Classic Poem

MARY MAGDALENE

We have arisen early, yet the sun
O'ertakes us ere we reach the sepulchre,
To wrap the body of our blessèd Lord
With our sweet spices.

MARY, MOTHER OF JAMES .

Lo, this is the garden,
And yonder is the sepulchre. But who
Shall roll away the stone for us to enter?

MARY MAGDALENE .

It hath been rolled away! The sepulchre
Is open! Ah, who hath been here before us,
When we rose early, wishing to be first?

MARY, MOTHER OF JAMES .

I am affrighted!

MARY MAGDALENE .

Hush! I will stoop down
And look within. There is a young man sitting
On the right side, clothed in a long white garment!
It is an angel!

THE ANGEL .

Fear not; ye are seeking
Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified.
Why do ye seek the living among the dead?
He is no longer here; he is arisen!
Come see the place where the Lord lay! Remember
How He spake unto you in Galilee,
Saying: The Son of Man must be delivered
Into the hands of sinful men; by them
Be crucified, and the third day rise again!
But go your way, and say to his disciples,
He goeth before you into Galilee;
There shall ye see Him as He said to you

MARY, MOTHER OF JAMES .

I will go swiftly for them.

MARY MAGDALENE .

They have taken
My Lord away from me, and now I know not
Where they have laid Him! Who is there to tell me?
This is the gardener. Surely he must know

CHRISTUS .

Woman, why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou?

MARY MAGDALENE .

They have taken my Lord away; I cannot find Him
O Sir, if thou have borne him hence I pray thee
Tell me where thou hast laid Him.

CHRISTUS

Mary!

MARY MAGDALENE .

Rabboni!