Page:Mine and Thine, Coates, 1905.djvu/26

WHEN CHRIST WAS BORN In the dear way that mothers are,

And heaven seemed nigh, and earth afar:

And when grave kings in sumptuous guise

Adored her babe, she knew them wise;

For at his touch her sense grew dim—

So all her being worshiped him.

A nimbus seemed to crown the head

Low-nestled in that manger-bed,

And Mary's forehead, to our sight,

Wears ever something of its light;

And still the heart—poor pensioner!

In its affliction turns to her—

Best loved of all, best understood,

The type of selfless motherhood! 6