ORIGO CASTI CORDIS.  
Ego dormio et cor meum vigilat. cant. 5. Ego sto ad ostium et pulso, si quis aperue: rit ianuam, intrabo ad illum. Apoc. ●.  
Hieronymus Wier● ferit et excud. Cum Gratia et Priuil. Piermans.    

INSTRUCTIONS AND ADVERTISEMENTS, HOW TO MEDITATE THE Mysteries of the rosary of the most holy Virgin MARY.  
Written in Italian by the Reverend Father Gaspar Loarte D. of Divinity of the Society of JESUS. And newly translated into English.  
IHS  
Non nobis Domine, non nobis, sed Nomini tuo da gloriam.   

THE AUTHOR to the devout Reader.  
ALBEIT THE PROFIT and importance of holy prayer, and meditation of heavenly things, hath not been so well understood heretofore, yet is it now through God's good grace so much the better known, as it is more used. And amongst other things which they are wont and may meditate that give themselves to this holy exercise, the devotion of the holy rosary is one that is very commendable, very easy, and almost exercised of each one; wherein the most high and divine mysteries are contained: especially being instituted by the glorious Patriarch S. Dominike, who received it by revelation of our Lady, as his Religion doth witness and observe. And having in like manner been confirmed by many Popes, and enriched with many graces, prerogatives, and indulgences; namely, by Pius Quintus of holy memory, as appeareth by the authentical privileges which the Fathers of the said Religion have in Rome, Bononia, Naples, and other places. Howbeit, because all know not how to meditate these Mysteries (as it bohoveth) and by this lack they lose a great part of the fruit which might well be gathered thereby, for their help this present Treatise hath been composed; wherein is showed, in what manner they ought to meditate with greatest profit and consolation of their souls. And that thou, well-beloved Reader, mayest the better understand, how fruitful this holy devotion is to every sort of people, and how it behoveth thee to exercise thyself therein, thou mayest read the Chapter following wherein this matter is so amply entreated of, as I hope thou wilt not grudge to read the rest of the book, meaning to embrace this so holy an exercise, which thou mayest assuredly believe, shall be more profitable and pleasant, then painful and irksome to thee.   


Monstra te esse Matrem.  
Monstra te esse Filium.   
Conditor Omnipotens, coeloque, saloque, soloque  
Sanctius hac nullum Virgine fecit opus.   

THE AUTHORS' Preface touching the great profit and utility that may be gathered by meditating upon the life of our Saviour jesus Christ; and in what manner we ought to meditate the mysteries of the rosary (which are entreated of in this Treatise) and contain in them the principal part of this most holy life.  
LIKE AS THE son of God vouchsafed to come down from heaven to earth, and to make himself man for the welfare and life of man, according to that the self same word incarnate 
a joh. 10. b Gal. 4. a.  saith; I am come that men may have life, and that they may have it plentilully: even so, for the conservation of this life of grace, and spiritual consolation of man, one of the things that may most chiefly help him herein, is the often meditating of the life of the said word incarnate jesus Christ our Saviour, and the imitation of his most marvelous examples; sith, the celestial Father having given him to the world for a 
a Luc. 2. c. joh. 1. a. 3. c 8. b. 12. f Act. 13. g  light, for a guide, and for a Schoolmaster and teacher of men; and the Son himself assuring us, that 
b 1. joh. 1. a. 2. b. joh. 13. b 1. Petr. 2. d  all, whatsoever he did, was done to give us an example, that we should do the same; what should such do, as could not enjoy his vifible presence here in earth? how should they be illuminated, guided, and instructed of him, if they had not this remedy of the meditation of his most holy life? by means whereof, he even at this day illuminateth, guideth, and teacheth us, as though he were present, with that he erst did (wandering corporally in this world) speak, work, endure, and teach.  
IT BEHOVETH therefore, that this meditation serve us as a mirror, wherein, by eftsoon looking & taking view, we may with the eyes of our soul see that, which with the eyes of our body we neither could nor can see; and according to it direct and frame our life, sith 
a Rom. 15. 〈◊〉 1. Pet. 2. d  all jesus Christ his actions were done for our institution and instruction; yea, as S. john the Apostle 
b 1. joh. 2▪ 〈◊〉  saith: Who so saith that he dwelleth in jesus Christ, that is to say, that he is a member and servant of jesus Christ, aught to walk as he hath walked. As if he had said: whosoever saith, that he is a member of jesus Christ, must be lowly 
c Mat. 11. d  and meek, as jesus Christ was; must contemn all delights, honours, and woorshipp of this world, as he did, seeking in all things the only glory of God, 
d joh. 7. c 8. g  & not regarding in any thing his own peculiar estimation; he must love friends and 
e Mat. 5. g.  foes, do injury to none, and if any be done to him, 
f Luc. 6. d 1. Pet. 2. d.  bear it patiently; desire rather to serve others, than to be 
g Mat. 20. d  served himself. To be short, he must so love his neighbour, 
h Mar. 10. g  as if need require at any time, he be ready to lose his life for his welfare and salvation.  
How is it then possible for a true Christian to do these and so many more things as be necessary to be done, to imitate jesus Christ aright, but if he know that jesus Christ himself did first practice and do them most exactly? and how shall he wots them, but by eftsoon meditating his life, & the lively & perfect examples, which of such like works he left us? and how may a man learn the lessons of charity, patience, poverty, obedience, and of all other virtues, but if he know the life of the Lord of all virtues? and therefore, as saith glorious S. Bernard: 
a Ber. sub finem serm. 22. in Can.  In vain travaileth he to attain virtues, that hopeth by any other means then by the Lord of all 
b Ps. 23. b. 79. 83. 88  virtues to attain them; whose doctrine is a nursery of prudence; his mercy a work of justice; his life a mirror of temperance; his death a lively pattern of prows. Thou seest, Reader, by this holy Doctor his words, confirmed by the testimony of so many other famous men, how necessary the continual meditation of Christ's most holy life is, to the obtaining of such virtues as be needful for all those that covet to participate of the true and everlasting life.  
Moreover, besides this so great a profit, which proceedeth necessarily out of this most laudable exercise, weigh well, good Christian Reader, what other fruits, graces, and store of spiritual treasure do associate this holy meditation. Tell me, I pray thee, what thing more sweeter, and of greater consolation may any man desire, that hath not wholly lost his taste, then to meditate, discourse, and think upon the words, works, examples, and life of our Saviour jesus Christ? Of whom we find 
a Sap. 8. d.  written, That his conversation was without all sournes, and his company had no encumbrance, but joy and consolation: What time may we deem better spent, then that which is employed in such profitable meditation? what exercise can there be more meritorious or acceptable to Christ, than this, wherein the soul is busied, in performing Mary Magdalen that most worthy penitent her function & office, who 
a Luc. 10. g Aug. 1. de Trinit. init ca 10. to. 3.  choosed the best part, in sitting her down at our lords feet, and listening to his words. The like did our Sovereign Lady the blessed virgin Mary, 
b Luc. 2. g  marking well, and revolving the same words in her heart: What thing may there be more valable to gain mercy, grace, and the familiarity of jesus Christ? what more sovereign remedy to come by little and little to the contemplation of his infinite majesty, then is attentive and serious meditation? Seeing the same our Lord assureth us himself thereof, 
c joh. 10. b  saying: If any enter in by me he shall be saved, and shall find most sweet feedings. In fine, what thing may there be more easy or more pleasant for all sorts of people, then is this holy meditation? sith in meditating the life of Christ, we must needs meditate withal the life of his blessed mother, as also call the Apostles and other holy Saints to mind, that lived and conversed with him: yea, all the blessed Angels too, who greatly delight in this kind of exercise, and therefore, no doubt, but favour greatly all those that use it. In such wise, as if thou wert not to receive any other guerdon, nor to reap any other commodity by this so holy an exercise, yet ought this only thing to allure, yea, constrain thee, to frequent and practise it; to wit, the pleasure and sweetness which thy soul shall feel, in contemplating so holy a life, in remembering his so absolute and wonderful works, in beholding with the eyes of thy soul so beautful 
a Ps. 44. a Sap. 13. a Bern. initio Ser. 2. de Epiph.  and amiable a Lord above all the sons of men.  
What thing can be more sweet, then to consider his most holy behaviours? how humble he was in his conversation; how affable in his words; how mild in his answers; how fervent in his preaching; how severe in reprehending vice; how zealous in procuring divine honour; how patiented in putting up injuries; how diligent in seeking the safeguard of souls; how full of compassion, in bewailing others annoys; how courteous in receiving sinners; how merciful in pardoning offenders; how liberal, in granting that which was required him; how mighty in his miracles; how modest in his going; how temperate in his eating; how great a lover of poverty; how prone to pains; how frequent in watching and praying; how gracious and amiable towards all men: he despised none, although a sinner; he shunned none, were he sick or a leper; he flattered not the rich, ne drove the needy out of his company; he fled all worldly honours, and was not careful for temporal treasure; he was common to all; and to 
a Sic Paul 1. Cor. 2. d.  win all, conversed with al. Briefly, he was so delectable, so sweet, and so amiable, as it is not possible to find, wish, ne yet imagine, a more gracious, exact, and perfect life then his was. What is he therefore that willbe so senseless, and of so corrupt a taste, as will not be delighted therewith, and feel a singular sweetness in meditating of this so holy a life?  
Nevertheless, think not, that in saying, that the meditation of Christ his life is of so great importance, I mean to exclude his passion and death, neither yet his Resnrrection and Ascension; sith under this word of life, all these mysteries are comprehended; and out of them all oughtest thou to gather, as it were, a pretty posy, to bear always about thee in thy bosom, like to that of myrrh, which the Spouse 
a Can. 1. d  said in the Cantikes, she carried continually in hers. Good 
b Ber. init. Ser. 43. in Cant. & ger. 12. de d●lect. dei, in tract. de 〈◊〉 be. viu.  S. Bernard said, how he had gathered such a one, out of all the distresses and annoyances our Lord had in his infancy, the pains he abidd in preaching, the toils he endured in his voyages, the temptations he surmounted in fasting, the tears he shed in praying; and to say all at once, out of all the injuries, outrages, scorns, spittings, blows, nails, with all the other torments; and amongst so many branches of this most sweet-smelling myrrh, he saith, how he left not that out of the sour drink which was given him on the Rood, nor yet that wherewith he was anointed in the sepulchre. By which words this holy Saint declareth, how in meditating our saviours life, all these things are to be considered.  
Howbeit, forasmuch as it is not long agone, that being commanded by my superiors, I made a small Treatise that was published abroad, touching the matter of the Passion, wherein were certain instructions and advertisements given, both of the principal points thereof, and in what manner they were to be meditated; mine intent was in this Treatise (being in like manner commanded me) to have principally entreated of such other mysteries of this most holy life, as had not been spoken of in the other Treatise. Notwithstanding, when I afterwards had perceived, how to write all that might be gathered out of the holy Gospels touching the life, preaching, and miracles of our Lord, would be a veri long thing, and require a just volume, I determined with myself to write only upon the mysteries of the rosary of the most blessed virgin Mary; sithence, beside is so godly, renowned, and approved, a devotion as is abovesaid in the Prologue; therein, in my fancy, are the chief points of the life of Christ contained, from the time of his incarnation, until the sending down of the holy Ghost; in-somuch as, whosoever he be that shall meditate these well, may assure himself to have meditated the greater and more principal part of his most sacred life.  
This is the thing therefore, my dearly beloved brother, which I here present unto thee; to wit, the meditations of the mysteries of the aforesaid rosary, whereof each one, (as was done in the other meditations of the Passion) is distinguished into three points, aswell for the perfection 
a Aug. ca 16 lib. 2. de doct. Chris. to. 3. & li. 2. q. evan. cap. 6. to. 4 & in psal. 6. tom. 8  and devotion of this number, as also, that each one may meditate them more amply, and with less confusion.  
But because the points which I noted in the other meditations of the sacred Passion were no whit amplified and dilated, but only a bare text set down of the matters that were to be meditated upon (the which was done, supposing that each one would themselves, according to their devotion have dilated and amplified the same) understanding since, that if some do make this discourse and dilatation, yet, all for lack of capacity do it not; for this cause have I done mine endeavour in this book, to content both th'one and th'other; acknowledging myself, as S. Paul 
a Rom. 1. b.  saith, to be indebted both to the learned and the ignorant. For the learned therefore, I have thought good, after a text wise, first to set down that which they may meditate upon in every mystery, leaving each one to pause therein, and to dilate the same, according to their capacity and devotion: now for the ignorant, that know not how to do this, without some further help, I have showed than the manner, how to entertain themselves, and to discourse upon each point, which soever they may think good to meditate upon; out of which manner of amplification they may gather these commodities following.  
1. First, they shall better understand the history of that point, whereon they purpose to meditate.  
2. They may conceive the document or example, which sometimes is intermeddled for their iustruction.  
3. They may learn, how otherwhiles to ask our Saviour such things, as the point whereon they meditate, may most fitly minister occasion of; otherwhiles to yield thanks for such graces and mercies as they may be put in mind to have been done unto them, and to this purpose may they apply the vocal prayer set down at the end of every mystery.  
4. They may with the reading of these amplifications, help themselves to avoid the distractions and wandering of mind, which otherwhiles, yea, eftsoon, happeth in time of meditation.  
5. The Apostrophes and familiar speeches which I have now and then intermeddled in this method and manner of dilatation, may serve to excite and kindle devotion, being weak or wanting, as happeth many times to be.  
6. After they have read more than once the foresaid manner of amplifications upon each point, they shall perceive themselves so sufficiently instructed, as that of themselves they may either altogether, or in part, be able to amplify such articles as they are minded to meditate upon; and when they found nothing suggested of their own brain and peculiar devotion, yet may the reading of these points that are here propounded them, with their amplifications well and leisurly considered, serve for a sufficient meditation, whiles nothing else were granted them. And of these, and such like fruits which the simple sort may suck and gather out of the foresaid amplifications, the learned may in like wise help themselves therewithal at some times, when best shall like them; so that, aswell to th'one as th'other they shall not be unprofitable.  
Moreover, this manner of distinguishing and entertaining a man's self upon every article, may serve for all sorts of people; for who so mindeth to discourse upon all the three points of the mystery, whereon he meditateth, well may he so do; and who fancied not to pause in each point so long time, may make choice of that point that shalt best like him; serving his turn, if he think good, with the meditating of one only point, and the amplification thereof, if he list; which he may right easily find out, seeing every point is so plainly distinguished apart, as one hangeth not of another, but each one is absolute in his own conclusion. I think it good beside, to advertise thee in this place, that the instructions which I have given thee in the 6. 8. and 11. Chapters of, The exercise of a Christian life; as also those advises that I set thee down in the treatise I wrote of the meditation of the Passion, at the end of the instruction, may greatly help thee to the better meditating of these mysteries; all the which documents I here omit for brevity sake, referring thee only to the foresaid places in the books above especified.  
Finally, I think it meet to advertise thee, that for-somuch as in the institution of the rosary it is ordained that ten ave Maries and one Pater noster be recited upon every mystery, these may be said in three sundry manners. The first is, to recite them before thou enter into thy meditation. The second is, to say them in the very time of meditation. The third is, to say them after a man hath finished his meditation. And this last way is, in mine opinion, the best, sith the soul doth commonly after meditation find itself more supple, and better disposed to pray with attention and devotion. Yet mean I not hereby to make a law, but that each one may say them, at such time as best shall like them.  
These particularities have I thought good to touch, minding thereby to help novices, and such as are smallly acquainted with this exercise, a labour that I have willingly laid my handss to, aswell, for that it was appointed me by those that have authority to command me, as also, in regard of the hope I have conceived that it shall benefit the brethren of our company, for whose profit and commodity, this pamphlet was principally composed: whom I exhort and pray as earnestly as I can, to give themselves diligently to this holy exercise of meditation, considering that for so small pain they are promised so great a gain, and so singular consolation, as I am persuaded all those shallbe able to testify, who with a willing and fervent desire shall for some time give themselves to assay and prove the same: For verily do I hope, that such shall by experience find his life to be the guide of their life, who is the way, 
a joh. 14▪ 〈◊〉  the truth, and the life; to whom, with the Father and the holy Ghost be eternal and everlasting glory.  
Amen.   

TOTIUS LIBRI SUMMA.  
Nunciat, invisit, Parit, Offertur, Reperitur:  
Orat, Flagra, Vepres, Fertque, Subitque Crucem:  
Vivit, & Ascendit, Paracletum mittit ab alt●●  
Mors Mariae, Redimit sacra Corona Caput.   

THE FIFTEEN MYSTERIES OF THE rosary OF OUR LADY.  
WHEREOF THE FIVE FIRST ARE CALLED JOYFUL; THE SECOND DOULFUL; THE THIRD GLORIOUS.   

THE ANNUNCIATION.  
 
Hic Maria Gabriel Superi Consulta Senatu●  
Nunciat, implentur viscera Casta Deo.   

¶ THE FIRST JOYFUL MYSTERY IS OF THE INcarnation of the Son of God; and of the Annunciation of our Lady; where upon thou shalt meditate these three points following.  
FIRST, that Cordial charity of God, who 
a 1. joh. 4. c joh. 1. b. 3. b  vouchsafed to be incarnate, and to make himself man, as we are, to repair thereby the fall of miserable mankind, delivering us by this means from the slavery of Satan, and this without any merit of ours going before, 
b Tim. 1. b Admetus Tit. 3. 〈◊〉  worthy the receeving of so great a benefit.  
SECONDLY, Consider, how for the accomplishment of this mystery, he sent that celestial embassage to the most sacred virgin, the which Gabriel the Angel carried, according as the Evangelist S. Luke 
c Luc. 1. c.  reporteth. Wherein thou mayest contemplate the circumstances of the Ambassador, and of the great Lady, to whom the embassage was sent; as also the words of those most amiable speeches that passed betwixt them twain.  
THIRDLY consider, how presently after the most sacred Virgin had yielded her consent to the message that was delivered her by the Angel, this divine mystery was forthwith accomplished. Here mayest thou meditate, what marvelous matters were done in that instant.  
THE FIRST Article may be amplified, by meditating the pitiful estate which the world was in, when God vouchsafed to bestow this his so bountiful a benefit upon it; how many sins did every where bear sway; how many errors, how great blindness, how many dangers, how slender a desire, ne yet any imagination to receive so great a benefit; and yet, such was the love of God towards the world, as without any good desert of our part, yea, with an infinite number of most enormous crimes; the day being come, which his majesty had before all days ordained, 
a Gal. 4. a. Leo Papa Ser. 2. de Nativit. D●m.  he remembered them that had forgotten him, and with most rare clemency vouchsafed to visit them that deserved most severely to be chastised; and to redress the endless evils and miseries that reigned round about the world; albeit so beetle blind were men, as they knew them not, nor any whit perceived them. And for the doing of this matter, he disdained not to join himself to the misery of human nature, making himself man for us, and thrall to thousands of annoys, for our salvation. O inestimable Charity? O infinite liberality? Lord, thou liberally departest with more to the world, than it either durst crave or wish for at thy hands. What didst thou espy in us, O Lord, to constrain thee in such lowly wise to visit us? what were our merits towards thee? what services had we performed to thy divine majesty? thy mere goodness it is, that only provoketh thee thereto; that thy mere clemency causeth thee to descend from heaven to earth, and to take human flesh in the blessed virgin's womb for our welfare, which made thee erst to descend down 
a Exod. 3. a Deut. 33. b. Mar. 12. b Luc. 20. f. Act. 7. d Berinthia Ser. in verba. 12. Apoc. signum magnum apparuit.  into the bush, taking pity of thy people's affliction, and to procure their deliverance, as than thou saidst to Moses; whereby thou figuredst this thy second descent of clothing thyself with the mantle of our humanity. All the Angel's praise and thank thee for this thine ineffable mercy; seeing man cannot condignly thank thee therefore, nor yet acknowledge it sufficiently.  
IN THE second point thou shalt have a plentiful subject to dilate upon, considering on th'one side the quality of the Ambassador which God sent down for the dealing in this affair; his high estate, being one of the 
b Luc. 1. b. Ber. non longè à princ. hom. 1. super Missu● est.  principal Angels of heaven; the beauty and brightness of body, wherein he appeared to the most sacred virgin; the humility & reverence, wherewith he saluted her; the gracious speeches, replenished with all consolation, which he used towards her; the great skill and wonderful wisdom he showed in reporting his Commission to her, declaring by degrees the divine mystery of the Incarnation. In this manner mayest thou likewise discourse upon all the other circumstances.  
On th'other side, weigh well the excellency and sovereign dignity of her, whom this embassage was sent to; her modest countenance in hearkening; her grave prudence, in pondering the words that were spoken to her; that welbeseeming bashfulness which made her blush, in hearing her own praises; the fervent zeal she carried to virginity, which made her make answer, meaning to be assured thereof; the lively faith, wherewith she firmly believed all that was on God's behalf announced her, for the which she was of her cousin S. Elizabeth 
a Luc. 1. 〈◊〉  singularly commended; & lastly, the profound humi with she resigned and gave up herself as our Lord his obedient servant, he having chosen her for his beloved mother. If thou discuss diligently all these particularities, as all other the like circumstances of this divine mystery, thou shalt find thyself rapt into such an admiration, as shall make thee cry out with the Royal Psalmist 
a Ps. 138  David: Great and wonderful is thy wisdom O Lord, it is so high, as I cannot comprehend it. It surpasseth my retch and understanding; sithence of what side soever thou turnest thee in this embassage, thou shalt find great, and right miraculous marvels. Great is the message; great the Lord that sent it; great is the parsonage, to whom it was sent; great the Ambassador that brought it; great is the affair that is entreated of; great and marvelous the manner of proceeding in it. Our Lord be lauded every where, 
b Dan. 6. g  that doth so great matters both in heaven and earth.  
IF THOU desire to stay upon the third point, thou shalt never want matter, meditating the things that took effect presently after the Queen of heaven had given her consent, 
a Luc. 1. d.  saying: Fiat mihi secundùm verbum tuum. Be it done unto me according to thy word. Sith in that very instant the most sacred body of jesus was by virtue of the holy ghost form of the most pure blood of the blessed virgin Mary; and in the self same instant was his glorious soul created and infused in his body; and in the ●ame instant was his most holy humanity united with the eternal word of God in one self-same person. And thenceforth was the blessed virgin mother of God, Queen of Angels and men, full of grace, replenished with all the gi●tes and prerogatives meet for so incomparable a dignity. O Fiat most puissant and effectual? with another 
b Gen. 1. 〈◊〉.  Fiat God did erst make the heavens, earth, and all the creatures of the world; yet were there far greater & more important matters made with this Fiat▪ seeing that by means of this Fiat, the same God made himself man, and man was made God; with all the other right wondered works that proceed out of this change & most miraculous metamorphosis.  
O mighty Lady, thou hast not said without cause in thy 
a Luc. 1. c.  Canticle, That he which is mighty hath done great things unto thee; and what greater matters might there be, then to have made thee his mother, thou enjoying still thy pure and immaculate virginity? what greater matter, them to have made thee his temple, 
b Vide Litaniam B. Maria in fine huius ●●bri.  and the sacred tabernacle of the holy Ghost? what greater matter, than he whom the cope of heaven can not contain, to have vouchsafed to shut himself up in thy sacred womb, it being made thereby a celestial Paradise, wherein the Angels delight to adore their Maker. verily the Almighty hath done great matters to thee, whereby thy spirit may rightly rejoice, and without intermission magnify him, who hath so highly magnified thee. And we all may rightly for the same cause congratulate with thee, and praise and reverence thee perpetually, endeavouring ourselves all we may, to be thy true & faithful servants.  

