Ancient and Modern ‎#177

177. At the cross her station keeping

1 At the cross her station keeping
stood the mournful Mother weeping,
where he hung, the dying Lord;
for her soul, of joy bereavèd,
bowed with anguish, deeply grieved,
felt the sharp and piercing sword.

2 O how sad and sore distressèd
now was she, that Mother blessèd
of the sole-begotten one!
Deep the woe of her affliction,
when she saw the crucifixion
of her ever-glorious Son.

3 Who, on Christ's dear Mother gazing
pierced by anguish so amazing,
born of woman, would not weep?
Who, on Christ's dear Mother thinking
such a cup of sorrow drinking,
would not share her sorrows deep?

4 For his people's sins chastised,
she beheld her Son despised,
scourged, and crowned with thorns entwined;
saw him then from judgement taken,
and in death by all forsaken,
till his spirit he resigned.

5 O good Jesu, let me borrow
something of thy Mother's sorrow,
fount of love, Redeemer kind,
that my heart fresh ardour gaining,
and a purer love attaining,
may with thee acceptance find.

Text Information

• First Line: At the cross her station keeping
• Author: Edward Caswall (1814-1878) (alt.)
• Author: Jacopone da Todi (d. 1306)
• Meter: 887 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2013
• Scripture:
  Luke 2:34-35
  ;
  John 19:1-37
• Topic: Church Year: Good Friday; Good Friday; Grief; Mary
• Source: Based on Stabat Mater dolorosa ascribed to Jacopone da Todi (d. 1306)

Tune Information

• Name: STABAT MATER
• Adapter: Samuel Webbe, the younger (c. 1770-1843)
• Meter: 887 D
• Key: F Major
• Source: Mäyntzisch Gesangbuch, 1661; An Essay on the Church Plain-chant, 1782