ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS

IN SERIES, 1821-22.

XIV. GLAD TIDINGS

          FOR ever hallowed be this morning fair,
          Blest be the unconscious shore on which ye tread,
          And blest the silver Cross, which ye, instead
          Of martial banner, in procession bear;
          The Cross preceding Him who floats in air,
          The pictured Saviour!--By Augustin led,
          They come--and onward travel without dread,
          Chanting in barbarous ears a tuneful prayer--
          Sung for themselves, and those whom they would free!
          Rich conquest waits them:--the tempestuous sea              10
          Of Ignorance, that ran so rough and high
          And heeded not the voice of clashing swords,
          These good men humble by a few bare words,
          And calm with fear of God's divinity.