V. We adore thee, O Christ, and we bless thee.
R. Because by thy Holy Cross thou hast redeemed the world.

WHITHER is thy beloved gone, O thou fairest among women? Whither is thy beloved turned aside that we may seek him with thee. He hath no form nor comeliness: and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

V. Simeon said unto Mary:
R. A sword shall pierce through thine own soul.

Let us pray.

REMEMBER, O Lord Jesus Christ, how the soul of Mary thy Mother was pierced in the day of thy Passion: and grant that she may plead thy mercy for us, both now and in the hour of our death, O Saviour of the world. Who livest and reignest, world without end. Amen.

HYMN
Who, on Christ's dear Mother thinking
With her Son in sorrow sinking
Would not share her sadness deep?