To the Rev. Father Strappini, S.J

Ashen cross traced on brow! Iron cross hid in breast! Have power, bring patience, now: Bid passion be at rest.

O sad, dear, days of Lent! Now lengthen your gray hours: If so we may repent, Before the time of flowers.

Majestical, austere, The sanctuaries look stern: All silent! all severe! Save where the lone lamps burn.

Imprisoned there above The world's indifferency: Still waits Eternal Love, With wounds from Calvary.

Come! mourning companies; Come! to sad Christ draw near: Come! sin's confederacies; Lay down your malice here.

Here is the healing place, And here the place of peace: Sorrow is sweet with grace Here, and here sin hath cease.