Chapter XXXI: In Silence and in Hope

--_Isa._ xxx. 15.

She came with her crushing memories,
She came with her secret fears,
She brought Him her hidden misery
And her bitter burning tears.

And all alone at that cheerless board
Prepared Him her own sweet feast,
Offering her heart with her spikenard
And the kiss that “never ceased”.

She marvelled when He upbraided
The cruel thoughts of men,
And tears fell fast as He lauded her--
Her, Mary Magdalen.

As she marked how His Heart no token
Of her contrite love had missed,
The love that had given of its best,
Anointed, and washed, and kissed;

And tendered a heart with penitence
Filled to the very brim,
And braved the scorn of a carping crowd
To stake its all on Him.

Absorbed in her loving ministries
She knelt at His Feet apart,
The scandal of every eye save one
That soundeth the secret heart.

She knew that her unforgiven past
Lay open to His ken,
Yet no word of supplication
Spake Mary Magdalen.

Love taught a sublimer pleading,
Elected a better part--
Calm trust in Him Who spurneth not
The humble contrite heart.

From out the fulness of His own
Came plenary release:
“Her many sins are pardoned her:
Arise and go in peace”.

O Christ, Who that poor sinner’s love
So gloriously hast crowned,
That through all time her name with Thine
Shall through the world resound;

Who waitest here the penitent,
All-pitying now as then,
Give me the brave, unfaltering trust
Of Thy dear Magdalen.