lips, move and soften my heart, and my mouth shall declare thy praise.
For if thou hadst desired sacrifice, I would indeed have given it: with burnt-offerings thou wilt not be delighted.
If thou hadst desired a sacrifice of expiation, I would have offered it; but holocausts in which the heart has no share are not pleasing to thy divine majesty.
A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit; a contrite and humble heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
The sacrifice which is agreeable to thee, and which disarms thy justice, is that of a soul pierced with sorrow. A contrite and humble heart never fails to find favour in thy sight, whatever may have been its wanderings, whatever their malice or duration, for thy justice is not like that of earth, thou searched hearts, and if among their most secret movements thou canst discover them repentant turning towards thee, thou dost immediately offer them pardon, and forget all their offenses.
Deal favourably, O Lord, in thy goodness with Sion; that the walls of Jerusalem may be built up. Forgiveness for the past is not sufficient, O Lord, alas I my soul is in ruins, it lies open, exposed to fresh attacks from those enemies from whom thou hast freed it; sadly weakened from frequent defeats, thou must thyself undertake its defence. Come then in thy mercy to the assistance of Sion, teach her to rebuild that interior city, that new Jerusalem, in which thou desirest to be adored, served, and loved.
Then shalt thou accept the sacrifice of justice, oblations, and whole burnt-offerings; then shall they offer victims upon thy altar.
Then wilt thou accept the sacrifices, offerings, and
