CANDLEMAS
I
IF there be indeed a day
We from name to name may pass,
It must be to-day at Candlemas:
Thus the lovely twain we pray,
Jesu-Maria!
II
Mary, as she doth appear
On the roadside, come to rest,
With her Baby playing at her breast;
And the Temple sheweth clear:
III
With a basket meet for doves
Lying empty at her feet.
Simeon is passing down the street,
And she hugs the thing she loves.
IV
Warm the little creature laid
Close to her, and warm its fold;
Now between them lieth something cold—
At her bosom a sword's blade.
Mary, sorrowful, most dear,
Sooner than from Him to part,
We, like thee, will lay up to our heart
All His passion, nails and spear.
