The Joys

Verse 1

Hear, Oh, Virgin pure,Our fervent prayers of love,That fly to thee aboveOn Thine exalted Throne.

Verse 2

Stained by guilt of sinI bow my head and cry,And at thy feet I sighFor clemency and love.

Verse 3

Free the careless soulFrom all its tepid ways,And set the soul ablazeWith fervor in devotion.

Verse 4

Wretched in this valeOf pain and tribulation,For heavenly consolationI humbly beg thee.

Verse 5

If my virtue wanes,When tempests howl and roar,My energies restore,Beloved morning star.

Verse 6

To thy faithful childEncouragements provide,And toward virtue guideHis weak, unsteady steps.

Verse 7

Free my fickle heartFrom all its lassitude,And grant it fortitudeTo lead a sinless life.

Verse 8

In the final clashWith death in all its fright,How then my soul delightsBecause I can exclaim:

Verse 9

In purgatory's fire,Dear Mother, please be sweet;Great Lady, I entreat,Alleviate my pains.

Verse 10

Grant me, Mother dear,As fond farewell to thee,To sing eternallyWith love and praise to thee.