Volume 4 — THE BARREN FIG-TREE AND THE CROSS.
Reading edition
O hapless tree! which doth refuse Thy fruit to him who thee hath made: Cursed and withered none may use Thy barren limbs for fruit or shade. O Cross of death! which man did make, Barren and fruitless though thou be, Thy sapless branches life shall take From that sweet fruit he gave to thee. O happy tree! divinely blest! True, thou hast neither leaves nor root; Yet 'neath thy shade a world shall rest, And feast upon thy heavenly fruit!
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