Sequence 74. The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin

September 8th.
DAWNS a day for adoration,
Day, when in glad jubilation
Songs enlightened hearts should raise !

This day's joyous light another
Feast-day brings round of God's mother,
Dedicated to her praise !

Voice ! now keep thou
Joyful measure ;
Heart ! now leap thou,
Filled wdth pleasure,
That your praise effective be !

Let God's glory
So be lauded,
That the story
Be applauded
Of his mother's dignity !

Great in splendour
Of her station j
Very tender
In compassion,
Sorrowful is she by name ;
Honour-laden,
As child-bearing \
Still a maiden
Pure appearing,
Bright in heaven's height shines her fame !

As of old the bush to Moses
Seems in flames, yet never loses
Aught, by burning, of its green ;
So by spiritual graces,
Not by conjugal embraces,
Hath a maid God's mother been.

She is that sealed fount, ne'er drying,
That walled garden, fructifying
By the good seed in it sown :
She is that close-fastened portal,
Shut by God 'gainst every mortal
For some secret cause unknovATi.

She that fleece is, which inviteth
Dew ; that rich field that delighteth
With sweet scents all ends of earth :
She that rod is, blossoms bearing,
Soil for all, true faith declaring.

To a Saviour giving birth.
She is titled, for example,
"Mountain," "Castle," "Hall," and "Temple,"
"Bridal Chamber," "Citadel":
To her now hath there been given,
Of sublimest names in heaven,
That which doth the rest excel.

Whose petitions vices quell,
Whose name sorrow doth dispel.

Whose rare scents like lilies smell,
Whose sweet lips by far excel
Honey's nectar in delight.

Daintier than the wine-cup's flow.
Whiter than the driven snow,
Fresher than rose, washed but now,
Brighter with the true Sun's glow
Than the pale moon's orb by night.

Queen o'er glorious
Realms supernal,
And victorious
O'er infernal !

All-availing
Path to heaven.

Whence unfailing
All those falling
From thee wholly,
Now recalling
From their folly,
With thine own once more unite !

O good Mother,
Whom we pray to !

Grant our other
Prayers to-day too ;
Sinners, straying.

Ne'er so spurn thou,
As from praying
Hearts to turn now :
Sinners, wholly
Self-diffiding,
With those, truly
Thine abiding,
Lead into thy dear Son's sight ! Amen.