NOW at this time of her first coming into Galilee, the angel Gabriel was sent to her from God, to declare to her the conception of our Saviour, and the manner and way of her conceiving him.
2 Accordingly going into her, he filled the chamber where she was with a prodigious light, and in a most courteous manner saluting her, he said,
3 Hail, Mary! Virgin of the Lord most acceptable! O Virgin full of grace! The Lord is with you. You are blessed above all women, and you are blessed above all men, that have been hitherto born.
4 But the Virgin, who had before been well acquainted with the countenances of angels, and to whom such light from heaven was no uncommon thing,
5 Was neither terrified with the vision of the angel, nor astonished at the greatness of the light, but only troubled about the angel's words,
6 And began to consider what so extraordinary a salutation should mean, what it did portend, or what sort of end it would have.
7 To this thought the angel, divinely inspired, replies;
8 Fear not, Mary, as though I intended anything inconsistent with your chastity in this salutation:
9 For you have found favour with the Lord, because you made virginity your choice.
10 Therefore while you are a Virgin, you shall conceive without sin, and bring forth a son.