MEDITATIONS FOR

THE MOST HOLY ROSARY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

CULLED FROM THE ROMAN BREVIARY
REFORMED BY ORDER OF THE HOLY CUMENICAL COUNCIL OF TRENT; PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF POPE ST PIUS V; AND REVISED BY CLEMENT VIII, URBAN VIII, AND LEO XIII

TRANSLATED BY JOHN, MARQUESS OF BUTE,

K.T.

O come, ye nations, roses bring, Culled from these mysteries Divine, And for the Mother of your King With loving hand your chaplets twine.

FIRST JOYFUL MYSTERY

THE ANNUNCIATION OF OUR LADY (From the Office for Lady Day) The Messenger from Gods high throne His secret counsel making known Hails Mary, child of Davids race, Gods Virgin-Mother, full of grace. Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel. Butter and honey shall he eat, until he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good. (1st lesson, 1st Nocturn, Mattins; Is. viii. 14, 15; cf. Matt. i. 23, Luke i. 31) And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a flower shall grow out of his roots. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him. (2nd lesson, 1st Nocturn, Mattins; Is. xi. 1, 2; cf. Is. liii. 2) The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the lily. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing. (3rd lesson, 1st Nocturn, Mattins; Is. xxxv. 1, 2) The Angel Gabriel was sent to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph; and the virgins name was Mary. (1st ant., Lauds; Luke i. 26, 27) Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. (2nd ant., Lauds; Luke i. 28) Fear not, Mary, thou hast found grace with the Lord: behold, thou shalt conceive and bring forth a Son. (3rd ant., Lauds; Luke i. 30, 31) The Lord shall give unto Him the throne of His father David, and of His kingdom there shall be no end. (4th ant., Lauds; Luke i. 32; cf. Dan. vii. 14, 27, Mich. iv. 7) How shall this be, thou Angel of God, seeing I know not a man? (Benedictus ant.; Luke i. 34) Hear, O Virgin Mary: the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee. (Benedictus ant.; Luke i. 35) Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it unto me according to thy word. (5th ant., Vesp.; Luke i. 38)

All honour, laud and glory be, O Jesu, Virgin-born, to Thee; All glory, as is ever meet, To Father and to Paraclete.

SECOND JOYFUL MYSTERY

THE VISITATION OF OUR LADY TO SAINT ELIZABETH (From the Office for the Visitation of Our Lady) The Mother-Maid with joyous feet Her friend, Johns mother, goes to greet; He, stirring in the enclosing womb, Declares that Christ his Lord has come. The voice of my beloved! Behold, he cometh!leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills! Behold, my beloved is calling unto meRise up, make haste, my love! my dove! my beautiful one! and come away! (2nd lesson, 1st Nocturn, Mattins; Cant. ii. 8, 10) My beloved is mine, and I am his, that feedeth among the lilies, until the day break, and the shadows flee away. (3rd lesson, 1st Nocturn, Mattins; Cant. ii. 16-17, vi. 2) Mary arose and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda. (1st ant., Lauds; Luke i. 39) Mary entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elizabeth. (2nd ant., Lauds; Luke i. 40) When Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb, and she was filled with the Holy Ghost. Alleluia. (3rd ant., Lauds; Luke i. 41) Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb. (4th ant., Lauds; Luke i. 42) As soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Alleluia. (5th ant., Lauds; Luke i. 44) When Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, she spake out with a laud voice and said: Whence is this to me, that the Mother of my Lord should come to me? (Benedictus ant.; Luke i. 43)

O Mary! blessed art thou that didst believe! for there shall be a performance of those things which were told thee from the Lord. Alleluia. (Magnificat ant., 1st Vesp.; Luke i. 45) All generations shall call me blessed, for God hath regarded the lowliness of His handmaiden. Alleluia. (Magnificat ant., 2nd Vesp.; Luke i. 48) O Jesu! born of Virgin bright, Immortal glory be to Thee; Praise to the Father infinite, And Holy Ghost eternally.

THIRD JOYFUL MYSTERY

THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD (From the Office for Yule or Christmas Day) The Word, who ere the worlds began, From God the Fathers thought forth ran, Of Mary, Virgin undefiled, For us is born a mortal child. King Peaceful exceeded all the kings of the earth, and all the earth sought to Peaceful. (1st ant., 1st Vesp.; cf. III Kings x. 23, 24) Or ever the sun be risen, ye shall see the King of kings coming forth from the Father, as a bridegroom out of his chamber. (Magnificat ant., 1st Vesp.; Ps. xviii. 6; cf. II Kings xxii, 50, Rom. xv. 9) The days of Mary were accomplished that she should bring forth her first-born Son. (3rd ant., 1st Vesp.; Luke ii. 6, 7) The Mother brought forth the King, Whose name is called The Eternal; the joy of a Mother was hers, remaining a Virgin unsullied; neither before or henceforth hath there been nor shall be such another. Alleluia. (2nd ant., Lauds) The Angel said unto the shepherds: I bring you good tidings of great joy; for unto you is born this day a Saviour of the world. Alleluia. (3rd ant., Lauds; Luke ii. 10)

