The Virgin-Mother stood at distance (there)
From her son’s cross, not shedding once a tear:
Because the Law forbad to sit and cry
For those, who did as malefactors die.
So she, to keep her mighty woes in awe,
Tortured her love, not to transgress the Law.
Observe we may, how Mary Joses then,
And th’other Mary (Mary Magdalen)
Sat by the grave; and sadly sitting there,
Shed for their master man a bitter tear:
But ‘twas not till their dearest Lord was dead;
And then to weep they both were licensed.

--Robert Herrick (1591-1674)

Filed under: * Christian Life / Church Life • Church Year / Liturgical Seasons • Holy Week • * Culture-Watch • Poetry & Literature

The URL for this article is http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/36139/

© 2013 Kendall S. Harmon. All rights reserved.

For original material from Titusonenine (such as articles and commentary by Dr. Harmon) permission to copy and distribute free of charge is granted, provided this notice, the logo, and the web site address are visible on all copies. For permission for use in for-profit publications, please email KSHarmon[at]mindspring[dot]com