Ad Sanctissimam Deiparam.

Tetrastichon.

Arca¹ ornata auro, non aurum tota nitebat,       Aurum tu tota es, totaque Virgo² nites. Et cum plenus erat tibi venter pondere sacro,       Viva fodina auri nos redimentis eras.

¹ A reference to the Ark of the Covenant from ancient Judaism. The Ark was a gold-covered wooden chest and the most holy object to the Israelites. In Catholic theology, it is common to associate Mary with the Ark of the Covenant, since in both, God’s glory dwelt. ² Vocative, subject of es.