"He is altogether lovely." -- Cant. v. i6.

Mechthild of Hellfde, 1277.

tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899

Dew abundant from the depths divine,

O sweet white Flower, pure as mountain snow,

O precious Fruit of that celestial Flower,

O Ransom from the everlasting woe --

Thou holy sacrifice for sins of men,

The gift that the eternal Father gave --

O Dew of life, by Thee I live again,

By Thee Who camest down to seek and save.

I see Thee small in low and humble guise,

And me Thou seest, great in shame and sin --

Lord, I would be Thy daily sacrifice,

Though I am worthless, vile, and foul within.

Yet into that mean cup Thy grace will pour

The love that overflows for evermore.