shall see myself safe at thy feet? When kiss that hand so oft outstretched to minister to me graces? Alas, too true it is, my Mother, that in my life I have ever been an ingrate; but when I reach heaven's haven, there will I love thee every moment of a whole eternity, and make thee reparation in some sort for my ingratitude by ever blessing and praising thee. Thanks be to God for that He hath vouchsafed me such trust in Jesu's Precious Blood and in thy powerful intercession. For this heaven thy true lovers have ever hoped, nor has any one of them been defrauded of his hope. No: neither shall I be deceived of mine. O Mary, pray to thine own Son Jesus, and I will pray Him too, by all the merits of His Passion, to strengthen and increase this hope.
The three Ave Maria as before.
PRAYER FOR FRIDAY.
Mary, of all creation noblest, highest, purest, fairest, holiest work of God! O that all men knew thee, loved thee, my Queen, as thou deservest to be loved! Yet great is my consolation, Mary, that there are blessed souls in heaven's courts, and just souls still on earth, whose hearts thou leadest captive with thy beauty and thy goodness. But above all I joy in this, that our God Himself loves thee alone more than all men and angels. I too, loveliest Queen, I, miserable sinner, dare to love thee, mean though my love be; I would I had a greater love, a more tender love: this thou must gain for me, since to love thee is the surest mark of predestination, and a grace which God vouchsafes the children of salvation. Then too, my Mother, when I reflect upon the debt
