Classic Poem

Well knew that captain, who of old
Bade sun and moon stand still,
That God will hear the bold command
Of an obedient will.

Faith triumphed over God—he served
The servant of his grace;
And still, the word of faith could pluck
The mountain from its base.

Then say not, ‘It is blasphemy,’
When Christian hearts grow bold,
And bid God's Mother with her Son
Her Mother's rights uphold.

For Mary's faith did more than move
The mount, or check the sun,
When to her womb the Incarnate God
Her lowly answer won.

God's will she loved; and subject he
To her commands became;
Giving a Mother's rights to one
Who chose the Handmaid's name.

Subject he was, because he reigned
Within his Mother's heart;
And Mary, while her God she ruled,
Played still the Handmaid's part.

So now, the Almighty reigns supreme
O'er Mary's docile will;
But what he moves her to command,
He scorns not to fulfil.

Or think you, Mary must in heaven
Her earthly power resign?
And dares not guide that sceptered hand
Which used in hers to twine?

Nay, jealousy exists not there,
Where human pride has ceased;
There, Jesus girds his robes divine
And tends his servants' feast.

There, first are last, and last are first;
God leaves, yet keeps his throne;
And joys to do the will of those
Who fear to do their own.

God's jealousy is zeal for truth
Which only pride offends;
His Majesty to lowly souls
Unsullied condescends.

Let men who know their nothingness
On empty pomp rely;
To stoop is God's prerogative,
The pomp of the Most High.

The humblest Maid e'er knelt on earth
Is Queen in heaven above—
Ruling the universe by right,
And ruling God by love.