You who gave birth to the Sun, you shine with him

Star shining in the morning, Virgin Mary, your light rises before the day, because your coming precedes that of Jesus Christ, your blessed Son, who is light and day. And as the moon and the stars disappear when the light of the sun comes, you who shone in the morning, still shine with the Sun. Its light does not dim yours. You who gave birth to the Sun, you shine with him, your blessed Son.

The more resplendent his dignity, the more resplendent is yours, who are his Mother; and because the honor of the son is the honor of the mother, in the excellency of your blessed Son, your honor shines bright, for you are the Mother who deserved to beget such a Son.

Morning star, draw me to yourself. I am subject to corruption, and you are the Incorrupt; I am empty of all grace, and you are full of grace; I am imperfect, and you are perfect; I am small, and you are great; I am weak, and you are strong. Thus, when I fall, I will not break, because you, Mother of the Divine Mercy, will protect me with your hand, now and for eternity.

Raymundus Jordanus

14^th century abbot of Celles-en-Berry (France), in Contemplations in honor and praise of the most sacred Virgin Mary, XI, XVI. His work was published under the pseudonym of "the idiot scholar."