CLXII: The Queen of Seasons explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Nature and the Divine

  The beauty of creation is celebrated as divine work, with seasons and months reflecting God's glory.

• Faith and Doubt

  The poet's unwavering faith in Mary's singular perfection is expressed, contrasting with any possible doubt.

Characters to notice

• Mary

  Glorified as the Queen of Seasons, surpassing all months and days in perfection.

• Father, Son, and Paraclete

  The Father rejoices in His work; the Maker's infinite resources are acknowledged.

Key passages

• “All is divine which the Highest has made, Through the days that He wrought, till the day when He stay’d; Above and below, within and around, From the centre of space, to its uttermost bound.”

  Everything created by God is holy, from the beginning of time to its end, encompassing all of existence.

  Establishes the divine origin and sanctity of all creation.

• “But I know of one work of his Infinite Hand, Which special and singular ever must stand; So perfect, so pure, and of gifts such a store, That even Omnipotence ne’er shall do more.”

  I recognize one creation of God that is uniquely perfect and so full of gifts that even God's power could not surpass it.

  Refers to Mary as the unparalleled masterpiece of God's creation.

• “O Mary, all months and all days are thine own, In thee lasts their joyousness, when they are gone; And we give to thee May, not because it is best, But because it comes first, and is pledge of the rest.”

  O Mary, every month and day belongs to you; their joy endures in you even after they pass. We offer you May not because it is the finest, but because it is the first and a promise of the others.

  Explains the dedication of May to Mary as a symbol and foretaste of all months.