A PRAYER.  
GREAT and ineffable was the joy, O most sacred virgin Mary, which thy most holy heart was seized with, when being saluted by the Angel Gabriel, and understanding the cause of his embassage, thou with a most profound humility resignest thyself into our Lord his hands, and 
a Aug. ca 5. lib. 2. de▪ Symb. ad Catech. Chrisol. Ser. 143.  wert presently thereupon made the true mother of thine own Father & Creator. I beseech thee Lady, by this thine incomparable dignity, that with thy worthy prayers thou wilt obtain me abundant grace, whereby I may conceve spiritually the self-same Lord, and know always how to keep him in my soul. Amen.    

THE VISITATION.  
 
Visitur Elizabeth, Christumque salutat ab alu●  
Infans, qui geminae legis alumnus erat.   

THE SECOND JOYFUL Mystery is touching our blessed Lady her visiting of S. Elizabeth; whereupon thou mayest meditate these three articles or points following.  
THE FIRST is, how our Lady having 
a Luc. 1. 〈◊〉  by the Angel's revelation understood, how her Cousin was now six months gone with child, she with an exceeding charity and diligence went to visit her.  
SECONDLY, Consider the passing joy which S. 
b Ibidem.  Elizabeth felt presently after she had seen the blessed Virgin, and heard the voice of her salutation, as also the words which she spoke in her praise and singular commendation.  
THIRDLY, contemplate, how our Lady hearing the words that S. Elizabeth spoke, and understanding the secret things that were revealed unto her, she was surceased with a great joy and exultation of spirit; and being wholly inflamed in divine love, pronounced that most mystical Canticle of 
c Luc. 1. 〈◊〉  Magnificat anima mea Dominum.  
MINDING to pause in the consideration of the first Article, meditate the charity which caused the most sacred mother to enterprise so long and laboursome a journey, only to visit, and to do some service to that holy old woman Saint Elizabeth, woting well, that by her presence she might be greatly comforted and helped.  
This 
a Amb. in Luc. lib. 1. &. 2. de virginibus.  may serve thee for a lesson to endeavour thyself, according to her example, to exercise the works of charity and mercy with a willing and ready heart. Ponder likewise her most profound humility, wherewith albeit she received so high a dignity, as to be made the mother of God, yet did she not for all that refuse to humble and depress herself, in going to do that office, which the meaner sort is wont to perform unto their betters. O most holy and most humble mother, how far art thou estranged from all arrogant hawtines; how far abhorring from the pestilent presumption of men and women of this world, which being but vile and abject in the sight of God, will exalt themselves, and covet to be visited, courted, and served of all others, not knowing that, most sovereign Lady which thou knewest so well, to wit, 
a Eccle. 3. 〈◊〉 Phil. 2. a.  that to find favour in the face of God, and to be respected of his divine Majesty, look how much any one is greater, and more worthy renown, & so much ought he the more to humble and submit himself to others.  
Thou mayest extend thyself in the consideration of the second point, meditating, how great efficacy the presence & speech of the most sacred virgin is of, and how happy those are to be deemed, whom graciously she favoureth, seeing S. Elizabeth (immediat-after she was visited and saluted of her) received, both she, and the child she bore in her entrails, so great a joy and marvelous illumination of spirit; Sithence the mystery of the Incarnation of the son of God (at that time utterly unknown to the whole world) was revealed unto her. And by the words which she uttered them unto our Lady, plain testimony did she give, what other graces and favours she had received, the which ought mightily to move thee to enforce thyself all thou mayest to be a devout and zealous servant of this great Lady, by honouring her continually in thine heart; whereby thou shalt merit to be spiritually visited and favoured of her; in such wise, as thou mayest have an assured hope, never at any time to be destitute of God his divine gifts and graces.  
TOUCHING the contemplation of the third Article, thou shalt have a large scope to walk in, imagining how this most sacred soul of the 
a Luc. 1. d.  holy mother was affected in hearing what her cousin S. Elizabeth said unto her; how gracious, how glittering, how glad she was, and replenished with all consolation; how she blushed, to hear her own praises spoken of; how lowly she humbled herself, attributing all the virtues she was adorned with, to the bountiful goodness of our Lord that gave her them; with how inflamed an affection she thanked God, for this his so singular a benefit done both to her, and to all the whole race of mankind. In some, as not able any longer to repress her inward exultations, she discovered herself at last, and gave the fervent flames of divine fire leave to burst out, which burned secretly within her holy heart, revealing to the world what treasures God had endowed her with, and this by the divine Canticle full of mysteries, which she then pronounced, 
a Luc. 1. e.  magnifying thereby that Lord, who had so greatly magnified her, and confessing plainly, that her lowliness and humility was occasion of this her so high a dignity.  
O sacred virgin both great and little; great in thy holiness, great in the graces and favours which thou haste received from God; great, in the greatest dignity that was ever imparted to any pure creature. Little in thine own eyes; little, in respect of thy profound humility; little, in regard of thine innocency and simplicity of an infant, which is a very necessary and 
b mat. 18. a &. 19 b. Mar. 9 e Luc. 9 f 1. Cor. 14. d.  requisite virtue to enter into the kingdom of heaven with▪ Right worthily said one, 
c Ber. ho. 1 super Missus est.  that with thy virginity thou pleasedst God; but with thine humility thou made thyself his mother. Alas! why cannot I learn of thee, and of the blessed fruit of thy womb, to be humble in heart; seeing that, as thou affirmest, and thy son hath confirmed, 
a Luc. 14. c &. 18. c  the humble are those only that shall be by him exalted.  

A PRAYER.  
RIGHT delectable and plentiful was the joy thou hadst, O most sacred virgin, and mother of God, when being replenished with charity, thou goest to visit thy holy cousin Elizabeth, and didst understand the miraculous effects, which by means of thy salutation God eternal wrought, both in herself, and in the child which she bore with in her womb. I beseech thee, O blessed Lady, by that exultation thou feltest then, and didst manifest by thy celestial Canticle, that it may please thee to make me partaker of thy spiritual visitation, by means whereof I may contemn all worldly consolations, and rejoice me only in God mine only Saviour. Amen.    

OF THE NATIVITY.  
 
Nascitur, & jacet in Stabulo qui torquet Olympum:  
Pastorum, & Superum cantibus antra sonant.   

THE THIRD JOYFUL Mystery is of the Nativity of jesus Christ our Lord, whereupon thou mayest meditate these points following.  
THE FIRST is, how our Lady meaning to obey the Emperor Caesar Augustus his proclamation, went from Nazareth to Bethleem, 
a Luc. 2. a.  where not finding any convenient lodging, she withdrew herself into the public and common Inn, or (if you think good) into the hovel and shroud that was there made with bows for poor folks.  
SECONDLY, consider how the hour of the glorious childbirth of the most sacred mother being come, she brought forth the Saviour of the world, and with a wonderful great reverence adored him, swaddled him up in such poor clouts as she had, and laid him in a manger.  
THIRDLY, consider the Angel's songs, 
b Luc. 2. b  and the joy and triumph they made in this most happy childbirth, whereof one announced the same to the shepherds that in that coast did watch over their flocks; who speedily came to see and adore this celestial Infant.  
TOUCHING the first point, thou mayest amplify thy meditation, by weighing the circumstances that happened in the voyage which our Lady undertook; whereby is plainly showed, what pains and trouble she endured therein, albeit, whatsoever it was, she passed it over with exceeding patience. First, the sharpness of the season did greatly augment her annoys, sith this journey was performed in the very heart of winter, when as we see it is very painful travailing. Secondly, her poverty, which forced her to suffer many discommodities, especially, being great with child, and so tender and delicate as she was. Thirdly, the lack of lodging, which could not be provided her in all the whole City of Bethleem, albeit (well may we believe) that good joseph took great pains in seeking it very diligently; and how seeing themselves thus refused, it could not be, but that they felt great shame and confusion. O what a sovereign solace and singular comfort should this be for poor folks that are in this world distressed, despised, and forsaken, if they considered, how the most worthy, noble, and most holy creatures, which ought to have been more honoured & reverenced then all the whole world again (to wit, the Queen of heaven, and her most blessed Infant) were the most distressed, annoyed, and pained of all others.  
THOU mayest pause in the second point, beholding with thy spiritual eyes, in what state the most blessed virgin found herself the day of her most sacred deliverance; and here shalt thou see in her so virtuous a disposition, so holy a devotion, so grave a modesty, so singular a beauty, so great an elevation of spirit in God, as no man's tongue can possibly declare it.  
Thou shalt find, how in counterchange of griefs 
a Gen. 3. c.  which other women feel in childbirth, she felt a strange and ineffable solace, a singular joy and divine consolation; and being therewith wholly rapt and elevate, the celestial bridegroom issued miraculously out of her womb, as out of a most precious 
b Aug. initio tract. 1. ●n joh. to. 9  bride-chamber, without any alteration or detriment at all to her most perfect virginity. O virgin-mother, and mother-virgin; A privilege never granted to any other creature! O divine excellency, and dignity due to thee alone, to be the mother of God, and mother of thine own Father and 
c Psa. 18. a Aug. in principio cap. 5. li. 2 de Symb. ad Catech. Tom. 9  Creator! Who can possibly conceive what thy heart felt, when with thy bodily eyes thou beheldest the Prince of heaven lying naked in earth; and him shivering for cold, who doth cloth and warm all other creatures? O with what reverence didst thou prostrate thyself, to adore that infinite Majesty, masked under the vail of so great distress and misery! Oh, with what compassion didst thou associate with thy tears those, which thy dear young son shed, feeling his so great annoyances! Oh, with what cordial love endevouredst thou to lul and lap him up in such poor swaddling clouts as thou hadst, giving him thy sacred breasts to suck upon, which were at that time miraculously replenished with milk! Matters sufficient to melt any flinty heart that would with leisure ponder and discuss them.  
THE MEDITATION. of the third point will furnish thee of fit matter to move compassion, if thou consider, how this most mighty monarch, this King 
a Coll. 2. b 1. Tim. 6. c. Apoc. 17. d. &. 19 c  of all kings, he whom neither the heavens nor earth can hold and comprehend, hath in such wise debased, humbled, and thrown himself down in a hard manger upon a little hay; he, whom the Angels do adore, and in whose presence the powers of heaven do quake again, lieth quaking himself for cold betwixt two brute beasts. O divine darling, what meaneth this gear? what humility and baseness is this, O Sovereign 
a Ps. 23. b Admetus Tit. 2 d  King of glory? what hast thou to do with the crib, thou that hast thy throne above the 
b 2. Re. 6. a. 1. Par. 13. b  Cherubins? how art thou made thus dumb, O 
c joh. 1. a  eternal word of the Father? why weepest and wailest in such sort, thou, that art the joy of all the holy Angels? verily, thou haste masked thy divine nature with our human nature, to be the King and Saviour of Israel, and of the universal world. The desire which thou hast to redeem us, moveth thee to do these strange matters; the love which made thee welfare descend from heaven for our wal-fare, causeth thee now to be borne, and to 
a Ber. ser. 3 in Natius. Domini.  cloak thy puissance with such penury and extreme want of all things, that we should thereby learn to meek and humble ourselves, and to detest all pride, all pamperinges and delicacies of the flesh, loving the lowliness, the penance, and the poverty, which thou didst choose and teach us, and wouldst for this cause have thy nativity announced 
b Luc. 2. b  to poor shepherds, of whom thou wast visited and adored, the which their visitation and adoration we ought attentively to ponder, and diligently to imitate.  

A PRAYER.  
WHAT tongue can worthily tell, O most worthy Queen of Angels, the ineffable joy and exultation which thou wert seized with in thy most sacred and virginal childbirth? When thou sawest the Redeemer of the world borne of thee, and adoring him with great reverence, didst swaddle him up in poor clouts, and laid him in a manger, where he was announced of the Angels, & visited of poor shepperds: I beseech thee, O most happy mother, by this his most holy nativity, that seeing he was borne for us, and given unto us, thou wilt obtain me of him, that he vouchsafe to be borne in my poor soul, with whom I may be borne anew, and lead henceforth such a new life, as may continually be grateful to his divine Majesty. Amen.    

OF THE PRESENTATION.  
 
Lustratur Genetrix, & templo sistitur Infans:  
Anna Deum, atque hominem, cum Simeone canit.   

THE FOURTH JOYFUL Mystery is of the Presentation; to wit, when our Lady presented her blessed Son in the Temple, whereupon thou shalt meditate, as followeth.  
FIRST, how the 
a Luc. 2. c.  forty days that the Virgin-mother had staid in Bethleem, being now fully expired, she went from thence to jerusalem, there to present her most sacred Son in the Temple, meaning to accomplish that which the law commanded all w●men to do 
b Exo. 13. a Num. 8. a Leu. 12 b  in like case.  
SECONDLY, consider how our Lady carrying her most sweet Son to the Temple, that holy old Father S. Simeon took him in his arms, who for that cause came at that time to the Temple by inspiration of the holy Ghost; weigh also the consolation he received by doing thus, and the most devout speeches which 
c Luc. 2. d.  he uttered.  
THIRDLY, contemplate the devotin and joy of that old woman 
d Ibid. c  S. Anna (that never tarried out of the Temple) when she saw this most precious present, which the most sacred mother brought. Behold also, with what reverence and spiritual consolation the well beloved Son was offered up to his celestial Father, being accompanied with so holy and reverent persons as were there present.  
AS FOR the first article, thou mayest entertain thyself therein, meditating, how rightly the virgin-mother doth imitate her blessed son; especially, in such things as concern humility (a virtue so highly commended and practised of them twain) sith the son vouchsafed to be 
a Luc. 2. 〈◊〉 Ber. Ser. 3. de Circunsi.  circumcised, albeit he were not bound thereto, nor had any need at all of Circumcision (which appertained to sinners 
b Gen. 17. b Levit. 12. Rom. 4. b  alone;) and the mother, she vouchsafed to fulfil the precept of Purification (which obliged only the unclean women) albeit she were wholly pure, and devoid of all 
c Ber. init. Ser. 3. de Purif.  uncleanness. O most sacred mother, why wilt thou obey this ordinance, which neither toucheth thee, nor maketh any mention of thee? for like as for thy sanctity thou differest from all thy sex, and surpassest all women in thy most wonderful virtues; even so is the conception of thy blessed child far different from that of all other women, and without comparison exceedeth all other conceptions: Sith others are wrought by human society, and thine is accomplished by the operation of the holy 
a Mat. 1. d Luc. 1. d.  ghost. What is it therefore, whereof thou wilt purify thyself, O blessed Lady? Seeing the holy Ghost witnesseth of thee in this wise: 
b Cant. 4. b  Thou art all fair, my Lover, neither is there any blemish at all in thee; forsomuch as thy most sacred childbirth, so far was it from defiling thee, or distaining th● most pure virginity, as it adorned, exalted, & renowned thee. What other thing maketh thee then fulfil this law (whereout thou art exempted) but the self-same reason that made thy dear son to suffer circumcision; that is to say, the desire thou hadst to be by this means a glittering mirror of most obedient humility. As he therefore vouchsafed to be taken for one of the common sort of children, so hast not thou disdained to be thought like to other women. This thine humility and charity, with that of thy sacred sons, be hallowed and imitated of us all for ever.  
IN THE second Article thou shalt have great cause of consolation, if thou fix thine imagination of the inestimable offering which the most gracious mother brought to the temple, there to present unto her Lord. Contemplate attentively, the modesty, gravity, and comely reverence, wherewith the blessed virgin entered into the temple, carrying in her arms that most precious fruit of her virginal womb. O what an inestimable joy was it, to see the son thus borne, and to behold the blessed mother that bore him! whose presence rejoiced the Angels, and enriched the whole Temple in such wise, as the glory thereof was then far greater, than when king 
a 3. Re. 5. 6 7. & sequ. ●ap.  Solomon caused it to be builded.  
Consider also what the good old father Simeon felt, at such time, as (being instructed of the holy Ghost) he saw and knew that to be come to pass, which he so long time had wished for, and so oft had craved at God's hands with continual tears and prayers. Behold with how great zeal he beclippeth him in his arms, with how great reverence he adoreth him, with how sweet embracings he closeth him against his breast, never being contented with kissing, and beholding him. All the which his amiable intertainmentes this most sweet babe liked very well of, as a lover of all those that love him, and did with his gracious looks pierce and melt the poor old man's heart, who beheld him all rapt in admiration, as he most apparently testified by the tears he shed for joy, and by the fervour of the words he uttered in his most excellent Canticle 
a Luc. 2. d  of Nunc dimittis servum tuum Domine. etc. whereby he plainly declared, what singular consolation and contentment his soul received by having seen with his corporal eyes the Saviour of the world. Ah, how happy were they that merited with their 
b mat. 13. b  corporal eyes to behold so gracious a spectacle; yea, and happy are they, who with the eyes of a lively 
c joh. 20. b.  faith do devoutly behold the same; sith they in like manner shall be partakers of the same joys and consolations.  
THOU MAYEST IN the third point entertain thyself with great profit and consolation of thy soul, weighing the fervour of Anna the reverent matron, who through her austere fasts, and the perpetual prayers which she made with great devotion in the temple, as S. Luke th' evangelist 
a Luc. 2. f.  reporteth, merited to be an assistant at this so glorious a spectacle, and to receive sovereign comfort through the sight of such a son and a mother; of whom, all the mysteries were revealed unto her, which she confessed and published to all those devout persons that were in the temple, and gave ear unto her. Whence thou mayest learn, that but if thou keep the Church with religious devotion, addict thyself to often prayer, and with rigorous abstinence dompt the disordinate desires and concupiscence of the flesh, as chaste S. Anna did, thou shalt then be made partaker of the sight and divine solace, of the favours and other graces that were at that time so bountifully bestowed upon her.  
Meditate beside the ineffable consolation, wherewith the sacred virgin was surceased, understanding the marvelous matters that were then spoken of her dearly beloved son, who by the speeches of S. Simeon and S. Anna was apparently revealed and known what he was, to all those that were then present in the Temple. Contemplate with-al, the most devout 
a Ber. ser. 〈◊〉 in Purif. de mod● process.  procession which all that holy assembly made, going up to the Altar to offer up to Almighty God this the most precious, the most worthy, and most acceptable present to his divine Majesty that was presented him till that day, from the beginning of the world. Ponder also, with what devotion, charity, and reverence, with what a cheerful and willing heart the most happy mother offered up her well-beloved Infant to the celestial Father; who had of his infinite favour given him for her son; and did by that means make her his own mother, who was her own and natural Father. O great Lady, what did thy heart feel at the time, and at all times after, when thou unbethoughtest thee of this Mystery! how zealous thanks didst thou breathe forth to God, for the gift he had bestowed upon thee, and upon all mankind! with what affection, and with what inflamed desire didst thou present this most sacred oblation to God which thou knewest well, was only sufficient to reconcile man to God his maker, and to cause him to recover again the blessings, which he had erst so lewdly lost. And how did thy son in like manner conform himself to thy piety and devout intent, he at that time offering himself with a frank heart to his eternal Father as 
a Nurse▪ 28. a  a morrow sacrifice, whiles the evening sacrifice came, which he was afterwards to offer upon the Altar of the Rood. O my soul, if thou wouldst attentively consider all this, offering thee wholly to this Lord, who was offered for thee, what gifts, and what spiritual riches should be imparted unto thee?  

A PRAYER.  
THY HEART, O most blessed mother of God, thy heart was seized with surpassing joy, when (the forty days after thy childbirth being at an end) thou goest to the Temple of our Lord, there to offer up the self-same Lord thereof, who was thy first thy first begotten and only Son, and the only son of the Father everlasting. O what a consolation didst thou feel, seeing the things that S. Simeon did and spoke, taking him in his arms, kissing and adoring him with great reverence. I beseech thee, O most sweet Lady, in favour of this sacred mystery, that I may by thy holy intercession have the virtue of perfect charity granted me, wherewith I may in such sort love thy blessed Son, as I may be worthy to be presented to him in the Temple of the celestial jerusalem, which is our true home. Amen.    

OF THE FINDING.  
 
Disputat in templo, dum quaeritur inter amicos:  
Masta Parens notas itque reditque vias.   