There was with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, to men of good will. Alleluia. (4th ant., Lauds; Luke ii. 13-14) O ye shepherds, speak, and tell us what ye have seen; who is appeared in the earth? We saw the new-born Child, and angels singing praise to the Lord. Alleluia, Alleluia. (1st ant., Lauds; cf. Luke ii. 20) How great is this mystery, how wonderful is the teaching of the faith! The beasts saw the new-born Lord lying in a manger. Blessed is that Virgin whose womb was made meet to bear our Lord. (1st resp., 2nd Nocturn, Mattins) Unto us this day a little Child is born, and his name shall be called the Mighty God. Alleluia, Alleluia. (5th ant., Lauds; cf. Is. ix. 6) Thine shall be the dominion in the day of Thy power, amid the brightness of the saints: from the womb before the day-star have I begotten Thee. (1st ant., 2nd Vesp.; Ps. cix. 3) O Lord, from spotless Virgin sprung, All glory unto Thee be sung, To Father and to Spirit be Like honour paid eternally.

FOURTH JOYFUL MYSTERY

THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD (From the Office for Candlemas Day) Christ to the Temple courts they bring; The Kings own law subjects the King; The worlds Redeemer for a price Is there redeemed, our sacrifice. Behold, the Lord the Ruler cometh unto His Holy Temple: Rejoice and be glad, O Sion! go forth to meet thy God! (Invitatory at Mattins; cf. Is. lxii. 11) Behold, I send my Angel, and he shall prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, Whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His holy temple, even the Angel of the Covenant Whom ye delight in. (Chapter at Lauds; Mal. iii. 1)

Behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of hosts: but who shall be able to abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand to see Him? For He is like the fiery blast of a furnace, and like a fullers soap. (Chapter at Sext; Mal. iii. 2) Make ready thy Chamber, O Sion, to receive Christ thy King, even that Child Whom a Virgin bore, and remained a Virgin as before: the fruit of her womb and the God of her soul. (1st resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins; cf. Ps. xxiii. 7, 9) When the days of Marys purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought Jesus to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord; as it is written in the law of the Lord: Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy unto the Lord. (2nd resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins; Luke ii. 22-23; cf. Ex. xiii. 1) They offered for Him unto the Lord a pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons; as it is written in the law of the Lord. (3rd resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins; Luke ii. 24) Simeon was just and devout, waiting for the redemption of Israel; and the Holy Ghost was upon him. (1st resp., 2nd Nocturn, Mattins; Luke ii. 25) When His parents brought the Child Jesus into the temple, to do for Him the custom of the law, Simeon took Him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said: Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace. (3rd resp., 2nd Nocturn, Mattins; Luke ii. 27-29) Simeon took Jesus up in his arms, and cried out, and said: Verily Thou art a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel. (1st resp., 3rd Nocturn, Mattins; Luke ii. 32) The old man bore the Child, but the Child was the old mans King; even that Child Whom a virgin bore, and remained a virgin as before; and when that virgin had brought Him into the world, she fell down and worshipped Him. (2nd resp., 3rd Nocturn, Mattins) Praise from mankind and heavens host, To Jesus of a Virgin sprung, To Father and to Holy Ghost, Be equal glory ever sung.

FIFTH JOYFUL MYSTERY

THE FINDING OF THE CHILD JESUS IN THE TEMPLE (From the Office for the Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple,

Sunday within the Octave of the Epiphany) The joyful Mother finds once more The Son she mourned as lost before; While doctors by His speech were shown The mysteries they had never known. Jesus parents went every year at the Feast of the Passover, to fulfill the commandment which the Lord had commanded in the law of Moses. (1st resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins; Luke ii. 41; cf. Ex. xxiii. 15, xxxiv. 18, Deut. xvi. 1) The Child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem, and His parents knew not of it, but they, supposing Him to have been in the company, went a days journey; and they sought Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. (2nd resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins; Luke ii. 43) And when Jesus parents found Him not, they returned back again to Jerusalem seeking Him.Whither is my beloved gone, that we may seek Him with thee? (3rd resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins; Luke ii. 45; Cant. v. 17; cf. Cant. iii. 2 ) After three days Jesus parents found Him in the temple sitting in the midst of the doctors.I found him whom my soul loveth; I held him and would not let go. (1st resp., 2nd Nocturn, Mattins; Luke ii. 46; Cant. iii. 4) When the doctors in the Temple heard the wisdom that came forth out of the mouth of Jesus they were confounded; they knew not, neither did they understand, and they walked in darkness. (1st ant., 3rd Nocturn, Mattins; Luke ii. 47) His mother said unto Jesus, Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us? Behold Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing.O my Son, the Light of our eyes, the Comfort of our life. (1st resp., 3rd Nocturn, Mattins; Luke ii. 48; Tobit x. 4) Jesus said unto His parents: How is it that ye sought Me? Wist ye not that I must be about My Fathers business? (2nd resp., 3rd Nocturn, Mattins; Luke ii. 49) The Child Jesus increased in wisdom and stature before God and man. (Magnificat ant., 2nd Vesp.; Luke ii. 52) For Wisdoms sake I shall have glory before the multitude, though I am young, and honour among the elders, and I will be found sharp in judgment, and wonderful in the presence of the mighty. (Chapter at Prime; Wisd. viii. 10)

Moses truly said unto the fathers: A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear in all things, whatsoever He shall say unto you. (Chapter at Sext; Acts iii, 22) Who art revealed to anxious ones, O Jesus, glory be to Thee, With Father and with Holy Ghost, Ever throughout Eternity.

