O Mary, drooping by the door Which closed before thy weary feet, Fainting upon the court-yard's crowded floor, We see thee patient, sweet. Patient and sweet; no murmur falls From lips that curve with coming pain, For angel voices in the cattle-stalls Thy flagging strength sustain. O wondrous night! O love divine! O star that startled Eastern skies! O glory of the manger-temple's shrine, Earth's rapture and surprise! O Mother, hailed the blessed maid! Did'st hear between thy smiles and tears, When first within thine arms the Babe was laid, The songs of grateful years? We speak thy name with loving praise, And thy @3Magnificat@1 shall ring Till thee we meet, at ending of the days, Before thy Son, the King. |