IDEM LATINE REDDITUM. Illud scire nefas; lux periit mea; Non voce illa melos, non pedibus choros, Ah! deserta vacat domus! ST. JOHN'S COLL., CAMB. 171 S. QU, Marce parce, frusta crusta qui cupis, Quæ quum redirent in jocos puellulæ, PEMB. COLL., OXFORD. G. G. T was a gladsome summer morn, the sun was bright and high, The birds were singing cheerily, beneath the deep blue sky; The flowers were all unfolding, and their perfume filled the air: All nature seemed rejoicing in sights and sounds so fair. Nor could I wonder, as I gazed on stream, and vale, and wood, That in the world's young morning God had called them very good;" For though a withering blight hath marred the beauty first they wore, Yet still to each discerning heart there's beauty evermore! VOL. VI. 174 SOUTHWELL MINSTER. I wandered on with lightsome step, till, from its deep repose, The Minster, with its grand old towers, before my vision rose; And whilst I stood with joy beneath its consecrated shade, I thought of those who long ago in their peaceful rest were laid: Of those whose day of trial was o'er-who had fought the battle well Who within the Church's blessed home had ever loved to dwell Who found what strength and gladness God surely giveth there, When at Matins and at Evensong ascends the voice of prayer. Oh! those were England's brightest days, that have departed long, When all men loved the holy Church, and their faith and hope were strong; And when, in earnest charity, their time-their all-was given, To rear those noble temples-the very gates of Heaven! SOUTHWELL MINSTER. 175 I stood within its hallowed walls; from many a storied pane The light in richest colours fell, and as I looked again The deeds of love the Healer wrought were plainly on them seen, Or an apostle, or a saint, or weeping Magdalene. And as the choir I entered the organ-notes were pealing, And white-robed priests before the cross were all devoutly kneeling; Then upward borne on wings of faith arose the chanted cry, The spirit's deepest utterance, "our solemn litany." Oh! would that those who cast such scorn upon our holy things Could only know the life and peace Christ's true spouse ever brings! To His one and blessed fold of rest they surely would return, And the priceless birthright of His grace in pride no longer spurn. VOL. VI. 0 2 |