Part 7 (1/2)

”Then shall ye answer make, and say, ”Behold, since first the corn was green ”No little Infant pa.s.sed this way; ”No little Infant we have seen.”

Earth heard; nor missed the Maid's intent-- As on the Flower of Eden pa.s.sed With Eden swiftness up she sent A sun-browned harvest ripening fast.

By simplest words and sinless wheat The messengers rode back beguiled; And by that truthfullest deceit Which saved the little new-born Child!

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PART II.

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PART II.

_Conservabat in Corde._

I.

As every change of April sky Is imaged in a placid brook, Her meditative memory Mirrored His every deed and look.

As suns through summer ether rolled Mature each growth the spring has wrought, So Love's strong day-star turned to gold Her harvests of quiescent thought.

Her soul was as a vase, and shone Translucent to an inner ray; Her Maker's finger wrote thereon A mystic Bible new each day.

Deep Heart! In all His sevenfold might The Paraclete with thee abode; And, sacramented there in light, Bore witness of the things of G.o.d.

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_Ascensio Domini_.

II.

Rejoice, O Earth, thy crown is won!

Rejoice, rejoice, ye heavenly host!

And thou, the Mother of the Son, Rejoice the first; rejoice the most!

Who captive led captivity-- From Hades' void circ.u.mference Who led the Patriarch Band on high, There rules, and sends us graces thence.

Rejoice, glad Earth, o'er winter's grave With altars wreathed and clarions blown; And thou, the Race Redeemed, outbrave The rites of nature with thine own!

Rejoice, O Mary! thou that long Didst lean thy breast upon the sword-- Sad nightingale, the Spirit's song That sang'st all night! He reigns, restored!