LOWLIEST of women, and most glorified!

In thy still beauty, sitting calm and lone,
A brightness round thee grew; and by thy side,
Kindling the air, a form ethereal shone,

Solemn, yet breathing gladness. From her throne.
A queen had risen with more imperial eye;
A stately prophetess of victory

From her proud lyre had struck a tempest's tone,
For such high tidings as to thee were brought,

Chosen of heaven! that hour: but thou, oh, thou! E'en as a flower with gracious rains o'er-fraught, Thy virgin head beneath its crown didst bow, And take to thy meek breast the all-holy Word, And own thyself the handmaid of the Lord.

Mrs. Hemans.

THE SONG OF THE VIRGIN.

YET as a sun-burst flushing mountain snow,
Fell the celestial touch of fire ere long
On the pale stillness of thy thoughtful brow,
And thy calm spirit lightened into song.
Unconsciously, perchance, yet free and strong,
Flowed the majestic joy of tuneful words,

Which living harps the choirs of heaven among
Might well have linked with their divinest chords.

Full many a strain, borne far on glory's blast,
Shall leave, where once its haughty music passed,

No more to memory than a reed's faint sigh;
While thine, O childlike Virgin! through all time
Shall send its fervent breath o'er every clime,
Being of God, and therefore not to die.

Mrs. Hemans.

MAGNIFICAT.

My ravished soul extols His name,

Who rules the world's admired frame:
My spirit, with exalted voice,

In God my Saviour shall rejoice:

Who hath His glorious beams displayed,

Upon a poor and humble maid.

Me all succeeding ages shall

The blessed Virgin-Mother call.

The Great, great things for me hath wrought;

His sanctity past human thought.

His mercy still reflects on those,

Who in His truth their trust repose.

He with His arm hath wonders shown:

The proud in their own pride o'erthrown;
The mighty from their thrones dejects;
The lowly from the dust erects.

The hungry are His welcome guests;
The rich excluded from His feasts.
He, mindful of His promise, hath
Maintained and crowned Israel's faith:
To Abraham promised, and decreed
For ever to his holy seed.

George Sandys.

Midivity