Who didst exalt King David, a man according to thy own heart, by the praise of his justice, meekness, and piety,
Who didst distinguish Solomon above all the kings of the earth, by his wonderful wisdom, peace, and glory,
Who didst adorn Tobias with signal patience, and pity to his neighbours,
Who didst ennoble Judith, a widow of signal chastity and piety, with confidence in prayer, and with glorious greatness of soul,
Who savedst thy people from destruction by the faithfulness of Esther and Mardochai,
Who madest Job, by his rare and wonderful patience, a mirror and example of patience to us all,
Who didst arm Elias the prophet with signal zeal and boldness of spirit against false prophets, and impious men,
Who didst infuse into King Josias a holy zeal for law and religion,
Who didst adorn the prophet Daniel with signal abstinence, sobriety, and wisdom, Who madest the three children, for their confession of thee, fearlessly to enter the furnace of burning fire, and to come out unhurt,
Who didst arm Matathias and Judas Machabaeus against their enemies with singular zeal and love for the law and religion of their country,
Who madest the seven Machabees and their mother unconquered amidst their torments.
Who hast chosen the most holy Virgin Mary, free from all sin, to be thy most pure Spouse and Mother,
Who hast adorned her above all the rest of thy elect with the special privilege of chastity, humility, obedience, and all virtues,
Who by thy coming didst wonderfully comfort the aged Simeon, a just and devout
