The South Transept: The Epistle and Gospel XII

Green Bethany, since that dread sorrow's blast,
Thine olive-crown is turned all to sere —
Where from beneath thy feet is Cedron past ?
Where is the glorious temple standing near ?
But still the widow'd Church is lingering here.
Mary of Christ approv'd, and meekly wise,
Teach her to bring with penitential fear
Some offering honour'd in thy Saviour's eyes,
The incense of the heart to embalm His obsequies.