Classic Poem

The lifeless son—the mother's agony,
O'erstrained till agony refused to feel—
That sinner too I then dry-eyed could see;
For I was hardened in my selfish weal,
And strength and joy had strung my soul with steel.
I knew not then what man may live to be,
A thing of life, that feels he lives in vain—
A taper, to be quenched in misery!
Forgive me, then, Caracci! if I seek
To look on this, thy tale of tears, again;
For now the swift is slow, the strong is weak.
Mother of Christ! how merciful is pain!
But if I longer view thy tear-stained cheek,
Heart-broken Magdalen! my heart will break.