From a Sermon by St. Augustine the Bishop

Dearly beloved, the day for which we have longed is come, even this holy-day of the praiseworthy and Blessed Ever-Virgin Mary. Let our land laugh and sing with merriment, bathed in the light of this great Virgin's rising. She is the flower of the field, from her the priceless Lily of the valley hath blossomed. This is she whose delivery changed the nature that we draw from our first parents, and cleansed away their offence. With her that dolorous sentence which was pronounced over Eve ended its course. To her it was never said: In sorrow thou shalt bring forth children. She brought forth a child, even the Lord, but she brought him forth, not in sorrow, but in joy.

Eve wept, but Mary laughed. Eve's womb was big with tears, but Mary's womb was big with gladness. Eve gave birth to a sinner, but Mary gave birth to the Sinless One. The mother of our race brought punishment into the earth, but the Mother of our Lord brought salvation into all the world. Eve was the foundress of sin, but Mary of righteousness. Eve gave a welcome unto death, but Mary was our help unto life. Eve wounded, but Mary healed. For Eve's disobedience, Mary offered obedience. For Eve's unbelief, Mary offered faith.

Mary singeth, as it were, to an instrument of ten strings, and between its quick notes soundeth the timbrels of those who celebrate this new kind of motherhood. Therefore let the gladsome choirs join with her, to sing antiphonally her lovely hymn. O hearken to the melody which she maketh as she proclaimeth: My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour; for he hath regardeth the lowliness of his handmaiden; for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed; for he that is mighty hath magnified me. This new miracle of Mary's delivery hath effaced the curse of the frail backslider, and the song of Mary hath brought to an end the lamentations of Eve.