 | Ad Matrem |  |
13
IV.
Great Gabriel, when he knelt before his queen,
Told her of great things which the Lord had done,
And how Elizabeth should bear a son.
His message given, he was no more seen.
Told her of great things which the Lord had done,
And how Elizabeth should bear a son.
His message given, he was no more seen.
Then rising up (for Mary gave no time
To gossip or to dreams) she cast her cloak
About her shoulders, took her staff, and spoke
To no one, but set out at once to climb
To gossip or to dreams) she cast her cloak
About her shoulders, took her staff, and spoke
To no one, but set out at once to climb
The rough steep road before her. She must go
To see Elizabeth without delay.
Her charitable errand made the way
Seem short; what besitation could she know?
To see Elizabeth without delay.
Her charitable errand made the way
Seem short; what besitation could she know?
And soon her light step meets her cousin's ear.
Her voice is ringing like a silver bell.
Gladness and peace and purity as well
Breathe upon everyone when she comes near.
Her voice is ringing like a silver bell.
Gladness and peace and purity as well
Breathe upon everyone when she comes near.
14
And whence is this to me, her cousin cries,
That my Lord's mother thus should come to me?
Blessed among all women! Zachary
Approaches at the sound with wondering eyes.
That my Lord's mother thus should come to me?
Blessed among all women! Zachary
Approaches at the sound with wondering eyes.
O what a contrast! Zachary cannot speak
Through wanting faith, while Mary sings her song
Of praise. O were our faith but half so strong
As thine is! Help us, Mother, who are weak.
Through wanting faith, while Mary sings her song
Of praise. O were our faith but half so strong
As thine is! Help us, Mother, who are weak.
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