How I love Thee, O my Blessed Virgin Mother!
Had I been a priest,
I would have spoken so much of thee.
Thou art represented as to thee
I consecrate my soul and all unapproachable;
rather thou shouldst be shown as so easily imitated.
Thou art more Mother than Queen!
Yet I have heard it said that all the Saints are eclipsed
by thy radiant brightness,
as the sun at rising makes the stars disappear.
How strange that seems,
a mother eclipsing the glory of her children!
I think quite the contrary, sweet Virgin,
I believe that thou wilt
immensely increase the splendor of the elect,
O Sweet Virgin Mary!
how simple does thy life seem.