THE SAD YEARS
HEROD (Continued)
Cherubim: “Mater amabilis.”
Let me but watch the little goats that leap
On the rough rocks that circle Galilee,
And I would hear the swelling waves that creep
To strike strong music from the changing sea.
Seraphim: “Mater admirabilis.”
Draw back the purple curtain. I would find
A people, then unborn, yet for whose sake
I was most blessèd amongst womankind,
And bore God's son their heavy sins to take
Upon himself, so He in anguish died,
To teach them all to love and live in peace.
Draw now the starry curtains well aside,
And all the lights of Heaven swift release.
Cherubim: “Mater Christi.”
What comes to me from far-off broken years?
A voice in Rama, mourning her sad lot !
Great lamentations, women's cries and tears,
A Rachel mourns her children who were not.
[33]
