_Beatae Virgini: de salutatione angelica._ Luc. i. 26-28.
{Chaire} suum neque Caesareus jam nuntiet ales;
{Chaire} tuum penna candidiore venit.
Sed taceat, qui {chaire} tuum quoque nuntiat, ales;
{Chaire} meum penna candidiore venit.
Quis dicat mihi {chaire} meum mage candidus autor,
Quam tibi quae dicat candidus ille tuum?
Virgo, rogas, quid candidius quam candidus ille
Esse potest? Virgo, quae rogat, esse potest.
{Chaire} tuum, Virgo, donet tibi candidus ille;
Donas candidior tu mihi {chaire} meum.
{Chaire} meum de {chaire} tuo quid differat, audi:
Ille tuum dicit, tu paris, ecce, meum.
_To the blessed Virgin: concerning the angelic salutation._
Its 'hail' Caesarean eagle need not bring;
Thy 'hail' comes wafted on a whiter wing.
But let the 'all-hail' angel e'en be still;
My 'hail' comes flitting on a whiter quill.
To say my 'hail' what whiter being can be
Than that white being who utters thine to thee?
Virgin, dost ask what whiter than that white
Might be? The Virgin who is asking, might.
That white one, Virgin, may give 'hail' to thee;
But thou, more white, dost give my 'hail' to me.
My 'hail' o'er thy 'hail,' wouldst thou know its worth;
He utters thine, but mine thou bringest forth. R. WI.