FIRST DOLOROUS MYSTERY

OUR LORDS AGONY IN THE GARDEN (From the Office for Maundy Thursday) The Mount of Olives witnesseth The awful agony of God: His soul is sorrowful to death, His sweat of blood bedews the sod. At the Mount of Olives He prayed unto the Father: O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me! The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (1st resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins; Matt. xxvi. 42, 41) My Soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here and watch with Me; yet a little while, and ye shall see the multitude close Me in. Ye shall flee; and I will go to be sacrificed for you. (2nd resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins; Matt. xxvi. 38, 45) Mine heart is broken within me; all my bones tremble. (3rd ant., Lauds; Jer. xxiii. 9) Could ye not watch with Me one hour, ye that called one on the other to die for Me? Or see ye not Judas, how he sleepeth not, but maketh haste to betray Me to the Jews? Why sleep ye? Rise, lest ye enter into temptation. (2nd resp., 3rd Nocturn, Mattins; Matt. xxvi. 40; Luke xxii. 46) The vile trader Judas came to the Lord to kiss Him, and He, as a guileless Lamb, refused not a kiss to Judas, who, for a certain number of pence, betrayed Christ to the Jews. (2nd resp., 2nd Nocturn, Mattins; Matt. xxvi. 48-50; 15, 24; cf. Jer. xi. 9) Mine own friend hath betrayed Me by the sign of a kiss: Whomsoever I shall kiss, That Same is Hehold Him fast. This was the traitorous sign which he gave, even he who murdered with a kiss. Woe unto that man! He cast down the price of blood, and went, and hanged himself. (1st resp., 2nd Nocturn, Mattins; xxvi. 48, 24; xxvii. 5)

I was like a gentle lamb that is brought to the slaughter, and I knew not that mine enemies had devised devices against me, saying: Come, let us put [poison of a deadly] tree into his bread, and let us cut him off from the land of the living. (1st resp., 3rd Nocturn, Mattins; Jer. xi. 19) He was offered up because He willed it, and He bore our sins. (5th ant., Lauds; Is. liii. 7) With them that hate peace, I was peaceable; when I spoke unto them they fought against me without a cause. (2nd ant., Vesp.; Ps. cxix. 7, cf. cviii. 3) I looked on my right hand, and beheld: but there was no man that would know me. (5th ant., Vesp.; Ps. cxli. 5; cf. Ecclus. li. 10, Ps. lxviii. 21) To Him who so much bore, To gain for sinners grace, Be praise and glory evermore From the whole universal race.

SECOND DOLOROUS MYSTERY

THE SCOURGING OF OUR LORD (From the Office for the Fourth Friday in Lent, In honour of the Five Most Holy Wounds of our Lord Jesus Christ.) And now the traitors work is done: The clamorous crowds around Him surge; Bound to pillar, God the Son Quivers beneath the blood-red scourge. Wherefore art Thou red in Thine apparel, and Thy garments like theirs that tread in the wine-fat? (2nd ant., 1st Nocturn, Mattins; Is. lxiii. 2) I have trodden the wine-press alone, and of the people there was none with Me. (3rd ant., 1st Nocturn, Mattins; Is. lxiii. 3) He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and he hid as it were his face from us; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. (1st lesson, 1st Nocturn, Mattins; Is. liii. 2-3)

He is brought as a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before his shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. (2nd lesson, 1st Nocturn, Mattins; Is. liii. 7) From the Sole of the Foot even unto the Head there is no soundness in Him. (2nd ant., 2nd Nocturn, Mattins; Is. i. 6; cf. II Kings xiv. 25, Deut. xxviii. 35, Job ii. 7) Wounds, and Bruises, and putrefying Soresthey have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment. (3rd ant., 2nd Nocturn, Mattins; Is. i. 6) Lo with what red flowers doth blossom that noble Vine, our ruddy Jesus! Look if anywhere on His Body thou wilt not find those bloody roses. (2nd lesson, 2nd Nocturn, Mattins; Sermon of St. Bernard, Bk. On the Passion, ch. 41; cf. John xv. 1) But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. (2nd ant., Lauds; Is. liii. 5) Every one that goeth by it shall be astonished at all the plagues thereof. (4th ant., Lauds; Jer. xix. 8, xlix. 17, l. 13) The Lord bindeth up the hurt of His people, and healeth the stroke of their wound. (3rd ant., Lauds; Is. xxx. 26; cf. Jer. xxxiii. 6) Praise, honour, glory be through endless time To th everlasting God; Who washed away our deadly sins of crime In His own Blood.

