What were the Orient’s thrones to that low seat

Where thy hush’d spirit drew celestial birth,

Mary! meek listener at the Saviour’s feet?

No feverish cares to that divine retreat

Thy woman’s heart of silent worship brought,

But a fresh childhood, heavenly truth to meet

With love, and wonder, and submissive thought.

Oh! for the holy quiet of thy breast,

Midst the world’s eager tones and footsteps flying,

Thou, whose calm soul was like a well-spring, lying