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      Taught by mystical custom,let us keep abstinence,
 with the well-known guide
 of four cycles of ten days.
 
 
First the law and the prophetsoffered this example, and later
 Christ, the king and maker of all times,
 made it holy.
 
 
Let us therefore make useof fewer words, foods, and drinks,
 of less sleep, and let us stand firmly
 with a more careful sense of humor.
 
 
And let us avoid the worst thingswhich undermine our minds,
 and let us give no quarter
 to the ingenious and tyrannical foe.
 
 
Grant, blessed Trinity,allow, simple unity,
 that these gifts of moderation
 might be fruitful to your servants. Amen.
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