Virgin of Bethlehem! spouse of the Holy One! <br />Star of the pilgrim on life’s stormy sea! <br />Humbler thy lot was than this world’s most lowly one, <br />List to the prayers that we offer to thee! <br /> <br />Not for the joys that this false earth bestoweth, <br />Empty and fleeting as April sunshine, <br />But for the grace that from holiness floweth, <br />Grace, purest Mother, that always was thine. <br /> <br />Charity ardent, and zeal that abounded, <br />Thine was the will of thy Father above, <br />Thus thy life’s fervor so strangely confounded <br />Cold hearts that mocked at religion’s pure love. <br /> <br />Meekness in suffering, patience excelling, <br />Bowed thee, unmurm’ring, beneath sorrow’s rod; <br />Spirit of purity ever indwelling <br />Made thee the Temple and Mother of God. <br /> <br />These are the gifts that thy children implore, <br />With hearts warmly beating, and low bended knee; <br />Oh! ask of thy Son, whom we humbly adore, <br />To grant us the prayers that we whisper to thee.<br /><br />Rosanna Eleanor Leprohon<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/virgin-of-bethlehem/
