Full of all good things
serene virgin and mother
who sits above the stars
fair, wise and graceful.
Seated at the right hand of the Father
the creator of heaven and earth
in golden clothing
fashioned not by hands.
Surely none can be compared
with you, nor equalled,
you to whom by the angelic voice
was pronounced ‘Hail Mary’.
You were little troubled
but, when asked, replied ‘Behold the handmaiden of the Lord’
thus, you reply, let it be done unto me.
Sweet was this reply
given to the heavenly herald,
by which you at once conceived
and bore the Son of God.
Not only did you bear him forth
but after the birth remained
virgin pure and blooming
and virgin without stain.
Full of all good things
cure of sinners
to whom it is proper to entreat
and also to found prayers.
For poor sinners
slipping away from God,
pour forth prayers to your son
for the salvation of those who sing.
And first for Guillaume Dufay
for whom, mother, hear me:
moon of all music,
and light of singers.
For Johannes Dussart, Busnois,
Caron, masters of songs;
Georget de Brelles, Tinctoris,
with cymbals to your honour.
And Ockeghem, Des Prez, Corbet,
Hemart, Faugues and Molinet,
and Regis and all
who sing; and likewise for me
Loyset Compère, praying,
pure in mind, for the masters,
remembering whom, farewell, virgin,
forever the ‘Ave’ of Gabriel.
Amen.