The poetical works of Henry Alford Fifth edition, containing many pieces now first collected |
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 | The poetical works of Henry Alford |  |
LXXX. MY ANCESTORS.
Unknown it is to me, who handed downFrom sire to son mine humble family;
Whether they dwelt in low obscurity,
Or by achievements purchased high renown:
Whether with princely or baronial crown
Their brows were bound, or martyr-wreath of flame:
No glories mark the track through which my name
Hath come: I only know it as mine own.
Yet I am one of no mean parentage:
The poorest line of Christian ancestry
Might serve upon the world's unbounded stage
To act God's dealings: all mankind might see
More truth than now they know, were this my line
Of distant sires their evidence to join.
| The poetical works of Henry Alford | |