Sequence 95. Of the Blessed Virgin

THIS bright day, so celebrated,
Is the fame perpetuated
Of the mother of our God :
Of the ever-virgin Mary
Praise, laudation, let us carry
In our song this day abroad.

All mankind ! towards her turning
Night and morning, pray with yearning
That she will protect our race :
Sing, with all your hearts' might sing ye,
As your lips' word-offering bring ye,
" Hail to thee, full filled with grace ! "
" Hail to thee, O Queen of heaven !

Ne'er in human wedlock given ;
Nursing-mother, like to none !

Daughter ! though with child to no man,
Thou hast wondrously, as woman,
Borne thy Father as thy Son.

*' Garden fair, where south wind bloweth !
Portal, closed, through which none goeth
Ere or since ; path man ne'er trod !

Soil bedewed with dew from heaven !
Gideon's fleece, to which was given
Moisture from the rain of God !

" Hail, the firmament's bright glory !
On our dark minds, we implore thee,
From above thy rays pour down :
Calm the sea, thou Star of ocean !

Lest amidst the storm's commotion
And wild adverse winds we drown ! "
" Amen," say ye every one !