One of the four Marian antiphons sung at Compline. The hymn of pilgrim Christians on this earth, calling on Mary as queen and mother of mercy.
Catholic · Medieval (8th–15th c.)
Salve Regina (Hail Holy Queen)
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy,
our life, our sweetness, and our hope.
To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve.
To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us,
and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.