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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

CATHERINE TO GREGORY, THE POPE, by                    
First Line: Most holy christ on earth, I catherine
Last Line: To die. Thy blessing, father -- rise and come!
Subject(s): Death; Humility; Jesus Christ; Popes; Dead, The; Papacy


Most holy "Christ on earth," I Catherine,
Thy poor unworthy daughter, have desired
To see thee strong. The hungry sheep await
Thy coming. Yea, the heavenly Bride, profaned
In mystic members, languishes alone.
They write, these men who threaten thee with death,
As if afar some holy seer perceived
Thy danger; yet, in truth, 'tis this. Babbo:
A canker works within thy grove. Their proud
Humility is boast. And when they speak
Of life to thee who lovest life, and say
In Rome lurks death, dost thou not know that herbs
As dangerous are grown in Avignon?
Of life thou speakest. That Other Christ was not
Content to offer His alone for friends:
His foes sufficed to die for. Thus does death
Hold tournament with life. Take heart! The Church
Requires thy courage. And forgive thy child;
I'm bold with suffering that dies, and fails
To die. Thy blessing, father -- Rise and come!





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