THE BELOVED
"He is altogether lovely." -- Cant. v. i6.
Mechthild of Hellfde, 1277.
tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899
Dew abundant from the depths divine,
O sweet white Flower, pure as mountain snow,
O precious Fruit of that celestial Flower,
O Ransom from the everlasting woe --
Thou holy sacrifice for sins of men,
The gift that the eternal Father gave --
O Dew of life, by Thee I live again,
By Thee Who camest down to seek and save.
I see Thee small in low and humble guise,
And me Thou seest, great in shame and sin --
Lord, I would be Thy daily sacrifice,
Though I am worthless, vile, and foul within.
Yet into that mean cup Thy grace will pour
The love that overflows for evermore.