Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179) Germany The Abbess of Rupertsberg Mystic, visionary, poet Treatise on science, medicine, theology Healer, Herbalist A "Renaissance Woman" well ahead of her time Morality Play "Play of the Virtues" Ave generosa / Hymn to the Virgin translated by Barbara Newman In the pupil of chastity 's eye I beheld you untouched. Generous maid! Know that it's God who broods over you. For heaven flooded you like unbodied speech and you gave it a tongue. Glistening lily: before all worlds you lured the supernal one. How he reveled in your charms! how your beauty warmed to his caresses till you gave your breast to his child. And your womb held joy when heaven's harmonies rang from you, a maiden with child by God, for in God your chastity blazed. Yes your flesh held joy like the grass when the dew falls, when heaven freshens its green: O mother of gladness, verdure of spring. Ecclesia, flush with rapture! Sing for Mary's sake, sing for...