Page:Redemption, a Poem.djvu/371

 REDEMPTION. 365

Then shall his Sign, in the mid sky appear,

Himself on clouds descend, with mighty power;

Him every eye shall see, they who him pierced,

And all the kindreds of the earth shall mourn.

But fear ye not, his chosen, whom he leads

To joys celestial, where his presence beams,

Where crystal streams, life-giving, ever flow,

And bliss eternal, at his right hand reigns.

Though Death's dark valley, and sharp pangs, may fright,

Secure abide, possess your souls in peace;

For these no terrors to his people have,

Who Death hath conquer'd, and his sting withdrawn.

Hence to Jerusalem, as he hath bid,

Return; there wait the Comforter's descent,

Who, comforting, will come, all things dispose,

And fill your troubled minds with joy and peace.

Meanwhile, your sure Salvation ever reigns,

At God's right hand exalted sits, and pleads

For reconciliation, God with man.

And thou, Bless'd Virgin, Mother of the Lord,

This final word receive from thy loved Son,

Whose Heart yearns tow'rds thee not less now, than when

His infant smile replied to thy caress,

Or manhood's brow grew brighter from thy love.

He leaves thee yet awhile with these thy sons,

To soothe and nurture them to full grown strength ;

Too sadly would their faithful hearts be pained,

Of thee and him at once to be bereaved.

They thee revere as Mother of the fold,

For whose salvation, his own life atoned;

And much may need, since Him they cannot see,

To have thee near them, who his likeness bear.

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