381. How blest the matron, who, endued

How blest the matron, who, endued

With holy zeal and fortitude,

Has won through grace a saintly fame,

And owns a dear and honoured name.

Such holy love inflamed her breast,

She would not seek on earth her rest,

But, strong in faith and patience, trod

The narrow wav that leads to God.

She learned, through fasting*, to control

The flesh that weigheth down the soul,

And then by prayer's sweet food sustained

To seek the joys she now has gained.

O Christ, from whom all virtue springs,

Who only doest wondrous things,

To Thee, the King of Saints, we pray,

Accept and bless Thy flock to-day.

All praise to God the Father be,

All praise, Eternal Son, to Thee,

Whom with the Spirit we adore

For ever and for evermore.