Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, PRO CASTITATE, by DIGBY MACKWORTH DOLBEN


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

PRO CASTITATE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Virgin born of virgin
Last Line: Love and love and love.
Alternate Author Name(s): Dolben, Digby Augustus Stewart Mackworth
Subject(s): Mary. Mother Of Jesus; Women In The Bible; Virgin Mary


VIRGIN born of Virgin,
To Thy shelter take me:
Purest, holiest JESU,
Chaste and holy make me.

Wisdom, power and beauty,
These are not for me;
Give me, give me only
Perfect Chastity.

By Thy Flagellation,
Flesh immaculate --
By Thine endless glory,
Manhood consummate --

By Thy Mother Mary,
By Thine Angel-host,
By the Monks and Maidens
Who have loved Thee most,

Keep my flesh and spirit,
Eyes and ears and speech,
Taste and touch and feeling,
Sanctify them each.

Through the fiery furnace
Walk, O Love, beside me;
In the provocation
From the tempter hide me.

When they come about me,
Dreams of earthly passion,
Drive O drive them from me,
Of Thy sweet compassion:

For to feed beside Thee
With the Virgin choir,
In the vale of lilies,
Is my one desire.

Not for might and glory
Do I ask above,
Seeking of Thee only
Love and love and love.





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