Tune: Albano
(\'Once, only once, and once for all\')
John 12 v.1 - 8
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Jesus did come to Bethany
Where Mary, Martha be
And Lazarus whom he had raised
From the dead, God be praised
Then Mary a pound of ointment
Took, and with no relent
Was spikenard of great expense
Yet she continued hence
Mary did Jesus\' feet anoint
made there valuable point
And did His feet with her hair dry
She knew her Lord there nigh
The house was with the odour filled
Aroma not concealed
Judas Iscariot\'s protest
Was this done for the best?
For it could have been sold, and then
Given to poor, sure when
There was an opportunity
O\'er ten months wage it be* (*300 pence = 300 denarii)
But He did not for the poor care
Nor did generous share
A thief he be with money box
In charge of key and lock
Jesus said, Do let her alone
For she did this, so known
Was He for day of burial
Anointed by her full
For the poor you do have always
With you through nights and days
And when you will, you good may do
Unto them, even you
But me, Jesus, you have not here
Always, I do appear
For a time ,then I go away
\'Til resurrection day
Where\'er the gospel shall be preached
To furthest corners reached
What she has done it shall be told
Her witness free and bold