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HOLY BAPTISM
Where is it mothers learn their love? — In every Church a fountain springs O’er which th’ Eternal Dove Hovers out softest wings. |
What sparkles in that lucid flood Is water, by gross mortals ey’d: But seen by Faith, ’tis blood Out of a dear Friend’s side. |
A few calm words of faith and prayer, A few bright drops of holy dew, Shall work a wonder there Earth’s charmers never knew. |
O happy arms, where cradled lies, And ready for the Lord’s embrace, That precious sacrifice, The darling of His grace! |
Blest eyes, that see the smiling gleam Upon the slumbering features glow, When the life-giving stream Touches the tender brow! |
Or when the holy cross is sign’d, And the young soldier duly sworn, With true and fearless mind To serve the Virgin-born. |
But happiest ye, who seal’d and blest Back to your arms your treasure take, With Jesus’ mark impress’d To nurse for Jesus’ sake: |
To whom — as if in hallow’d air Ye knelt before some awful shrine — His innocent gestures wear A meaning half divine: |
By whom Love’s daily touch is seen In strengthening form and freshening hue, In the fix’d brow serene, The deep yet eager view. — |
Who taught thy pure and even breath To come and go with such sweet grace? Whence thy reposing Faith, Though in our frail embrace? |
O tender gem, and full of Heaven! Not in the twilight stars on high, Not in moist flowers at even See we our God so nigh. |
Sweet one, make haste and know Him too, Thine own adopting Father love, That like thine earliest dew Thy dying sweets may prove. |
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