98 REDEMPTION.
And from dead branch a living reptile raise, Can from the very stones build Abram's house ; And who, from Adam, without woman's aid, His first fair consort did with ease extract, Can now in thee, the second Adam mold, Without polluting touch of carnal man. Here then the mystery of his purpose read The Holy Ghost upon thee shall descend ; The Most High's pow'r shall overshadow thee, And therefore shall the Holy of thee born, Be called by his name, the Son of God. Hence, Son of God and man ; of man, conceived By thee, who Adam's fault retrieve ; of God, Through that mysterious operation had, In nuptial union, with the Holy Ghost. So, thy virginity remain intact, Perfect, as when thy virgin vow arose, With sweetest incense fumed, acceptable To God the Father, high in bliss enthroned, To God thy Son, shouldst thou the gift accept, And God the Holy Ghost thy proffer'd Spouse. And lo, Elizabeth, thy cousin, hath A son in her old age conceived, with whom, That barren was, the sixth month now transpires. Nothing shall be impossible with God. The world revolving, pauses in its course, Awaiting thy reply ; and well it may, Since on thy word its consolation hangs ; Hope to the wretched, freedom to the bound, Redemption to the captives chain'd by Sin, And free salvation to the race of man. Haste, sovereign Lady, hasten that response,
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