.

  1. Salvávit sibi déxtera ejus: * et bráchium sanctum ejus.

    2. His right hand hath wrought for him salvation, * and his arm is holy.

  2. Notum fecit Dóminus salutáre suum: * in conspéctu Géntium revelávit justítiam suam.

    3. The Lord hath made known his salvation: * he hath revealed his justice in the sight of the Gentiles.

  3. Recordátus est misericórdiæ suæ, * et veritátis suæ dómui Israël.

    4. He hath remembered his mercy * and his truth toward the house of Israel.

  4. Vidérunt omnes términi terræ * salutáre Dei nostri.

    5. All the ends of the earth have seen * the salvation of our God.

  5. Jubiláte Deo, omnis terra: * cantáte, et exsultáte, et psállite.

    6. Sing joyfully to God, all the earth; * make melody, rejoice and sing.

  6. Psállite Dómino in cíthara, in cíthara et voce psalmi: * in tubis ductílibus, et voce tubæ córneæ.

    7. Sing praise to the Lord on the harp, on the harp, and with the voice of a psalm: * with long trumpets, and sound of cornet.

  7. Jubiláte in conspéctu regis Dómini: † moveátur mare, et plenitúdo ejus: * orbis terrárum, et qui hábitant in eo.

    8. Make a joyful noise before the Lord our king: * let the sea be moved and the fulness thereof: the world and they that dwell therein.

  8. Flúmina plaudent manu, † simul montes exsultábunt a conspéctu Dómini: * quóniam venit judicáre terram.

    9. The rivers shall clap their hands, the mountains shall rejoice together at the presence of the Lord: * because he cometh to judge the earth.

  9. Judicábit orbem terrárum in justítia, * et pópulos in æquitáte.

    10. He shall judge the world with justice, * and the people with equity.

  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.

After thy delivery thou still remainest a virgin; * undefiled Mother of God, pray for us.

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:

Evangélica léctio sit nobis salus et protéctio.

Lectio 7
Léctio sancti Evangélii secúndum Lucam
Luc 2:22-32

In illo témpore: Postquam impléti sunt dies purgatiónis Maríæ secúndum legem Móysi, tulérunt Iesum in Ierúsalem, ut sísterent eum Dómino, sicut scriptum est in lege Dómini. Et réliqua.

In that time, after the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they carried him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, as it is written in the law of the Lord. And so on.

Homilía sancti Ambrósii Epíscopi
Liber 2 Comment. in Lucæ cap. 2, post initium

Et ecce homo erat in Ierúsalem, cui nomen Símeon, et homo iste iustus et timorátus, exspéctans consolatiónem Israël. Non solum ab Angelis, et prophétis, et a pastóribus, sed étiam a senióribus et iustis generátio Dómini accépit testimónium. Omnis ætas, et utérque sexus, eventorúmque mirácula fidem ástruunt. Virgo génerat, stérilis parit, mutus lóquitur, Elísabeth prophétat, Magus adórat, útero clausus exsúltat, vídua confitétur, iustus exspéctat.

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel. The birth of the Lord is attested not only by Angels and Prophets, and shepherds, but also by elders and just men. Every age, and both sexes, as well as the miracles of the events themselves, are here to strengthen our faith. A virgin conceiveth, a barren woman beareth, a dumb man speaketh, Elizabeth prophesieth, the wise man worshippeth, the unborn child leapeth, the widow praiseth, and the just man waiteth.

Resp. Suscípiens Iesum in ulnas suas Símeon, exclamávit, et dixit: * Tu es vere lumen ad illuminatiónem géntium, et glóriam plebis tuæ Israël. ℣. Cum indúcerent púerum Iesum paréntes eius, et ipse accépit eum in ulnas suas, et benedíxit Deum, et dixit.
Benedictio:

Cuius festum cólimus, ipsa Virgo vírginum intercédat pro nobis ad Dóminum.

Lectio 8

Et bene iustus, qui non suam, sed pópuli grátiam requirébat, cúpiens ipse corpóreæ vínculis fragilitátis exsólvi, sed exspéctans vidére promíssum: sciébat enim quia beáti óculi qui eum vidérent. Et ipse accépit eum in ulnas suas, et benedíxit Deum, et dixit: Nunc dimítte servum tuum, Dómine, secúndum verbum tuum in pace. Vide iustum, velut corpóreæ cárcere molis inclúsum, velle dissólvi, ut incípiat esse cum Christo. Dissólvi enim, et cum Christo esse, multo mélius est.

Well is he called just, who looked not for favour for himself, but for consolation for his people. He desired to be set free from the bondage of this frail body, but he waited to see the Promised One for he knew that blessed are the eyes that see Him. Then took he Him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said: Lord, now lettest Thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word. Behold a just man, confined in the weary prison of the body, desiring to be dissolved and to begin to be with Christ. For to be dissolved and to be with Christ is much bette(Phil. i. 23.)

Benedictio:

Ad societátem cívium supernórum perdúcat nos Rex Angelórum.

Lectio 9

Sed qui vult dimítti, véniat in templum, véniat in Ierúsalem, exspéctet Christum Dómini, accípiat in mánibus Verbum Dei, complectátur opéribus velut quibúsdam suæ fídei brácchiis: tunc dimittétur, ut non vídeat mortem, qui víderit Vitam. Vides úberem in omnes grátiam, Dómini generatióne diffúsam, et prophetíam incrédulis negátam esse, non iustis. Ecce et Símeon prophétat, in ruínam et resurrectiónem plurimórum venísse Dóminum Iesum Christum, ut iustórum iniquorúmque mérita discérnat; et pro nostrórum qualitáte factórum, iudex verus et iustus aut supplícia decérnat aut prǽmia.

Whosoever will be dissolved and be with Christ, let him come into the Temple, let him come to Jerusalem, let him wait for the Lord's Christ, let him take hold on the Word of God, let him embrace it with good works, as it were with arms of faith and then let him depart in peace, for he shall not see death, who hath seen life. Behold how the Lord's Birth doth overflow with abounding grace for all, and prophecy is not denied to the just, but to the unbelieving. Behold, Simeon prophesieth that the Lord Jesus Christ is come for the fall and rising again of many; yea, He shall separate the just from the unjust by their deserts, and according as our work shall be, so shall the true and righteous Judge command us to be punished or rewarded.

Reliqua omittuntur, nisi Laudes separandæ sint.

Oratio

Orémus.

Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, maiestátem tuam súpplices exorámus: † ut, sicut unigénitus Fílius tuus hodiérna die cum nostræ carnis substántia in templo est præsentátus; * ita nos fácias purificátis tibi méntibus præsentári.
Per eúndem Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, * per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.

Almighty and everliving God, we humbly beseech thy Majesty, that as thy Only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple in substance of our flesh, so we may be presented unto thee with pure and clean hearts.
Through the same Jesus Christ, thy Son, Our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.

Conclusio