REDEMPTION. 289
Mock'd, struck with reeds, and dragg'd with force along,
With vile opprobrium cursed, condemn' d and scorn'd.
The Merciful, by merciless contsmn'd,
Guiltless, by guilty causelessly defamed,
The Judge of all, submissive to be judged,
And Just for unjust, render'd up to death ;
Who heal'd the wounded and compassion taught,
No balm receives, no mercy from the crowd ;
Who with consoling voice the mourner cheer' d,
No voice consoling, finds in utmost need.
Hard by the port through which the Victim pass'd, Exanimate, the Virgin Mother stands ; How changed from second Eve, as wont before The suff'rings of her stricken One began. Her spotless robes neglected, trail the ground, Ensanguined with his blood, distain'd with mire ; Wildly dishevel'd hang her amber locks, Or toss'd irrev'rent by the lepid winds. Grief on her face its pallid impress sets, And furrows her wan features deep with care ; Clasp'd to her breast, with pain's convulsive grasp, Her hands unconscious tear her spotless flesh, Whilst crystal torrents from her eyes run down, Commingling with the crimson tide that flows ; The Lambs afflictions in her breast she bears, And poignant feels each wound which pierced his form. Anguish whilst thus her heaving bosom swells, Her trembling lips in sighs her grief express :
" Master of life, and sov'reign Lord of all, Behold the sorrows of thine only Son. Ah ! can it be that he, by thee so loved, May from that love no succor now derive.
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