1 Jews were wrought to cruel madness,
Christians fled in fear and sadness,
Mary stood the cross beside.

2 At its foot her foot she planted,
By the dreadful scene undaunted,
Till the gentle sufferer died.

3 Poets oft have sung her story;
Painters decked her brow with glory;
Priests her name have deified;

4 But no worship, song, or glory,
Touches like that simple story, --
"Mary stood the cross beside."

5 And when under fierce oppression
Goodness suffers like transgression,
Christ again is crucified.

6 But if love be there, true-hearted,
By no grief or terror parted,
Mary stands the cross beside.