XXIV.

Rejoice, O Mary! and be glad, Thou Church triumphant here below! He cometh, in meekest emblems clad; Himself he cometh to bestow!

That body which thou gav'st, O Earth, He giveth back—that Flesh, that Blood; Born of the Altar's mystic birth; At once thy Worship and thy Food.

He who of old on Calvary bled On all thine altars lies to-day, A bloodless Sacrifice, but dread; The Lamb in heaven adored for aye.

His Godhead on the Cross He veiled; His Manhood here He veileth too: But Faith has eagle eyes unsealed; And Love to Him she loves is true.

"I will not leave you orphans. Lo! While lasts the world with you am I." Saviour! we see Thee not; but know, With burning hearts, that Thou art nigh!

He comes! Blue Heaven, thine incense breathe O'er all the consecrated sod; And thou, O Earth, with flowers enwreathe The steps of thine advancing God!