Classic Poem

(A IR . — S TEVENSON .)

Were not the sinful Mary's tears
An offering worthy Heaven,
When, o'er the faults of former years,
She wept — and was forgiven?

When, bringing every balmy sweet
Her day of luxury stored,
She o'er her Saviour's hallowed feet
The precious odors poured; —
And wiped them with that golden hair,
Where once the diamond shone;
Tho' now those gems of grief were there
Which shine for G OD alone!

Were not those sweets, so humbly shed —
That hair — those weeping eyes —
And the sunk heart, that inly bled —
Heaven's noblest sacrifice?

Thou that hast slept in error's sleep,
Oh, would'st thou wake in Heaven,
Like Mary kneel, like Mary weep,
" Love much " and be forgiven!