Lady, you are without the stain of sin,
protected from original sin,
by which the human race is grievously wounded,
you know that my soul from childhood has no
better support, although treacherous shadows
constantly assail me. I know how unworthy
I am of your divine favor.
You know the heart of a sinner and your
generosity will forgive me and host me with love,
even though I am tormented by a bitter anguish,
that I do not deserve such grace.
Lady, already the painful anguish
paralyzes my tongue, does not allow me
to express what weighs upon my heart.
You still hear the suffering soul,
which constantly calls out to you, gazing...
(Fray Luis de León OSA /1527–1591/, conclusion of the poem A Nuestra Señora
translated by Josef Hrdlička)