THE FIFT JOYFUL Mystery is of the consolation which our Lady received, when having lost her son, she found him in the Temple, whereupon thou shalt meditate these three points.  
FIRST the great devotion wherewith our 
a Luc. 2. f  Lady went every year with her affianced husband joseph to celebrate the Pascal solennities, and carried with her, her sweet son jesus. By means whereof he remained there behind in the Temple, unwitting to his most loving mother.  
SECONDLY imagine the extreme 
b Ibidem.  sorrow which the sacred mother felt, when the holy days being now at an end, the returned back again to her house, and found not there her most loving son, whom she thought to have been erst returned in company of her holy affianced husband joseph.  
THIRDLY meditate, with how great diligence she went seeking him, where she deemed he might be, not resting any whit at all, until she had found him, and ponder the ineffable joy she received, when at last she found him in the Temple amidst the Doctors.  
MEANING to pause in the first point, consider how our blessed Lady is the 
a Amb. li. 2 de Virgin. Hier. initio ser. 1. de Assump. tom. 4.  lively pattern of all virtue and perfection, which shineth forth in every one of her actions; and thus was she a fulfiller of the law, not only when she was thereto obliged, but also, when she might justly have excused herself; and therefore, albeit men 
b Exo. 23. d &. 34. c  alone were bound to go to the Temple of jerusalem, to celebrate the Pascal solemnity, yet did she for her devotion sake go thither too, as also her affianced husband joseph, and her sweet son jesus; giving us an example herein, of the care, wherewith we ought to observe the solennities of the Church, and of the devotion and reverence, wherewith we ought to 
c mat. 21. a joh. 2. c jerem. 7. 〈◊〉.  go and remain in our lords Temple. O how sacred were those solennities, where such persons were present, who adored the celestial Father in spirit and truth, as he 
a 2. Cor. 3▪ d  commandeth those which adore him, to do. O how odoriferous was the Temple at that time, wherein was so great abundance of the most sweet 
b Apoc. 8  incense of their prayers! O how much more did the glory of our Lord fill at that time all that holy house, then when king 
c 3. Reg. 5. & sequ.  Solomon made his prayers therein! O sacred virgin, who can possibly comprehend what thy prayers were which thou madest in that temple, how fervent, how devout, how effectual, how they pierced the heavens, and mounted up to the throne of God's divine Majesty; how grateful were to his goodness the most zealous thanks thou gavest him, for having vouchsafed to make thee the mother of such a son; of whom depended the welfare and redress of the whole world! O, I would it were his holy will, that some one spark of so fervent prayers and thankes-gevinges might fall into the frozen coldness of our devotions.  
IN THE second point thou mayest dilate, meditating, how the solemnity being now ended, the virgin-mother returned back to her own house, with great desire to see her dear son, whom she thought to have been returned before with joseph, not having seen him herself all that day; and finding afterwards that the desired of her soul was wanting, here mayest thou deem, in what a case she was, what 
a Luc. 2. 〈◊〉  dagger of woe did wound her heart, what pitiful tears she shed, what sighs and doleful sobs she fetched, to ease by that means the internal anguish which she felt in her afflicted heart; how many fears did fright her; how many imaginations did amaze her; not woting on which side to turn her; and for that it was already night, she resolved to stay until the morning, remaining in that anxiety and heaviness which thou mayest well imagine. O most innocent virgin, how long and 
a jer. 13 c Thren. 1. a.  dark a night was that to thee, wherein thou weptst with woe, and thy tears never left trickling down thy cheeks, and nothing was able to afford thee any comfort, sith the true comforter being absent, all the creatures could not yield consolation. Thy greatest ease all this long night were thy prayers, thy sighs and tears, the thinking of thy beloved son, thy talking to him, as though he had been present, the beholding of his beauty, his sanctity, his virtues and perfections; the unbethinking thee of his gracious words, and of the works which thou hadst seen him do; albeit all these things, as they did on th'one side yield thee contentment, so on th'other side did they increase thy woe, when thou consideredst that he was absent, and knewest not when thou shouldest merit to enjoy his presence again. Finally, this day and night thou feddest thee with thy tears in stead of bread, when thou enquiredst of thyself, 
a Psal. 41. &. 111. ●  where was thy God? Herein mayest thou well suppose, that the blessed Virgin did pass over the time without sleep or rest until the third day.  
IN THE third point thou mayest pause also, considering, how presently after the dauning day once appeared, the most sacred Virgin went with great diligence to seek the treasure she had lost, where thou mayest meditate, with what zeal and fervour she asked those that she met with, if they knew any thing of him whom her soul did love; and how great grief and sorrow she felt, when they could tell her no tidings of him. She could neither find him amongst his kinsfolks nor acquaintance, where she went seeking of him very diligently. Sithence JESUS is not to be found 
a job. 28. b  where the dalliances and delights of the flesh and blood do reign; yea, there is he wont to be lost, and therefore did she return to the Temple of jerusalem, where she had erst left him; and therein did she find him standing in the midst of the Doctors, giving ear to them, and questioning of them to 
b Luc. 29 Mat. 7 d Mar. 1. b Luc. 4 c joh. 7. b  their great admiration. O most happy mother, who can possibly declare the ineffable joy thou receivedst at such time as thou sawest thy desired son, whom with so great sorrow thou soughtest for! then did thy heart rejoice which was before oppressed with dole; then did thy troubled and eclipsed mind through his absence, grow calm and clear again through his presence; then all anguish, fears, and suspicions departing, was the peace and tranquillity restored, the which thou wantedst, then were the tears of sorrow changed into tears of solace; then mightest 
a Luc. 15. a  thou well call upon the quires of Angels to congratulate with thee, for having found the precious jewel, which with such sorrow thou soughtest. Consider then how the obedient son seeing his dear mother, doth most graciously come unto her, and with what passing love she receiveth him, how she embraceth, how she entertaineth, how she holdeth him, and will not let him go, with what piety she complaineth of him, for that he had so many days deprived her of his desired presence. Be merry therefore O 
b Aug. ser. 2. de Assump. qui est. 35. de Sanctis. tom. 10. Ber. Ser. 〈◊〉 de Assumpt.  Queen of heaven, and forget thy former sorrows, sith now thou hast found, and possessest him, whom thy soul desired, and according to the greatness of dolours past, art now surceased with present consolation.  

A PRAYER.  
WHAT pleasure and contentment did thy soul feel, (O most sacred Queen of heaven) when having lost thy dearly beloved son, thou foundest him again in the Temple amongst the Doctors. None can possibly conceive it, but he that well weieth with how great grief, desire, and diligence, thou goest those three days seeking him amongst his friends & kinsfolks: I beseech thee therefore, O mother of 
a Ans●lm. lib. de excel B. virg. cap. 12.  mercy, aswell by the extreme annoy, wherewith thou soughtest him, as by the inexplicable joy, wherewith thou receuedst him having found him, that thou wilt vouchsafe to help me, that I deserve not through my sins and offences, to lose the same Lord; and if at some time he should absent himself from me, I may know how to seek him, and how again to find him. Amen.    

¶ THE SECOND MYSTERIES ARE CALLED DOLOROUS, THROUGH THE GREAT dolours which the most sacred virGIN-MOTHER FELT, WHEN such things happened, as thou shalt MEDITATE THEREIN; whereof some she saw with her CORPORALEYES, and some with her spiritual.   

OF THE PRAYER.  
 
Expavet, ingeminatque preces, & sanguine m●nat:  
Dum socij fugiunt impia vincla subit.   

¶ THE FIRST DOLOROUS MYSTERY is of the prayer which our Lord made in the garden of Gethsemani: where upon thou shalt meditate these points in manner following.  
FIRST, how our 
a mat. 26 〈◊〉 Mar. 14. d. Luc. 22. d  Redeemer comforting his Disciples, and exhorting them to pray and watch with him, pronounced this most doulful speech, My soul is heavy, even till death.  
SECONDLY, how withdrawing himself from his Disciples about a stones cast, he prayed with most profound humility and reverence to his Father, saying: 
b mat. 26. d  My Father, if it be possible, pass over this cup from me; howbeit not my will be done, but thine.  
THIRDLY, how he came to visit his Disciples, and finding them asleep, awaked and commanded them to pray, as he did twice more himself, with the same words; and swett drops of blood, which trickled down 
c Luc. 22. d  to the ground, and then did an Angel descend from heaven to comfort him.  
AS TOUCHING the first point, thou mayest pause therein, meditating, how our Redeemer foreknowing the hour of his most holy Passion to draw nigh, (whereto he through his most fervent charity, 
a Isai. 53. b  freely offered up himself) got him to the garden of Gethsemani, where he was 
b joh. 8. a  eftsoon wont to pray, that judas the Traitor, and the other which he brought with him, might know where to find, and to apprehend him. Howbeit, before they came, our Lord had prayed a long time, and commanded, that his Disciples should do in like manner. wherein he meant, to give both to them and us an example, that against all the perils, temptations, and tribulations that may befall us in this life, and that in any matter of importance whatsoever it be that we have to do, that we first arm and fortify ourselves with the armour of holy prayer; by means whereof we shall be illuminated to know what we ought to do, and comforted to endure patiently the afflictions which we are to suffer.  
Meditate also, how our Saviour finding himself sore afflicted inwardly through the consideration of so many sorts of griefs and torments as were prepared for him, he showed the most vehement affliction and heaviness which he felt by those woeful words he uttered to his 
a mat. 26 a Cyril. Alex lib. 9 Thes. cap. 3 & Leo ser. 3. de Pass.  Disciples; My soul is heavy, even till death. The which ought to pierce to the very depth of our hearts, seeing we have been the cause, that he should suffer such sorrow, who is the joy of Angels. And how can it be, O Lord, but my heart, be it never so hard, shall be heavy, and melt again, contemplating thy heart so extremely anguished and distressed! What solace can my soul receive, seeing thee, who art the Son that illuminatest and rejoicest it thus oppressed with dole and sorrow? If thou which art the joy of Angelical quires, art thus grieued●, what thing can suffice to rejoice and comfort man, but to think, that thine infinite charity which bringeth thee to thy death, doth make thee heavy even to death, to th'end, that as thy death is cause of our life, so in like manner thy heaviness might be cause of our consolation, and deliver us from that mortal heaviness, wherein we should perpetually have remained, if thou hadst not vouchsafed to have been made sorrowful and heavy for our sakes. This thy heaviness, O King of glory, shall continue even till thy death, for that even to death shall thy travail endure, wherewith like a most loving mother thou deliverest us; but when we shall by thy death be borne anew, then shalt thou not think any more of heaviness, by reason of the joy of our new birth, and this 
a Heb. 12.  may somewhat mitigate his sorrow, who contemplateth this sorrowful passage.  
AS FOR the second point, thou mayest stay therein, considering the circumstances that happened in this our lords prayer, and the words he uttered.  
First the text saith, how he withdrew himself from his Disciples to pray; and this withdrawing or separation doth S. Luke declare by this word, awlsus est; which signifieth plainly, with how great difficulty he withdrew himself from them through the love he bore them, and that to pray: which must be done in solitariness, 
b Mat. 6. a Act. 10. b 4. Reg. 4 Ber. ser. 86. in Cant.  silence, and attention: and he withdrew himself from them but a 
c Luc 22 Mat. 26. d. Mar. 14 Luc. 22. d Tert ●i de orat.  stones cast, so that he might easily see and hear them being called, yea, he came eftsoon to visit them to wake them, and to warn them of that they had to do, instructing all Pastors and Curates, how they ought to behave themselves towards their flocks, by these his particularities. Learn also of the profound humility, wherewith he threw himself on ground to pray, what humility is necessary for thee when thou prayest; sith thou presentest thyself before the face of the self-same infinite Majesty, before whom the Potentates of heaven do tremble again. In like manner thou mayest out of the words which he used in his petition, learn the form which thou oughtest to observe in thy prayers, not craving such temporal things as thou desirest, absolutely; but remitting all things to his divine will, whereto thou oughtest to conform thy wil Here mayest thou contemplate also, how with the silence and obscurity of the night, and with the words which our Lord pronounced in his petition, this inward heaviness he felt in his heart, increased and grew greater, finding nothing that might possibly afford him comfort. Ah! my most sweet Saviour, the only comfort of the comfortless and afflicted, how is it, that I see thee this night without any comfort or ease at all, neither is there any of all thy dear friends to comfort thee, for whose sakes thou art fallen into such heaviness and anxiety. O that I had heard those pitiful sighs and groans, which eftsoon issued out of thine annoyed heart, to th'end, that now I am not able any ways to comfort thee, I might yet at least taste some part of thy heaviness and affliction, wherewith I might wail the occasion that I have given thee to be heavy, and that my tears might serve for bread 
a Ps. 41. a. & 79. a  to sustain me in this my miserable pilgrimage.  
IN THE third point thou mayest consider many things; first, by the diligence, wherewith 
a mat. 26 d Mar. 14. d.  our Lord went from his prayers to visit his Disciples, and returned from them back again to his prayers, thou mayest note the charity and fatherly care he had of them, whom he visited thus oft; Secondly, consider the grievous anguish and inward pain he suffered, which permitted him not to rest in any place: Thirdly, weigh the perseverance and often prayer which he taught us, and is most necessary so to be, to be fruitful and effectual. Fourthly, consider the grief it is like he felt, (forthinking the torments which he was to endure) seeing that by the imagination only thereof, he swett in so strange and miraculous a manner. O my Lord, if the bare apprehension of thy future torments do so sore afflict and make thee sweat so strangely, what shall the impression of the self-same torments do! right evidently doth thy ready and willing heart show itself, wherewith thou wilt redeem us with the inestimable price of thy precious blood, sithence thou beginnest so plentifully to shed it before those manifold wounds and strokes, wherewith it shall hereafter be wholly drawn out of thy body. O my soul, learn to set by thyself, and do not sell thyself so vilely, as for the filthy pleasure of sin; seeing here, how greatly thou art set by of thy Redeemer, who with so great a price hath bought thee, and hath begun to pay the same, so long time before the day. Occupy thyself a while in contemplating the marvelous vision of this garden, which is far surpassing that that Moses saw in the 
a Ex●. 3. c  mountain; and shake off the shoes of thy carnal concupiscences, approaching to behold this beautiful face all bathed in bloody streams of sweat, wherein all the Angels take singular delight to look. Gather me those doleful drops that fall on ground, by the virtue whereof thy pains shall be assuaged, and thy wounds recured; sith the celestial Physician hath thus vouchsafed to sweat them for thy welfare.  
Lastly meditate, how our Lord being in this pitiful extremity, an 
a Luc. 22. c  Angel came down from heaven to comfort him. O Prince of Angels, how hast thou thus exceedingly abased thyself for us, that thou standest in need to be comforted by one of thine own 
b Ps. 103. a Heb. 1. b Epiph. lib. 3 in Arria. tom. 2.  servants? All the Angelical quires yield adoration and thanks unto thee, who wots much better than we do, how greatly we are bound to thee, for having vouchsafed thus to humble and abase thyself for us thy most vile creatures. O sacred virgin, if thou hadst with thy corporal eyes viewed this rueful spectacle (as it is likely thou didst see it with thy spiritual eyes) well hadst thou stood need of another Angel to have come and comforted thee. For well may we deem, that thy woes should not have wanted, nor any anguish and affliction to have tormented thee. And albeit thou didst not then bedew the ground with thy bloody sweat, as did thy sweet son; yet haply didst thou bedew it with tears trickling from thine eyes, and filledst the air with lamentable sighs, and heaven with fervent prayers. Howbeit, all this was little in comparison of that which remained behind, both for thee to see, and for him to suffer.  
This vigilant 
a joh. 10. b Zach. 13. c Mar 14. 〈◊〉  shepherd being now lastly of all returned to his sleapie sheep, thou mayest meditate, how he remained with them, expecting the furious arrival of those 
a Psa. 21. b  mad dogs that came to seek him, by whom he was cruelly assailed, bound, and carried to the houses of 
b joh. 18. c Mat. 26. f Mar 14. f Luc. 22. f  Anna and Caiphas.  

A PRAYER.  
LIKE AS, O most sacred virgin and mother, thou wert partaker of the joys and consolations of thy most holy son, even so didst thou likewise participate of the pains and griefs of his most bitter passion, sith that which he suffered in body, did cruciate thy blessed soul; and therefore, at such time as he prayed, and sweat drops of blood through the great anguish he felt in the garden of Gethsemani, them were thou by imagining the same, wholly surceased with vehement sorrow. I beseech thee therefore, by this thy dolour, and his and thy heaviness, that it may please thee to make me partaker thereof, that praying with bitter tears, and wailing my former manifold and grievous trespasses, I may obtain a full forgiveness of the same. Amen.    

OF THE WHIPPING.  
 
In virgas, in flagra datur, rigat atria sanguis,  
Verbera deficiunt, non patientis amor.   

¶ THE SECOND DOLOrous Mystery is of the whipping of our Lord, concerning the which thou shalt meditate these points following.  
FIRST, how Pilate ordained, that our 
a Luc. 23. 〈◊〉 joh. 18. a  Redeemer should be whipped, supposing, that by this chastisement he might somewhat appease the fiendish fury of those cruel jews, who with such obstinacy 
b mat 27. c Mar 25. b Luc. 23. 〈◊〉 joh. 19 a  required him to condemn him to be crucified.  
SECONDLY, with what diligence and cruelty those barbarous executioners carried our Lord into the Palace; and stripping off his clothes, bound him fast to a pillar, there to beat him.  
THIRDLY, thou mayest consider the extreme dolour, which this most mild Lamb felt, whiles they whipped him; his most delicate flesh being with so many and so cruel scourges and strokes wholly torn and wounded.  
UPON the first point thou mayest amplify, by considering the shifts that Pilate sought to excuse himself from condemning him to death, who is the author of life; for first he 
c Luc. 13. a. &. c. joh. 18. g Luc. 23. a  protested, that he found no cause in him why he ought to die; secondly, he sent him to Herode, that he might pronounce judgement of him; thirdly, he 
a Mat. 27 b Mar 15. a  compared him with Barrabas the thief, persuading himself, that the jews having choice to save one of their two lives, would rather take innocent jesus, than the seditious thief and murderer; four, this being not sufficient, he determined for a last remedy to make him be 
b Luc. 23. c joh. 19 a.  whipped, weening that by this punishment he should mitigate their felonious madness. Where note that all these means, whereby Pilate sought to deliver him, (woting well his innocency) were occasion, that our Redeemer was more tormented and afflicted; for by this means he 
c Luc. 23. b  added to the death of the Cross, which they required, and was afterwards granted them, the pain and 
c Luc. 23. b  shame he suffered going and coming from Herode, and being accounted worse than Barrabas, and afterwards most cruelly whipped and crowned with thorns, in such wise, as not only they which are his open enemies, cause him to suffer, but he also, who desired to deliver him, increased his annoys. And thou, most loving Lord, lettest every thing redound to thy greater grief, to the end, that to those that love thee, every thing may redound to their greater benefit. Blessed be thine infinite charity for evermore, which maketh thee respect more our profit then thine own peculiar torment. Consider also, 
a joh. 19 〈◊〉  how many mischiefs a vain love and fear of the world is cause of, wherewith this miserable 
b Luc. 23. a &. c. joh. 18. d  Pilate let himself be overcome; sith that (confessing himself, that he found no 
b Luc. 23. a &. c. joh. 18. d  fault in our Saviour, and knowing that he was accused of mere 
c Luc. 23. b.  malice) yet for all this did he condemn him injustly to this torment, and afafterwardes to death, making more account of his own interest, then of justice and of truth.  
IN THE second point thou mayest entertain thyself, meditating with great compassion the cruelty, wherewith those vile and wicked ministers strip the most innocent Lord of his clothes, and bind him with hard cords fast unto a pillar. Consider that his mildness, more than of a Lamb, wherewith he suffereth himself to be stripped and tied, without making any resistance, for aught that they could do to him. Behold with the eyes of thy mind that most sacred body, more beautiful than 
a Niceph. cap. 14. li. 1 hist. Eccle.  all men's, how it stood all naked, full of shame, with neck, arms, and feet fast bound unto the pillar, in manner of a slave, waiting for that grievous punishment, which he was forthwith to receive; and weigh that his ready and prompt will, wherewith he haply said inwardly that verse of the prophet 
a Ps. 37. ●.  David: I am ready to be whipped, and my grief is always in my sight. O most sweet Redeemer, me thinks I see thee fast bound to that hard pillar; howbeit, these cords, be they never so strong, would little avail to hold thee, if thou wert not more straitly bound thereto with the bands of thy most burning charity, the which tied thee much faster, with the desire which thou hadst to warm and mollify our hearts harder a great deal, and more frozen then the pillar of marble, whereto thou art thus bound. They strip thee like a slave, that being stark naked, they may more cruelly scourge thee, and thou willingly consentest thereto, that by this means thou mayest vesture with thy graces, and set at liberty those, who had erst with their vices made themselves the slaves of Satan.  
IN THE third point thou mayest pause very conveniently, sith therein thou shalt find more ample matter to melt thy heart with, considering that cruel rage, wherewith those wicked executioners begin to beat this most sacred virginal body, causing that white flesh to turn to a sanguine hew, and how with the violence of their blows they flay his tender skin in such pitiful wise, as his most precious blood gushed out all over his body; the which was so barbarously torn and wounded, that he might well pronounce that which was written 
a Psa. 37. a 〈◊〉. 1. a  of him: There is no soundness in my flesh. Behold now, O my soul, behold attentively this most rueful spectacle, and take compassion of such a Lord, who hath vouchsafed to suffer such pains for thee; behold that Reverend visage made pale and heavy, lening against that hard pillar, whereto he presseth himself close through the most vehement pains he suffereth, which made him to breath very short, and to sound out most lamentable sighs. Behold, how he standeth fast tied and bound unto the pillar, shedding his blood on earth, his eyes lifted up to heaven, offering those most grievous torments to his celestial Father, which he endured most willingly for our trespasses. Consider how all this punishment and affliction which he suffered, sufficed not to disquiet, or make him lament at all; yea, the tormentors waxing weary through the infinite number of blows which they had laid on him, yet was not he for all that wearied with suffering; and his body being all torn and rend, yet was his soul and courage always sound, and ready to abide greater torments through his insuperable charity. 
a joh. 1. d Apoc. ●. b  O immaculate Lamb, how do I see thee all forlorn, besprinkled and died with thy most precious blood; and thou not only standest without wailing, like other Lambs, 
a Isa. 53. b. Act. 8. f.  before them that shear thee, but also before them that strike and whip thy virginal body, thou neither speakest, nor complainest thee at al. O most sacred Virgin, if thou hadst seen the pitiful plight wherein thy most sweet son stood bound, naked, covered with blood and blows, how would thy heart have been covered and wounded with mortal woe; seeing him, not only bereft of that rob, which with thine own hands thou hadst woven for him, but also without a great part of the skin and blood, which he had taken in thy virginal womb! O how much more justly mightest thou have lamented then jacob did, and upon greater cause have said that which he 
b Goe ●7. g. &. 44. g  said: Envy, that most cruel beast hath devoured my son, she it is that hath thus wounded and ill entreated him. Behold, O my soul, how marvelous is the mercy and charity of thy Lord, that hath 
a mat. 27 b  endured all these things, to shadow thee with his 
b Ps. 90. a.  shoulders, and with his wounds 
c Isai. 53. a  to heal thy woes, vouchsafing to take the correction and chastisement due to thee upon him; that thou mightest present this satisfaction to the eternal Father, craving humbly, that it may please him, for these so great and cruel beatings of his beloved son, to divert from thee the whip of his wrath, which thou through thine offences hast most justly merited.  

A PRAYER.  
O MOST holy Lady, who can possibly conceive, how grievous was the sorrow of thy soul, when the virginal body of thy most sweet son fast bound to the pillar, was with most cruel scourges whipped. O how did his cords gripe thy heart, how did his wounds occasionate thy woes! I beseech thee therefore, holding up my hands to thee in humble wise, O mother of mercy, by the most vehement anguish of this his and thine affliction, that sithence he hath been tied for my trespasses, I may be loosed by means of thy sacred intercessions; and that I may for the merit of so many his blows, escape the punishment due unto my most grievous sins. Amen.    

OF THE CORONATION.  
 
Spinea serta caput pungunt, illudit amictus  
Purpureus, turbis, Ecce homo, Praetor ait.   

