Andrew Macphail, comp. The Book of Sorrow. 1916.
Stabat MaterJacopone da Todi (c. 12301306)
S
Near the cross her station keeping,
Whereon hung her Son and Lord;
Through whose spirit sympathizing,
Sorrowing and agonizing,
Also passed the cruel sword.
Was that favoured and most blessèd
Mother of the only Son!
Trembling, grieving, bosom heaving,
While perceiving, scarce believing,
Pains of that Illustrious One.
Would not weep, saw he Christ’s mother
In such deep distress and wild?
Who could not sad tribute render
Witnessing that mother tender
Agonizing with her Child?
Him she saw in torments groaning,
Given to the scourger’s rod;
Saw her darling offspring dying,
Desolate, forsaken, crying,
Yield His spirit up to God.
That with thee I tears may shower,
Tender mother, fount of love!
Make my heart with love unceasing
Burn towards Christ the Lord, that pleasing
I may be to him above.
That the slain One’s wounds be planted
Firmly in my heart to bide.
Of Him wounded, all astounded—
Depths unbounded for me sounded—
All the pangs with me divide.
With the Crucified, communion
In His grief and suffering give:
Near the Cross, with tears unfailing,
I would join thee in thy wailing
Here as long as I shall live.
Be not bitter, me repelling:
Make thou me a mourner too:
Make me bear about Christ’s dying,
Share His passion, shame defying:
All His wounds in me renew.
With the Cross intoxicated
For thy Son’s dear sake, I pray—
May I, fired with pure affection,
Virgin, have through thee protection
In the solemn Judgement Day.
By the death of Christ be guarded,
Nourished by divine supplies.
When the body death hath riven,
Grant that to the soul be given
Glories bright of Paradise.