Nunc Dimittis
Nunc dimittis
Old Simeon had been promised he would not die before seeing the Messiah; when Mary and Joseph carried the baby into the Temple, he took him in his arms and said these words. It asks nothing but to be let go in peace, because the promise has been kept. The Church prays it last thing at night, so that sleep is a small rehearsal of a good death.
Luke 2:29-32, Douay-Rheims
Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord,
according to thy word in peace;
because my eyes have seen thy salvation,
which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples:
a light to the revelation of the Gentiles,
and the glory of thy people Israel.
Amen.