Who then, uncall'd by Thee, Dare touch thy spouse, thy very self below? Where can thy seal be found, But on the chosen seed, from age to age Then fearless walk we forth, Yet full of trembling, Messengers of God: Dread Searcher of the hearts, Thou who didst seal by thy descending Dove Else helpless found, to learn and teach thy love. THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. And the Angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women. St. Luke i. 28. OH Thou who deign'st to sympathize Maker yet Brother dear, Forgive the too presumptuous thought, Yet sure 'twas not presumption, Lord, That made the lesson known: Of all the dearest bonds we prove, Most sacred, most thine own. U When wandering here a little span, Thou hadst no earthly sire: That wedded love we prize so dear, On no sweet sister's faithful breast Wouldst thou thine aching forehead rest, On no kind brother lean : But who, O perfect filial heart, E'er did like Thee a true son's part, Endearing, firm, serene? Thou wept'st, meek maiden, mother mild, Thou wept'st upon thy sinless child, Thy very heart was riven : And yet, what mourning matron here Would deem thy sorrows bought too dear By all on this side Heaven? A son that never did amiss, That never sham'd his mother's kiss, Nor cross'd her fondest prayer: Even from the tree he deign'd to bow For her his agonized brow, Her, his sole earthly care. Ave Maria! blessed Maid! Lily of Eden's fragrant shade, Who can express the love That nurtur'd thee so pure and sweet, Making thy heart a shelter meet For Jesus' holy Dove? Ave Maria! Mother blest, To whom caressing and caress'd, Favour'd beyond Archangels' dream, Thy new-born Saviour smil'd: Ave Maria! Thou whose name All but adoring love may claim, Yet may we reach thy shrine; For He, thy Son and Saviour, vows With love and joy like thine. Bless'd is the womb that bare Him-bless'd h The bosom where his lips were press'd, Who hear his word and keep it well, The living homes where Christ shall dwell, And never pass away. ST. MARK'S DAY. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder the one from the other. Acts xv. 39. Compare 2 Timothy iv. 11. Take Mark, and bring him with thee, for he is profitable to me for the ministry. OH! who shall dare in this frail scene On holiest happiest thoughts to lean, On Friendship, Kindred, or on Love? Since not Apostles' hands can clasp Each other in so firm a grasp, But they shall change and variance prove. h St. Luke xi. 27, 28. |