By Benjamin Cocker




God, what am I that Thou shouldst deign

To take me to Thy heart again,

And whisper: "All is not in vain,--

I hear thy prayer!"



Why shouldst Thou stoop to such as I,

And bid my bitter tears be dry,

And plead in answer to my cry:

"Thy guilt I bear.



"Go forth: thy sins have been forgiven!

The saints before My throne in heaven

Have wept for thee as thou wert shriven:

Canst thou despair?"



Source: The Ave Maria, November 18, 1905