Poems (Osgood)/Hymn to the Virgin
HYMN TO THE VIRGIN.
Mother of the spirit-child! Of the guileless and the meek Mournful are thine eyes, but mild With a beauty from above; Pale, but eloquent with love, Thy youthful brow and cheek! Thou, oh! thou hast known a parent's wasting grief A suppliant parent kneels, imploring thy relief!
By the pure and solemn joy Filling all thy maiden breast, When the precious heaven-born boy, Glowing with celestial charms, Lay within those virgin arms A bright and wondrous guest! Hear, in mercy, hear the faltering voice of grief! A suppliant mother kneels, imploring thy relief!
By thine anguish in that hour, Hour of wo and dread, when Death Dared to stay the awful power, High, majestic, yet benign; Dared to seal the truths divine Which dwelt upon his breath! By thy hope, thy trust, thy rapture, and thy grief, Oh! sainted Marie! send this breaking heart relief!