THIRD DOLOROUS MYSTERY

THE CORONATION OF OUR LORD WITH THORNS (From the Office for the First Friday in Lent, in Memory of the Coronation of our Lord Jesus Christ with Thorns.) Lo! clad in purple soiled and worn, Meekly the Saviour waiteth now While wretches plait the cruel thorn To crown with shame His royal brow. Go forth, O ye daughters of Sion, and behold King Solomon with the Crown wherewith his mother crowned him whilst she was making ready a Cross for her Saviour. (Magnificat ant., 1st Vesp.; cf. Cant. iii. 11)

Cursed is the ground by mans work. Thorns and thistles shall it bring forth for the Anointed. Because Adam hath eaten of the tree of which God commanded him, saying: Thou shalt not eat of it. (1st resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins; cf. Gen. iii. 11, 17-18) I took care to gather a bundle of my Lords troubles and griefs, and put the same to lie between my breasts, to make up for the sheaf of merits which I knew I had not. (2nd lesson, 2nd Nocturn, Mattins; Saint Bernard 42nd Sermon on the Canticle of Canticles; cf. Cant. i. 12) A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, Christ was crowned with thorns. The Same is He Who crowneth us with mercy and loving-kindness. (2nd resp., 3rd Nocturn, Mattins; Is. liii. 3; Ps. cii. 4) My beloved is white and ruddy; the hair of his head is like kingly purple bound in tresses. (1st ant., Lauds; Cant. v. 10, vii. 5) The Lord clothed him with the garments of salvation, and with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decked with his crown. (3rd ant., Lauds; Is. lxi. 10; cf. Ecclus. xlv. 9, Job xxix. 14, Zach. iii. 5, Is. liv. 17) A bundle of myrrh is my well-beloved unto me; he shall lie betwixt my breasts. (4th ant., Lauds; Cant. i. 12) The King of Eternal Glory, Who was crowned for our sakes, will bless the crown of the year with His goodness. (5th ant., Lauds; Ps. lxiv. 12; cf. Matt. xxvii. 29, II Mach. vii. 9) And they bowed the knee before Him, and mocked Him, saying: Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon Him, and took the reed, and smote Him on the Head. (Magnificat ant., 2nd Vesp.; Matt. xxvii. 29, John xix. 2, Mark. xv. 17 ) Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. (Benedictus ant.; John xix, 5; cf. Esther viii. 15) Word of the Self-Existent One, Word uttered with the Breath Divine, Word clad in vesture dipped in Blood, All praise eternally be Thine!

FOURTH DOLOROUS MYSTERY

OUR LORD BEARS THE CROSS (From the Office for Friday in Sexagesima in Memory of the

Sufferings of Our Lord Jesus Christ) Sweating and sighing, faint with loss Of what hath flowed from lifes red fount, He bears the exceeding heavy Cross Up to the verge of Calvarys mount. O My people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? Testify against me. (1st resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins; Mich. vi. 3) I had planted thee a noble vine, saith the Lord, and thou hast brought forth unto Me grapes exceedingly bitter, for thou hast made ready a Cross for thy Saviour. (1st resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins; Jer. ii. 21) I brought thee forth out of Egypt; behind thee I caused Pharaoh to drown in the Red Sea, and before thee I went in the pillar of the cloud. And thou didst betray Me unto the chief Priests, and lead Me unto the judgment-hall of Pilate. (2nd resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins; Mich. iv. 3; cf. Josue xxiv. 6, Acts vii. 36; John xviii. 35) I scourged Egypt in her first-born for thy sake, and when thou hadst scourged Me, didst deliver Me [to be crucified,] Me, Who as a lamb before his shearer, was dumb, and opened not My Mouth. (3rd resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins; cf. Ex. xi. 5; Is. liii. 7; Mark xv. 15) I smote the kings of Canaan for thy sake, and gave thee a kingly sceptre, and thou didst put on Mine Head a crown of thorns, and smite Me upon the Head with a reed. (1st resp., 2nd Nocturn, Mattins; cf. Josue xi. 17, Ps. cxxxiv. 10, Ps. cxxxv. 17; Mark xv. 17-19) I led thee through the wilderness for forty years, and gave thee manna to eat, and thou didst buffet Me and scourge Me. (2nd resp., 2nd Nocturn, Mattins; Amos ii. 10; cf. Deut. ii. 7, viii. 2-3; Mark xiv. 65, John xix. 1) I lifted thee up with a strong hand, and thou didst lift Me up upon the gibbet of the Cross, and thereon I stretched forth My hands unto an unbelieving and gainsaying people. (3rd resp., 2nd Nocturn, Mattins; Ex. xiii. 9, Deut. v. 15, Ezech. xx. 6; Is. lvx. 2, Rom. x. 21) I gave thee to drink out of the rock the waters of salvation, and thou didst give Me gall and vinegar to drink. (1st resp., 3rd Nocturn, Mattins; Ex. xvii. 6, Num. xx. 8, Ps. lxxvii. 15; Matt. xxvii. 48)

I opened the Red Sea before thee and thou didst open with a spear the Side of thy Saviour, Who redeemed the world by His Blood. (2nd resp., 3rd Nocturn, Mattins; Josue ii. 2, iv. 23-24, Wisd. xix. 7; John xix. 34) Who shall declare His generation? For He was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people did I smite Him. (Chapter at Prime; Is. liii. 8) To Thee, Eternal Three in One, Let homage meet by all be done; Whom by the Cross Thou dost restore, Preserve and govern evermore.

