ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS
XXVII. THANKSGIVING AFTER CHILDBIRTH
ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS
WOMAN! the Power who left his throne on high, And deigned to wear the robe of flesh we wear, The Power that thro’ the straits of Infancy Did pass dependent on maternal care, His own humanity with Thee will share, Pleased with the thanks that in his People’s eye Thou offerest up for safe Delivery From Childbirth’s perilous throes. And should the Heir Of thy fond hopes hereafter walk inclined To courses fit to make a mother rue 10 That ever he was born, a glance of mind Cast upon this observance may renew A better will; and, in the imagined view Of thee thus kneeling, safety he may find.