294 THE KING'S MIRROR 



strength to do Thy will at all times. Give me the seven 

 cardinal gifts of the Holy Spirit with all the blessed 

 fruitage that grows out of these; for I am Thy handi- 

 work, created in Thine image, Thy thrall begotten in 

 sin by Thy servant, the son of Thy handmaiden. But 

 mercy has appointed me to Thine office and has 



*!**"' < exalted me, though unworthy, to the royal dignity and 

 / the sacred chieftainship; and Thou hast appointed me 

 to judge and to govern Thy holy people. Therefore, I 

 pray Thee,give more heed to the needs of Thy holy 

 people, which Thou hast appointed me to rule over, than 

 to my merits; put give me the right understanding, self- 

 control and sense of justice, eloquence, purpose, and 

 good intentions, so that I may be able to judge and de- 

 termine the causes of rich and poor in such a way that 

 Thou wilt be pleased, while they rejoice that justice is 

 done among them. And I pray Thee, O Lord ! to pour 

 out Thy spirit of upright understanding upon all my 

 councillors and helpers who assist me in maintaining 

 l> the government. To my queen, whom Thou hast joined 

 to me with the bonds of marriage, and above all to the 

 hallowed stewards and servants of holy church^ the 

 rnnat. fiimnent nri^st^ | f foe bishop of Rnmft f ami all our 

 bishops, abbots, and rulers, to our priests and to all the 

 learned men who are in their charge^- to all these, O 

 Lord, give a chaste and upright spirit, so that they may 

 show their good works and set Thy people good ex- 

 amples and give them right instruction. To the gov- 

 ernors and to all those who assist me in guiding and 

 defending the realm, give rightmindedness, abhorrence 

 of evil ways, and the appreciation and love of good 