FIFTH DOLOROUS MYSTERY

THE CRUCIFIXION OF OUR LORD (From Office for Good Friday) Nailed to the wood of ancient curse, Between two thieves the Sinless One Still praying for His murderers, Breathes forth His soul, and all is done! All my friends have forsaken me, and mine enemies have prevailed against me; he whom I loved hath betrayed me. Mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me; he breaketh me with breach upon breach: and [in my thirst] they gave me vinegar to drink. (1st resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins; cf. Ps. xxxvii. 12, Job xix. 14, xvi. 10, 15; Ps. lxviii. 22) What thing shall I take to witness for thee? What thing shall I liken to thee, O daughter of Jerusalem? What shall I equal to thee, that I may comfort thee, O virgin daughter of Sion? For thy breach is great like the sea: who can heal thee? (2nd lesson., 1st Nocturn, Mattins; Lam. ii. 13) The veil of the Temple was rent in twain, [from the top to the bottom,] and all the earth did quake: the thief on the cross cried, saying: Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom! (2nd resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins; Matt. xxvii. 51, 52; Luke xxiii. 42) I had planted thee a noble vine. How then art thou turned into a degenerate plant, which willest Barabbas should be released unto thee, and that I should be crucified? (3rd resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins; Jer. ii, 21; Matt. xxvii. 21) The Jews crucified Jesus: and there was darkness [over all the land, unto the ninth hour]: and about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a laud voice, [saying]: My God, [My

God,] why hast Thou forsaken Me? (2nd resp., 2nd Nocturn, Mattins; Matt. xxvii. 35, 45, 46) When Jesus had cried with a laud voice, He said: Father, into Thy hands I commend My Spirit. And He bowed His Head and gave up the Ghost. (2nd resp., 2nd Nocturn, Mattins; Luke xxiii. 46; John xix. 30) I have given the dearly-beloved of My soul into the hand of her enemies, and Mine heritage is become unto Me as a lion in the forest; the enemy crieth out against Me, saying: Assemble yourselves together, hasten to devour Him: they have made My portion a desolate wilderness, and the whole land mourneth unto Me: because there is none found that will know Me, nor do well. (3rd resp., 2nd Nocturn, Mattins; Jer. xii. 7, 8; cf. 9-11) They have turned me over into the hands of the wicked: they also have numbered me with the transgressors, neither have they spared my life: the mighty are gathered together against me, and stand up against me like giants. (1st resp., 3rd Nocturn, Mattins; cf. Job xvi 12, 14, 15; Is. liii. 12) Mine eyes do fail with tears, because the Comforter that should relieve me is far from me. Behold, O all ye nations, if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow. (3rd resp., 3rd Nocturn, Mattins; Lam. ii. 11, i. 16, 12) God spared not His Own Son, but delivered Him up for us all. (1st ant., Lauds; Rom. viii. 32) Thee, Jesus! pierced with nails and spear! Let every knee adore! With Thee, O Father, and with Thee O Spirit, evermore.

FIRST GLORIOUS MYSTERY

THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD (From the Offices for Easter Week) Now Christ, the Conqueror of death, Breaks sins enslaving chain, And rising from the tomb returns, And opens heaven again.

The Angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone, and sat upon it, and said unto the women: Fear not ye; for I know that ye seek Him That was crucified: He is risen already. Come, see the place where the Lord was laid. Alleluia. (1st resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins, Office for Easter Day; Matt. xxviii, 2, 5, 6) The Good Shepherd, Who laid down His life for the sheep, yea, Who was contented even to die for His flock, the Good Shepherd is risen again. (2nd resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins, Office for Easter Monday; John x. 11, 15) With great power gave the Apostles witness of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Alleluia, Alleluia. They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the Word of God with boldness. (1st resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins, Office for Easter Tuesday; Acts iv. 33, 31) Jesus stood in the midst of His disciples, and said unto them: Peace be unto you. Alleluia, Alleluia. (Benedictus ant., Office for Easter Tuesday; Luke xxiv. 36, John xx. 19) Behold My Hands and My Feet, that it is I Myself. Alleluia, Alleluia. (Magnificat ant., Vesp., Office for Easter Tuesday; Luke xxiv. 39) Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the Book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. . (1st resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins, Office for Wednesday in Easter Week; Apoc. v. 5) I am the True Vine, and ye are the branches: he that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit. Alleluia, Alleluia. As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you. (2nd resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins, Office for Wednesday in Easter Week; John xv. 1, 5, 9) Rejoice with me, all ye that love the Lord: for I sought Him and He hath appeared unto me; and while as I was weeping at the Sepulchre, I saw the Lord. Alleluia, Alleluia. When His disciples were gone away, I tarried still; and the fire of love in mine heart glowed for Him. (2nd resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins, Office for Thursday in Easter Week; cf. John xx. 16 ) Christ, being raised from the dead, dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over Him; for in that He died, He died unto sin once; but in that He liveth, He liveth unto God. Alleluia, Alleluia. (1st resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins, Office for Saturday in Easter Week, The Sabbath in White; Rom. vi. 9, 10) These are the new lambs, who have proclaimedAlleluia: they came but just now to the well: they are all filled with light. Alleluia, Alleluia. (2nd resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins, Office for Saturday in Easter Week, The Sabbath in White; cf. Gen. xxix. 10)

