This delicately crafted vellum leaf was created in France during the Middle Ages. On the verso is a large capital 'D' adorned within a vine border. The text is part of one of the most famous prayers to the Virgin of the Middle Ages: Obsecro te and O, intemerata. It is from the Gospel readings at the beginning of the Book of Hours. Following is a rough translation of the prayer:

…bestow on me an honest, and virtuous life, grant me faith, hope, charity, chastity, humility, and patience: rule and protect the five senses of my body: make me to fulfill the seven works of mercy: make me firmly to hold and believe the twelve articles of the faith, and the ten precepts of the law: and from the seven criminal sins free and defend me until my end: and in my last days reveal to me thy countenance and announce to me the day and hour of my destruction and death: and mayest thou receive and give heed to this entreating prayer, and grant to me life everlasting. Hear and give heed, most sweet virgin Mary, Mother of God and of mercy. Amen.

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Condition: B

Damp stain at side nearly touches vine border.