The poetical works of Henry Alford :: :: University of Virginia Library

The poetical works of Henry Alford

Fifth edition, containing many pieces now first collected

Alford, Henry (1810-1871)

[section]

[dedication]

THE SCHOOL OF THE HEART.

POEMS.

PIECES IN BLANK VERSE AND HEROIC MEASURE.

SONNETS.

LYRICAL PIECES.

POEMS NOW FIRST COLLECTED.

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XLIV. WRITTEN IN AN INTERVAL OF MELANCHOLY FOREBODING RESPECTING THE CHURCH.

Herbert and Crashaw, and that other name
Now dear as those, of him beneath whose eye
Arose “the second Temple's” honoured frame,

178

After a carnal dark captivity,—
These are remembrances of promise high,
That set our smouldering energies on flame
To dare for our mother, and, if need, to die,
Sooner than blot her reverend cheek with shame.
O England, England, there hath twined among
The woof of all thy gloomiest destinies
A golden thread: a sound of sweetest song
Hath cheered thee under sad and threatening skies;
But thou hast revelled in the calm too long,
And waxest all unmindful where thy safety lies.

See the conclusion of “The Rectory of Valehead;” also that of the Sermon “On the Fortunes of the Church” in “The Church of God, a series of Sermons,” by the Ven. R. W. Evans.