University of Virginia Library


29

A HYMN.

[Than woman's grace more infinitely tender]

Than woman's grace more infinitely tender,
Crowned with the wide sky's uttermost deep splendour,
God-like and woman-like, friend to each offender,
Sweet Mother, hear us!
Strong as the strong seas, gentle as the falling
Snowflakes of winter, hearken to our calling:
Rend thou our foes' ranks, our advance inwalling;
Great Father, cheer us!

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Ruler of the four winds, Maker of the roses,
Sweetness of thine each petal-cup discloses;
Thine all the wealth sweet utmost summer shows is;
Sweet Mother, hear us!
Strong in the blast of the North wind's anger,
Chider of nations, eager-footed ranger
Threading the stars' ways victor over danger,
Great Father, cheer us!
Softer than woman-heart, Healer of the weary,
Sending calm sleep down, winged, upon the dreary
Children of men when sorrow waileth, eerie;
Sweet Mother, hear us!
God of the war-ranks, flushed with the charges,
When the red bolts reel, blunted on the targes,

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When the red foot-prints brighten river-marges,
Great Father, cheer us!
Send us a flower, God,—send us we pray thee,
Breath of thine heaven-land, seeking to-day thee!
Lo! with our clasped hands, God, we delay thee!
Sweet Mother, hear us!
Lift us through high seas of our tribulation
Ever from high towards holier higher station:
Heal every sad soul, renovate each nation:
Great Father, hear us!