March 5

God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

THEN did she pass toward the almond tree, And none she saw beneath it; yet each saint Upon his coming meekly bent the knee, And all their glory as they gazed waxed faint, And then a lighting Angel neared the place, And folded his fair wings before his face.

She also knelt, and spread her aged hands As feeling for the sacred human feet; She said, "Mine eyes are held, but if He stands Anear, I will not let Him hence retreat Except He bless me." Then, O sweet! O fair! Some words were spoken, but she knew not where.

She knew not if beneath the boughs they woke, Or dropt upon her from the realms above; "What wilt thou, woman?" in the dream He spoke, Thy sorrow moveth me, thyself I love; Long have I counted up thy mournful years,— Once did I weep to wipe away thy tears."

She said: "My one Redeemer, only blest, I know Thy voice, and from my yearning heart Draw out my deep desire, my great request, My prayer that I might enter where Thou art. Call me, O call from this world troublesome, And let me see Thy face." He answered: "Come."

THE WISE