To Thee, Who, dead, again dost live, All glory, Lord, Thy people give; All glory, as is ever meet, To Father and to Paraclete.

SECOND GLORIOUS MYSTERY

THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD (From the Office for Ascension Day, called also Holy Thursday) Awhile beheld by mortal men, He rises from their sight; Ascending to the Fathers throne, He reigns in equal light. Being seen of them forty days after that He had suffered, and speaking of the kingdom of GodAlleluia. And while they beheld, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. Alleluia. (1st resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins; Acts i. 3, 9) The Lord hath set His beauty above the stars; His loveliness is in the clouds of heaven, and His Name endureth for ever. Alleluia. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and His circuit unto the ends of it. (2nd resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins; cf. Job xxii. 7, Ecclus. xliii. 1, Is. xiv. 13; Ps. xviii. 7) Be Thou exalted, O LordAlleluiain Thine Own strengthAlleluia. O God, Thou hast set Thy glory above the heavens. (3rd resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins; Ps. xx. 14; xxxvi. 6, 12; cvii. 6) My time is come that I should return unto Him That sent Me, saith the Lord. Be not sorrowful, neither let your heart be troubled. I pray the Father for you, that He may keep you. Alleluia, Alleluia. (1st resp., 2nd Nocturn, Mattins; John xvi. 5, xiv. 1, 16) Let not your heart be troubled; I go unto the Father, and when I am taken from you, I will send unto youAlleluiathe Spirit of truth; and your heart shall rejoice. Alleluia. (2nd resp., 2nd Nocturn, Mattins; John xiv. 1, 17; xvi, 22) When Christ ascended up on high, He led captivity captiveHe gave gifts unto men. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. (3rd resp., 2nd Nocturn, Mattins; Ps. lxvii. 19, Eph. iv. 8)

Thou makest the clouds Thy chariot, O Lord, Thou walkest upon the wings of the wind. Alleluia. (2nd resp., 3rd Nocturn, Mattins; Ps. ciii. 3, II Kings xxii. 22) He lifted up His Hands, and blessed them, and was carried up into heaven. Alleluia. (3rd ant., Lauds; Luke xxiv. 50, 51) Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, Which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner. Alleluia. (1st ant., Vesp.; Acts i. 11) O King of glory, Lord of hosts, Who hast this day exalted Thine Own Self, with great triumph, above all the heavens, leave us not orphans; but send unto us the Promise of the Father, even the Spirit of truth. Alleluia. (Magnificat ant., Vesp.; cf. Is. xxxvii. 16, I Par. xxix, 11; John xiv. 18, xv. 26) To Christ returning gloriously With victory to heaven, Praise, with the Father, evermore, And Holy Ghost, be given.

THIRD GLORIOUS MYSTERY

THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY GHOST (From the Offices for Whitsun Week) His promised gift unto His own He sends forth from above, And rains the Holy Ghost down In fiery tongues of love. When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one placeAlleluiaand suddenly there came a sound from heavenAlleluiaas of a mighty rushing wind, and it filled all the houseAlleluia, Alleluia. (1st resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins, Office for Whitsun Day; Acts ii. 1,2) They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak, as the Holy Ghost gave them utterance, and the multitude came together, saying: Alleluia. (2nd resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins, Office for Whitsun Day; Acts ii. 4, 6, 11) The Holy Ghost, Which proceedeth from the Throne, entered unseen into the hearts of the Apostles, with a new token of sanctification, even that all manner of tongues should

