IX

1842 1845

As faith thus sanctified the warrior's crest
While from the Papal Unity there came,

What feebler means had failed to give, one aim
Diffused thro' all the regions of the West;

So does her Unity its power attest

By works of Art, that shed, on the outward frame
Of worship, glory and grace, which who shall blame
That ever looked to heaven for final rest?
Hail countless Temples! that so well befit
Your ministry; that, as ye rise and take
Form, spirit and character from holy writ,
Give to devotion, wheresoe'er awake,

Pinions of high and higher sweep, and make
The unconverted soul with awe submit.

X

1842 1845

WHERE long and deeply hath been fixed the root
In the blest soil of gospel truth, the Tree
(Blighted or scathed tho' many branches be,
Put forth to wither, many a hopeful shoot)
Can never cease to bear celestial fruit.

Witness the Church that oft-times, with effect
Dear to the saints, strives earnestly to eject
Her bane, her vital energies recruit.

Lamenting, do not hopelessly repine,

When such good work is doomed to be undone, The conquests lost that were so hardly won:— All promises vouchsafed by Heaven will shine In light confirmed while years their course shall

run,

Confirmed alike in progress and decline.

ΧΙ

TRANSUBSTANTIATION

1821 1822

ENOUGH! for see, with dim association
The tapers burn; the odorous incense feeds
A greedy flame; the pompous mass proceeds;
The Priest bestows the appointed consecration;
And, while the HOST is raised, its elevation
An awe and supernatural horror breeds;
And all the people bow their heads, like reeds
To a soft breeze, in lowly adoration.

This Valdo brooks not. On the banks of Rhone
He taught, till persecution chased him thence,
To adore the Invisible, and Him alone.

Nor are his Followers loth to seek defence,

'Mid woods and wilds, on Nature's craggy throne From rites that trample upon soul and sense.

XII

THE VAUDOIS

1821 1835

BUT whence came they who for the Saviour Lord Have long borne witness as the Scriptures teach? — Ages ere Valdo raised his voice to preach

In Gallic ears the unadulterate Word,

Their fugitive Progenitors explored

Subalpine vales, in quest of safe retreats

Where that pure Church survives, though summer heats

Open a passage to the Romish sword,

Far as it dares to follow. Herbs self-sown,

And fruitage gathered from the chestnut wood, Nourish the sufferers then; and mists, that brood O'er chasms with new-fallen obstacles bestrown, Protect them; and the eternal snow that daunts Aliens, is God's good winter for their haunts.

XIII

1821 1835

PRAISED be the Rivers, from their mountain springs
Shouting to Freedom, "Plant thy banners here!"
To harassed Piety, "Dismiss thy fear,

And in our caverns smooth thy ruffled wings!"
Nor be unthanked their final lingerings –
Silent, but not to high-souled Passion's ear
'Mid reedy fens wide-spread and marshes drear,
Their own creation. Such glad welcomings
As Po was heard to give where Venice rose
Hailed from aloft those Heirs of truth divine
Who near his fountains sought obscure repose,
Yet came prepared as glorious lights to shine,
Should that be needed for their sacred Charge;
Blest Prisoners They, whose spirits were at large!