202 REDEMPTION.
And meek her sinfulness with tears deplores,
The self-sufficient, inward doubting, shrank
With loathing from the wailful scene, and thus
Within himself gan doubt If this Man were
The Prophet that 'tis said, he would have known,
Who, and what manner of woman, is she,
That toueheth him, and this opproby shunn'd.
E'en his disciples, with indignant brow,
And other some, who sat, ask'd Why this waste ?
So that grand thief, entrusted with the bag,
And sold his Master's blood t' increase his store,
With dark'ning brow at Bethany complain'd,
The treasure was not lavish'd on the poor,
Not that their needs, him infamous, concern'd,
Who, evil-eyed, but gloated on his gains,
And envious gazed on every gen'rous deed.
Th' Omniscient saw, and their misjudging judged,
With words perite their uiurmurings suppress'd,
And on the suppliant his compassion pour'd.
Meanwhile, the Magdalen her gifts bestow'd,
Whose fragrant odors fill'd the house, and rose
Acceptable as incense, to the throne,
Where Mercy sits ; yet, more acceptable
Her sighs, her tears, her precatory grief,
That ne'er the ear of Mercy plead in vain.
To whom, returning love, for love thus giv'n,
With sense of joy, inefiable composed,
The Blest One, blessing, sweetly beaming said
Thy faith hath saved thee, Mary ; go in peace.
Much hast thou loved, and much hast been forgiv'n.
Such were the links celestial, acts of grace, The golden chain, from love and mercy wrought,
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