VIRGIN born of Virgin, To Thy shelter take me: Purest, holiest JESU, Chaste and holy make me. Wisdom, power and beauty, These are not for me; Give me, give me only Perfect Chastity. By Thy Flagellation, Flesh immaculate -- By Thine endless glory, Manhood consummate -- By Thy Mother Mary, By Thine Angel-host, By the Monks and Maidens Who have loved Thee most, Keep my flesh and spirit, Eyes and ears and speech, Taste and touch and feeling, Sanctify them each. Through the fiery furnace Walk, O Love, beside me; In the provocation From the tempter hide me. When they come about me, Dreams of earthly passion, Drive O drive them from me, Of Thy sweet compassion: For to feed beside Thee With the Virgin choir, In the vale of lilies, Is my one desire. Not for might and glory Do I ask above, Seeking of Thee only Love and love and love. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...MARY'S GIRLHOOD (FOR A PICTURE): 1 by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI WRITTEN AT AN INN AT HENLEY by WILLIAM SHENSTONE HYMN TO THE FLOWERS by HORACE SMITH TO AMERICA, ON HER FIRST SONS FALLEN IN THE GREAT WAR by E. M. WALKER THE PROFESSION OF FLATTERY by ANTIPHANES SONG, FR. ARTAXERXES (OPERA) by THOMAS AUGUSTINE ARNE FRAGMENTS INTENDED FOR DEATH'S JEST-BOOK: SACRIFICE SELF-COMPENSATED by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES |