*2.4. 12th-Century Hymns*

Corresponding to the 12th century, we have found six hymns alluding to the theses of reference.

The *Hymnus 98, De gaudiis Beatae Virginis Mariae* salutes the privilege of the Virgin as the universal helper, whose saving support it pleads for by these lyrical verses, which designates her as several beautiful flowers:

1. Queen of Heaven, rejoice, Enchanted with heavenly praise. 2a. Rejoice, glittering gem,

Rejoice, the gate of Heaven, Splendid as the lilies, Blooming rose. 2b. Splendid gate of Heaven, Only you are the unique salvation Oh, Lady of the world, save us.9

The *Hymnus 350. De Sancta Maria* requests the intercessory help of the mother of the Lord, assimilated to the most precious wealth of Paradise, with this plea:

Gem of heaven, the gate of forgiveness, Appease the King of glory With the flower of your chastity.10

The *Hymnus 375. Alia de Sancta Maria (troparium)* enunciates this brief but eloquent acclamation to the helping Virgin:

Hail gate blazing with eternal light.11

The *Hymnus 516. De Sancta Maria* exalts the Virgin as universal mediatrix with the condensed verses:

This one is the Virgin that did not know the man's bed, Additionally, as she ended her life, [was made] the open gate of Heaven.12

The *Hymnus 143. De beata Maria Virginis* proclaims the sublime capacity for eternal salvation on the part of God's mother in these short stanzas:

2a. For you the door of Heaven opens, That the Cherubim [of the Terrestrial Paradise] had closed [to Adam and Eve]. 2b. Additionally, God [the Son] who was born from you United the man to God.13

The *Hymnus 47. De Beata Virgine Maria* extols the exclusive supernatural attributes and virtues of the Redeemer's royal mother in the following statements, that underlines her special roles as mother, daughter, and spouse:

Virgin mother of the supreme King, Virgin gem of virtues, Holy Virgin, prudent Virgin, daughter of Jerusalem, Star of the sea, gate of Heaven, gentle spouse of the Lord.14
