Office Hymns: Common of Ss: A Virgin

A Virgin

Vigils and First Evensong

56

Child of a Virgin, Maker of thy Mother - Virginis proks - Hymner

Child of a Virgin, Maker of thy Mother,

Born of a Maiden, as of Maid conceived,

While we a Virgin's triumphs are rehearsing.

Hear our petition.

She, thine own maiden, double blessing winneth,

Striving to vanquish all her nature's weakness,

E'en by that weakness o'er a world of bloodshed

Victory gaining.

Death and its terrors undismayed beholding,

Death's cruel handmaid, torture, she despiseth ;

Shedding her life-blood, meet is she to enter

Holiest heaven.

God ever-loving, as for us she pleadeth,

Pity our failings, all our sins forgiving :

Thus shall re-echo pure and heart-felt praises

Unto thine honor.

Praise to the Father, to the Sole-begotten,

And the blest Spirit, with the twain co-equal,

One only Godhead, who throughout the ages

Reigneth forever. Amen.

Lauds and Second Evensong

57

Jesu, the Virgins' Crown, do thou – Jesu Corona Virginum - Hymner

Jesu, the Virgins' Crown, do thou

Accept us as in prayer we bow :

Bom of that Virgin, whom alone

The Mother and the Maid we own.

Among the lilies thou dost feed,

By Virgin quires accompanied —

With glor^ deck'd, the spotless brides

Whose bridal gifts thy love provides.

They, wheresoe'er thy footsteps bend.

With h3mins 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.

All laud to God the Father be,

All praise, eternal Son, to thee :

All glory, as is ever meet.

To God the holy Paraclete. Amen