PN 26

1 Christ is my Love, He is my whole life.

He is the Fiancé who alone delights my eyes.

Thus I already hear the melodious sounds

Of his sweet harmony.

2 He has adorned my hand with pearls beyond compare. He has adorned my neck with necklaces of great price. The rich diamonds that one sees on my ears

Are a gift of Christ.

3 He has completely adorned me with precious stones. Already his engagement ring sparkles on my finger.

He has deigned to cover my virginal mantle

With luminous pearls.

4 I am the fiancée of Him whom the angels

Will serve, trembling, for all eternity.

The moon and the sun proclaim his praises,

Admire his beauty.

5 His Empire is Heaven, his nature is divine.

He chose the Immaculate Virgin for his Mother.

His Father is the true God who has no origin.

He is pure Spirit....

6 When I love Christ and when I touch him,

My heart becomes purer, I am even more chaste. The kiss of his mouth has given me the treasure Of virginity.

7 He has already put his sign on my forehead

So that no lover dare come near me.

I feel sustained by the divine grace

Of my Loving King.

8 My cheeks are colored with his precious blood.

Already I feel I am tasting the delights of Heaven,

For I can gather both milk and honey

From his sacred lips.

9 So I fear nothing, neither sword nor flame.

No, nothing can trouble my ineffable peace,

And the fire of love which consumes my soul

Shall never go out!....

The Responses of Saint Agnes

copy for BELLIERE

datation: January 21, 1896

addressee: Agnès de Jésus