Ter. Thou, that didst bear a pain that had no healing

Ter. Thou, that didst bear a pain that had no healing— An undivided misery, Which unto kindred heart knew no appealing, O, hear thou me! I tell thee not mine own peculiar woe; I tell thee not the want that makes me poor, For thou, dear Mother of God, all this dost know!— But I beseech thy blessing, and thy aid; Assure me, where my nature is afraid, And where I murmur, strengthen to endure!

[She bows her head, kneeling in silence—as she prepares to leave the chapel, enter PAOLO, with a few snow-drops in his hand.

Paol. Mother, in Italy I used to gather Sweet flowers; the fragrant lily, like a cup Chiselled in marble, and the rich, red rose, And carry them, an offering to Our Lady; Think’st thou she will accept such gifts as these, For they are not like flowers of Italy— But they are such, dear mother, as grow here?

Ter. My boy, she will accept them! Gracious Virgin, She would receive a poorer gift than this; She would accept the will without the gift, For she doth know the heart! There on the shrine Lay them, my boy, and pray if thou have need; Fear not, for she is gracious,—so is God!

Paol. [laying the flowers at the feet of the Virgin. I have no prayer, dear mother, save for thee, And that is in my heart. I cannot speak it, Thou didst weep so, when last I prayed for thee!

Ter. [kissing him.] It is enough, my boy, the Holy Mother Knoweth what is within thy inmost heart!

[She again bows herself before the Virgin, then taking the child’s hand, goes out.