When thy heart’s core had quiver’d to the pain

Through every life-nerve sent by arrowy scorn;

When thou didst kneel to pour sweet odours forth

On the Redeemer’s feet, with many a sigh,

And showering tear-drop, of yet richer worth

Than all those costly balms of Araby;

Then was there joy, a song of joy in heaven,

For thee, the child won back, the penitent forgiven!

MARY AT THE FEET OF CHRIST.

Oh! bless’d beyond all daughters of the earth!