 | Ad Matrem |  |
29
XIV.
We saw the blessed Mother as a child
Humble and strong, mounting the Temple stair;
The road she took to God, all unaware
Of any wickedness, and unbeguiled
Humble and strong, mounting the Temple stair;
The road she took to God, all unaware
Of any wickedness, and unbeguiled
By any wonder of this passing earth.
Not men, but God she sought to please. Her eyes
Were firmly fixed upon a distant prize.
She looked for peace, not pleasure; joy, not mirth;
Not men, but God she sought to please. Her eyes
Were firmly fixed upon a distant prize.
She looked for peace, not pleasure; joy, not mirth;
Eternal blessedness was what she sought.
She bore God's Son; she loved Him; and she gave
Him up to bitterest death, that He might save
All men for God, for God was all her thought.
She bore God's Son; she loved Him; and she gave
Him up to bitterest death, that He might save
All men for God, for God was all her thought.
And then she waited till the time was come
That God should call her to her glittering place
Beside Himself in glory. Full of grace
And confidence she entered in her home.
That God should call her to her glittering place
Beside Himself in glory. Full of grace
And confidence she entered in her home.
30
Archangels, angels, prophets, martyrs, all
The host of heaven, in infinite array,
Stand back for her; and line her shining way
To God; and, at His holy bidding, fall
The host of heaven, in infinite array,
Stand back for her; and line her shining way
To God; and, at His holy bidding, fall
Before their Queen, the chosen of the Lord.
The pierced hands shape, from heaven's purest rays
And gems unspeakable, a crown of praise
For her. O Mary, Great is thy reward!
The pierced hands shape, from heaven's purest rays
And gems unspeakable, a crown of praise
For her. O Mary, Great is thy reward!
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