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24 What visions then of future glory filled thee,

The chosen mother of that King unknown,

Mother fulfiller of all prophecy

Which, through dim ages, wondering seers had shown!

Well did thy dark eye kindle, thy deep soul

Rise into billows, and thy heart rejoice;

Then woke the poet's fire, the prophet's song,

Tuned with strange burning words thy timid voice.

Then, in dark contrast, came the lowly manger,

The outcast shed, the tramp of brutal feet;

Again behold earth's learned and her lowly,

Sages and shepherds, prostrate at thy feet.

Then to the temple bearing—hark again

What strange conflicting tones of prophecy

Breathe o'er the child foreshadowing words of joy,

High triumph blent with bitter agony!