Humility
The Bird that soars on highest wing
Builds on the ground her lowly nest;
And she that doth most sweetly sing
Sings in the shade, where all things rest;
In lark and nightingale we see
What honor hath humility.
When Mary chose “the better part,”
She meekly sat at Jesus’ feet;
And Lydia’s gently opened heart
Was made for God’s own temple meet:
Fairest and best adorned is she
Whose clothing is humility.
The saint that wears heaven’s brightest crown,
In deepest adoration bends:
The weight of glory bows him down
Then most, when most his soul ascends:
Nearest the throne itself must be
The footstool of humility.