TO Bethany Christ comes, the leper's guest. Speed we then thither: Simon spreads for all The banquet: with the rest We flock to Simon's hall. While Lazarus feasts, and Martha decks the board, A box of odorous oil doth Mary take, Right costly; to be poured Forth for her Master's sake. She bathes His feet, and wipes them with her hair; She breaks the box, and all the oil is spilled Over His head: the air Seems with new fragrance filled. O why do scornful hands at Mary point? Proud was her task; this treasure did she save, Beforehand to anoint Christ's Body for the grave. And, as His Faith is preached in every tongue, And far-off lands to His allegiance won, Still shall o'er earth be sung This deed which she hath done. Now to the Father and the Son uplift High praise for ever; Praise, and never cease, The Spirit; through whose gift Christ's Bride hath perfect peace. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CONTRA MORTEM: THE FALL by HAYDEN CARRUTH INSTANS TYRANNUS by ROBERT BROWNING THE VANISHING RED by ROBERT FROST CROSSING THE PLAINS by CINCINNATUS HEINE MILLER L. OF G.'S PURPORT by WALT WHITMAN |