Saepe expugnaverunt.
The church of God is invincible: her persecutors come to nothing.
A gradual canticle.
128:1. Often have they fought against me from my youth, let Israel now
say.
128:2. Often have they fought against me from my youth: but they could
not prevail over me.
128:3. The wicked have wrought upon my back: they have lengthened their
iniquity.
128:4. The Lord who is just will cut the necks of sinners:
128:5. Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Sion.
128:6. Let them be as grass upon the tops of houses: which withereth
before it be plucked up:
128:7. Who with the mower filleth not his hand: nor he that gathereth
sheaves his bosom.
128:8. And they that passed by have not said: The blessing of the Lord
be upon you: we have blessed you in the name of the Lord.