¶ THE THIRD DOLOrous Mystery is of the Coronation, when our Redeemer was crowned with thorns, about the which thou shalt meditate these points.  
FIRST, how these cruel ministers having beaten our most patiented Lord until they were weary, they then unlose him from the pillar, and how he, having very hardly made shift to get on his clothes, they strip him 
a mat. 28 d Mar. 15. b joh. 19 a.  anew to put on that cote of scorn.  
SECONDLY, how Pilate his soldiers scorned him, putting on his back an old purple garment, crowning him with a crown of sharp thorns, and giving him in his hand a reed in stead of a sceptre; how they adored him in mockery▪ 
b joh. 1. d Apoc. 5. b.  saying: All hail king of the jews: smote him with the reed, and gave him many blows.  
THIRDLY, how having thus scorned and mocked him a good while, Pilate caused him to be brought forth, and showed him to the jews, 
c Isai. 53. b Act. 8 f.  saying: Ecce homo, Behold the man; that by this means they might be moved to pity, seeing him thus scornfully and cruelly handled, albeit nothing sufficed to mitigate their diabolical obstinacy.  
IN THE first point thou mayest pause, meditating how with the same barbarousness and cruelty, wherewith these wicked ministers had bound our most merciful Lord, they now unlose him, and use no kind of plasters and pity towards him, who is towards all men the most pitiful. Behold how he standeth freight full of griefs, and from top to 
a Isai. 1. a Psal. 37. a.  toe all torn with scourges, with the prints of the cords deep rooted in his tender flesh, which caused his no small annoy; sith he was fastened with such force, as (according as divers do contemplate) the cords were all covered with his very flesh; & with this grief went he up and down seeking his garments, which they had thrown here and there on the ground; and thus humbly gathering them up, put them on him with very great pain, no one vouchsafing to help him, or to afford him any comfort, but most ready were they, all of them, to torment and afflict him.  
Ah my Lord, where be now the thousand thousands, that Daniel in spirit saw, 
a Dan 7. c. Apoc. 5. c  do thee dutiful service; and ten hundred thousand thousands which assisted at thy throne, and yielded thee due adoration? Here is no one of those high Angels of heaven to be seen, that might adore and serve thee; but contrariwise, so many contemptible men of earth, which command thee, and tread thee under their feet; and thou art well contented herewith, sith 
b mat. 20 d Mar. 10. f.  thou art not come into the world to be served, but rather to serve others, and therefore doth every one abandon thee, and no one afford thee help, like as thou alone, without others help, hast perfected our Redemption.  
In the second point thou hast just cause to stay, pondering that new devise, which these devilish executioners contrive to mock, and withal to torment our blessed Saviour.  
What greater spite and ignominy might there be invented, then to set him thus out with 
a mat▪ 27 d Mar. 15. b. joh. 19 a  those counterfeit ensigns of a king which they put upon him? meaning thereby to signify that he was ambitious, and usurped the Title and Regal dignity, which was not due unto him? and what greater torment than that which they gave him, in crowning him with such a crown? the pricking thorns whereof did pierce his head very deeply, & 
b mat. 27 d Mar. 15. b  smiting of him with the reed, which in lieu of a Regal Sceptre they had put into his hands; in such wise, as his eyes and face were all covered with the blood which they caused to issue out of him; and yet dost thou see, how he abideth all this with an inexpugnable patience; sith with his torments and annoyances, he vouchsafed to satisfy for our disordinate delights and dissolutions; and with his scorns and mockeries to pay for our pride and ambition.  
O King of heaven, O supernal Majesty, 
a Psa. 99 b Heb. 1. b  adored and reverenced of Angels, and mocked and scorned of men! I know not well, what I should most marvel at; whether at the blindness and most cruel mood of them that know thee not, and thus do beat thee, or at the piety and patience, wherewith thou abidest them, making far greater account of our welfare and satisfaction, then of thine own contempt and most bitter sorrows. Great, no doubt, is their impiety, which did thus torment thee; great also is the malice of our offences, which did occasionate the same; but far greater is thy bounty and clemency, which is infinite, wherewith thou wert ready to suffer more dolours and afflictions than all they could lay upon thee. O my soul, contemplate devoutly this most worthy spectacle, and imprint it in thy heart, seeing thou hast been the occasion of all these torments and reproaches, which thy Lord hath suffered: Let that his most ignominious rob, warm and heat thy coldness; let that horrible crown penetrate thy bowels; those sharp and pricking thorns let pierce thy head; let that be to thee an occasion of continual love, which was to him an occasion of excessive grief.  
IN THE third point it is right meet thou entertain thyself, beholding and adoring this thy most merciful Lord so lately crowned with that most cruel Diadem, and the other royal ensigns, which his pitiless adversaries have given him, wherewith Pilate made him be brought forth be fore all the people, that by seeing this his so rueful a figure, their furious might be somewhat pacified; and for this cause did he show him unto them, saying: 
a joh. 19 a. Aug. tract. 196. in joh.  Ecce homo; as if he had said: Behold the man, whom you unjustly persecute, and whose death you so greatly desire; Behold him, whom ye say, would have made himself your King, how greatly to your liking do you now see him crowned and attired? Behold him chastised, in such wise, that hardly can he be taken for a man, so far is he from being reputed a king. And seeing neither these words which they hear, nor that lamentable figure which they behold, is sufficient to make their adamantical hearts relent, behold thou him, O Christian, and let thine relent, yea, rent and burst in twain for sorrow, considering, how for thee it is, that he is thus scorned, and villainously entreated. For thy pride and haughtiness, is he crowned with these pricking thorns; for thy superfluous and dishonest decking, is he thus vestured with this ridiculous rob; for thy follies and most vain vanities, doth he bear this sceptre of reed in hand; for thy beastliness and abominations, is that most beautiful face defiled and berayed with filthy spittle; 
a Isai. 50. 〈◊〉 Lact. lib. 4. Inst. de vera sap.▪ cap. 18.  for thy dissolutions and wanton toys, are those hands, and that neck fast tied with hard cords to the pillar. See, O thou miserable and wicked man, see what God a most righteous and merciful man hath suffered for thy justification; procure thou therefore to be grateful to such a benefactor, and not to renew his griefs with thy new sins. And to th'end, that for the doing of this, thou mayest have a more abundant grace granted thee, present this pitiful figure to his eternal Father, beseeching him, that he will look upon 
b Psa. 83. ●.  his Christ's face, as it was then disfigured. when Pilate showed him to the people; and serve thy turn with the self-same words he then spoke, saying: Behold the man, O celestial father, which thou so long hast 
a Eze. 22. g  sought for, to oppose himself against thy wrath, and to be a Mediator betwixt thee 
b Rom. 5. a. Heb. 7. d &▪ 12. f. 1. joh. 2. a Heb. 1. a  and sinners. Behold him, who is the brightness of thy glory, and the figure of thy substance, how greatly he is obscured and difformed, to restore by this means the beauty, which my soul through so great a number of sins had lost. Behold the man, who with his divine blood hath sufficiently satisfied thy justice. Look therefore, O most merciful Father, look upon the lamentable face of this man, who is both God, and thy Son, and for the honour of that, which he, being most innocent hath paid for me, pardon the manifold sins, which I have committed against thy Majesty.  
Finally, thou mayest in this point consider the incomparable sorrow, which his most sacred mother felt, if (as it is thought) she were there present, and saw with her bodily eyes this most woeful Spectacle; which (albeit were not sufficient to move those jewish pitiless hearts to compassion) yet sufficed it to rend the most sorrowful Virgins bowels in twain, and to pierce through her most heavy and dolorous heart. O most sacred mother, look well, whether this man that Pilate showeth, be thy sweet son or no; sith hardly canst thou know him with this attire and hue, so far different from that thou wast wont to see him in. Thy beloved son is white and 
a Can. 5. c.  ruddy, the fairest that was ever seen amongst the 
b Ps. 44. a  sons of men, the brightness of the eternal light, and Mirror without mole, as the 
c Sap. 1. d  sacred writ doth call him; but now, seeing him all bathed him all bathed in blood, defiled with spittle, all wan and pale with woes, how canst thou possibly know him? Thy son, O Lady, is king of heaven, before whom all the powers celestial do quake, and the Dominations do adore him; what hath that crown of most cruel thorns to do with him, that sceptre of reed, and that rob of irrision, wherewith those caitiffs' do thus scorn him? yet nevertheless, albeit by his outward appearance thou canst hardly know him, yet mayest thou right easily do it by his invincible patience, by his profound humility, by his infinite charity, wherewith he condescended, to be thus crowned like a counterfeit king, and mocked here in earth, that we may merit to be crowned with glory, and to reign with him in heaven.  

A PRAYER.  
THY HEART was wholly wounded with woe on every side, O most doleful mother, when thou sawest thine only son king of heaven and of earth, crowned with pricking thorns, arrayed like a counterfeit king, made a spectacle and mocking stock of men, and that all this cruelty sufficed not to move or melt those flinty hearts; I humbly beseech thee, O most merciful Lady, by this thine ineffable grief, that thy merciful entrails take compassion of my great misery; and seeing thou seest well, how the thorns of mine offences do prick and wound my soul, obtain me by thine intercession, that the succour of divine grace be abundantly granted to me. Amen.    

OF THE CARRYING OF THE CROSS.  
 
Pondera dum trahit, & trahitur, dum terga● laborant  
Sub cruse, puniceo rore cruentat iter.   

¶ THE FOURTH DOLOrous mystery is, when our Lord carried the Cross on his back, whereon he was to be crucified, whereupon thou shalt meditate the points following.  
THE FIRST is, how miserable Pilate being vanquished with a worldly fear, through the jews 
a joh. 19 〈◊〉  threatenings, 
b mat. 27 〈◊〉 Act. 19 d Mar. 15. ●. Luc. 23. c.  washing his hands, adjudged him to be crucified, whom he confessed to be innocent; the which his sentence our Lord and Redeemer accepted very humbly, desiring greatly to die for our life.  
SECONDLY, contemplate, how that most heavy Cross was laid upon his shoulders, which he embraced very willingly, and did what he could to bear it, albeit with great grief and pain, which made him eftsoon to fall flat unto the ground.  
THIRDLY, how the King of heaven having carried the Cross a good space, not being able to go any further with that haste which they made him do, they, not for compassion sake, but for the desire they had to put him the sooner to death, took the Cross from him, and caused 
c mat. 27▪ 〈◊〉 Mar. 15. 〈◊〉 Luc. 23. d  Cyreneus to bear it; and then did our Lord speak to those 
d Luc. ibid.  devout women, which followed him with weeping eyes, amongst whom well may we deem that his most holy Mother was.  
AS TOUCHING the first point, thou mayest consider the rage and diabolical obstinacy of those wicked jews, who seeing our Redeemer thus weakened and afflicted, & in so pitiful a plight, as had been sufficient to make all other hearts to relent, although they had been harder than the very stones; yet were they no whit at all appeased, nor any deal moved to compassion; yea, they cried out with a terrible fury, 
a Luc. 23▪ c joh. 19 c Mar 15. d Mat. 27. c  Crucify him, Crucify him: Then might that have been well said by them which jacob had prophesied, sa●ing: 
b Goe 49. a  woe worth their so obstinate fury, and their indignation so hard and cruel. Where note, how great a mischief it is, for a man to let himself be blinded and possessed with the Devil; for after he is once come to this point, then doth he participate of the same properties and conditions that the Devil himself is of, and by that means is his envy, his fury, and all his other vices rather hellish than human. Note also to the same purpose, the blindness and injustice of miserable Pilate, who having so many times confessed, that he found 
a Luc. 23▪ a  no cause wherefore to condemn our Lord, yea, that he was just; knowing also, that upon a spite the jews had accused him, and delivered him into his hands, yet did he for all this, being vanquished with their importunity, and a worldly fear, condemn the innocent to suffer death, and weeneth (wretch that he is) 
b mat. 27▪ 〈◊〉  how by the washing of his hands, his conscience should be cleared. They are like to Pilate, who for fear of the world, and of losing their commodities, do defile their consciences, and ween to wash themselves with certain works and outward appearances; wherewith albeit they may otherwhiles cast a mist before men's eyes, yet are they once sure, they cannot deceive the eyes of God, who 
a 1. Re. 16 b Psal. 6 b 1. Par. 28. b  looketh chief at the heart and meaning of each one. Do thou therefore (good brother) considering this point, take heed of falling into such like errors, and think, how it sufsiceth not to begin well, as Pilate did, but it behoveth thee to be constant, and to persever until the end, 
b mat. 10. c  if thou wilt be saved.  
Lastly, thou mayest in this Article consider the great patience and humility, wherewith the innocent Lamb accepteth so injust a sentence of death, pronounced against him, by the which he merited, that the just sentence of eternal death set down against us for our sins, should be revoked; and that the sentence of absolution and pardon pronounced by the vicar of jesus Christ, when we rightly confess ourselves unto him, might be valable and effectual.  
IN THE second point thou hast great occasion to be sorry, meditating the cruelty, wherewith the wicked jews (presently after sentence was pronounced against him, which they so earnestly desired and craved) do then take our Redeemer, and handle him much more spitefully than they did tofore, Pilate now having given him to them, to execute freely their furious rage upon him. And if heretofore they handled him so cruelly, having him but as a prisoner, alas, what may we suppose they did to him being now condemned, and given wholly over into their most sacrilegious hands. Contemplate, with what inhumanity they strip off his robes of 
a Mar. 15 b Mat. 27. d. joh. 19 a.  mockery, wherewith they had erst scorned him, and put his own clothes on again, that he might by that means be known of every one; heping grief upon grief, & ignominy upon ignominy. Behold how lay that most heavy Cross on his weak shoulders, which they had with great diligence prepared in such wise for him; ponder well, how greatly his pain was increased by that so unmerciful a weight, being so sore weakened with his former torments, and the blood which he had lost already. Consider how they make his condition worse than that of the two thieves, whom they carry with him to suffer the like death; sith neither of them carrieth his Cross, as they make our most mild Saviour to do. This is the sceptre, (O my King) which these Infidels, and rebellious servants of thine give thee in sign of the sovereignty 
a Isai. 9 b &. 22. f. Tertul lib on judaeos.  which thou hast over them; the which answereth very well to the crown, wherewith they have already crowned thee; and thine inestimable charity dissembleth and embraceth all with the great desire thou hast to conduct them by this way to thy celestial kingdom. This is the staff whereon thou leanest, and goest therewith like another 
a Goe 23. ●.  jacob, to pass the flood of jordan, to wit, of death; to return anon after thy resurrection, associated with those infinite legions of souls, which thou deliveredst out of Limbo, and cariedst up to heaven with thee. With this staff, and 
b 1. Re. 17. 〈◊〉  with the five stones, which thou tookest in the mount Caluarie, that is to say, thy five most sacred wounds, thou foughtest like another David against that proud giant Lucifer, & subduedst him, delivering by this means thy people from the hellish host, which did on every side environ them. This is the wood which thou bearest on thy back like another 
c Goe 22. b.  Isaac, to offer thyself thereupon for us in this most acceptable sacrifice to thine eternal Father, being burned with the ●ire of thy most fervent charity. Consider beside, how the Redeemer going thus laden with the grievous weight of the Cross, fell to the ground through the unmerciful weight that he bore; and how they smiting him then afresh most tyrannously, make him rise up and go an end; where thou mayest meditate, how not only the weight of the Rood did grieve & torment him, but also both thine and the whole world their manifold and enormous offences, which he then bare upon him, going for them in this wise to be crucified. So did the Prophet 
a Isai. 53 b  Esay affirm, saying: How the eternal Father had laid upon him all our iniquities, that he should stisfie for all, like as he had offered himself for al. O my most sweet Redeemer, how grievous a burden did the 
b 1. Pe. 2. d  multitude of mine abominations occasionate thee, which thou bearest on thy back, and pain thee much more than the Cross itself doth. O, how great reason is it, that I weep and wail with thee, for the pain which I have caused thee to endure; and with-al, yield thee thanks, that thou like a good Sheppard hast vouchsafed to carry upon thy sacred shoulders this 
a 〈◊〉 c. 15. a Ma●. 18. b.  miserable strayed sheep, which thou didst come to seek in the wilderness of this world. All the quires of Angels, which thou leftest behind thee in heaven, adore and bless thee, who know much better than we do, how greatly the clemency meriteth to be thanked, which moved thee to come, carry, and cure so vile a sheep, as is that of human nature, which thou didst bear upon thy back, in carrying of thy Cross.  
IN THE third point thou mayest also entertain thyself, contemplating, in what a pitiful plight our Lord and Saviour was in, when the Cross was taken from him, and given to 
a mat. 29 d Mar. 15. b. Luc. 23. d  Cyreneus, because he was not able to go so fast as those wicked hellhounds would have had him. How greatly he was pained and afflicted, sweating through the weariness of the voyage he had made, how wounded and annoyed through the heaviness of the Cross, shedding his blood anew, which intermeddled with sweat, did bedew the ground he went upon; how freight with the shame and villainies they did unto him, how bruised with the blows and strokes which they gave him to make him go on end. O my God, what a countenance is this, enough to burst his heart with compassion, who had never so little of human piety. O my soul, if thou couldst thoroughly consider this passage, how great cause shouldest thou find to take compassion & grief, at so many griefs, so many and outrageous spites, as thou seest him suffer for thy sins, 
a 1. Pe. 2. d  who never sinned, nor ever was any falsehood found in his mouth; and how greatly oughtest thou beside to wail the hardness of thy heart, which is not rend in twain with the remembrance of such a rueful countenance. O, if thou didst love this Lord with such love as thou art bound to do, he loving thee so dearly, with how great fervour wouldst thou desire to gather up those precious drops of blood and sweat, which did fall on the ground, wherewith thou mightest wash out thy stains, and beautify thy beastly blemishes. Ah! what a spite shouldest thou bear that Cyreneus, who eased in some wise the pain of this Celestial Monarch, carrying 
b Luc. 23. d  his Cross before him as a Royal Standard; and that which he bore then perforce, 
c Amb. li. 10. in Luc. ca 99 post Hieron in Mat.  and maugre his will, 
Orig. hom. 35.  thou shouldest bear on thy back with a willing and cheerful courage, 
Theoph. & Euthy cap. 67. in mat Mat. 27. d. Mat. 16. d Mar. 8. d Luc. 9 c ubi quotidie additur.  woting how the same Lord hath said: That if any will follow him, he must take up his Cross and follow him. And seeing thou hast not deserved to carry that Cross, which Simon Cyreneus did, carry at least thine own, like as thou art commanded, that is to say, the toils and tribulations, which in this life shall befall thee. Carry also the Cross of compassion, unbethinking thee of that which thy Lord vouchsafed to suffer for thee; sith in this sort, thy service which now thou dost, shall be much more grateful to him, than that which Cyreneus erst performed.  
Meditate also in this Article the pitiful plaints of those devout women that 
a Luc. 22. d.  followed him, who all of them wept full bitterly, seeing the cruelty, wherewith the most patiented Lamb was handled; but above all, take compassion of those tears, which the most mournful mother shed, who, like as she loved her son more than did all the other women, so did she weep more bitterly than the other, lament more than the other, and feel more grievous corseys than the other. O sacred virgin, who can possibly conceive the excess of thy most vehement griefs, when thou sawest him whom thy soul loved so tenderly, lodened with that importable weight, weakened with so many woes, pained with so many wounds, contemned with so many injuries, felowed with thieves, and adjudged to the death of the Rood, which they caused him with such reproach and pain to carry. Even such was thy soul then, as was the figure which thou beheldest with thy weeping eyes; neither did the thorns of sorrow pierce thine entrails less, than those of wood pierce his most Reverend head. This only anguish, O my Sovereign Lady, had been sufficient to have made thee die, as it sufficed to make thee sown, were it not thy life had been supernaturally preserved, to see the other torments which remained, for him in body, and for thee in soul, to suffer. O how much more willingly than Cyreneus did, wouldst thou have performed his office, in carrying of the Cross; sith the strength which thy tenderness and sorrows denied thee, love did make supply of, and the desire thou hadst to bear some part of the afflictions, which, without all pity they gave unto the afflicted, and grieved thee no less than they did himself. lastly consider the words, which our Redeemer 
a Daughters of jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for your own faults, and for those of your children.  spoke, 
Luc. 23. d  turning him to the women that wept, which ought to make thee careful, and desirous to bring forth some good fruit; sith otherwise, if thou be'st a dry tree and barren, think what punishment thou shalt deserve, if he be thus tormented for thy sins, which was a green tree, so precious and so fruitful.  

A PRAYER.  
how grievous and painful was that voyage to thee, O most sacred virgin, when thou didst accompany thy dear son to the monnt Calvary, carrying the Cross on his back, whereon he was condemned to suffer death; well did thy manifold sighs give testimony thereof, as also the pitiful sobs, and abundance of tears which thou shedst with the other women that wept with thee, and accompanied him. I beseech thee, O most doleful mother, by the dolour and affliction which thou feltest in that hour, that by thine intercession I may have such grace granted me, as that I may always faithfully accompany the same Lord, in carrying of my Cross; and that no worldly thing, be it prosperous or contrary, may ever separate me from him. Amen.    

OF THE CRUCIFYING▪  
 
In Cruse dum pendet tenebris obnubit Olimpun▪  
Expoliat tumulos, & iuga celsa quatit.   

