Volume 5 — Original. Mea Culpa. By Richard Storrs Willis.

I. All through my fault, my own most grievous fault! This the chagrin and inward smart of sin. Nor others' blame can my poor cause exalt— Naught but myself t' accuse, without, within! And thus to my God heavy-hearted I cry, Mea culpa, meet maxima culpa! And thus to the mother of Jesus I sigh, Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa! II. O God! the past, the wicked past forgive! The spectre-sins that haunt my soul dispel. Deeper than mirth, alas! they frowning live; Beneath my smiles, in memory's caves they dwell! And thus to Saint Michael, archangel, I plead, Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa: And thus to Saint John with regret I concede, Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa! III. Ponder my love—a Saviour's voice would fall, When tempted sore, in youth's delirious hour. Ponder my love—O kind and gracious call! And yet from life I plucked each poison-flower! And thus to Saint Peter and Paul I exclaim, Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa: And thus to all saints and you, brothers, proclaim, Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa! IV. Ah! well, dear Lord, here in my guilt I bow. What else to do, where else to go, than home? Joyless, distrest, a contrite suppliant now, Heartsick of sin, homesick for thee, I come! Ye saints and you, brothers, to Christ for me pray Peccavi, mea maxima culpa! Alas! my dear Jesus, 'tis all I can say, Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa!