Classic Poem

Thou wast a noble virgin, whom the Child
Espoused in heaven before the assembled court;
Whence, armed with rose and lily, thou didst thwart
Maxentius, and wouldst not be beguiled.

To break and maim a maid like thee so mild,
And shame thy modesty, was hellish sport;
Whence angels bore it far from men's resort,
And sepulchred thy body in the wild.

Thy tomb, in Sinai, drips a precious oil,
Potent to heal, and cleanse from earthly soil;
Thy prayers are medicine for men's sick souls;

(How many a penitent thy power extols!)
And weaponed warriors, passing by thy shrine,
Pray for a heart invincible as thine.