Now there stood by that dreadful cross
The mother of the Lord,
Whose soul with sharpest agony
Was pierced, as with a sword.
When Jesus therefore saw her near,
And His disciple, John,
The man whom He loved best, He said:
"Woman, behold thy son."
Then said to the disciple:
"Thy mother here behold!"
And John thence forth his loving care
Around her did enfold.
