What a sea of tears and sorrow
Did the soul of Mary toss
To and from upon its billows,
While she wept in bitter loss;
In her arms her Jesus holding,
Torn so newly from the Cross

O that mournful Virgin-Mother,
See her tears, how fast they flow
Down upon his mangled body,
Wounded side and thorny brow,
While his hands and feet she kisses,
Picture of immortal woe.

Gentle Mother, we beseech thee,
By thy tears and anguish sore
By the death of thy dear offspring.
By the bleeding wounds he bore
Touch our hearts with that true sorrow,
Which afflicted thee of yore.

To the Father everlasting,
And the Son who reigns on high,
With the coeternal Spirit,
Trinity in Unity,
Be salvation, honour, blessing.
Now and through eternity