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
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