20.04.2012, 19:35
Mater Dolorosa
Not for the pageant of Thine ancient pride,
Nor for Thy stern grey strength that holds the seas,
We love Thee most, but for the agonies
In which Thy heart of valiance hath been tried,
Knowing that 'tis through these, and nought beside,
We hold the love that binds, the law that frees,
Wherefore the life Thy Word for us decrees
Is as the ocean fair and brave and wide.
Thine is no Empire girt about with fear,
Swayed by the meanace of a war-lord's will
Whose links are fetters and whose God is might:
Thy chains are trust, and hope, and love most dear
For all the lives in whom Thou mayst fulfil
The inmost vision of Thy spirit's light.
Not for the pageant of Thine ancient pride,
Nor for Thy stern grey strength that holds the seas,
We love Thee most, but for the agonies
In which Thy heart of valiance hath been tried,
Knowing that 'tis through these, and nought beside,
We hold the love that binds, the law that frees,
Wherefore the life Thy Word for us decrees
Is as the ocean fair and brave and wide.
Thine is no Empire girt about with fear,
Swayed by the meanace of a war-lord's will
Whose links are fetters and whose God is might:
Thy chains are trust, and hope, and love most dear
For all the lives in whom Thou mayst fulfil
The inmost vision of Thy spirit's light.