97. At the Cross her station keeping

1 At the Cross her station keeping,
Stood the mournful Mother weeping,
Close to Jesus at the last.
Through her soul, of joy bereavèd,
Bowed with anguish, deeply grieved,
Now at lengthy the sword hath passed.

2 *O, that blessèd one, grief-laden,
Blessèd Mother, blessèd Maiden,
Mother of the all-holy One;
O that silent, ceaseless mourning,
O those dim eyes, never turning
From that wondrous, suffering Son.

3 Who on Christ's dear Mother gazing,
In her trouble so amazing,
Born of woman, would not weep?
Who on Christ's dear Mother thinking,
Such a cup of sorrow drinking,
Would not share her sorrow deep?

4 For his people's sins, in anguish,
There she saw the victim languish,
Bleed in torments, bleed and die:
Saw the Lord's anointed taken;
Saw her Child in death forsaken,
Heard his last expiring cry.

5 In the Passion of my Maker,
Be my sinful soul partaker,
May I bear with her my part;
Of his Passion bear the token,
In a spirit bowed and broken
Bear his death within my heart.

6 *May his wounds both wound and heal me,
He enkindle, cleanse, anneal me,
Be his Cross my hope and stay.
May he, when the mountains quiver,
From that flame which burns for ever
Shield me on the judgement day.

7 Jesu, may thy Cross defend me,
And thy saving death befriend me,
Cherished by thy deathless grace;
When to dust my dust returneth,
Grant a soul that to thee yearneth
In thy Paradise a place.

Text Information
First Line: At the Cross her station keeping
Latin Title: Stabat mater dolorosa
Meter: 887 D
Language: English
Publication Date: 1986
Topic: The Christian Year: Good Friday
Source: 13th century Latin; Tr. by various hands
Tune Information
Name: STABAT MATER
Adapter: S. Webbe
Meter: 887 D
Key: F Major
Source: Maintzich Gesangbuch, 1661; Adapt.: Chruch Plainchant, 1782



Media
More media are available on the text authority and tune authority pages.

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us