For the joys that fade and flee;
But, Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ,
This do I long to see;
The Bliss untold which thine arms enfold,
The Treasure upon thy knee.
2. Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ,
He was all in all to thee---
In the winters cave, in Nazareth's home,
In the hamlets of Galilee.
So, Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ,
He will not say nay to thee;
When He lifts His face to thy sweet embrace,
Speak to Him, Mother, of me.
3. Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ,
The world will bid Him flee---
Too busy to heed His gentle voice,
Too blind His charms to see---
Then, Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ,
Come with thy Babe to me;
Tho' the world be cold, my heart shall hold,
A shelter for Him and thee.