Amphora

AMPHORA VII In Partu THOU whose Son hath mastered the dread King, The curse of Eve, the serpent of desire ! Aid Thou thy servant in her travailing ! Ease Thou the dolour dire ! O Thou whose life brought Light into the Light, Be with us now to comfort and console That this Thy servant, through Thy maiden might, Achieve the goodly goal ! Or, if Thy pleasure be to take from earth Thy servant to Thy holy house above, That Thou mayst hold her, safe in happier birth, In Thine especial love :— Or, if Thy pleasure be to take the child To join Thy choir of innocents in Heaven, We do assure Thee, Virgin undefiled, The gift is freely given. O 72