Sequence 90. Of the Blessed Virgin

VIRGIN, who a Saviour bore us !
Loved by the angelic chorus !

Cheer within, without watch o'er us
With thy kindly prayers above :
Rod ! who hast produced a flower,
T'ward whose sweetness through love's power
Hasten holy men, to shower
On it gifts of pious love.

Threefold gifts the three kings carry ;
Sure of heaven's bright luminary,
As, star-led, they haste nor tarry,
Seeking for the new-born King :
Gold, the Monarch venerating ;
Incense, Godhead indicating \
Myrrh, His death commemorating,
By the Spirit led, they bring.

Joyful should be this occasion,
When a man of Saba's nation,
Certain 'tis God's revelation,
Joys with restful heart in peace :
Now decay the Jews' race showeth ;
Knowing much, ne'er God it knoweth ;
But in faith the Gentile groweth,
Having seen God face to face.

Synagogue, such love once winning,
With faith's glory brightly shining.

Lies unhonoured, ne'er divining
That young Infant's majesty.

Christ's crop, once but slender rated,
Rude in mind, uncultivated,
In clear light hath contemplated
This world's Saviour, eye to eye.

Grief thou, blinded Law ! art showing.
Now that Sara's son is growing,
While the bands of grave misdoing
Press on the bond-woman's son :
Thou in prostrate weakness liest ;
Loud laughs Sarah whilst thou sighest,
Knowing Him whom thou deniest.

Nor hast as man's Saviour known.
Jacob at his father's blessing
Trembles, his great joy expressing ;
Thou art moist, heaven's dew possessing,
And the fatness of the ground :
Thy delight are things terrestrial,
Vain and empty, coarse and bestial ;
Jacob deals with things celestial.

And Christ's sweetness spread around.
Of his sweet good ointment smelling,
Haste these saints, fond love impelling,
For new fragrance, all excelling,
Christ's new pardon doth unfold.

Though to sin of yore oft driven,
Sees the Bride those gifts of heaven.

That new Bride, to whom is given
A resplendent crown of gold.

Near the King, the Son, her station
Keeps the Bride in adoration,
Broidered gold's reticulation
Covering o'er her vesture bright.

Forth a rose now thorns are sending,
Which, from birth to life's last ending,
Is to things of heaven attending.

And the King's own full delight.
This is that one Bride of heaven,
To the one true Bridegroom given ;
May all ills from us be driven
By this Bridegroom's watchful care :
Of bad habits may He break us,
To Himself well-pleasing make us,
And thus into heaven take us,
Rescued from the Devil's snare ! Amen.