¶ THE FIFT AND LAST dolorous Mystery is of the crucifying of jesus Christ our Redeemer, touching the which thou shalt meditate these points following.  
FIRST, how being arrived to the mount Calvary, which was the place where they commonly did execute offenders, those wicked tormentors stripped our Lord out of his clothes, to nail him naked upon the Rood.  
SECONDLY, consider the incomparable torment, which the most mild ●ambe received, when they racked him out upon the Cross, and that his most holy hands and feet were pierced through with great nails, as also the wonderful patience wherewith he endured every thing.  
THIRDLY, thou shalt meditate the shame which increased his other annoys, when being thus naked and crucified, he was lifted up upon the Cross, and placed a betwixt two thieves; and ponder here, 
a mar. 15. c Luc. 23. e. I●h. 19 c.  what his most heavy mother felt, when she saw him in this case, and heard the words which he spoke being on the Rood.  
IF THOU wilt dilate the meditation of the first point, consider, in what case our most loving Lord was, having finished this his last and most dolorous procession, how great the weariness was, which he felt, having made so long and laboursome a journey on foot, and lodened a great piece of the way with the heavy burden of the Cross. How great his weakness, which made him almost to sown, having shed so great a quantity of blo●dd out of the manifold wounds he had received. How great the affliction was, that oppressed his most sacred soul, unbethinking him of the extreme torments which he looked for, besides those that he had already endured; and for the mitigation of so many pains and griefs, the bed which they had prepared for him, was that hard and narrow Cross, whereon they minded to crucify him; and the drink which they presented to comfort him withal, was that wine mingled with gall, to th'end that no of his senses or members might go scotfree without their peculiar torment. O sweet jesus, thou which art a most pleasant honeycomb descended from heaven to 
a Mat. 22 d. & f. Mar. 15. b. Luc. 23 c joh. 19 〈◊〉 Psal. 98. c Cyril. Alex li. 12▪ in joh. ca 29. li. 1. histor. Eccl.  sweeten the sournes of men, and to ease their annoys and griefs, findest no one amongst them that will take compassion of thee, nor give thee any moment of rest, yea, contrive new means how to afflict thee, and to heap 
b Ps. 68 d.  sorrow upon sorrow. O ingrateful world, how ill a counterchange is this thou givest to thy maker and benefactor, which for honey afford him gall; and for solace, sorrow; and hatred for the love wherewith he created thee, and came to redeem thee; and this thine ingratitude and most blame-woorthye blindness is cause of thy so barbarous cruelty, as meaning to crucify him; thou wilt strip him out of his clothes, that he may go naked to suffer death, who came naked into the world to give thee life. Consider then, with what inhumanity those cruel hangmen pluck off his clothes, and withal pluck off his tender skin, and part of the flesh which did cleave thereto. Behold, how the most beautiful of all men standeth naked, and freight full of shame, amongst so great a multitude of people, bleeding anew all over, through the raving of his former wounds; and ponder the intolerable grief of his most heavy mother, when she saw him bereft of the 
a joh. 19 d.  rob which with her own hands she had woven for him, & without part of the skin and flesh which she had given him in her entrails; and clothed only with dolours, heaviness, and confusion, with which kind of attire his soul was also covered. Learn here to love poverty, seeing he loved it 
b 2. Cor. 8. b Ber. Ser. 1. de Vig. Nativit.  so greatly, 
Amb. ca 13 instit. virg.  who was given to us for a teacher; & was borne poor, lived poor, and poor and naked departed this ingrateful world.  
IN THE meditation of the second point thou mayest pause in like manner, considering, how above all the dolours and torments, which the most innocent Lamb endured, they passed, which he felt, when his most sacred hands and feet were with huge nails fastened hard unto the Cross. Consider the cruel blows wherewith they nailed him; and how the blows missing many times through the fiendish fury, wherewith they were enraged (as we may godlily meditate) they fell many times upon the palms of his hands, and upon his fingers & toes, with such a force, as those delicate parts were wholly crushed in sunder, and wounded with intolerable torment. Behold like wise, how to make his members stretch out to the holes which they had already bored in the Cross, they rack them out so vehemently, as they pluck the bones out of the joints with incomparable grief; whereby was that fulfilled, which David had prophesied, 
a Psa. 21. b  saying: They have bored through my hands and my feet, and have numbered all my bones. Behold then, how these sacred arms of our most loving Lord are thus stretched out upon the Cross, ready 
b August.  to embrace all those, that will draw nigh unto him; even like to that his infinite charity, wherewith he suffered for al. Behold these most puissant hands that erst created heaven and earth, and wherewith he had wrought so many miracles, how they are now 
c Zac. 13. 〈◊〉  nailed fast to the Rood, and distill forth that precious liquor of his most sacred blood, sufficient to cure all their spiritual infirmities that will gather thereof; sith this is the wholesome and most approved myrrh, which the Spouse 
d Can. 5. a.  saith in the Canticles, that her hands and fingers did distill. Consider also, how those huge nails were not only driven through the most holy Son his hands and feet; but also pierced the entrails of his blessed mother being there present. O what a horrible sound made those vehement blows of the hammers in her ears, which, no doubt, did more torment and wound her woeful heart, then if in very deed her holy hands had been strooken through. And this was a cause of doubling our most merciful Lord his torments, who witted it well enough, and loved her so tenderly, and took great compassion of her pains; in such sort, as besides the torment which these outward nails did occasionate in his body, he had other inward nails which afflicted more vehemently his most sacred soul. O most patiented jesus, how art thou on every side environed with annoyances? Rightly mayest thou say, 
a Ps. 68 a.  that the waters of tribulation are entered into the very bottom of thy soul; and thine invincible patience abideth all, which maketh thee become dumb, and to stand like a Lamb, 
a Isai. 53. 〈◊〉  before those that shear thee and torment thee. And if haply thou openest thy mouth, it is only to 
b Luc. 23. 〈◊〉 Beda ca 94 in Luc. Leo Ser. 11. de Passio. Theoph. Anselm.  excuse & to pray for them, for so much as thine infinite charity is that which holdeth thee surer nailed and fastened to the Cross, then do those material and iron nails, minding with this so great cost, to confect a sovereign medicine to our salvation.  
CONCERNING the third point, thou hast a more ample matter to entertain thee, pondering how our Redeemer being crucified, was exalted on high upon the Cross, that as he died for all men, so he might be seen of all men. This exaltation had 
c Nu. 31. 〈◊〉 joh. 3. b  Moses erst prefigured, when he raised up the Serpent of brass in the wilderness; sithence like as then all they were healed of their corporal wounds which looked upon the Serpent; even so they, which with a lively faith behold this Lord exalted upon the Rood, receive cure of their spiritual infirmities, which are far more dangerous. Pause therefore (O my soul) pause and shroud thyself under the shadow of this 
a Cant. 2. a  tree of life, if thou wilt rightly repose thee, and cure thy festered wounds. Behold the wholesome fruit that hangeth 
b Deu. 28 g  thereon; which albeit thou seest naked, contemned, blasphemed, and reproved of this miscreant nation, yet is he most sweet, most high, and of infinite Majesty; God hidden, who vouchsafeth thus to dissemble and cloak his puissance, to make his mercy so much the better known. Gather then this precious fruit, and trial shall teach thee the marvelous virtue thereof. Make thy nest like a simple dove, in the crannies and holes of this 
c Can. 2. c jer. 48. d.  rock, that is to say, in 
d Ber. Ser. 61. in Can.  his most sacred wounds, sith he giveth thee leave, yea, inviteth thee so to do. Weigh well the throne which this day the eternal King hath chosen amidst two thieves and trespassers, in the same mount where such accustomably were executed; meaning to signify by this, that as for sinners and offenders he descended from heaven, and was borne in the world; so did he for sinners and thieves die in that place betwixt thieves, paying by this means that he had not 
a Ps. 68 a.  stolen, and taking away the filth and 
b Abac. 3. d.  infamy of that stinking place, with the most sweet incense of the sacrifice which he offered. Learn moreover in this point to do according to the example which is showed thee in the 
c Exo. 25▪ d Heb. 8. b Act. 7▪ f  mountain, crucifying thy flesh with her vices and concupiscences, as the 
d Gala. 5. ● Rom. 6. a Colos. 3. 〈◊〉  Apostle doth admonish thee; sith it is not meet that thou seek after delicacies & superfluous pamper of the flesh, seeing thy Lord his flesh thus cruelly handled, as from the sole 
a Isa. 1. a. Psa. 37. a  of his foot unto the crown of his head there is no one free spot in him; And very indecent should it be, that under 
b Bernard.  a head crowned with thorns the other parts should not be nice and delicate. Contemplate last in this point the extreme dolours which the most rueful mother felt, at such time, as standing by the Cross, she saw him heaved up thereon, naked, racked, all wounded, having his hands and feet pierced through, whereout those four floods of blood did issue, being far more precious than the 
c Gen. 2. b Eccl. 24. c  four floods that issued out of terrestral Paradise; when she beheld those gracious eyes wan and pale, wherewith he was wont to comfort all those that were heavy and afflicted; that beautiful face, wherein the 
d 1. Pet. 1. c  Angels desire to look, difformed and withered; that divine head full of thorns, which had 
a Mat. 8. 〈◊〉 Luc. 9 g  not where to rest it. O Queen of heaven, what dolour was ever like to thine, when with thy weeping eyes thou beheldest this woeful figure! O, how much more were thy anguishes sufficient to darken thy most heavy heart, them was the 
b Luc. 23. f  darkness which came then upon the earth, sufficient to darken it. To whom may I compare thee, or to whom may I liken thee, O most sacred virgin, thine affliction and tribulation, being so great as is the Ocean Sea! If the Angel, when he first saluted thee, did call thee, 
c Luc. 1. 〈◊〉  full of grace, at this instant he may call thee, full of griefs and sorrow, so great a part of the bitter cup, which thy dear son drank, being fallen to thy share; to whom, I humbly beseech thee, to offer those grievous dolours, which thou then enduredst, like as he offered all his bitter griefs, and the blood he shed, to his eternal Father for the redemption of the world. And thou, O celestial Father, behold, in all humility I beg it, behold the 
a Ps. 83. c  face of thy Christ, and smell the sweetness of the sacrifice which he offereth thee. Regard those outstretched arms, that represent the bow which thou promisedst to place in the clouds 
b Gen. 9 b Eccle. 43. b Haba. 3 b  in sign of peace and friendship, which thou vouchsafedst to make with mankind. Listen that sweet music he maketh with the words he speaketh on the Cross, where his head is all to torn, and his members and sinews stretched out like David's harp, whereon when he played, 
c 1. Re. 16 d  he made the fiend to fly; and seeing all that he hath done and suffered, hath been to appease thee, and to obtain mercy for us, accept the same, O Lord, and send us from heaven thy holy benediction.  

A PRAYER.  
WHAT grief was ever like to thine, O Virgin & most woeful mother, when thou sawest thy dearly beloved son exalted on the Cross, fastened thereto with huge nails, from top to toe all wounded like a leper; having gall and vinegar given him to drink, and blasphemed and mocked of that wicked nation! O how in very deed did then the dagger of woes, which 
a Luc. 2. 〈◊〉  Simeon had foretold thee, pierce through thy most afflicted soul! I beseech thee humbly, O most woeful Lady, with joined hands, that for thy son his most bitter passion, and thy compassion sake, thou wilt obtain me graces to feel the taste of his so strange torments, and of thy excessive sorrows, that being touched with a true compunction, I may crucify mine old man with all his vices & concupiscences. Amen.    

¶ THE FIVE LAST MYSTERIES ARE CALLED GLORIOUS,  
FOR THAT THE MOST HOLY VIRGIN mary RECEIVED THEM, AFTER HER SON WAS WHOLLY GLORIOUS, TO WIT, BOTH IN BODY AND soul.   

OF THE RESVRRECTION.  
 
Post triduum sospes repetit data membra sepulchro:  
Tartareaque refert rapta trophea dom●.   

¶ THE FIRST WHEREOF is of his triumphant Resurrection, about the which thou shalt meditate these points following.  
FIRST, how our Redeemer being dead, his most sacred soul descended down to 
a Ps. 15. b  Limbo to comfort 
b Zac. 9 c. Col. 2. c.  and deliver thence those holy fathers, which had so long time looked for him; with whom he stayed till Sundaye morning, when very early he returned to the sepulchre, and taking again his most holy body, he rose up glorious, and issued out of his closed sepulchre.  
SECONDLY, thou mayest meditate, how our Lord being thus risen up, he appeared first to his most holy 
c Niceph. cap. 32. li. 1 Hist. Eccl.  mother, who received an incomparable gladness, seeing him risen up so beautiful and so glorious.  
THIRDLY, meditate, how after he had remained some space with his most blessed mother comforting and rejoicing her▪ he went afterwards to perform the same office to his 
d Luc. 24 b &. f. Act. 1. a  Disciples, and his other devout servants; amongst the which, he first appeared to good 
e mat. 28 b Mar. 16. b  Mary Magdalen, who loved him most fervently, and with greatest desire did seek him.  
IN THE first point thou mayest entertain thyself, meditating, how all those holy Fathers, patriarchs, and prophets, with all the other 
a Aug. li. 20 de Civit. ca 15. Hier. in ca 4. ad Ephe.  righteous persons which had been dead from the beginning of the world, were all detained in Limbo, expecting the happy coming of our Saviour, who with the same charity and humility, where with he had humbled himself, in suffering 
b Phil. 2. b  death upon the Cross, vouchsafed also to humble himself, in descending down to Limbo, and visiting that blessed congregation, which with such fervent zeal had long time desired to see this happy day. I leave thee now to think, what surpassing joy those sacred souls received, when they saw this most sacred soul of Christ 
c Aug. Ser. 137. de tempore.  united to the Divinity enter with such triumph and puissance into their prison, and with his brightness to illuminate those misty dungeons; and understood beside what he had done and suffered in the world, and then, wherefore he was descended thither to be only to deliver them out of their imprisonment, and to make them endless happy.  
What tongue can worthily tell their consolations, their joys, their songs, praises, and benedictions, which they sounded forth in praise of their glorious benefactor? Nevertheless, albeit the joy of these redeemed souls were so exceeding great, yet far greater was that of their Redeemer, beginning now to see the glorious fruit of his great pains, and the great good, which his grievous passion had wrought. O, with how great reason might each one then 
a Ps. 117. d  say: This is the day that our Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad therein: Where note, that albeit it may seem otherwhiles, that our Lord hath forgotten his elect, and that which he hath promised them; yet doth he not so, but expecteth the fittest time, wherein he knoweth how to fulfil the same, like as we see he hath here done towards these good holy Fathers. We must not therefore waver in our belief, but abide and wait with patience for his most holy coming. Sithence as the Prophet Abacuch admonisheth us: 
a Aba. 2. a  Our Lord, whom thou hast so greatly called on, will come at length, and will not lie; if he tarry, expect him; for he that cometh, will come, and will not tarry long. Consider also in this point, how our Saviour having staid all Saturday with those holy Fathers, rejoicing and comforting them, as well thou mayest imagine, his most blessed soul did on 
b evang. ubi supra Act 10. f &. 13. 〈◊〉 Rom. 4. d &. 8. f. 1. Cor. 15. a▪ 2. Tim. 2 Nic. ca 37. li. 1.  Sunday morning return to revive his most sacred body, which lay in the sepulchre; wherinto he entering, made it become so beautiful and glittering as the Sun; and that body which erst through the torments of his passion was all wounded, all black, and all difformed 
a Luc. 24. f joh. 20. 〈◊〉  like a Lepre, presently after it was united to the most sacred soul, and by it revived, became the most beautiful of all bodies; & the blackness being now changed into brightness, the wounds and deformity converted into an incomparable beauty, he reserved only the 
a Luc. 24. f joh. 20. 〈◊〉  five most sacred wounds of his hands, feet, and side, in memory of our redemption, the which do wonderfully shine forth, and beautify the same; and the fight thereof causeth a singular contentation to the blessed Saints, and moveth his eternal Father to mercy in our behalfs, when for this intent it pleaseth him to show them. O, happy are those ever, that shall enjoy such a sight! O what a Mirror is this so clear and beautiful, wherein we may eftsoon take view of ourselves, to know our defects, and to rejoice our hearts, like as his disciples did rejoice each time, 
a mat. 28. b Luc. 24. e. f joh. 20. e  that the same Mirror did show itself unto them; and at this day are they never satiated with beholding it in heaven.  
IN THE second point thou mayest entertain thyself, meditating and beholding with the eyes of thy soul, how our Lord and Redeemer did presently after he was risen up, visit his most holy 
b Niceph. ca 32. lib. 1. Sedul. in carm. Pas. ca 20. de Resur. ver. 4. a fine.  mother, whom thou mayest well believe, to have been the first, albeit in the Gospel there is no mention made thereof; for, that being a commandment of his, which the wise man reporteth, 
c Eccl. 7. c. Tob. 4. a  Honour thy Father, and forget not thy mother's sorrow, how were it possible for the most obedient son to forget his mother, who loved him so dearly, and had so bitterly wailed, wept, and sorrowed his passion and painful death? Why should not she be visited and comforted before all others, which was more afflicted than all others? If, as the Evangelist 
a Lu●. 24. e Niceph. cap. 34. & 35. lib. 1.  reporteth, our Lord did, after he was risen up, appear to S. Peter that had erst denied him, why shall not we believe, that he appeared first to his blessed mother, that never did deny him? yea, continually confessed him, and loved him above all; and in whom alone the faith remained firm and incorrupted. Admit therefore it was so, as reason requireth it should be, force thyself to meditate a little, what joy this blessed Lady felt, when, being solitary in her chamber, weeping, waiting, and longing to see the son of 
b Mal. 4. a  righteousness rise up, to lighten and clear her dark and doleful heart, she saw herself in a moment environed with the glittering beams of the beautiful light thereof. How great her gladness was, when she saw that body which she had lately left in the sepulchre dead, all wounded and deformed, now living, whole, glittering, and glorious. How great contentation she received, when she saw the sovereign beauty and brightness restored to that face full of all graces, and those divine eyes, wherewith he looked upon her so clear and so lovely. What pleasure her sense received, when with her ears she heard the most sweet voice, wherewith he saluted her. How sovereign her exultation was, when she saw those most sacred arms embrace her so lovingly, and how with those most sacred hands which she had so lately seen fastened to the Rood, he with such piety wiped 
a Isai. 22. 〈◊〉 Apoc. 7. d &. 21. b  off the trickling tears of her reverend face; then might she say, and that with great cause, that sentence of the Prophet 
b Ps. 93. d  David; According to the multitude of griefs that my heart hath suffered, thy consolations have rejoiced my soul. Consider then in the best wise thou canst the sweet communication that passed betwixt the blessed mother and the Son, the the which, well may we believe, did occasionate no less comfort to the mother, than did his sight, albeit she could utter but few words, by reason she was wholly rapt in beholding that glorious vision which she had before her eyes, and in viewing every particular fealty of that body, and that amiable countenance, whose brightness and beauty did so greatly delight her now, as did the seeing of it black and wounded heretofore torment her, in the time of his painful passion. In like manner, beholding those wounds, which in his death had pierced her virginal heart with sorrow, now became so fair and so glittering, she was thereby replenished with so great a joy, as she remained like one astonished, not being able to pronounce scarce any one word. Rejoice therefore, O Queen of heaven, sith thou hast so great causes to rejoice thee; Let thy spirit now 
a Luc. 2. 〈◊〉  be glad in God thy Saviour, who hath fully satisfied the longing desires of thy soul? Now thou seest him risen up again, whose death thou erst lamentedst. 
a Can. 2. 〈◊〉  Now is winter, and the storms of his persecutions, ignominies, and torments clean passed over; now liveth he, and death shall have no more 
b Rom. 6. ●  any dominion over him. Thou seest him now far more exalted than he was before depressed; now is he a conqueror of Death, of Hell, and of the Devil; now is neither he to suffer any more, nor thou to have any further fear. Rejoice therefore, O Lady, and let thy soul receive solace through his triumph and Resurrection, as it was before made sorrowful, even almost to death, through his painful death and passion.  
IN THE third point thou mayest in like manner entertain thyself, being a matter of great consolation, considering how our Lord, look what office he had performed to his most blessed mother, and the same vouchsafed he to do to 
a Mat. 28 b Luc. 24. b joh. 21. a. b Act. 1. a Nic▪ ea. 34 &. 35. li. 1.  his Disciples, and other devout servants; wherewith we may well believe, that the loving Lady replenished with charity, was very well contented, yea, desired him so to do; sithence, like as when he was borne, she laid him in a manger, signifying thereby, that albeit she alone did bear and bring him forth, yet would she not have him for herself alone, but for all; even so would she not have all the joy of his glorious resurrection to herself alone, but would in any wise, that others were made partakers thereof. Meditate therefore, how he first appeared to good 
b mar. 16 b  Mary Magdalen, according to the testimony of the holy Evangelists, who went with the other devout women to 
c Ibid. 16. a Luc. 24. a  anoint him with precious ointments (which they carried with them) in the sepulchre; where not finding of him (albeit her companions went away) yet would 
a joh. 20. ●  not she departed, sith love held her fast linked to the place where she had erst left him, whom she so dearly loved, and remaining there weeping, she with a desire she had to find him dead, merited to see him alive and risen up, albeit in gardeners weed, 
b Ibid. d  in such sort, as she saw him and knew him not, our Lord answering herein to the disposition of her soul; for she loved and doubted, as he for the same reason appeared 
c Luc. 24. b  in pilgrims show to those two disciples that went to Emaus; where thou mayest note, how this Lord knoweth at one time▪ how both to comfort, instruct, and manifest the defects of his elect, and how such are best favoured of him as most fervently do love him, like as we here see by good Mary Magdalem, to whom for her fervent love sake was this prerogative given, that she might first see her deerlye beloved master, 
a joh. 20. d  and that she might be the messenger to announce the joy of his Resurrection to those that little thought thereof, by reason of the heaviness they were in, through the remembrance of his death and doleful passion.  
Think now, (good Christian) think attentively, what joy that most denout gentlewoman did feel, when she both saw and knew her so dearly beloved master. Ah Lord, how that heart leapt again for joy, when our Saviour called her 
b joh. 20. d  Mary, and she answered him forthwith with this loving word of master. O what a sudden change is this, how present an alteration? What did thy heart feel (O good Mary Magdalen) being thus in a moment delivered from thy surpassing sorrows, and surceased with such a wonderful consolation? What a boiling heat of heart was 
c joh. 20. d Mat. 28. b  that, that made her so impotent over herself, be about to embrace him, like one drunk in love, whereby she quite forgot herself of his most sacred Majesty. O most happy tears, wherewith she bedewed the ground of that garden; which made her so soon to reap so sweet a fruit; happy the perseverance, which made her tarry still in that place, whereby she was so singularly rejoiced and comforted of our Saviour. O happy love, 
a Can. 8. b  more strong than death, which made her to find the author of life revived and risen up, in the very place of death. Contemplate afterwards, how she hied her to tell these joyful tidings to the Apostles, 
b Mal. 4. a  whom, every one of them, this Son of righteousness minded to white, confect, and illuminate; for like as he was borne for all, and died for all, so did he rise up again for all, and vouchsafed to communicate the joys of his Resurrection to all; forgetting neither 
c Luc. 24. c Nic. ca 34 & 35. li. 1  Peter, who denied him, nor the other 
a mat 28. c Mar 16. c  Apostles, who were now for woe and distrust departed from jerusalem; 
b joh. 20. f Nic. ca 35. li. 1.  neither Thomas, who continued so long time in his obstinate incredulity; whereby is showed us, how much more this Lord is inclined and prone to comfort and to favour, then to afflict and punish; seeing how in counterchange of those few days, wherein he permitted them through his death to be scandalised, troubled, and afflicted, he did afterwards comfort and rejoice them far more with his desired presence, appearing many times to them, during the 
c Act. 1. a Nic. ca 34 lib. 1. hist. Eccl.  forty days; meaning there by to ascertain them the better of the verity of his Resurrection: where out thou mayest learn to put thy trust in this most faithful Lord. And albeit thou feel thyself otherwhiles afflicted and grievously tempted, despair not yet, for he will have care to comfort and visit thee in due time, and will deliver thee out of all thy temptations and afflictions, according as it is 
a Tob. 3. d  written: After a storm he sendeth a calm, and after sobs and tears, he giveth consolations.  

A PRAYER.  
AFTER a storm the air groweth commonly clear again; even so is it happened to thee, O most Sovereign Queen of heaven, for after the stormy and woeful time of thy dear Son his passion, the bright and calm day of his Resurrection appeared to thee, wherein thy heart was incomparably rejoiced, seeing him risen up glorious, immortal, and impassable. I beseech thee, O glorious Ladi, by that ineffable exultation which thou receivedst on this most happy day, that it may please thee to make me partaker thereof, obtaining me that I may die to mine old life of sin, and may rise up again with a new life of grace, by means whereof I may afterwards attain to the true and perpetual life of glory. Amen.    

THE ASCENSION.  
 
Victor agit spolijs auctos in sydera currus:  
Et Patris aeterna dexter in arce sedet.   

