La tua benignità non pur soccorre
a chi domanda, ma molte fiate
liberamente al dimandar precorre.

Your loving-kindness does not only answer
the one who asks, but is often ready
to answer freely long before the asking.

In asking 
we affirm
our need

In thanking 
we confirm
a source beyond ourselves.

(Note: Dante is describing Mary.  Today is the feast day of the Queen of Heaven.)