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A woman who knows how to droop Her eyes before the world’s bold gaze, And teach, by silence, just how near That world dare venture to her ways. A woman who knows how to lift Her eyes to mine without dismay-- For innocence is might-- And say that wrong is wrong alway, That right and truth are best alway, Eyes heaven-lit and clear, to-night I’ll take, if for my own I may, The creed you hold--the right!
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 nevermore 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!
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