Mother of God, who borest

Mother of God, who borest That cruel pang which made thy spirit bleed! Who knew’st severest anguish, sorrow sorest, Hear me in my great need!

My need is great, my woe is like thine own! I am bereaved of mine only one! Thou know’st I have no other! Comfort me, oh my mother!

Kind Saviour, who didst shed Tears for thy Lazarus dead; Who raised the widow’s son from off his bier; Who didst endure all woe That human hearts can know, Hear me, O hear!

Thou that art strong to comfort, look on me— I sit in darkness, and behold no light! Over my heart the waves of agony Have gone, and left me faint! Forbear to smite A bruised and broken reed! Sustain, sustain; Divinest Comforter, to thee I fly, Let me not fly in vain! Support me with thy love, or else I die!

Father, who didst send down thy Well-Beloved, To suffer shame and death that I might live, Hear me, in this great sorrow not unmoved, And if I sin, forgive! Whate’er I had was thine! A God of mercy thou hast ever been; Assist me to resign; And if I murmur, count it not for sin!

How rich I was, I dare not—dare not think; How poor I am, thou knowest, who canst see Into my soul’s unfathomed misery; Forgive me if I shrink! Forgive me if I shed these human tears! That it so hard appears To yield my will to thine, forgive, forgive! Father, it is a bitter cup to drink!

[She bows her face, and after a time of silence, rises.

My soul is strengthened! It shall bear My lot, whatever it may be; And from the depths of my despair I will look up, and trust in Thee!

[She goes slowly out.