Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE REDBREAST (A LEGEND OF BRITTANY), by GEORGE MURRAY (1830-1910)


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE REDBREAST (A LEGEND OF BRITTANY), by                    
First Line: When jesus meekly passed to death
Last Line: Is loved by man the best.
Subject(s): Birds; Crucifixion; Jesus Christ = Suffering & Sacrifice; Legends, French; Jesus Christ - Crucifixion; French Folklore


When Jesus meekly passed to death
And bore the cursed rood,
With faltering limbs and failing breath,
And brow bedewed with blood;

A small bird hovering in the air
Flew down and strove, in vain,
With feeble strength, but pious care
To soothe the Saviour's pain.

The only thorn its love could wrest
From out His ruthless crown,
Pierced sharply through its gentle breast
And crimsoned all the down.

Ages have passed: but since that deed,
The bird with crimson breast—
Oh! sweetly superstitious creed—
Is loved by man the best.





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