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ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS

XVII. CONVERSION

ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS


PROMPT transformation works the novel Lore; The Council closed, the Priest in full career Rides forth, an armed man, and hurls a spear To desecrate the Fane which heretofore He served in folly. Woden falls, and Thor Is overturned; the mace, in battle heaved (So might they dream) till victory was achieved, Drops, and the God himself is seen no more. Temple and Altar sink, to hide their shame Amid oblivious weeds. “O come to me, 10 Ye heavy laden!” such the inviting voice Heard near fresh streams; and thousands who rejoice In the new Rite, the pledge of sanctity, Shall, by regenerate life, the promise claim.