 | Poems, Epigrams and Sonnets |  |
131
VIII. ON THE CLOCK IN STRASBURG CATHEDRAL.
The works of the Clock in Strasbourg Cathedral were
reconstructed by J. B. Schwilgue, in 1842. As it strikes
twelve, the cock, which surmounts one of the turrets, crows
and extends his wings. Under a canopy in the centre are
statuettes of the twelve apostles, which revolve round a
figure of our Blessed Saviour.
Due praise be his whose skill to Strasburg gave
The works of the Clock in Strasbourg Cathedral were reconstructed by J. B. Schwilgue, in 1842. As it strikes twelve, the cock, which surmounts one of the turrets, crows and extends his wings. Under a canopy in the centre are statuettes of the twelve apostles, which revolve round a figure of our Blessed Saviour.
This master-piece of mechanism rare,
More precious wisdom theirs whose daily care
Is on their heart its homilies to grave.
Peter at cockcrow wept—like him we have
Denied our Lord, though sworn His cross to bear;
Blest they who with him weep, and with him share
The contrite spirit, which alone can save!
Work ere night cometh, nor the time prolong;
That voice which speaks in every ringing chime,
Of mercy now, warns still of vengeance due.
How many join that transept's midday throng
With curious eye to mark the step of Time,
To ponder on Eternity how few!
| Poems, Epigrams and Sonnets | |