1. Now will I speak, O Lord, and will not be silent; I will say in the hearing of my God, my Lord, and my king that is on high.
O how great is the multitude of thy sweetness, O Lord, which thou hast hidden for those that fear thee! Psalms xxx. [USCCB: Psalms xxxi. 20.]
But what art thou to those that love thee? What to those that serve thee with their whole heart?
Unspeakable indeed is the sweetness of thy contemplation, which thou bestowest on those that love thee.
In this, most of all hast thou shewed me the sweetness of thy love, that when I had no being, thou hast made me; and when I strayed far from thee, thou hast brought me back again, that I might serve thee; and thou hast commanded me to love thee.
2. O fountain of everlasting love, what shall I say of thee?
How can I ever forget thee, who hast vouchsafed to remember me, even after that I was laid waste, and perished?
Thou hast beyond all hope shewed mercy to thy servant; and beyond all my desert bestowed thy grace and friendship on me.
What return shall I make to thee for this grace? for it is a favour not granted to all, to forsake all things and renounce the world, and chuse a monastic life.