XXXI.

IN SILENCE AND IN HOPE.

--_Isa._ xxx. 15.

She came with her crushing memories, She came with her secret fears, She brought Him her hidden misery And her bitter burning tears.

And all alone at that cheerless board Prepared Him her own sweet feast, Offering her heart with her spikenard And the kiss that “never ceased”.

She marvelled when He upbraided The cruel thoughts of men, And tears fell fast as He lauded her-- Her, Mary Magdalen.

As she marked how His Heart no token Of her contrite love had missed, The love that had given of its best, Anointed, and washed, and kissed;

And tendered a heart with penitence Filled to the very brim, And braved the scorn of a carping crowd To stake its all on Him.

Absorbed in her loving ministries She knelt at His Feet apart, The scandal of every eye save one That soundeth the secret heart.

She knew that her unforgiven past Lay open to His ken, Yet no word of supplication Spake Mary Magdalen.

Love taught a sublimer pleading, Elected a better part-- Calm trust in Him Who spurneth not The humble contrite heart.

From out the fulness of His own Came plenary release: “Her many sins are pardoned her: Arise and go in peace”.

O Christ, Who that poor sinner’s love So gloriously hast crowned, That through all time her name with Thine Shall through the world resound;

Who waitest here the penitent, All-pitying now as then, Give me the brave, unfaltering trust Of Thy dear Magdalen.