 | The Poetical Works of Aubrey De Vere |  |
LXV. MATER VIVENTIUM.
In vain thine altars do they heap
With blooms of violated May
Who fail the words of Christ to keep;
Thy Son who love not nor obey.
With blooms of violated May
Who fail the words of Christ to keep;
Thy Son who love not nor obey.
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Their songs are as a serpent's hiss;
Their praise a poniard's poisoned edge;
Their offering taints, like Judas' kiss,
The shrine; their vows are sacrilege.
Their praise a poniard's poisoned edge;
Their offering taints, like Judas' kiss,
The shrine; their vows are sacrilege.
Sadly from such thy countenance turns:
Thou canst not stretch thy Babe to such
Albeit for all thy pity yearns
As greet Him with a leper's touch.
Thou canst not stretch thy Babe to such
Albeit for all thy pity yearns
As greet Him with a leper's touch.
Who loveth thee must love thy Son:
Weak Love grows strong thy smile beneath;
But nothing comes from nothing; none
Can reap Love's harvest out of Death.
Weak Love grows strong thy smile beneath;
But nothing comes from nothing; none
Can reap Love's harvest out of Death.
| The Poetical Works of Aubrey De Vere | |