Corpus Christi.
XXIV.
Rejoice, O Mary! and be glad,
Thou Church triumphant here below!
He cometh, in meekest emblems clad;
Himself he cometh to bestow!
That body which thou gav'st, O Earth,
He giveth back—that Flesh, that Blood;
Born of the Altar's mystic birth;
At once thy Worship and thy Food.
He who of old on Calvary bled
On all thine altars lies to-day,
A bloodless Sacrifice, but dread;
The Lamb in heaven adored for aye.
His Godhead on the Cross He veiled;
His Manhood here He veileth too:
But Faith has eagle eyes unsealed;
And Love to Him she loves is true.
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"I will not leave you orphans. Lo!
While lasts the world with you am I."
Saviour! we see Thee not; but know,
With burning hearts, that Thou art nigh!
He comes! Blue Heaven, thine incense breathe
O'er all the consecrated sod;
And thou, O Earth, with flowers enwreathe
The steps of thine advancing God!