¶ THE SECOND GLOrious Mystery is of the Ascension of our Lord, concerning the which thou mayest meditate these points following.  
FIRST, how our Lord appeared the 
a Act. 18. a Nic. ca 34 lib. 1.  forty day after his Resurrection, to his Disciples then being 
b mar. 16 〈◊〉 Luc. 24. f  at table; and blamed their slackness and difficulty in believing his Resurrection, and afterwards taught them what they ought to do after his Ascension, and commanded them to go to Mount Olivet, there to see him ascend.  
SECONDLY, thou shalt meditate, how all our Lord his Disciples being gathered together in the Mount Olivet, as also the most holy mother our Lady, and the other devout women there with them, our Saviour came to the place where they were, having with him those blessed troops which he had erst delivered out of Limbo; and after he had spoken to them, and bid them all farewell, he began in their sights to mount up to heaven with great triumph and exultation,  
THIRDLY, consider, how the blessed mother, with the Disciples, and other devout women, as they were al-together looking up to heaven, where they saw our Lord ascend, there descended 
a Act. 1. b  two Angels down clad in white, advertising them to make no longer abode there, and then they all of them returned back to jerusalem.  
IN THE first point thou mayest meditate the exceeding clemency and lowliness of this our Lord; who being that he was, did neither disdain, ne was ashamed to visit his poor servants, and to stay with them in any time, place, or disposition whatsoever. Sith as the Gospel 
b mar. 16 b  telleth, he appeared to them when they were at table, and peradventure did 
c Luc. 24. f  eat with them, thereby to do thee to wit, that thou mayest at all times, and in all places securely call upon him, and how thou oughtest to enforce thyself to order all thine actions in such sort, as if every hour thou didst expect his holy visitation. Note moreover, how his checks and scoolinges be of a Father that loveth us right tenderly, and is greatly desirous of our profit. Like as thou seest here, how after he had found fault with his Disciples incredulity, he forthwith taught and instructed them of that they ought to do in going round about the world, besides other 
a mat. 18 d mar. 16. c. d Luc. 24. g joh. 20. 〈◊〉  graces and favours which he did impart unto them. At what time therefore thou feelest either inwardly his rebukes, or outwardly his rods, be not troubled thereat, nor any deal discouraged, but believe assuredly, that in thus exercising his whip, he doth like a loving Father, who, as holy writ doth 
b Heb. 12. b Apoc. 3. d Pro. 3 b job. 5, c.  witness, Chastiseth him whom he loveth, and scourgeth him whom he taketh for his child. Contemplate then the singular joy wherewith the holy Apostles were surceased, in beholding their most loving Master; and and with what attention they gave ear to his divine words; and if the most holy mother were then present amongst them (as with godly devotion we may believe she was) how much more she desired to behold and hear her son, then to taste any corporal food: and if at other times when she was at table with him, she forgot to eat her meat, as we may well believe she did, through the contentation she received by looking of him, how much more did she so this last time, woting, how presently after he was to departed this world. O sacred virgin, who can possibly conceive, with how sundry cogitations thy heart was at that instant occupied! for on th'one side thou wast delighted with beholding his so amiable presence, on th'other side thou languishedst, unbethinking thee, how, not many hours after he should be taken from thee, and that thou shouldest remain here in earth, he ascending up to heaven, whose absence could not choose, but be greatly grievous to thee; in such sort, as the self-same cause and object did make thee both glad and sorrowful; howbeit, this did in th'end chiefly comfort thee, that thou knewest such to be his will and pleasure, whereto continually thou didst conform thyself.  
IN THE meditation of the second point thou mayest entertain thyself, being a matter of great devotion, considering the wonderful Ascension of our Lord, and beholding with the eyes of thy mind every particularity of the manner of his ascending; the which will, no doubt, afford thee great comfort and spiritual fruit. For if the 
a 4. Re. 2. b Eccl. 48. b.  Prophet Elias promised to give his Disciple Heliseus the gift of his spirit which he required, if so be he saw him ascend in that fiery chariot, wherein he was transported into earthly Paradise; how much more justly mayest thou hope to obtain a greater gift, if thou contemplate and view with the eyes of thy mind devoutly and with attention, how, not the Prophet Elias, but the Lord of all the prophets ascendeth; not in a chariot of fire, but by his own virtue and power; not into terrestral Paradise, but into the Imperial heaven, where he 
a Ps. 109 a Mat. 22. d. Mar. 16. b. Luc. 22. d Act▪ 7. g Aug. lib. de fide & Symb. ca 7.  sitteth on the right hand of his eternal Father; and if, as S. Paul 
b Eph. 4. b Psal. 67. b.  saith, Christ when he ascended into heaven, gave many gifts to men, well mayest thou believe he will do the same even now towards them that do spiritually contemplate the same Ascension. Open therefore thine internal eyes, and with great faith and attention behold how the most holy Virgin with all that blessed company that associated her, being arririved to the mount Olivet, her most sweet son came also to the same place with the sacred spoils of so many souls as he had erst delivered out of Limbo. Do now contemplate, with how great sweetness and affability he talked to every one; with how great benignity he embraced every one; with how great charity he 
a Luc. 24 ●  blessed and comforted every one; and if he did thus to all, consider in what manner he behaved himself towards that his most sacred Mother, who loved him more than all, merited more than all, and was more tenderly moved then all with his departure. O how much more sugared words may we think he spoke to her, how much more singular favours he did her, and how much more amiably he embraced her. The blessed mother desired to accompany her most dear son, without whose presence and company her life was loathsome and painful to her; how-beit, it was not granted her, our Lord vouchsafing, that she for 
a Vndecim annos a morte Christi Maria vixisse dicitur apud Niceph. ca 3. li. 2. hist. Eccl. ex Euodio.  some time should remain here in the world, as a Keeper and comforter of that little flock, which the good Sheppard left comfortless with his departure; neither thought he it meet, that in one day they should be made Orphans, being deprived of such a Father and a mother; the which this Lady understanding, quieted herself, and like an humble and obedient handmaid resigned her will to his divine will, saying haply the same words in the Ascension, which she uttered in the incarnation; to 
b Luc. 1. d  wit, Behold the hand maid of our Lord.  
Having then in this wise talked with every one, and taken his leave of them all, behold, how by little and little he beginneth to elevate himself from earth, and to mount upwards into the air with his hands lifted up on high, wherewith he 
a Luc. 24. g  blessed than, and with his eyes fixed on them, did amiably behold them. Here mayest thou meditate, what the most sacred virgin, with all that holy assembly felt, seeing him mount up thus triumphantly; how their hearts did rend in twain through love, and how they melted again with tears, seeing him go further and further from them; and how they withal were incomparably rejoiced, by beholding the triumph and Majesty, wherewith he ascended, and hearing that heavenly melody, which the Angels and blessed Saints did make, who all of them sounded forth most melodiously the praises of this triumphant Conqueror; so that the hearing and seeing of these things could not choose, but make them for joy and tenderness of heart pour forth plentiful streams of tears. O glorious day, O Soveraine-sweet solemnity, O most renowned triumph! thus is he honoured 
a Esther 6. c.  whom the King of heaven will honour; thus is he exalted, 
b mat. 23. b Luc. 14. c &. 18. c  who humbled himself so profoundly; thus meriteth he to triumph, who hath obtained so glorious a victory. Behold, O King of heaven, thy exaltation, and the name above all names that was given thee for being thus humbled and made obedient to the death of the Cross. Behold, how thou beginnest now to reap the abundant fruit that was promised thee, for having 
c Isai. 53. d  lost thy life for our sins. Behold the noble triumph thou hast attained, for having with such prows overcome so dangerous and difficult a day. Get thee therefore, O Lord, get thee now to thy 
d Ps. 131. b 2. Par. 6. g.  rest, seeing thou hast taken so great pains, and carry with thee the ark of thy sanctification, that is to say, thy most sacred humanity, which is the most rich ark, whereout was taken that precious treasure of our redemption. Be 
a Psa. 107.  thou exalted above all the heavens, O my God, and thy glory be over all the world; All Angels, and all men yield thee due adoration and reverence, seeing thou hast enriched and rejoiced them all with this thy glorious and most miraculous Ascension.  
IN THE third point thou mayest in like manner entertain thee, meditating, how the most blessed Mother remained with that holy flock in the mountain, where she saw her most glorious Son ascend up to heaven; who all of them accompanied him with their corporal eyes whiles they might possibly discern him, and did after he was once out of sight (being received into a white 
a Act. 1. b.  cloud) associate him with their souls.  
Contemplate a while here, how she with the other lookers on, being all of them devoutly on their knees, fixed their eyes on heaven without any looking aside or shifting of places, being bereft, as it were of all their senses, and wholly ravished with this most glorious vision.  
Meditate beside, the solemn pomp and rejoicing, wherewith this glorious triumpher king of heaven and of earth was received into heaven; think aswell as thou canst, with what music, with what songs, with what praises, and with what reverence every celestial order did receive and adore him; how the Angels rejoiced; how the Archangels wondered; how the Scraphins burned in love; how the inferior orders inquired of the superior that which the Prophet 
a Isa. 63. a.  Esaias had so long time before foretold: Who is this that cometh from Edom? to wit, the world; Who is this so beautiful and so attired in new garments, that ascendeth with so great puissance and triumph? with other like words and questions, whereof thou mayest meditate according to thy devotion. Contemplate last, how this most humble Lord being arrived to the Imperial heaven (who, as touching 
b joh. 14. d  his humanity was less than this Father) bowed himself down, repeating, it may be, the same words which in his prayer of the last supper he had used in the world; that is to 
c joh. 17. a  say, My Father, I have preached and announced thy name upon earth, and have perfected the work which thou commandest me that I should do; now therefore, do thou clarify me, O Father, with the clearness of the glory which I had with thee before the world was made And then mayest thou meditate, how his heavenly Father made him sit in that high throne, on his right hand, where he now 
d Rom. 8. f. Ephes. ●. d Collos. 3. a 1. Pet. 3. d  sitteth; that is to say, that he exalted him, & made him partaker of the greatest goods and excellencies that either have been, or ever shall be granted to any other; yea, that no creature can possibly comprehend; which is to be understood, in as much as he was man; for as he is God; 
a joh. 10. f  he is equal with his Father, and hath the same glory and Majesty that his Father hath. The Prince of glory being then received in this manner, (who never forgetteth them that love and put their trust in him) sent 
b Act. 1. b  two Angels down to earth to visit his most dear mother, with all the other company, as also to inform them of his arrival into heaven, and to deliver such other speeches as he spoke to them; by whose coming thou mayest well ween, how great consolation they all received, what praises and what blessings they yielded unto their Lord, whom after they had with most profound humility adored, they returned with great joy to 
a Luc. 24 g  jerusalem: Sithence albeit they were sorrowful and heavy, as being left Orphans in great solitariness through the absence of such a master and a Shepparde, yet for because they loved him better than themselves, Charity (which seeketh 
b 1. Cor▪ 13. b.  not her own things) made them to rejoice more at the prosperity and glory of their most loving Lord, then to sorrow the want of their own consolations. This is that which thou mayest meditate touching the history of this most glorious Ascension; and learn withal to desire, seek and sigh for celestial things, and to loath all transitory trash, endeavouring, that thy conversation be in heaven, where Christ remaineth 
a Collos. 3. 〈◊〉  sitting on the right hand of his eternal Father.  

A PRAYER.  
LIKE AS, O most sacred mother, thou lovedst jesus thy most sweet son better than thyself, even so didst thou make more account of his joys and happiness than thou didst of thine own. And therefore, albeit thou remainedst behind him here in earth, yet didst thou rejoice greatly, when thou sawest him ascend up to heaven, accompanied with the Angels and saints he carried with him, with such jubilation, power, and Majesty, as was convenient for so glorious a triumpher. I beseech thee, O most holy Lady, by this thy joy, that seeing thou then remainedst in the world, for the succour and consolation of man, that I may never be destitute of thy protection, to th'end, that by means thereof I may know myself to be a pilgrim in this world, and that my thoughts and conversation may be principally 
a Collos. 3. a  in heaven, where the self-same Lord reigneth in the glory of God his Father. Amen.    

OF THE COMING OF THE HOLY GHOST.  
 
jam Mariae socijsque datur Paracletus Olymp●:  
Munere quo magno munera magna parant.   

¶ THE THIRD GLORIous Mystery is of the coming of the holy Ghost, concerning the which thou shalt meditate these points following.  
FIRST, how the most sacred Virgin, and that holy assembly which was present at our Redeemer his Ascension, remained together in the dining chamber or refectory of jerusalem, expecting the coming of the holy Ghost, like as the same Lord 
a Luc. 24 g Act. 1. a  had commanded them to do.  
SECONDLY, consider, how on 
b Act. 2. a Nic. cap. 2. li. 2.  Whitsonday, all of them being in the same place, and devoutly at their prayers, the holy Ghost came in form of fiery tongues, which were seen over ●che one of the Apostles heads, who were greatly retoyced and comforted with this coming.  
THIRDLY, consider the marvelous effects, which the holy Ghost wrought in them, sith they which before were shut close up for fear of the jews, presently after they had received the holy Ghost, issued forth, preaching with great fervour in the streets and market-places, by the which preachings a great multitude of people was converted.  
IN the first point thou mayest entertain thyself, meditating, how the most sacred Virgin, with all the Apostolical Society remained secret in the great hall of Zion, expecting, in great peace, charity, and union that celestial comforter, which our Lord had 
a joh. 14. b 25. d. 19 a  promised them. Think what sighs, what sobs, and what store of tears they shed, and how fervent and continual prayers they made in this behalf; and learn thou, that if so be thou covet to have the same comforter come to thee, it behoveth thee necessarily to have the same disposition; that is to say, to be united with all in perfect peace and charity, estranged from all strife and contention; sith this divine spirit will, that such as dwell in the house where 
b Ps 67. a  he is to come, be of this disposition; like as contrariwise, the wicked spirit, wheresoev he sojourneth, doth what he can to 
c mat. 13. d  sow furious debates and enmities.  
This L. will also be greatly longed for, and invited with often prayer, according to that our Saviour said once with a loud 
a joh. 7. f  voice: If any be athirst, let him come to me and drink Which he meant by the holy Ghost; which all they were to receive that would believe in him. Note moreover in this point, how the Apostles went not forth to preach before they had received the holy Ghost, like as their 
b Luc. 24 g Act. 1. a  Master had warned them tofore; whence such as are to exercise the same office, may learn, how before they begin, it behoveth them to withdraw themselves, and to pray for the receiving of the same spirit, without the which, the word they preach shall be of small efficacy and avail.  
Here mayest thou meditate in like manner, how fervent and devout were those prayers which our Lady made in this place, who understood much better than the rest, the cause of this their retiring, and of how great importance and worthiness was the spirit which they required, by whose means the Gospel was to be preached through the universal world. O happy was that habitation where such worthy persons remained; more happy the exercises whereto they addicted themselves; but most happy the treasure and the consolation which they looked for. O Harbour far more excellent and delicate then is the terrestral Paradise! how justly might that be applied to it which jacob had erst 
a Goe 28. c  said: Verily our Lord is in this place, this is the house of God, this is the batch of heaven. Sith here there was nothing thought of but God, nothing spoken of but God, nothing desired and wished for but only God himself.  
AS TOUCHING the second point thou hast a plentiful subject to warm thy soul with, entertaining thyself in meditating the coming of the holy Ghost. Thou mayest therefore think with godly zeal, according to thy devotion, how after that sacred College had been thus assembled together certain days, giving themselves diligently to the exercise aforesaid, and seeing how the holy Ghost stayed longer in his coming then they desired, they began to be heavy; for as it is 
a Pro. 13. 〈◊〉  written, The delayed hope afflicteth the soul; yea, and some did haply begin to doubt. Our Lady understanding their affliction, like a true mother and comforter of the afflicted, endeavoured all she might to comfort and hearten them, persuading them to persever in their prayers with greater fervour and 
b jac. 1. 〈◊〉  faith, assuring them, how they should be sooner visited and comforted of the holy Ghost than they looked for, and to animate them the better, fell herself to her prayers with them.  
Contemplate now, how the pitiful mother kneeling on the ground, with her hands and eyes elevate up to heaven, wholly inflamed in divine love, pouring forth abundant streams of bitter tears, did with great instance and fervour crave, that the celestial Comforter whom they expected would vouchsafe to come; and amongst other devout speeches, whereof thou mayest meditate, she uttered, likely enough, that sentence of the royal Prophet 
a Ps. 103. d  David: Send Lord thy holy spirit, and they shallbe created: to wit, new affects, new thoughts, new words, new force, in these thy servants which desire and crave thee; 
b Ibidem.  And so shalt thou renew the face of the earth. O how great consolation did the prayers and speeches of this most blessed Lady give to this holy Congregation; how exceedingly did she comfort them, how did she inflame them, how did she animate and stir them up to do the same. A most pleasant and devout thing is it to meditate and view with our spiritual eyes this prayer which the most holy mother made in earth, but much more to contemplate that which the most sacred Son, as man, made in heaven, like as he had promised to his Disciples, saying: 
a joh. 14. 〈◊〉  I will pray my Father, that he will give you another Comforter. Whose prayer thou mayest well think, how fervent, how gracious, how effectual and acceptable it was to his eternal Father, especially, when he presented to him those most sacred wounds, which so lately he had received, and reserved to this end. Thus so many devout prayers, so many sighs, wishes, sobs, and tears having been made before, on whitsunday, at the 
b Act. 2. 〈◊〉 Nic. li. 2. cap. 2. hist. Eccl.  third 
* The third hour is about nine of the cloak in the morning, according to our account.  hour, which was the self-same day and hour, wherein the old law had erst been given in the mount Sinai, 
a Exo. 20 a & 34. d Leuit. 19 a Deut. 4. a. 5. a. 10. a  they received the holy Ghost in the mount Zion, who engraved the new and evangelical law, not in tables of stone as 
b Exo. 31. d Deut. 9 b  before, but in their 
c 2. Cor. 3. a  hearts of flesh; & those tongues of fire which were seen over the Apostles, signifying the fire of divine love which he kindled in their hearts, and the eloquence which he gave to their tongues to preach with efficacy this evangelical law, like as they did over all the whole world. O happy were they which merited through the grace of God to be instructed of such a Master, and comforted of such a Comforter; sith that good part befell to them, which the prophet David wished for, when he 
d Psa. 93 b  Blessed is the man whom thou shalt instruct, O Lord, and to whom thou shalt teach thy law.  
IN THE third point thou mayest likewise entertain thyself, if thou list, considering the great matters which the holy Ghost wrought in the Apostles, in such sort, as one might well 
a Psa. 76 b  This is a change wrought by the right hand of God; seeing in one instant, he made them, of feeble, strong; of ignorant, learned; of indevout, fervent; joyful of sad; and of terrestral, celestial. Well saith the Evangelist S. Luke, that at the coming of the holy 
b Act. 2. 〈◊〉  Ghost, Theridamas was suddenly a sound made from heaven, as of a great wind, which filled all the whole house where they sat. It was no noise or sound of trumpet which might move any fear or horror, but a sound as of a sweet music, and harmonious melody, which comforted, encouraged, moved, ascertained, and gave sign of the abundant graces that were infused. And therefore is it said, that it filled all the whole house, it filled their hearts which was the chief house wherein this heavenly gest came to lodge; it filled all their senses & powers, their understanding with wisdom, their will with love, their memory with assurance, their eyes with modesty, their tongues with eloquence, their hands with liberality, their feet with diligence, and all their souls with all kind of virtues. Thus behoved it that they should be filled, who were to fill others, and that they should receive all manner of gifts, who received them for the whole Church. And therefore presently after they were filled, they began to spread and sow what they had received, and to show the strength which was given unto them; sith they which were before shut up for fear, and durst scarce mutter the name of jesus Christ, or make any mention at all of his most holy mysteries, do now coragiouslye come abroad in public show to preach, to reprehend, to 
a Act. 4. b  dispute, and to show, that there is no other name, wherein they might be saved, but only that of jesus, whom they themselves had crucified, to whom they thus preached. And this did they with such fervour and efficacy, as S. Peter in the very first Sermon 
a Act. 2. f Nic. ca 2▪ li. 2. hist. Eccl.  he made converted almost three thousand of his audience. O divine power, O marvelous virtue, O celestial force! This is the new wine, which, as our Saviour 
b Mat. 9 b Mar 2. c  said, should be put into these new vessels which were prepared for this purpose.  
O my soul, if thou wouldst dispose thyself to taste of this sweet wine, how sour would all worldly things be to thee, which at this instant seem so savoury? If thou wert so happy, as that this holy wind might breathe upon thee, refresh thee, and guide thee, O, how much more securely mightest thou sail and arrive to the desired port? This is that wind which the Spouse desired and craved in the 
c Can. 4. d.  Canticles, when she said: Get thee gone thou wind of North; and come thou wind of South; breath upon my garden, and it shall become odoriferous and fruitful Thou mayest contemplate lastly in this point the ineffable joy which the blessed Lady received, who was more than all other replenished with the graces and gifts of the holy Ghost, seeing and hearing the prosperous beginning and success of the holy Church, and the abundant fruit that began to rise of the sacred blood which her blessed Son had shed; which did so much the more rejoice her, as her desires were more fervent, her charity more inflamed, her grace more plentiful, with all the other gifts she had received.  

A PRAYER.  
GREAT was the joy and comfort which thou hadst, O sacred mother of mercy, when being assembled with the holy Apostles and Disciples of thy blessed Son, the holy Ghost descended in form of fire, and illuminated, inflamed, and comforted them all to go and preach the sacred Gospel with great fervour. Wherefore, I beseech thee most sweet and bountiful Lady, by this joy common to thee, and to all them, that thy effectual prayers may help me, to th'end that I poor and comfortless wretch may also be made a partaker of the graces and gifts of the same celestial Comforter, whereby I may fervently love him, announce him, and praise him everlastingly. Amen.    

OF THE ASSVMPTION.  
 
Quae vitam peperit, moritur; sed reddita vit●  
Scandit, ubi Nati Regia celsa sui est.   

