1 Samuel. Helcana et Anna.
Douay-Rheims translation
1:2 And he had two wives, the name of one was Anna, and the name of the other
Phenenna. Phenenna had children: but Anna had no children.
1:3 And this man went up out of his city upon the appointed days, to adore
and to offer sacrifice to the Lord of hosts in Silo. And the two sons of Heli,
Ophni and Phinees, were there priests of the Lord.
1:4 Now the day came, and Elcana offered sacrifice, and gave to Phenenna his
wife, and to all her sons and daughters, portions:
1:5 But to Anna he gave one portion with sorrow, because he loved Anna. And
the Lord had shut up her womb.
1:6 Her rival also afflicted her, and troubled her exceedingly, insomuch that
she upbraided her, that the Lord had shut up her womb:
1:7 And thus she did every year, when the time returned that they went up
to the temple of the Lord: and thus she provoked her: but Anna wept, and did
not eat.
1:8 Then Elcana her husband said to her: Anna, why weepest thou? and why dost
thou not eat? And why dost thou afflict thy heart? Am not I better to thee
than ten children?
1:9 So Anna arose after she had eaten and drunk in Silo: And Heli the priest
sitting upon a stool, before the door of the temple of the Lord:
1:10 As Anna had her heart full of grief, she prayed to the Lord, shedding
many tears,
1:11 And she made a vow, saying: O Lord, of hosts, if thou wilt look down
on the affliction of thy servant, and wilt be mindful of me, and not forget
thy handmaid, and wilt give to thy servant a man child: I will give him to
the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.
1:12 And it came to pass, as she multiplied prayers before the Lord, that
Heli observed her mouth.
1:13 Now Anna spoke in her heart, and only her lips moved, but her voice was
not heard at all. Heli therefore thought her to be drunk,
1:14 And said to her: How long wilt thou, be drunk? digest a little the wine,
of which thou hast taken too much.
1:15 Anna answering, said: Not so, my lord: for I am an exceeding unhappy
woman, and have drunk neither wine nor any strong drink, but I have poured
out my soul before the Lord.
1:16 Count not thy handmaid for one of the daughters of Belial: for out of
the abundance of my sorrow and grief have I spoken till now.
1:17 Then Heli said to her: Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee
thy petition, which thou hast asked of him.
1:18 And she said: Would to God thy handmaid may find grace in thy eyes. So
the woman went on her way, and ate, and her countenance was no more changed.
1:19 And they rose in the morning, and worshipped before the Lord: and they
returned, and came into their house at Ramatha. And Elcana knew Anna his wife:
and the Lord remembered her.
1:20 And it came to pass when the time was come about, Anna conceived and
bore a son, and called his name Samuel: because she had asked him of the Lord.