FROM THE SPANISH OF BARTOLOME LEONARDO DE ARGENSOLA. <br /> <br /> <br />Blessed, yet sinful one, and broken-hearted! <br />The crowd are pointing at the thing forlorn, <br />In wonder and in scorn! <br />Thou weepest days of innocence departed; <br />Thou weepest, and thy tears have power to move <br />The Lord to pity and love. <br /> <br />The greatest of thy follies is forgiven, <br />Even for the least of all the tears that shine <br />On that pale cheek of thine. <br />Thou didst kneel down, to Him who came from heaven, <br />Evil and ignorant, and thou shalt rise <br />Holy, and pure, and wise. <br /> <br />It is not much that to the fragrant blossom <br />The ragged brier should change; the bitter fir <br />Distil Arabian myrrh! <br />Nor that, upon the wintry desert's bosom, <br />The harvest should rise plenteous, and the swain <br />Bear home the abundant grain. <br /> <br />But come and see the bleak and barren mountains <br />Thick to their tops with roses: come and see <br />Leaves on the dry dead tree: <br />The perished plant, set out by living fountains, <br />Grows fruitful, and its beauteous branches rise, <br />For ever, towards the skies.<br /><br />William Cullen Bryant<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/mary-magdalen/
