IV.

And shall I lose thee then,

Lose my sweet right to thee? Ah! no-the Angels' Queen

Man's mother still will be,

And thou, upon thy throne,

Wilt keep thy love for me.

XX.

TO OUR BLESSED LADY,

FOR THE SOULS IN PURGATORY.

1.

O turn to Jesus, Mother! turn,

And call Him by His tenderest names; Pray for the Holy Souls that burn

This hour amid the cleansing flames.

II.

Ah! they have fought a gallant fight; In death's cold arms they persevered ; And after life's uncheery night

The harbour of their rest is neared.

III.

In pains beyond all earthly pains,
Favourites of Jesus! there they lie,
Letting the fire wear out their stains,
And worshipping God's purity.

IV.

Spouses of Christ they are, for He
Was wedded to them by His blood;
The faithful Cross their trysting-tree,

Their marriage-bed its hallowed wood.

V.

They are the children of thy tears;

Then hasten, Mother! to their aid;

In pity think each hour appears

An age while glory is delayed.

VI.

See, how they bound amid their fires,

While pain and love their spirits fill ; Then with self-crucified desires

Utter sweet murmurs, and lie still.

VII.

Ah me! the love of Jesus yearns
O'er that abyss of sacred pain,

And as He looks His Bosom burns

With Calvary's dear thirst again.

VIII.

O Mary! let thy Son no more

His lingering Spouses thus expect ;

God's children to their God restore,

And to the Spirit His elect.

IX.

Pray then, as thou hast ever prayed;
Angels and Souls, all look to thee;

God waits thy prayers, for He hath made
Those prayers His law of charity.