¶ THE FOURTH GLOrious Mystery is of the Assumption of our Lady; that is to say, of her happy death; when her most holy soul being separated from her body, went to enjoy the endless joys of heaven; about the which thou mayest meditate these points that follow.  
FIRST, the great desire which our Lady had to departed out of this vale of tears, and to go see her most sweet son, and how great the joy was which her soul felt, when the understood, how the hour was now at hand, wherein she was to abandon this temporal life.  
SECONDLY, thou mayest meditate, in what manner the most holy virgin prepared herself for this last hour, and the company which she had with her at the time of her most happy departure.  
THIRDLY, consider the purity and innocency of that most blessed soul which we may well think was carried up to heaven in her Lord his arms, the Hierarchies of heaven, accompanying her with most sweet songs and ineffable exultation.  
IN THE first point thou mayest entertain thyself, meditating, 
a Nic li. 2 ca 21. et. 22  as some do, how after the Apostles were gone abroad into divers places of the world to preach the holy Gospel, according as was 
b mat. 28 c Mar 16. c. Luc. 24. g  commanded them, our Lady remained in jerusalem, and went afterwards to Nazareth, where her principal exercise was, to attend diligently to contemplation, and to pray for the holy Church; and otherwhiles through the great devotion, and continual remembrance which she had of the things that her most sweet son had done and suffered, she went most devoutly to visit those holy places, wherein he had wrought any particular Mystery, and shed there great abundance of devout tears. Thus passed she on her most holy life with a most zealous desire which she had to see him whom her soul loved. For if S. Paul 
c Phil. 1. c  desired to die, to live with jesus Christ, how much more is it to be thought, that she should desire this, who loved him much more fervently. If the Royal Prophet 
a Ps 119. a  lamented greatly his so long abode in this obscure world, and 
b Ps. 41. a  said: As the panting dear desireth the fountains of water, even so desireth my soul to come to thee, O Lord▪ how much more should the Queen of heaven lament her abode in earth; where she thought herself detained as in a long exile? & how much more should she desire her God, than any dear the fountain of water? O most sacred Virgin, who can possibly tell, with what inflamed desires, with what pitiful tears, with what continual sighs thou cravedst & desiredst to see an end of thy pilgrimage, and to be delivered from thy bodily prison? How oft didst thou haply with weeping eyes say to the Angels that came to comfort and visit thee, that, which the Spouse said in the Canticles: 
c Can. 5. b. 〈◊〉  I adjure you, that if you meet my lover, you tell him from me, that I languish in his love. How oft did this love and languishing desire wholly ravish thee, and transport thee out of thyself, not being able to eat, speak, sleep, or attend to any other thing; sith thy soul was rather there where it loved, then where it lived. This being so, contemplate then the ineffable gladness which our blessed Lady felt, when by revelation she knew the day to approach, wherein she should have that granted her which she so greatly desired. If the holy Prophet David 
a Ps. 121. a.  rejoiced so greatly, when it was told him, that he should go to our Lord's house; what was the joy, thinkest thou, of this great Lady, when she understood, how she was presently to go to our lords house; and that she should see our Lord, and dwell perpetually with our Lord, and be more made of and favoured of our Lord, than all other creatures whatsoever. O blessed day, O happy tidings; so much more joyful, as more desired. Well might the most blessed mother 
a Lu. 2. d  say then with Simeon: Now thou leavest thy servant, O Lord, contented and comforted, with the assurance, that mine eyes shall see thee who art my Saviour.  
IN THE second point thou mayest meditate, how our Lady, so much the nearer as she drew to her happy departure, so much more fervent were her desires, so much more zealous her prayers, and all her powers so much more quickened. For like as her death proceeded not of any natural infirmity (according as we believe) by reason of the excellency of her complexion, like to that of her most sacred sons, so could not the functions of her senses and powers be in any wise impeched. Woting therefore, that her death drew nigh, some do contemplate, how before her departure, she 
b Nic. li. 2. ca 21. &, 22. hist. Eccl.  desired to see the Apostles (whom she so greatly loved and were dispersed abroad in divers regions of the world) that they might accompany her in this her last hour, giving us an example hereby, how we ought to desire and procure to have some 
a jac. 5. c  devout and spiritual persons to accompany and comfort us in this hour of so great peril. Our Lord therefore most bountiful, condescending to her desire, caused the Apostles 
b Nic. ubi supra. & Mich. Sing post med. encomij in Dion. Are opagit.  miraculously to meet together (such as yet were living 
c In domo johannis evangelista, ut ait Nic. cap. 3. &. 21. li. 2.  in the world) in the house where his most holy mother dwelled, who were present at her departure, as the great 
d Dion. Areop. 3. ca ad Timot. ut re●ert Nic, initio ca 22. li. 2. hist.  Denis Areopagita affirmeth. Consider then, how great was the Apostles consolation, finding themselves thus assembled together, and seeing their most holy mother and Lady, whom they loved so dearly, and desired once to see; with what reverence may we deem did they salute her? with what reverence did they kiss her garments as most precious relics? with what admiration did they consider her dignity, which they knew far better than any other? with what co●●tentation did they behold that reverend visage, supposing that in seeing her, 
a Nt. c. 40 lib. 2. hist.  they saw their most dearly beloved Lord and Master? How sweet was the communication that was used there, how fervent the divine praises that were there celebrated; how sweet the tears of tenderness and joy that were shed there. Think then with what confidence and contentment this blessed Lady assisted with so notable a company, and assured of her conscience, expected death, which is to others so 
b Arist. ca 6. li. 3. Ethic.  dreadful. Thou must not think therefore, that she was before her death in any agony and pain, as others are wont to be, but how in mild manner and with a cheerful countenance that most holy soul departed out of her body more glittering and more fair than the clear moon. O most pure Virgin, how truly may we say, that in every thing the 
a Luc. 10. g Ber. Ser. 3 de Assumpt.  best part hath been given thee. The best, in thine immaculate conception and Nativity, which was most pure and free from all sin; the best in thy life, which was all holy, and a Mirror of all perfection; the best in thy death, which made thee no whit afraid, as it doth sinners, yea, was to thee a passage to true life. The best part therefore hath been given thee both in earth, and in heaven, whether thou goest to reign eternally.  
IN THE third point thou mayest pause, delighting thyself with the consideration, how that most sacred soul departed out 
b Maria obijt anno aetatis suae 59 a Christo passo. 11 Nic. ca 3 li. 2.  of this life the most beautiful, the most gracious, the most holy of all pure and simple creatures, how replenished with merits, with gifts, with virtues, with excellencies, and spiritual riches, the greatest that may be possibly imagined, proportionable to the incomparable dignity which was bestowed upon her. 
a Amb. li. 2. de virginib. Aug. 2. Serm. de Assumpt.  Consider a while the manner how this most blessed soul accompanied with quires of Angels was conducted up to the Celestial Court; neither are we to doubt at all hereof; for if we read of S. 
b Apud Sulpitium Severum sub finem li. 1. de trans. B. Mart.  Martin and many more 
c Hier. de Paulo. 1. Eremit. in ipsius vita.  Saints of both 
d de Catharina constat ex Mataphrast.  sex, who leaving this life, were accompanied with Angels, and honoured with their heavenly songs, I see no reason why this favour and honour should be denied the holy of holies, and more holy and worthy than all? Yea, we may not only affirm this to be most true, but believe with godly devotion, that not only the Angels, but that which is more, the king of Angels in proper person vouchsafed to come and do her this honour. Hereupon is it, that some do contemplate, how the most holy mother being upon the last hour of her blessed departure, her most sweet son descended from heaven, associated with the celestial powers, and entered 
a Apud Io. evang. cui commendata fuerat. Io. 19 c Vide Nic. ca 21. lib. 2 & Hier. ser. 1. de Assumpt. ●om. 4.  into that blessed house where she lay; and beholding her with those his amiable eyes, spoke that with a most sweet voice to her, which the husband said to the spouse in the 
b Can. 4. b.  Canticles; Thou art all fair, my friend, and there is no blemish at all in thee; come from Liban, my Spouse, come from Liban, and crowned shalt thou be. That is to say, Come receive the recompense of thy deserts, the treasure which thy most holy works have merited, the crown that is due to thy so excellent virtues; 
c Cant. 2. c.  Get up, my Dove, it is now high time to issue out of this exile; no toils, no tears, no sobs or sorrows any more. Come to enjoy the pleasure of those wounds, which when they were given, did occasionate thy so great woes; come now and rest thee for the pain which thou hast taken. Come, now be merry, for that thou hast wailed and wept, and for that thou humbledst thyself so lowly, come now to reign perpetually. 
Aug. ser. 2. de Assumpt. to. 10. & Hier. epist. 1. de Assumpt. ad Paulan & Eusto. to. 4.  These and such like words mayest thou according to thy devotion meditate to have been spoken unto her; sithence there is no Gospel nor other sacred writ, whereout we may gather the certain Story of her departure; and therefore each one may lawfully meditate that which shall cause him to have best devotion. Do thou therefore contemplate, what consolation, what joy, what jubilation this most holy soul received with such words, with such a sight, and with such a company; with what confidence and security did she departed this life, the most Sovereign King of heaven, taking her in his most sacred arms, 
a Ber. paulo post medium Ser. 1 de Assumpt. virg.  kissing & cherishing her most lovingly according as S. Bernard meditateth. O glorious Lady, what tongue can possibly declare the joy thou feltest, seeing thyself thus highly honoured, and thus embraced betwixt those sacred arms of thy dear son. If the Spouse 
b Can. 5. b  saith, that her soul was melted when her lover spoke unto her, how fared thy soul, I beseech thee, having heard thy best beloved his words, seen his amiable countenance, and tasted of his courtesies. How much more was it melted with love, 
Aug. initio ser. 2. de Assumpt. qui est. 35. de Sanctis. to. 10.  and transformed into her lover, and replenished with such delights. Behold now, O most blessed mother, all thy desires fulfilled, now hast thou obtained that which thou requiredst; now hast thou found that which thou soughtest for; now dost thou possess that which thou desiredst. Sweet were the kisses thou gavest him, and the loving entertainment thou usedst towards him, when thou 
a Mat. 1. c.  borest him being a little one in thine arms into Egypt; 
b Ber. ser. c de Assump. Aug. Ser. 2. de Assump.  but far sweeter were those which thou receivedst of him, when now being a great one he carried thee to heaven, to enjoy the greatest goods, the greatest riches, the greatest felicity that was ever granted to any creature. For if so be no 
c 1. Cor. 2. c. Isai. 64. a  eye hath seen, nor care heard, nor human understanding can possibly conceive the goods that God hath prepared for those that love him. Who can possibly conceve or imagine those which he hath prepared for thee, which didst not only love him more than all, but didst engender him of the most pure blood in thy body? a privilege granted to thee alone, and worthy thee alone.  

A PRAYER.  
WHAT spirit can possibly conceive, O most blessed Queen of Angels, that incomparable joy, wherewith thy heart was filled, when that happy hour being come which thou with so great desire hadst longed for, thy most holy soul was delivered from the bonds of the flesh, and went to enjoy those inestimable treasures which were prepared for thee in the Celestial Region. I humbly beseech thee, O most glorious Lady, by this most happy day of so sovereign consolation, that thou wilt vouchsafe to remember me most unworthy sinner that remain in this vale of tears, subject to so many miseries and perils, from the which, I beseech thee, that by thy holy intercession I may be always defended and preserved. Amen.    

OF THE CORONATION OF OUR LADY.  
 
Virgins auricomo cingit diademate frontem  
Hic Deus, excelso datque sedere loco.   

¶ THE FIFT AND LAST glorious Mystery is of the Coronation of our Lady, that is to say, when being risen up (according as we do holily believe) she was glorified both in body and soul, and crowned with glory of the most holy Trinity, concerning the which thou shalt meditate the points following.  
FIRST, how within a few days after that the soul of the most blessed virgin was assumpted into heaven, it descended to take her most holy body, by entering into the which it rose up glorious, immortal, and impassable, with all the other glorious prerogatives, which shall be granted to the elect when they shall rise up in the day of judgement,  
SECONDLY, consider the glory, triumph, and joy, wherewith that great Queen accompanied with saints, and quires of Angels, went up to heaven, above all the which she was exalted in the celestial kingdom.  
THIRDLY consider that most rich and precious crown wherewith she was crowned of the most holy Trinity, and placed in that most high throne which was given her, where she remaineth making intercession for them that recommend themselves unto her.  
UPON the first point thou mayest pause, meditating in what manner that glorious Virgin-mother was raised up, being a thing very just and convenient, that we affirm this of her; sithence it is more than likely, that like as our blessed God would, that the soul of this Lady should be free from sin, so would he in like manner, that her most holy body should be free from all corruption, and not permit that flesh to turn to ashes, whereof the word eternal had taken his flesh. For if our Lord would not that 
a joshua. 6 d Heb. 11. f  Raab the harlot's house should be razed with the other houses of jerico, because she had received and lodged for one only day the spies of joshua: how much more reason is it, that the house of the blessed Virgin Mary which had received our Lord himself, yea, and lodged him therein nine months, should not be destroyed and turned into ashes. Let us believe therefore, that as God gave to the first 
a Gen. 2. d. 1. Cor 11. c. Mat. 19 a.  Adam a companion like unto him, to th' end he might not be alone in terrestral Paradise: so was it convenient, that such a like companion should be given to the second Adam, who being risen up and glorious, might reign with him risen up and glorious in the celestial Paradise. And seeing it is said of other Saints, that being now risen up they do reign in 
b mat 27. f Hier. epist. 1. de Assump to. 4.  heaven; much more meet is it, that we both say and believe this of her, who in sanctity surpasseth all Saints, and in dignity all pure creatures. The which being presupposed, consider, how with the very same solemnity, with the same joy, with the same honour and triumph, wherewith that most happy soul was assumpted into heaven, it descended down to earth, & came to the sepulchre, where her virginal body lay, which, as it is said, was in the vale of josaphat, and by operation and divine virtue, 
a Hier. ib● ubi vallem Iosaphat inter montem Zion & montem Olivetum esse scribit.  did not raise herself up, as the son of God and hers did himself; but was of her son raised up. Ponder now the state of this virginal body being reunited to the glorious soul, how beautiful, how glittering, immortal, impassable, 
b D. Th●. q. 82. 3. p. & q. 95  and adorned with the other glorious parts, which the elect being risen up, shall be endued with. And if the 
c mat. 13. f. Sap. 3. b Dan. 12. a  Gospel telleth us of the other just persons, how they shall shine like the Son in the kingdom of their Father, how ought this Lady, being risen up, to shine, which is the most righteous of all righteous, the most holy of all holies, the most gracious of all gracious? how shall that body glitter, which was the 
d Ps. 14. a. Apoc. 21. a. jacob in Liturg.  tabernacle and habitation of the son of God? what shall the beauty of that body be, which was never defiled nor subject unto sin? If living in mortal flesh, it was so fair, 
e Amb. li. 2 de virgin. Ber. Hom. 3 sup. Miss.  that it sufficed to make God himself take pleasure therein, what shall th' excellency thereof be, being risen up with all the most absolute gifts, graces, and excellencies that are added thereunto.  
O with how great reason are all devout souls alured to behold this glorious spectacle by those words that say thus: 
a Cant 3. c Ber. Ser. in verba. 12. Apoc. Apparuit.  Come out ye daughters of Zion, and see your Queen, whom the morning stars give laud unto: At whose beauty the Son and Moon do marvel again. But what marvel is it, if the Son and Moon do marvel at her beauty, if the Angel's themselves do marvel thereat, as also at her other riches and favours, and as amazed at such matters, do say: 
b Cant. 8. a Ber. initio ser. 4. de Ass.  Who is this that ascendeth from the desert, replenished with such delicacies, and leaning upon her lovers shoulder? What is she this so glittering, so fair, so gracious, that mounteth up thus 
c Cant. 3. b.  odoriferous, as the fragrant smell of her virtues doth delight and fill all the whole Court of heaven? Howbeit, marvel not, O ye Angels of to see in earth a creature so fair and glittering, being vestured with the 
a Apo. 12. 〈◊〉  Son, and having the Moon under her feet. Marvel not to see such riches and excellencies in a house which the eternal wisdom hath thought good to 
b Pro. 9 a. Amb. li 2. de virgin.  frame for himself; And this day hath he made an end to give it the last and entire perfection, fulfilling that which the 
c Isai. 16. b Exod. 15. c.  Prophet Esaie he had 
c Isai. 16. b Exod. 15. c.  foretold: I will glorify the mansion of my Majesty.  
IN THE second point thou mayest pause, assisting with thy spirit the most solemn triumph that was celebrated in the celestial court, on that day that the most sacred virgin being risen up, was both in body and soul assumpted into heaven.  
We read in holy writ of two solemn festival days that were kept at the Ark of the old Testament. 
d 2. Re. 6. c. Exod. 15. 〈◊〉  The first, when king David carried it from Obeded on his house to the City, and to his palace; & this did he with such rejoicing, both of his own part, and of all the people, that it is a wonderful matter to consider the great solemnity which the Scripture telleth to have been celebrate that day, in so great a multitude of sacrifices as were offered, such variety of musical instruments as were played upon, such store of Canticles, hymns, and divine praises, as were there sounded forth, yea, and king David himself did sing, play, and dance (being arrayed with new robes made for the same purpose) through the great fervour and devotion which he felt inwardly in himself. Yet for all this was the festival and solemn day that his son 
a 3. Re 8 a  Solomon made far greater, when he carried the same Ark into the famous Temple which he had erected for it. These two solemn festival days that were thus celebrate in the honour of that holy material Ark, do foreshow in figure the far more solemn festival days that were celebrate in the honour of the mystical Ark, that is to say, of the most sacred virgin-mother, which was a far more worthy and more precious Ark then th'other (albeit it were of sovereign sanctity and worthy great woorshipp) for that a far more rich and precious 
a Christus omnes thesauri sapientiae Dei. Colos 2. a  treasure was kept in this Ark mystical, them in that 
b Duae tabulae lapideae. 3. Re. 8 a  material. The first solemnity was celebrate in her honour, when in soul she was assumpted up to heaven, whereof I have already spoken in the former mystery: And the second it was solemnized, when being risen up in body and soul, she was placed in that celestial throne that was prepared for her. And albeit the first solemnity were of so surpassing joy, as no human eloquence can possibly express it, yet was the second, without all comparison far greater. How may therefore any human capacity suffice to comprehend the solemn reception and entertainment, that was made unto this glorious Queen of all the celestial Court, when with her most beautiful and glittering body she ascended into heaven in so great a Majesty? What store of musical instruments yielded forth a most melodious harmony? 
a Amb. lib 2. de virg.  what Canticles, Hymns, Psalms, and praises were there sounded forth unto her? how great the joy and jubilation was, which all the blessed spirits showed? how sovereign the contentment and consolation which all those ancient Fathers and other Saints of both sex felt? O how much more justly might they say to this most blessed Lady what they had said tofore to the chaste and valiant judith: 
b jud. 15. c.  Thou art the glory of jerusalem, thou art the joy of Israel, thou art the honour of our people. 
c Ibid. 13. c  O daughter, thou art blessed of our Sovereign Lord God, for by means of thee we have obtained the fruit of life, blessed art thou therefore amongst all women. Now, if all the Saints and Angelical spirits did rejoice so greatly, and make so exceeding triumph for the Assumption of their Queen; what mayest thou think was the exultation of her most puissant Son, and th'honour and entertainment he used towards her, vouchsafing to accompany her, 
a Ber. Ser. 1. de Assumpt.  and to lodge her himself, in counterchange of the lodging which he had received of her in her entrails and virginal womb. O most worthy mother, thou alone hast merited to receive such favours! Thou alone wast worthy of such interteinmentes! Thou alone couldst tell thy pleasures and sugared tastes, thy delights, and sovereign jubilation, and upon new causes mightest thou recite and sing anew that divine Canticle which thou pronouncedst erst before thy holy Cousin S. Elizabeth, for that he hath done great things to thee which is mighty, whose holy name be blessed everlastingly.  
REASON requireth, that thou pause in the last point, meditating, how the glorious Queen of Angels going with them, and with all the blessed Saints thus accompanied, thus reverenced, and thus honoured, arrived to heaven, where she presented herself before the high throne of the most sacred Trinity, who received her most lovingly, and exalted her so much the more as she had humbled herself more profoundly living in the world, like as our Saviour had many times foretold, 
a mat. 23 b Luc. 14. c &. 18. c.  saying: Who so humbleth himself shall be exalted. The celestial Father received her as his most dear daughter, The son received her as his most worthy mother; the holy Ghost received her as his most holy spouse; and then was she of all the three divine persons crowned with a most precious crown, and placed in a most sumptuous throne on the right hand of her son. Then was that fulfilled which the royal Prophet had with divine spirit 
a Ps 44  foretold: The Queen hath assisted at thy right hand in a garment of gold environed with varieti. By the which words he signified her souerain●ie, her dignity, her beauty, the diversity of gifts, virtues, prerogatives, riches, and excellencies that were granted unto her; sith she neither wanted the faith of patriarchs, nor the charity of the Apostles, nor the constancy of Martyrs, nor the wisdom of Doctors and Confessors, neither the chastity of Virgins, nor the purity of Angels; nor the knowledge of Cherubins, nor the most inflamed love of Ceraphins, & beside, the virtues & graces that were given to other by piece-meal and measure, were all given to her together, and heaped in all fullness one upon another. And like as her virtues and excellencies exceeded far those of all the Saints & blesded spirits, so in like manner merited she to be exalted in heaven above them all  
This is the woman that S. john saw in his 
a Apo. 12. a Ber. Ser.▪ in illa eadem verba.  Revelation clothed with the son, and having a crown of twelve stars on her head, whereby are denoted the prerogatives of plentiful graces, wherewith she was adorned, whereat we are rather to wonder, than to go about to write them.  
O most blessed Lady, and most worthy of all praise, who can tell what thy merits were, but he that considereth thy reward? who can conceive what thy grace was, but he that contemplateth thy glory? who can know what thy perfection was, but he that beholdeth thy Crown? Rejoice therefore, O noble Lady, rejoice for having achieved so Sovereign a felicity as shall never in all eternity be taken from thee; And remember them that remain in this vale of tears; Seing also, that thy greatness can not make thee forget thy profound humility, incline thine 
b Ber. 4 Ser. de Assumpt.  eyes of mercy towards us, and make intercession for us. Cease not to continue thy office of being our Advocate, sith thou art now more mighty, and of greater credit and 
a Ber. ser. 1 de Assumpt.  authority than thou wast tofore. Procure, O Queen of heaven, procure, that by thy means we may be pardoned our offences; and that the same most sacred Trinity which hath entertained and crowned thee so liberally, vouchsafe to receive us likewise to his favour and mercy; To th'end, that when we shall departed out of this exile, we may merit to remain in thy company, praising, adoring, and enjoying the said most Sovereign and sacred Trinity perpetually in the celestial Kingdom. Amen.  

A PRAYER.  
WHO so loveth thee best, O most sovereign Queen of heaven, hath best cause to rejoice at thy last and most inexplicable joy which gave the perfect accomplishment to all thy felicities, when being now risen up, and in body and soul assumpted into heaven, thou wast crowned with a precious crown of the most holy Trinity, and placed above all the quires of Angels in that most high throne which was prepared for thee, where now thou sittest as Queen on the right hand of thy most loving son king of glory, who sitteth on the right hand of his eternal Father. I humbly beseech thee, O most happy Lady, by this thy glorious exaltation, that by how much the dignity is greater which thou hast obtained in heaven, by so much the favours may be greater which by thee both I and all others may obtain here in earth. Amen.  
The most sweet name of JESUS, and of his most holy Mother the Virgin MARY, be praised for evermore. Amen.  
FINIS.    

Divini divina patet vis nominis: unum  
Orco, est poena: polo, gloria: vita, solo.  
 