spring to their lips. Alleluia. (2nd resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins, Office for Whitsun Monday; cf. Acts ii. 4 ) If a man love Me, he will keep My word: and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him. Alleluia. (Magnificat ant., Vesp., Office for Whitsun Monday; John xiv. 23) The Lord taught them good judgment and knowledgeAlleluia. He established in them the grace of His Spirit, and filled their hearts with understanding. Alleluia (1st resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins, Office for Ember Wednesday in Whitsun Week; cf. Ex. xxxi. 3, Ecclus. xv. 5, xvii. 5, 6, Col. i. 9) Go ye unto all the world and preach the GospelAlleluia. He that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. (2nd resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins, Office for Ember Wednesday in Whitsun Week; Mark xvi. 15, 16) The fire of God fell, not to burn them, but to enlighten them; not to devour them, but to illuminate them: and found the hearts of the disciples clean vessels. And He gave them gifts of His grace. Alleluia (1st resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins, Office for Thursday in Whitsun Week; cf. Joel ii. 28 ) The Holy Ghost filled all the house where the Apostles were; and there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak in divers tongues as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. (2nd resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins, Office for Thursday in Whitsun Week; Acts ii. 2-4) Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you; that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain. Alleluia, Alleluia. (1st resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins, Office of Ember Friday in Whitsun Week; John xv. 16) The Spirit of the Lord filleth the world, and That Which containeth all things hath knowledge of the voice. Alleluia, Alleluia. For [Wisdom] is the worker of all things, having all power, overseeing all things. (2nd resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins, Office of Ember Friday in Whitsun Week; Wisd. i. 7, vii. 21, 23) To God the Father, laud and praise, Praise to the Son be given; Praise to the Spirit of all grace, The Fount of graces seven As was of old, all worlds before, Is now, and shall be evermore, When time and change are spent and oer,

All praise in earth and heaven.

FOURTH GLORIOUS MYSTERY

THE ASSUMPTION OF OUR LADY INTO HEAVEN (From the Office for Marymas or Lady-Day-in-Harvest) The Virgin, freed of mortal weight, Is borne than stars yet higher, And with glad melody is hailed By each Angelic choir. Maiden most wise, whither goest thou up, like the dawn gloriously rising? O daughter of Sion, thou art all beautiful and pleasant, fair as the moon, clear as the sun. (Magnificat ant., 1st Vesp.; cf. Cant. vi. 9, Judith x. 11, ) Through thee have the gates of Paradise been thrown open to us, O thou who this day dost triumph so gloriously among the Angels. (2nd ant., 1st Nocturn, Mattins; cf. Judith xiii. 23) I saw her, when, fair like a dove, she winged her flight above the rivers of waters. The priceless savour of her perfumes hung heavy in her garments. And about her it was as the flower of roses in the spring of the year, and lilies of the valleys. (1st resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins; cf. Cant vi. 8, Ps. liv. 7; cf. Judith xvi. 9; Ecclus. l. 8) Who is this that cometh up like the sun? This, comely as Jerusalem? The daughters of Sion saw her, and called her blessed; the queens also, and they praised her. (3rd resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins; Cant vi. 9, 8) This day the holy and animated Ark of the living God, which had held within it its own Maker, is borne to rest in that Temple of the Lord, which is not made with human hands. (1st lesson, 2nd Nocturn, Mattins; St. John of Damascus, 2nd Sermon on the Falling-on-sleep of the Blessed Mary; cf. II Kings vii. 2, II Par. v. 7, I Par. xxviii. 2) David, whence it sprang, leapeth before it, and in company with him the Angels dance, the Archangels sing aloud, the Virtues ascribe glory, the Princedoms shout for joy, the Powers make merry, the Lordships rejoice, the Thrones keep holiday, the Cherubim utter praise, the Seraphim proclaim its glory. (1st lesson, 2nd Nocturn, Mattins; St. John of Damascus, 2nd Sermon on the Falling-on-sleep of the Blessed Mary; cf. II Kings vi. 14, 15; cf. I Par. xv. 3)

This day the stainless maiden, who had been defiled by no earthly lust, but ennobled by heavenly desires, returned not to dust, but, being herself a living heaven, took her place among the heavenly mansions. (2nd lesson., 2nd Nocturn, Mattins; St. John of Damascus, 2nd Sermon on the Falling-on-sleep of the Blessed Mary; cf. Cant. iv. 7, 8) How was death ever to feed upon her? how was the grave ever to eat her up? how was corruption to break into the body into which Life had been welcomed? (3rd lesson, 2nd Nocturn, Mattins; St. John of Damascus, 2nd Sermon on the Falling-on-sleep of the Blessed Mary) O Virgin Mary, Mother of God, blessed art thou that didst believe the Lord, for there hath been a performance of those things which were told thee from the Lord. Behold, thou art exalted over the choirs of Angels. Plead for us with the Lord our God. (2nd resp., 3rd Nocturn, Mattins; cf. Luke i. 45) Blessed of the Lord art thou, O daughter, for by thee we have been given to eat of the fruit [of the Tree] of Life. (4th ant., Lauds; cf. Judith xiii. 13, cf. Gen. ii. 9, Apoc. ii. 7) King of glory, hear our cry, Make us soon Thy joys to see, Where, enthroned in majesty, Countless Angels sing to Thee.

