Part 5 (1/2)

_Mariae Cliens._

XXII.

A little longer on the earth That aged creature's eyes repose (Though half their light and all their mirth Are gone); and then for ever close.

She thinks that something done long since Ill pleases G.o.d:--or why should He So long delay to take her hence Who waits His will so lovingly?

Whene'er she hears the church-bells toll She lifts her head, though not her eyes, With wrinkled hands, but youthful soul, Counting her lip-worn rosaries.

And many times the weight of years Falls from her in her waking dreams: A child her mother's voice she hears: To tend her father's steps she seems.

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Once more she hears the whispering rains On flowers and paths her childhood trod; And of things present nought remains Save the abiding sense of G.o.d.

Mary! make smooth her downward way!

Not dearer to the young thou art Than her. Make glad her latest May; And hold her, dying, on thy heart.

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_Fest. Visitationis._

XXIII.

The hilly region crossed with haste, Its last dark ridge discerned no more, Bright as the bow that spans a waste She stood beside her Cousin's door;

And spake:--that greeting came from G.o.d!

Filled with the Spirit from on high Sublime the aged Mother stood, And cried aloud in prophecy,--

”Soon as thy voice had touched mine ears The child in childless age conceived Leaped up for joy! Throughout all years Blessed the woman who believed.”

Type of Electing Love! 'tis thine To speak G.o.d's greeting from the skies!

Thy voice we hear: thy Babe divine At once, like John, we recognise.

Within our hearts the second birth Exults, though blind as yet and dumb.

The child of Grace his hands puts forth, And prophesies of things to come.

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XXIV.