A CANTICLE LIKE HABACUC'S (III)

O Lady, I have heard thy hearing: and I was astonished: I have considered thy works, and I have feared. Lady, thy work: in the midst of the years thou hast quickened it. I will praise thee, O Lady: for thou hast hidden these things from the wise, and hast revealed them to little ones. Thy glory hath covered the heavens: and the earth is full of thy mercy. Thou hast gone forth, O Virgin, in the salvation of thy people: to their salvation with Christ. O blessed one, in thy hands is laid up our salvation: be mindful, O loving one, of our poverty. He whom thou wilt save, will be saved: and he from whom thou shalt turn away thy face, will go down to destruction. Glory be to the Father, etc.