Page:Selections from Ancient Irish Poetry - Meyer.djvu/54

 A PRAYER TO THE VIRGIN

Gentle Mary, noble maiden, give us help! Shrine of our Lord's body, casket of the mysteries!

Queen of queens, pure holy maiden, Pray for us that our wretched transgression be
 * forgiven for Thy sake.

Merciful one, forgiving one, with the grace of the
 * Holy Spirit,

Pray with us the true-judging King of the goodly
 * ambrosial clan.

Branch of Jesse's tree in the beauteous hazel-wood, Pray for me until I obtain forgiveness of my foul
 * sins.

Mary, splendid diadem, Thou that hast saved our
 * race,

Glorious noble torch, orchard of Kings!

Brilliant one, transplendent one, with the deed of
 * pure chastity,

Fair golden illumined ark, holy daughter from
 * Heaven!

Mother of righteousness, Thou that excellest all
 * else,

Pray with me Thy first-born to save me on the
 * day of Doom.

Noble rare star, tree under blossom, Powerful choice lamp, sun that warmeth every one.

Ladder of the great track by which every saint
 * ascends,

Mayst Thou be our safeguard towards the glorious
 * Kingdom.