MOTHER of grace and mercy, Behold how burdens three Weigh down my weary spirit, And drive me here -- to Thee. Three gifts I place forever Before thy shrine: The threefold offering of my love, Mary, to thine! The Past: with all its memories, Of pain -- that stings me yet; Of sin -- that brought repentance; Of joy -- that brought regret. That which has been: -- forever So bitter-sweet -- I lay in humblest offering Before thy feet. The Present: that dark shadow Through which we toil to-day; The slow drops of the chalice That must not pass away. Mother! I dare not struggle, Still less despair: I place my Present in thy hands, And leave it there. The Future: holding all things Which I can hope or fear, Brings sin and pain, it may be, Nearer and yet more near. Mother! this doubt and shrinking Will not depart, Unless I trust my Future To thy dear Heart. Making the Past my lesson, Guiding the Present right, Ruling the misty Future, -- Bless them and me to-night. What may be, and what must be. And what has been, In thy dear care forever I leave, my Queen! |