To Bethany Christ comes, the leper's guest.
Speed we then thither: Simon spreads for all
The banquet: with the rest
We flock to Simon's hall.

While Lazarus feasts, and Martha decks the board,
A box of odorous oil doth Mary take,
Right costly; to be poured
Forth for her Master's sake.

She bathes His feet, and wipes them with her hair;
She breaks the box, and all the oil is spilled
Over His head: the air
Seems with new fragrance filled.

O why do scornful hands at Mary point?
Proud was her task; this treasure did she save,
Beforehand to anoint
Christ's Body for the grave.

And, as His Faith is preached in every tongue,
And far-off lands to His allegiance won,
Still shall o'er earth be sung
This deed which she hath done.

Now to the Father and the Son uplift
High praise for ever; Praise, and never cease,
The Spirit; through whose gift
Christ's Bride hath perfect peace.