Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

Arthur Quiller-Couch, comp. The Oxford Book of Victorian Verse. 1922.

The Right Use of Prayer

Sir Aubrey de Vere (1788–1846)

THEREFORE, when thou wouldst pray, or dost thine alms,

Blow not a trump before thee. Hypocrites

Do thus vaingloriously: the common streets

Boast of their largess, echoing their psalms.

On such the laud of men like unctuous balms

Falls with sweet savour. Impious Counterfeits!

Prating of Heaven, for earth their bosom beats:

Grasping at weeds they lose immortal palms.

God needs not iteration nor vain cries;

That Man communion with his God might share

Below, Christ gave the ordinance of prayer.

Vague ambages and witless ecstasies

Avail not. Ere a voice to prayer be given

The heart should rise on wings of love to Heaven.