The grieving Mother stood
weeping beside the cross
where her Son was hanging.
Through her weeping soul,
compassionate and grieving,
sword passed.
O how sad and afflicted
as that blessed Mother
the Only-begotten.
Who mourned and grieved,
the pious Mother,
looking at the torment of her glorious Child.
Who is the person who would not weep
seeing the Mother of Christ
in such agony?
Who would not be able to feel compassion
on beholding Christ's Mother
suffering with her Son?
For the sins of his people
she saw Jesus in torment
and subjected to the scourge.
She saw her sweet offspring
dying, forsaken,
while He gave up his spirit.
O Mother, fountain of love,
make me feel the power of sorrow,
that I may grieve with you.
Grant that my heart may burn
in the love of Christ my Lord,
that I may greatly please Him
Holy Mother, grant
that the wounds of the Crucified
drive deep into my heart.
That of your wounded Son,
who so deigned to suffer for me,
I may share the pain.
Let me sincerely weep with you,
bemoan the Crucified,
for as long as I live.
To stand beside the cross with you,
and gladly share the weeping,
this I desire.
Chosen Virgin of virgins,
be not bitter with me,
let me weep with thee.
Grant that I may bear the death of Christ,
the fate of his Passion,
and commemorate His wounds.
Let me be wounded with his wounds,
inebriated by the cross
because of love for the Son.
Inflame and set on fire,
may I be defended by you, Virgin,
on the day of judgement.
Christ, when it is time to pass away,
grant that through your Mother I may come
to the palm of victory.
When my body dies,
may my soul be granted
the glory of paradise.
Charpentier: Music for the Virgin Mary
