TO Bethany Christ comes, the leper's guest. Speed we then thither: Simon spreads for all The banquet: with the rest We flock to Simon's hall. While Lazarus feasts, and Martha decks the board, A box of odorous oil doth Mary take, Right costly; to be poured Forth for her Master's sake. She bathes His feet, and wipes them with her hair; She breaks the box, and all the oil is spilled Over His head: the air Seems with new fragrance filled. O why do scornful hands at Mary point? Proud was her task; this treasure did she save, Beforehand to anoint Christ's Body for the grave. And, as His Faith is preached in every tongue, And far-off lands to His allegiance won, Still shall o'er earth be sung This deed which she hath done. Now to the Father and the Son uplift High praise for ever; Praise, and never cease, The Spirit; through whose gift Christ's Bride hath perfect peace. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...IN THE TRENCHES by RICHARD ALDINGTON ARMOR by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON PEACE (1) by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON WHERE? by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON MA LADY'S LIPS AM LIKE DE HONEY (NEGRO LOVE SONG) by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON CHAMBER MUSIC: 9 by JAMES JOYCE |