Sequence 93. Of the Blessed Virgin

BLESSED Mary, Star of ocean !
Peerless in thy love's devotion !

T'wards us deign to turn thy gaze ;
Look on us in loving fashion,
Nor delay to show compassion
For a lost and shipwrecked race !

In this vale of tears unceasing
Nought is lo/ed, and nought is pleasing ;
All is vague and insecure :
What assurance can be given
To us of aught here, when even
Virtue's triumph is not sure !

Here the flesh against us fighteth,
Here the world with it uniteth
For our utter overthrow :
Here the foe is, souls molesting,
Now his fierce wrath manifesting
Openly, in secret now.

We both sin, and we are chastened,
And around us there are fastened
Divers toils of hunters here :
Mary ! thou, God's mother holy,
After God our hope art solely.

And our refuge sweet and dear !
In such meshes and so many
Snared, we fail to loosen any
With our utmost power and pains :
Do Thou, who to mourners givest
Comfort, and the dead revivest,
Break through death's entangling chains.

As to praise thee we endeavour.
Hearing, listening to us ever,
From death's power set us free :
Thou, whose throne to Christ's is nighest !

'Mongst Christ's co-heirs in the highest
Let us be enrolled by thee !

Jesu, gracious and most tender !
Thou, Whose name is bright with splendour,
Sweet, and rich in saving-health !

Grant to us Thy free salvation,
And, since marred is Thy creation, '
Thy good gifts in boundless wealth.

ii6 DE BE AT A VIRGINE.
Pater, Fili, Consolator,
Unus Deus, unus dator
Septiformis gratiae,
Solo nutu pietatis,
Fac nos simplae Trinitatis
Post spem frui specie ! Amen.

Father, Son, and Soul-reviver !
The one God, and the one Giver
Of the sevenfold gifts of grace !

Triune God ! in love be willing,
That we, all past hopes fulfilling,
May enjoy Thee face to face ! Amen.

ii8 DE BE ATA VIRGINE.