FIFTH GLORIOUS MYSTERY

THE CORONATION OF OUR LADY (From the Office for Rosary Sunday, First Sunday in October) Our Mothers gentle brow now shines With crown in starry sheen, As nigh her Son, in light enthroned, She reigns creations Queen. Who is this, fair as a dove, like a rose-tree planted beside the rivers of waters. (1st ant., 1st Vesp.; cf. Ps. i. 3, Jer. xvii. 8, Ecclus. xxxix. 17) A virgin most mighty, like the tower of David, whereon there hung a thousand bucklers, all the shields of valiant men. (2nd ant., 1st Vesp.; Cant. iv. 4) The daughters of Sion saw her in her spring time, amidst the flowers of the roses, and called her most blessed. (5th ant., 1st Vesp.; Cant. vi. 8)

Take the pleasant harp, in the time appointed, on your solemn feast-day and sing aloud unto the Virgin our strength. O sing unto her a new song, declare her glory among the heathen. (1st resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins; cf. Ps. lxxx. 3, 4, 2; cf. Ps. xcv. 1, 3) Upon Thy right hand did stand the Queen in a vesture of gold, wrought about with divers colours. And about her it was as the flower of roses in the spring of the year, and lilies of the valleys. (2nd resp., 1st Nocturn, Mattins; cf. Ps. xliv. 10, Ecclus. l. 8) Thou art the glory of Jerusalem: thou art the joy of Israel: thou art the honour of our nation: thou hast done manfully, because thou alone hast slain all heresies. (1st resp., 2nd Nocturn, Mattins; cf. Judith xv. 10, 11) Thy right hand is become glorious in power: thy right hand hath dashed in pieces the enemy, they sank [as lead] in the mighty waters, and the sea covered them. (2nd resp., 2nd Nocturn, Mattins; cf. Ex. xv. 6, 10) There appeared a great wonder in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars. (3rd resp., 2nd Nocturn, Mattins; Apoc. xii. 1) As the vine brought I forth pleasant savour, and my flowers are the fruit of honour and seemliness. I am the mother of fair love, and fear, and knowledge, and holy hope. (1st resp., 3rd Nocturn, Mattins; Ecclus. xxiv. 23, 24) Flourish as a lily, and send forth a smell, and blossom with grace; sing a song of praise, and bless the Lord in His works. (Chapter at Sext; Ecclus. xxxiv. 19) We lay our homage at Thy feet, Lord Jesus, Thou the Virgins Son; With Father and with Paraclete, Reigning while endless ages run.

APPENDIX:

MEDITATIONS ON THE DIVERS EXCELLENCIES AND MARVELLOUS GRACES OF THE HOLY VIRGIN GERTRUDE (FROM THE MONASTIC OFFICE IN HER HONOUR) In Gertrudes heart you shall find Me, saith the Lord; My soul is pleased to be there. (1st ant., 1st Vesp.) I live, now not I, but Christ liveth in me; for I bear the marks of the Lord Jesus on my heart. (4th ant., 1st Vesp.) Go forth, ye daughters of Sion, and see Gertrude in the diadem wherewith Christ has crowned her in the day of her espousals, and in the day of the joy of her heart. (Magnificat ant., 1st Vesp.) Her heart became as wax softened by fire, upon which Christ impressed the seal of His Divinity. (3rd ant., 1st Nocturn, Matins) With an everlasting love the Lord loved Gertrude, therefore He drew her from her very infancy and led her into His solitude and he spoke to her heart. He espoused her to Himself in faith and in mercy forever. (1st resp., 1st Nocturn, Matins) Turning to her Spouse, Gertrude said, It is good for me to cling to Thee alone, my Beloved. Then the Lord, stooping to embraced her saying, And it is sweet to Me to cling to thee alone, My beloved. (2nd resp., 1st Nocturn, Matins) Always did she bear in her body the mortification of Jesus Christ, whose stigma she bore impressed upon her heart. (5th ant., 2nd Nocturn, Matins) O blessed soul, worthy to be the seat of that Wisdom whose delights are to be with the children of men! (2nd ant., Lauds)

With seven rings my Lord Jesus Christ espoused me, and as a bride He adorned me with a crown. (3rd ant., Lauds) Gertrude had the power to stay the clouds of heaven, as also to open its portals, for her tongue had become the key of heaven. (4th ant., Lauds) A faithful handmaid and chosen spouse, she entered into the heart and joys of her Lord, after Whose love she languished. (5th ant., Lauds) O most worthy Spouse of Christ, enlightened by the light of prophecy, inflamed with apostolic zeal, crowned with a Virgins laurel, consumed by the fire of divine love. (Benedictus ant.) Like a chaste dove she built her nest in the hollow of sacred side of Jesus Christ, and drew from that rock sweetest honey. (1st ant.., 2nd Vesp.) Christ spoke face to face with His beloved Gertrude, as a man is wont to converse with a friend. (2nd ant.., 2nd Vesp.) The words of blessed Gertrude were as darts of divine love; her lamps as lamps of fire and of flames. (3rd ant.., 2nd Vesp.) Christ received the soul of His beloved when it had left the prison of its body, and lovingly opened His heart to it. (4th ant.., 2nd Vesp.) There appeared celestial spirits descending from heaven to earth, who invited Gertrude to the joys of Paradise singing harmoniously, Come, O beloved, come, for the delights of heaven are awaiting thee. Alleluia, Alleluia. (Magnificat ant., 2nd Vesp.) Let us pray. O God, who didst prepare for Thyself a pleasant habitation in the most pure heart of the blessed Gertrude Thy Virgin: for the sake of her merits and intercession mercifully cleanse our hearts from stain, that they may become a worthy habitation of Thy divine majesty. Through our Lord.