Dulce tuum nostro scribas in pectore nomen,  
Namque tuo constat nomine nostra salus.  

Monstra te esse Matrem. Monstra te esse Filium.    

LITANIAE DEIPARAE VIRGINIS EX SACRASCRIP tura depromptae, quae in alma domo Lauretana omnibus diebus Sabbati, Vigiliarum, & Festorum eiusdem B. Virgiginis musicè decantari solent.  

KYRIE eleison.  
Christ eleison.  
Kyrie eleison.  
Christ audi nos.  
Christ exaudi nos.  
Pater de coelis Déus. Miserere nobis.  
Fili Redemptor mundi Déus. Miserere nobis.  
Spiritus sancte Déus. Miserere nob.  
Sancta Trinitas unus Déus. Miserere nobis.  
Sancta MARIA. Ora pro nobis.  
Sancta Dei Genetrix. ora.  
Sancta Virgo Virginum. ora.  
Mater viventium ora. 
Genes. 3. d.   
Mater pulchrae dilectionis. 
Eccl. 24. c  ora.  
Mater sanctae spei. ora.  
Paradisus voluptatis. 
Genes. 2. c.  ora.  
Lignum vitae. ora.  
Domus sapientiae. 
Prou. 9 a.  ora.  
Porta coeli. 
Gene. 28. d.  ora.  
Desiderium collium aeternorum. 
Gen. 49. d.  ora.  
Vrbs refugij. 
Num. 35. b.  ora.  
Gloria jerusalem. 
judith. 15. c  ora.  
Sanctuarium dei. 
Exod. 15. c  ora.  
Foederis arca. 
2. Reg. 6. b  ora.  
Altar thy miamatis. 
Exo. 30. a.  ora.  
Scala jacob. 
Gen 28. b  ora.  
Speculum sine macula. 
Sap. 7. d  ora.  
Lilium inter spinas. 
Cant. 2. a  ora.  
Rubus ardens incombustus. 
Exod. 3. a  ora.  
Vellus Gedeonis. 
judic. 6. g.  ora.  
Thronus Salomonis. 
3. Reg. 1. d.  ora.  
Turris eburnea. 
Cant. 7. a  ora.  
Faws distillans. ora.  
Hortus conclusus. 
Cantic. 4. c  ora.  
Fons signatus. ora.  
Puteus aquarum viventium. ora.  
Navis institoris de long portans panem. 
Prou. 31. b.  ora.  
Stella matutina. 
Eccl. 50. a  ora.  
Aurora consurgens. ora.  
Pulchra ut Luna. ora.  
Electa ut sol. 
Cantic. 6. c.  ora.  
Castrorum acies ordinata. ora.  
Solium gloriae dei. 
Isai. 5. d.  ora.  
A cunctis periculis.  
Resp. Libera nos virgo gloriosa.  
Per salutarem conceptionem tuam.  
Libera nos.  
Per sanctam Nativitatem tuam. Lib.  
Per admirabilem Annunciationem tuam. Libera.  
Per immaculatam Purificationem tuam. Libera.  
Per gloriosam Assumptionem tuam.  
Libera nos. Versus.  
Peccatores. Resp. Te rogamus audi nos.  
Vt veram poenitentiam nobis impetrare digneris. Resp. Te rogamus audi nos.  
Vt Societates tibi peculiari obsequio devotas conseruare, & augere digneris. Resp. Te rogamus audi nos.  
Vt Ecclesiae sanctae, cunctoque populo Christiano pacem, & unitatem impetrare digneris. Resp. Te rogamus audi nos.  
Vt omnibus fidelibus defunctis requiem aeternam impetrare digneris.  
Resp. Te rogamus audi nos.  
Mater Dei. Resp. Te rogamus audi nos.  
Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi.  
Resp. Parce nobis Domine.  
Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi.  
Resp. Exaudi nos Domine.  
Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi.  
Resp. Miserere nobis.  
Versus. Ora pro nobis sancta Dei Genetrix.  
Resp. Vt digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.   

OREMUS.  
PIetate tua quaesimus Domine nostrorum solve vincula peccatorum, & intercedente Beata Maria, cum omnibus sanctis tuis, nos famulos tuos, benefactores, Praelatos, atque loca nostra in omni sanctitate custodi: cunctosque consanguinitate, affinitate, & familiaritate nobis coniunctos à vitijs purga, virtutibus illustra: pacem & salutem nobis tribue: hostes visibiles, atque invisibiles remove: carnalia desideria repelle: aërem salubrem indulge: Inimicis nostris charitatem largire. Regnum etiam Angliae, urbemque nostram N. unà cum universis in ea commorantibus ab haereticorum feritate convert. Omnibus fidelibus vivis, atque defunctis in terra viventium requiem aeternam concede: & benedictio tua sit super nos semper. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.    

QVI VOLET, HAS QVOQVE IN DEIPARAE virginis laudem recitare poterit.  

SECUNDO DIE  

ANcilla & Mater Domini. 
Luc. 1. d.   
Columba Christi. 
Cant. 2. c.   
Vas electionis. 
Act. 9 c.   
Arca Testamenti. 
Apoc. 11. d.   
Lectulus Salomonis. 
Can. 3. c.   
Tabernaculum dei. 
Apoc. 21. a.   
Tabernaculum Cedar. 
Can. 1. a.   
Domus aurea sancti sanctorum. 
2. Par. 3. a.   
Turris Davidica. 
Canti. 4. b.   
Turris Libani. 
Cantic. 7. b   
Terra Domini benedicta. 
Psal. 84.   
Terra sacerdotalis libera. 
Gene. 47. c.   
Cypressus in monte Zion. 
Eccl. 24. b   
Plantatio rosae in jericho.  
Palma in Cades exaltata.  
Oliua speciosa in campis.  
Cedrus exaltata in Libano.  
Lilium in aquae transitu. 
Eccle.▪ 50 a.   
Flos rosarum in diebus vernis.  
Thus ardens in igne.  
Thus in aestate redolens.  
Arcus refulgens inter nebulas.  
Luna plena.  
Sol refulgens. 
Cantic. 1. a.   
Nigra, sed formosa.  
Mulierum pulcherima. 
Cantic. 5. d.   
Benedicta inter mulieres. 
Luc. 1. d.   
Gratia plena.  
janua coeli. 
Psal. 77. c.   
Regina varietate circundata. 
Psal. 4. 4. c.     

TERTIO DIE.  
Altar dei. 
Psal. 42. a.  
Ambros. li. 2. de Virginib.  Arca Noë. 
Genes. 7. a.  
And. Hieros. in salut. Angelie.  Aula regalis spei nostrae. 
Psal. 59 b.  
Ambr. in instit. virg. cap. 12.  Civitas Dei. 
Psal. 86. a.  
Bruno ser. de laudibus Mariae, & Aug. sub finem ca 16. li. 17. de Civit. Dei.  Decora sicut jerusalem. 
Cant. 6. a.  
Bruno Carth. ubi supra.  Forceps carbonis ardentis seraphica. 
Isai. 6. b.  
And. Hieroes in salut Angel.  Lapis abscissus sine manibus. 
Daniel. 2. c.  
Damasc. sub f. carm. de Annunciat.  Magistra gentium. 
2. Tim. 1. c  
Aug. sub. f. ser. 6. de Natali.  Mons Ephraim. 
1. Reg. 1. a  
Greg. pp. initio ca 1. li. 1. in lib. 1. Samueli●.  Mons pinguis. 
Psal. 67. b.  
And. Hieros. in salut. Angel.  Mulier fortis. 
Prou. 31. b.  
Bern. hom. 2. super Missus, & Innocent. 3. ser. 2. de Assumpt B. Mariae.  Mulier amicta sole. 
Apoc. 12. a.  
Bern. ser. in verba ca 12. Apo. signum magnum apparuit.  Nubes levis. 
Isai. 19 a.  
Hier. in ca 2. Zach. to 6. & li. 7. comment. in 19 Isa. & Amb. ca 13. Inst. Virg.  Oleum effusum nomen tuum. 
Cantic. 1. a.  
Amb. ca 13. in instit. virgins.  Porta clausa Orientális. 
Ezec. 44. a  
Hier. in fine Apolog. pro li. ad Pamachium. Aug. ser. 2. de Assumpt. & Damasc li. 4. ca 8 & Amb ca 7. 8. &. 9 Instit. Virgins. Bruno Carth. ser. de laud Mariae. Beda lib. 4. in cap. 11. Luc. tom. 2.  Sepulchrum nowm Christi. 
Hier. li. 1. count jovinian. 
Mat. 27. g.  & in fine Apologiae ad Pamach.  Soror, 
Cantic. 4. c.  & sponsa Dei. 
Aug. ser. 6. in natali. 10. de temp.  Stella jacob, 
Num. 26. c.  
Bern. sub finem homil. 2. de laudibus Mariae.  Templum misericordiae dei. 
Psal. 47. b.  
Aug. ser. 2. de Assumpt.  Terra irrigata font. 
Genes. 2. a.  
Beda in cap. 2. Genes. tom. 1.  Terra promissionis. 
Gene. 12. a.  
Aug. ser. 1. post Dominicam. 1. Quadrag.  Thalamus sponsi. 
Psal. 18. a.  
Bern. ser. 2. de Aduentu, & Beda lib. 4. in cap. 11. Luc. tom. 2.  Thronus dei. 
Apoc. 14. a.  
Aug. in praefat. li. 1. de Assump. to. 9 & Bruno serm. de Annunciat.  Thuribulum aureum. 
Apoc. 8. a.  
Ephraem in orat. de Laudibus Mariae.  Vas solidum auri splendidissimum. 
Eccl. 50. a  
 Vas ornatum omni lapide pretioso. 
Ephr. ibidem.  Virgo florens Aaronis. 
Num. 17. b  
Damasc. li 4. cap. 8. et Bern. homil. 2. super Missus, et Ephr. ubi supra.  Virga jesse. 
●sai. 11. 〈◊〉  
Hier. epist. 22. ad Eustoch. de cust. virg. et in epitaph. L. Betici ad Theodoram: et Ambr. in instit. virg. cap. 9 et Tertul. cap. 6. de probat. Nativit. Christi li. contra judaeos: et Leo PP. 1. init. ser. 4. de Nat. Domini.  Virgo sancta corpore, & spiritu. 
●. Cor. 7. f  
Hieron. post initium Ser. 1. de Assumpt. tom. 4 et Bern. homil 2. de laud. Mar. Bruno ser. 1. de laud. Mariae.  Vrna aurea habens Manna. 
●●Heb. 9 a  
And. Hieros. in salut. Angel. Ephr. quoque in orat. de B. Virgin.     

¶ EX NONNULLIS PAtribus nonnullae aliae compellationes perhonorificae.  

QVARTO DIE.  
VIRGO Maria semper gloriosissima. jacob. 
Apost. in sua Liturg.  Ab aeterno dei consilio praevisa. 
Damasc. li. 4. cap. 8.  Electa à seculo. 
 Altissimo praeparata. 
 Ab Angelis seruata. 
 A Patribus praefigurata. 
 Promissa prophetis. 
 Virgo admiranda. 
Bern. hom. 2. de laudibus B. Mariae super Missus est.  Virgo beata. 
Aug. ser. 2. de Annunciatione.  Virgo benigna. 
 Virgo clemens. 
Ephr. in orat. ad B. Virginem.  Virgo devota. 
Ber. homil. 3. super Missus.  Virgo dei Genetrix gloriosa. 
Aug. Ser. 2. de Assump.  Virgo Deipara intemerata. 
 Virgo inviolata. 
Ephe. in orat. de laudib. Mar.  Virgo impolluta. 
 Virgo misericors. 
Ephe. in orat. ad B. Virginem.  Virgo obediens. 
Ireneus li. 3. cap. 33.  Virgo prudens. 
Bern. hom. 3. sup. Missus. & serm. de Nativit. Mariae.  Virgo regia. 
Ber. ser. 2. de advent.  Virgo sacra. 
Leo pp. 1. serm. 3. de Nativit. Domini.  Virgo sancta. 
Cyrillus lib. ad Reginas de recta in Christum fide, & lib. 8. in julianum.  Virgo sincera. 
Ephr. in orat. ad B. Virg.  Virgo sapiens. 
Rupertus in ca 3. Math. li. 2.  Virgo castissima. 
Greg. Naz. in Christ. pat.  Virgo omni honore dignissima. 
Bern. hom. super Messus.  Virgo omnium pulcherima. 
Greg. Naz. in trag. Christi patientis.  Virgo sanctissima. 
Athanas. in evang. de sancta nostra Deipara.  Virginum Corona. 
Ephr. in orat. de laud B. Mariae.  Virginum gloria. 
jacobus in Liturgia.  Virginum matter. 
Hier. li. 1. adversus iovinianum.  Virginitatis imago. 
Amb. li. 2. de Virgint●.  Filia superni Regis nobilissima. 
Bruno ser. de Nativit. B. Mariae.  Puella gratiosa. 
Basil. hom. 25. de humana Christi generatione▪ ●t Nazianz. in Christo patient.    

QVINTO DIE.  
MAter, & virgo perpetua. 
Hieron. in Apol. ad Pammachium pro li. contra iovinianum.  Mater Dei pura. 
 Mater integra. 
 Mater inculpata. 
Bern. ser. 2. dominicae. 1. post oct. Epiph & ser. 1 de Assumpt. Anselm. etiam lib. de excellentia● Mariae. cap. 12.  Mater Dei penitùs incontaminata. 
 Mater omnibus modis irreprehensa. 
 Mater honoratior quàm Cherubin. 
 Mater gloriosior quàm Ceraphim. 
jacob. frater Domini, & Chrisost. in suis Liturgiis.  Mater celeberrima. 
Ephr. in orat. a● laud B. Mariae.  Mater sacrosanctissima. 
Bern. ser. 2. dominicae 1. post oct. Epiph. & Ser. 1. de Assump. Anselm. quoque de excel. Mariae. cap. 12.  Mater Dei nostri beatissima. 
jacob & Chrisost in Lit.  Mater salutis. 
Bern. serm. de adventu.  Mater sempiterni gaudij. 
And. Hieros. in salut. Angelic.  Mater misericordiae. 
Bern. ser. 2. dom. 1. post Epiph. & ser. 1. de Assumpt. & Anselm. ca 12. lib. de excel. Mariae.  Mater gratiae. 
Anselm. ibidem.  Mater & genetrix vitae. 
Athan. in evangelio de nostra Deipara; & Bern. ser. 2. de adventu.  Genetrix Dei beata. 
Aug. ser. 2. de Annunciat. & Beda. lib. 4. in cap. 11. Luc.  Genetrix Genitoris tui. 
 Nutrix nutritoris omnium viventium. 
Chrysola●us serm 143. in evang. de Annunc.  Deipara semper immaculata. 
jacob. & Chris. in Liturg.  Puerpera sublimis. 
Aug. ser. 2. de Assumpt. refertur etiam inter opera Hieronimi. tom. 4.  Foemina singulariter veneranda. 
 Foemina supra omnes admirabilis. 
Bern. homil. 2. de laud. Mariae super Missus est.  Foeminarum restauratio. 
Aug. ser. 11. de Natali, qui est 15. de sanctis, et Fulgentius ser. de laud. B. Virgins.  Domina super omnes benedicta. 
 Domina gloriosa. 
 Domina immaculata. 
Chris●●n Liturg.  Domina piissima. 
Ansel. lib. de excellentia B. Mariae. cap. 12.    

SEXTO DIE.  
AULA REGIS aeterni. ora. 
Aug. init. Ser. 1. de Assumpt. tom. 9  Thronus dei coelis amplior. ora. 
jacob. in Liturg.  Sacrarium spiritus sancti. ora. 
Cyp. ser. de Nativit. Christi. to. 2. et Bern. sub finem ser. de Assumpt.  Coelum in quo Rex gloriae splendet. ora. 
 Palatium Regis sacrosanctum. ora. 
 Domicilium coelo praestantius. ora. 
 Habitaculum illius qui nusquam capitur amplissimum. ora. 
 Templum divinae gloriae ornatissimum. ora. 
And. Hieroes in salut. Angelicam.  Templum sanctificatum. ora. 
 Paradisus spiritualis. ora. 
jacobus in Liturgia.  Hortus delitiarum. ora. 
Bern ser. de Nativit. B. Mariae.  Thalamus sanctimoniae. ora. 
Cyprian. ser. de Nativit. Christi.  janua filii Dei. ora. 
Aug. ser. 14. de Natali qui est. 18. de tempore.  Via regia salvatoris. ora. 
Bern. ser. 2. de adventu.  Fenestra coeli. ora. 
Aug. ser. 11. in Natali, & post medium ser. 2. de Assumpt. Fulgent. & ser. de laud. B. Virg.  Stella maris. ora. 
Bern. hom. 2. super Missus, & Hier. in inter. Hebraic. nominum, et Beda in ca 1. Luc. lib. 1.  Stella fulgentissima. ora. 
Ephraem in orat. de laud. B. Mariae.  Typus ecclesiae sanctae. ora. 
Aug. sub finem ser. 6. de Natali qui est. 10. de tempore.  Exemplum perfectionis. ora. 
 Forma disciplinae Christi. ora. 
Hier. non longè à princ. ser. 1. de Assumpt. to. 4.  Species castitatis. ora. 
 Secretum verecundiae. ora. 
 Vexillum fidei. ora. 
 Obsequium devotionis. ora. 
 Forma virtutis. ora. 
 Disciplina omnium. ora. 
Ambros. li. 2. de virginibus.  Reparatrix parentum. ora. 
 Purificatrix posterorum. ora. 
Bern. hom. 2. de laud Mar. super Mis.  Inuentrix benedicta gratiae. ora. 
Bern. ser. 2. de Aduent.  Mediatrix mundi. ora. 
 Auxiliatrix praesens. ora. 
Ibid. Bern. et Ephr. in orat. de laud. Mar.  Causa salutis humani generis. ora. 
Irenaeus li. 3. contra haereses. ca 33.  Praeses vitae nostrae. ora. 
Greg. Naz. in Christo pa●.  Aduocata nostra. ora. 
Bern. ser. 2 de Aduent.  Aduocata Euae. ora. 
Iren. li. 5. adversus haereses.    

SEPTIMO DIE.  
COntritio pravitatis haereticae. 
Bern. serm. in verba Apoc. 12. Signum magnum.  Gratiae plenitudo. 
Chrysolaus ser. 143. in evang. de Annunciat.  Obses fidei nostrae apud Deum. ora. 
Aug. ser. 6. de Natali.  Scala coelestis. ora. 
Aug. ser. 11. in Nat. et. 2. de Assumpt. et Fulg. serm. de laud. Mar.  Scala peccatorum. ora. 
Bern. ser de Nat. B. Mariae.  Studiosorum lumen. ora. 
 Clausorum Liberatrix celeberrima. ora pro nobis. 
 Orphanorum susceptio. ora. 
 Adiutrix destitutorum. ora. 
 Vexatorum portus. ora. 
 Solatium mundi. ora. 
 Redemptio captivorum. ora. 
 Egrotantium exultatio. ora. 
Ephr. in orat. de lau. B. Mariae.  Subsidium oppressorum. ora. 
 Christianorum profugium. ora. 
 Spes desperantium. ora. 
Idem Ephraem in orat. ad B. Virg.  Spes unica peccatorum. ora. 
 Spes veniae delictorum. ora. 
●ug. ser. 2. de Annunc. qui est. 18. de sanctis tom. 10.  Spes Christianorum sanctissima. ora. 
Ephr. in orat. ad B. Virg.  Expectatio praemiorum nostrorum. ora pro nobis. 
Aug. ser. 2. de Annunc.  Gaudium mortalium. ora. 
Greg. Naz in Christ. patiented.  Laetitia Sanctorum. ora. 
 Omnium salus. ora. 
Ephr. in orat. de laud. Mariae.  Regina mundi. ora. 
Gregor. in Christ. pat. & Hieron ser. 1. de Assumpt. to. 4.  Regina coelorum. ora. 
Aug. ser. 2. de Assumpt. 35. de sanctis.  Decus Patriarcharum. ora. 
And. Hieroes in salut. Angelic.  Gloria Prophetarum. ora. 
 Praeconium Apostolorum. ora. 
 Honour Martyrum. ora. 
Ephr. in orat. de laud. B. Mar.  Lux alma Virginum. ora. 
Greg. Naz. in Christ. patient.  Mater, & Virgo singulis insignita titulis. ora. 
Cyprian. ser. de Nativit. Christi. tom. 1.   
Cùm Litanias dicimus, non humanis verbis, sed oraculis spiritum Deum placamus. Basil. ep. 63. anno Domini. 300.    

THE MANNER HOW WE ought to examine our conscience.  

WHAT we ought to do in the morning after we are got up  
FIRST, to thank God generally for benefits received, and particularly for having preserved us the night past.  
SECONDLY, to offer ourselves wholly into the hands of his divine Majesty, and to pray him that he will keep us, and give us grace to do every thing that day according to his holy and divine wil  
THIRDLY, to consider what vices and sin we are most inclined to, purposing to eschew the same, and to begin presently to renew ourselves according as our Lord jesus Christ hath taught us.  
fourthly, to crave help for the doing of this of the blessed Virgin, and of our Guardian Angel; recommending ourselves to all the whole company of the blessed Saints in heaven.  
FIFTLY and lastly, to say three Pater nosters and three ave Maries for all the faithful living and departed, procuring to go devoutly to hear holy●Masse, and to offer that sacrifice to God for our own sins, and for all the necessities of holy Church.   

WHAT we ought to do at night before we go to bed.  
FIRST, to thank God generally for all benefits received heretofore, and especially of that present day.  
SECONDLY, to require grace and true light, to know and hate our sins.  
THIRDLY, to call our souls to an account, wherein they may on that day have offended God, having a special consideration of such defects, whereto we are most inclined.  
fourthly, to crave pardon humbly of God for all the defects whereof we find ourselves guilty.  
FIFTLY, to have a firm purpose through God's grace to beware of sin hereafter, with a purpose to confess them which we may have already transgressed in. lastly, to say the Pater noster, ave Mary, and the Creed, making then the sign of the holy Cross upon us.    

THE faults escaped in printing are to be corrected in this wise.  
The first figures signify the leaf, the letters following the page, the figures next after, the line.  
Fol. 16. pag. a. lin. 17. for resignest, read resignedst.] 68 a. 12. read, this his so great cost.] 69. b. 7. read, should be nice] 71. a. 19 read, grace.] 72. b. 1. read, The first glorious Mystery is of his triumphant. etc.] 73. b. 3. read, and the end wherefore. etc.] 74. b. 19 read, happy are those eyes that. etc.] 75. b. 14. wailing.] 76. b. 7. read, particular feauters.] Ibid. lin. 17. read, become so fair.] 87. a. 2. Edon.] 93. a. 8. contemplate that.] 93. b. 7. signified.] 107. a. 11. read, Esaie had. etc.