The Sun is in the heavens. Arise and see,
O Land of Zabulon and Nepthali,
O favoured Jordan, Sea of Galilee,
Ye peoples that in darkness sit - oh, see,
Before that glorious Light Death's shadows flee.
Darkness and Night are over past: for He
Who is the Light of Life, hath come to be
The Light of all the World; hath come to be
The New Creation's Founder. Verily,
The Death-destroying Angel shall He be.
* * *
Mother of our Redemption: lo, for thee
Whose Home alone was Jesus, it would be
A trial wondrous for maternity
When, as the time drew nigh, He turned to thee.
And as His wont, sweet counsel took of thee.
* * *
In that still Home of sacred unity
Where, interwoven, Soul with soul would be,
The understanding had small need to be
By many words expressed; and thus would He
Her soul advise in each necessity.
Then, as a Woman of high purpose, she
His meaning would endorse; nor would she be
By look, or thought a hindrance: valiantly
From first to last would follow God's decree
And with Him share Redemption's penalty.
As Adam quitted Paradise when he
Wandered at large to find sin's destiny -
Eve following in tears: so now would He
Their Home forsaking, homeless, houseless, be
Without a shelter, steeped in poverty -
While Mary followed meekly: yet, would she
See from a distance how Divinity
Wrought with His wonderful Humanity;
Silently worshipping, while studiously
Keeping due watch o'er each necessity.
- text taken from Mary: The Perfect Woman, by Emily Mary Shapcote