The Book of Praise ‎#236

236. At the cross her vigil keeping

1 At the cross her vigil keeping
stood the mournful mother weeping
where he hung, the dying Lord.

2 Through her soul of joy bereaved,
bowed with sorrow, deeply grieved,
passed the sharp and piercing sword.

3 Who, upon that mother gazing,
in her anguish so amazing,
born of woman, would not weep?

4 Who, of Christ's dear mother thinking
while her son that cup is drinking,
would not share her sorrow deep?

5 She beheld her son despised,
for his people's sins chastised,
scourged and crowned with thorns entwined,

6 saw him then from judgement taken,
and in death by all forsaken,
till his spirit he resigned.

7 Near thy cross, O Christ, abiding,
grief and love my heart dividing,
I with her would take my place:

8 by thy saving cross uphold me,
in thy dying, Christ, enfold me
with the deathless arms of grace.

Text Information

• First Line: At the cross her vigil keeping
• Title: At the cross her vigil keeping
• Author: Jacopone da Todi, 12??-1306
• Translator: Edward Caswall, 1814-1878
• Meter: 8 8 7
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1997
• Scripture:
  Luke 2:34
  ;
  John 19:26-27
• Topic: Church Year: Good Friday; Gratitude
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: STABAT MATER
• Harmonizer: Winfred C. Douglas, 1867-1944
• Meter: 8 8 7
• Key: F Major or modal
• Source: Maintz Gesangbuch 1661
• Copyright: Public Domain