O well for that fond mother, well for her belov'd, that they, When th' hour His secret meaning told, did by their promise stay. "Thy baptism and Thy cup be ours: for both our hearts are strong." Learn it, ye babes, at matin prime, repeat it all day long. Even as the mother's morning kiss is token of delight Through all the merry hours of day, and at fall of dewy night Her evening kiss shall to her babe the softest slumbers seal, So Thy first greeting life imparts, Thy last shall cheer and heal. Then, maiden, trust thy nursling here; thou wilt not choose amiss For his sweet soul; here let him dwell; here is the gate of bliss. Lifting up to the Cross. 61 Three Saints of old their lips upon the Incarnate Saviour laid, And each with death or agony for the high rapture paid. His Mother's holy kisses of the coming sword gave sign, And Simeon's hymn full closely did with his last breath entwine; And Magdalen's first tearful touch prepared her but to greet With homage of a broken heart His pierced and lifeless feet. Then courage, duteous maiden; the nails and bleeding brows, The pale and dying lips, are the portion of the Spouse. 11. SICKNESS IN THE CRADLE. "They brought young children to Christ, that He should touch them. "A CHRISTIAN child in pain! O sad amazing thought! A babe elect and born again, With blood of JESUS bought, That never yet knew dream of sin, Nor throb of pride, nor will unclean; Or in strong grasp of sinners' agony !" O, mother fond and wild, Stay the complaining word! What wouldst thou have? Thy suffering child Is as his Saviour Lord. Or ever eight brief days have flown, He, the unstain'd, must make His moan, Must taste the sacrificial knife, Must to the Cross devote the tender life. Sickness in the Cradle. 63 Behold, the Virgin blest Calls on her Babe to wake From His sweet slumber on her breast; From her pure bosom, where all night To shed His blood; for therefore was He born. Pierc'd is her heart, yet still : For why? that Mother's love Is one with His Almighty will, Chang'd by the o'ershadowing Dove. O freely then your treasures yield, The Saviour's Presence-tokens, sweet as keen. 12. ANTICIPATION AND RETROSPECTION. "And ye now therefore have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you." A FRAGMENT of a rainbow bright All dark and damp on yonder height, An hour ago the storm was here, So will our joys and griefs appear Grief will be joy, if on its edge |