Humility

James Montgomery (1771–1854)

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.