Classic Poem

They journey sadly, slowly on,
The day has scarce begun,
Above the hills the rose of dawn
Is heralding the sun,
While down in still Gethsemane
The shadows have not moved,
They go, by loss oppressed, to see
The grave of One they loved.

The eyes of Mary Magdalene
With heavy grief are filled;
The tender eyes that oft have seen
The strife of passion stilled.
And never more that tender voice
Will whisper " God forgives " ;
How can the earth at dawn rejoice
Since He no longer lives?

O, hours that were so full and sweet!
So free from doubts and fears!
When kneeling lowly at His feet
She washed them with her tears!
With head low bowed upon her breast
The other Mary goes,
" He sleeps, " she says, " and takes His rest
Untroubled by our woes. "

And spices rare their hands do hold
For Him the loved and lost,
And Magdalene, by love made bold,
Doth maybe bring the most.
It is not needed, — see! the stone
No longer keeps its place,
And on it sits a radiant one
A light upon his face.

" He is not here, come near and look
With thine own doubting eyes,
Where once He lay — the earth is shook,
And Jesus did arise. "
And now they turn to go away,
Slow stepping, hand in hand,
'Twas something wondrous He did say,
If they could understand.

The sun is flooding vale and hill,
Blue shines the sky above,
" All hail! " — O voice that wakes a thrill,
Familiar, full of love!
From darkest night to brightest day,
From deep despair to bliss,
They to the Master run straightway,
And kneel His feet to kiss.

O Love! that made Him come to save,
To hang on Calvary,
O mighty Love! that from the grave
Did lift and set Him free!
Sing, Mary Magdalene, sing forth —
With voice so sweet and strong,
Sing, till it thrills through all the earth —
The Resurrection Song!