Classic Poem

Dark Calvary's Cross! Thy holy, mystic sign,
Traced with the sacred wave, our foreheads wear,
In solemn token that by grace divine
With faithful courage we thy load must bear.

Dark Calvary's Crown! Thy thorns are sharp indeed,
And weary temples throb beneath thy weight;
Yet we have vowed, albeit we faint and bleed,
To hold thee better than our best estate.

Bright Calvary's Cross! Though abject be thy shame,
Thy slender tree to Faith's uplifted eye
Transfigured stands, like Jacob's stair, aflame
With shining shapes that lead us to the sky.

Bright Calvary's Crown, thou queen of diadems!
Thy thorns are golden rays that blaze afar;
And lo! where blood-gouts were thine only gems,
Shines, in their stead, the bright and morning star.

Fair Catholic Church, on land and sea unfold
Thy standard blazoned with the Cross and Crown,
While we, the children of thy fostering fold,
Exultant sing a Saviour's high renown.

Thou gentlest Jesu, Crucified and Crowned,
Keep us, when pleasures smile, when sorrows frown;
So, bearing Calvary's cross, we may be found
Worthy at last to wear bright Calvary's crown!