from Gallicanus: Hroswitha

O Christ, lover of virginity and font of chastity!
Thou Who through the intercession of Thy holy martyr Agnes
Hast preserved my body from stain and my mind from pagan errors!
Thou Who hast shown me as an example
Thy Mother’s virgin bed where Thou didst manifest Thyself true God!
Thou Who before time began wast born of God the Father,
And in the fullness of time wast born again true man, of a mother’s womb –
I implore Thee, true Wisdom,
co-eternal with the Father, the Creator, Upholder and Governor of the Universe,
Grant my prayer!

May Gallicanus, who seeks to gain the love which I can give only to Thee,
Be turned from his unlawful purpose.
Take his daughters to Thyself,
And pour the sweetness of Thy love into their hearts
That they may despise all carnal bonds,
And be admitted to the blessed company of virgins
Who are consecrated to Thee!

(trans. Christopher St. John)
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