To us whose thought is, circumscribedly
By time's horizon closed, assuredly
Such sight incomprehensible must be.
For us, one point is all, and therein we
Our own circumference and centre, see.
Not so the natures glorified, and free
From weights and hindrances, which bodily
Press dawn the human soul; they stedfastly
Tend to the Centre of All-Being, and see
Him, the sole Self-existing Entity.
The first-fruits of their bright humanity
Is He who reigns in glory; even He,
Death's Conqueror, who vanquished sin; yea, He
Reigns over Heaven and Hell, till He
Shall sunder life from death, eternally.
He reigns supreme; His Kingdom cannot be
Wrested from His Right Hand; all else must be
Before the end subdued; and valiantly
On earth the Church must fight, and Heaven will be
A partner in the struggle, faithfully.
Now hath the Lord of Hosts triumphantly
Founded His Kingdom's glory; yet will He
Full many a triumph gather, ere shall be
The end accomplished of His victory,
And the fierce Dragon vanquished, finally.
The travail of His Sacred Soul to see
Accomplished in His members fruitfully,
His satisfaction and His joy shall be:
Them leads He on, and, in His Footsteps, see
Conquering they go to conquer, fearlessly.
Thus doth the Church Triumphant ceaselessly
Increase her borders: while on earth we see
War to the knife; and Central Fires will be
The cleansing of earth's stains. Undoubtedly
Till all be consummated, thus 'twill be.
- text taken from Mary: The Perfect Woman, by Emily Mary Shapcote