Cardinal Manning

By From London Punch

The middle of the nineteenth century saw a great movement in England towards the Church of Rome. Among the many well-known converts was Henry E. Manning, who had been a clergyman in the Church of England for over fifteen years. He entered the Roman priesthood and was ultimately made Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster. He died Jan. 14, 1892.

ONE more great Voice gone silent! Friends or foes,

None well could watch that long life’s gentle close

Without a softening thrill.

A valiant champion of the faith he held,

No conflict ever his strong courage quelled,

Or shook his steadfast will.

Yet, were that all, some well might turn away

With custom’s passing courtliness, to-day.

And bid a cold farewell

To the great priest, shrewd marshaller of men,

Subtle of verbal fence with tongue or pen,

Ascetic of the cell—

But there was more: and many a hundred hearts,

Who not in cleric conflict played their parts,

Will mourn him well and long.

Friend of the poor, apart from creed or clique,

And ardent champion of the struggling weak

Against the selfish strong.

Toiler for Temperance, hastener on of Light,

In many a fray where right’s at odds with might,

Might’s foes will miss their friend.

Farewell! it moves the common heart to heart

The crowning of so glorious a career

By such a gracious end!

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