Amphora

AMPHORA VII In Time of Trouble QUEEN, deliver me from the infernal kings ! O shield me in your span, ye everlasting wings ! I kneel at Mary’s shrine ; the incense fumes ascend To bring my spirit through to GOD’S appointed end. Though in the valley of the shade of death I be, I fear not ; for Thy rod and staff they comfort me. I imprecate the aid of Mary, Mother mild ! The asp and dragon bow before Her Holy Child. The heathen did uprise ; the folk of fear and doubt. Great bulls of Bashan did encompass me about. The lions roared for prey ; the eagles screamed for food : All these were stilled before thy crownèd Motherhood. Therefore, though men devise ill counsels and vain things, Thou wilt deliver me from the infernal kings ; And when the pilgrimage of me Thy knight is done, Thy favour shall present my spirit to Thy Son. Amen. O 51