"All nature shrank, with bitter moan, Methought that all creation should Draw near in mourning to that Rood; I did the little that I could, And bathed my breast in Jesus' blood. 66 Therefore, my child, it lingers yet, "And children love me when they see My little scapular of red; And think the while on Calvary, And Jesus' blood, for sinners shed." Legend of Palm Sunday. To Zion's gates her monarch came Whom prophet kings foretold, Whom saints and bards had longed to see, From the far days of old. Whom erst a wondrous star announced, While angels hailed His birth: Creator of the sun and skies, And of the fruitful earth. He came not as the conquerors come O'er sin, and hell, and death. And with their guileless voices cried : No draperies of cloth of gold, No carpets rich in gorgeous fold But garments of the simple poor It was not on a gallant steed But 'twas upon a lowly ass, Of nature mild and meek, That He would enter, who no throne Of earth had come to seek. And still the gentle ass doth bear In memory of the Saviour's hour And wanders through the haughty world Its path is rugged, and its food Yet oh! methinks, 'twere sacrilege Dark in their silent woe. If relics of our hero kings We treasure up and prize, Then, oh dear children, gently deal With little ones, and weak, Remember Jesus loveth such, He is so kind and meek. And to the poor and frail bestow Consideration due, So, in your hour of need, His eye Will gently smile on you! |