At the Cross Her Station Keeping

“Stabat Mater”, attributed to Jacopone da Todi (d. 1306)

At the cross her station keeping,

Stood the mournful Mother weeping,

Close to Jesus to the last.

Through her heart, his sorrow sharing,

All his bitter anguish bearing,

Now at length the sword had passed.

O how sad and sore distressed

Was that Mother highly blest

Of the sole-begotten One!

Christ above in torment hangs;

She beneath beholds the pangs

Of her dying glorious Son.

Is there one who would not weep,

Whelmed in miseries so deep,

Christ's dear Mother to behold?

Christ, when thou shalt call me hence,

Be thy Mother my defence,

Be thy cross my victory.

While my body here decays,

May my soul thy goodness praise,

Safe in paradise with thee.