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