ST. CECILIA'S HYMN.
I
O born of a Virgin most lowly and meek,
Thou, sent of Thy Father lost Creatures to seek,
Vouchsafe, in the Manner that pleaseth Thee best,
To kindle Thy Love in my virginal Breast;
Let the Words of my Mouth and the Thoughts of my Heart
Obey the sweet Force which Thy Grace shall impart;
Whilst Angels assist me to offer my Vows
To the God of my Life, my Redeemer and Spouse!
II
My Life I esteem, O Creator Divine,
As a Loving Impression out-flowing from Thine,—
As an act of Thy Bounty that gives us a Part
Of the Light, Love and Glory Which Thou Thyself art.
May I always as little Thy Pleasure oppose,
As the pure simple Nature from whence I arose;
And by Thee and for Thee created, fulfil
In Thought, Word and Deed Thy adorable Will!
III
By this Blessèd Will, howsoever made known,
With a dutiful Joy will I govern my own;
And, deaf to all tempting Enchantments of Sin,
I will hearken to Thee, my Redeemer within.
Thy Words will I ponder by Night and by Day,
And the Light of Thy Gospel shall mark out my Way;
Till at length I arrive at the Honour I claim,
To live like a Virgin baptis'd in Thy Name.
