vi O had we kept entire the vow There are, to whom the gay green earth For they have marr'd their holy birth, Have rent the bowers that o'er them wave. Where underneath Thy Cross they lie, Mark me a place: Thy Mercy's ray Is healing, even to such as I, Else wherefore bid us hope and pray? What if there were, who laid one hand While the other over sea and land Beckoned foul shapes, in dream intense Of earthly Passion? Whoso reads, In pity kneel for him, and pour A deep heart-prayer (O! much it needs) vii Pray that the mist, by sin and shame For weary hearts, that ask to see That he may guide them, in Christ's power, Along the path of their desire; And with no faint nor erring voice Rests yet upon thine ancient home: Pray that the Prayer of Innocents viii We own all Churches, and are owned. Pray Him to save, by chastenings keen, The harps that hail His Bride enthroned From wayward touch of hands unclean. Feb. 8, 1846. |