And The Word Was Made Flesh

The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,
‘Fiat,’ and lo! The Virgin conceives.
O Solitary Boast! Her own cross to carry,
A spirit rejoices, the first Christian believes.

Et Verbum caro factum est
O happy fault! O necessary sin,
Gaining for us Our Redeemer Blest!
Now softly, now gently, now cradled within.

In prostrate lie angels, homage paid the Divine;
An ox, an ass, dry straw, a manger.
Eternal might and glory to humility consign,
What joy! What sorrow - Love regarded a stranger.