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Hymns and Poems

Original and Translated: By Edward Caswall ... Second Edition

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PROLOGUE.
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PROLOGUE.

Minster of Eld! in thy sweet solemn shade
How pleasant is it thus apart to roam!
Here for myself a shelter I have made;
In thee my pilgrim spirit finds a home.
Hither withdrawing from the day's false glare,
From earthliness and all that breeds annoy,
She hath wrought out a resting-place from care,
And drinks unwatch'd from hidden fount of joy;
Oh, cruel world that would such happiness destroy!
For while in quiet thought I wander on,
These peaceful courts along,
Too oft its clangours sound
And jar the golden chords so finely strung
On which my soul had hung;
Then sinks the Minster in a depth profound,
And alone I seem to stand
On some disenchanted land,
Lost upon a desert drear,
All a blank to eye and ear,
Seeking ofttimes long in vain
Ere I can return again.

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Ah me! what time hath pass'd
Since here I enter'd last!
Almost I seem a stranger here to be,
As though no right I had
Mine own dear shrine to see.
Oh, archetypal Place!
Pure mystery of space!
Which, as my glance around I throw,
Dost into clearer outline grow.
Oh, music that above me sweeps
Like anthem of uplifted deeps!
Oh, roof of roofs sublime,
Wrought in the world's young prime!
Oh, pillars firm, that seem
Vaster than thought may dream!
Oh, lights and shades that fall
So strange and mystical,
Crossing from wall to wall!
Oh, tints most rare!
Oh, gently-breathing air!
Oh, floor so green and fair!
Here let me dwell
Choosing some holy cell;
Here let me sit and sing to solemn chord
Thy works O loving Lord!
Joying to tell of Thee
Who madest all to be;
Joying with all creation to proclaim
The glories of Thy Name,
Great King of kings!
Lord of invisible things!
Lord of the starry skies, of earth and air and sea!