Then the heavenly watcher answered: "Go thou yet a short way on; Go on, my babe, and thou shalt find Three watersprings; from one to drink, From one to wash, the third a font of blessing. The first shall breast-milk be to thee; The second is thy mother's tears, And from the third thou shalt baptized be, And joyful entrance gain to heaven." J. W. W.
CXXII
CHRISTMAS
Why trembleth so the earth, Set in this sphere of blue? Christ our God was born hereon, He, the Virgin's Holy Son, Christ Who heaven and earth created, And us sinners on the earth. In awe when He shall come to judge, We all shall stand before Him then, Both righteous and unrighteous men. J. W. W.
CXXIII
CHRIST THINKS OF HIS MOTHER
On angel wing in upward flight Rise soul and body of our Lord, When piercing heaven with high gaze, He calleth for one down to go, Down to darksome Golgotha, Where Mary bending near the Cross, Weepeth in bitter agony: "Let herald hasten now to tell her I am risen unto heaven." Great Michael heard, two angels sent, Swift to convey the tidings glad: "O thou of women all most blest, Let not thy heart with fear be filled; From the tomb thy Son is risen, Risen to the Father's throne, Saving men from Death's dominion." J. W. W.
CXXIV
THE BLESSED MARY AND JOHN THE BAPTIST
The Blessed Mary sent an angel Unto John the Camel-girdled— "God's wish it is, and my wish too, That thou shouldst now my Son baptize." John went responsive to the river, Down into Jordan with the Christ, And there upon him with his Lord, Open wide the gate of heaven, The roseate sun did light the east, Sign of that Spirit-first of which spake John, Whose purging heat doth purify from sin, And in Jordan's flowing river Man's sin was taken all away! Our salvation is in heaven! Save, O God, all trusting souls, Save them from the devil's toils. J. W. W.