Classic Poem

C HRIST has two Parents, in a twofold scheme,
A twofold birth sublime;
A Father, from eternity supreme,
A Mother, born in time.

He from His Father, by a termless birth,
Without a Mother came;
Created highest Heav'n, this lower earth,
And all the starry frame.

He from His Mother, in the midst of years,
Without a Father born,
Drain'd to the dregs the chalice of our tears,
Then died in pain and scorn.

O peerless mystery of depth and height,
In one same Person seen!
O finite closely knit with Infinite!
Celestial with terrene!

Jesu, by Thy eternal Father's might,
Hear Thou my trembling prayer;
Thou who art God of God, and Light of Light,
Omnipotent to spare!

Jesu, by Thy sweet Mother's tender love,
Look tenderly on me;
Remember, mighty as Thou art above,
I am one flesh with Thee!