Classic Poem

MARY MAGDALEN

J ESUS hath vanish'd; all in vain
I search for Him, and search again,
Seeking to relieve my pain.
My sobs the garden fill;
My sighs in tears distil;
My heart is breaking. — Where is he,
Who hath hid my love from me?

JESUS .

Who is this, in wild disorder,
Running over bed and border?
O lady, speak;
Declare, declare,
What flow'ret fair
Hither you come to seek!
Wherefore these piteous tears bedew your cheek!

MARY MAGDALEN .

Say, O gentle gardener, say,
Where have they borne my Lord away;
In what deep grove or glade
Have they His body laid?
Where is that lily sweet,
The Son of God most dear?
Tell me, O tell me where!
That I may go and kiss His sacred feet,
And my true Spouse adore;
And to His Mother's arms the Son restore!

JESUS .

Mary, what blindness hath come o'er thee!
I thy Jesus stand before thee!
I, that immortal flower
Of Nazareth's fair bower!
I amid thousands the Elect alone!
I thy beloved; I thine own!

MARY MAGDALEN .

Jesu, Master! Thy dear sight
Quite dissolves me with delight!
O Joy of joys! to see Thy face,
And those celestial feet embrace!

JESUS .

Touch Me not yet. The hour is drawing nigh
When thou shalt see Me glorified on high;
Then in Mine endless presence shalt thou rest,
And, drinking of My light, live on for ever blest!