University of Virginia Library

Search this document 
Lyrics

sylvan and sacred. By the Rev. Richard Wilton

collapse section
 
 
collapse section
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
collapse section
 
IGNATIUS.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
expand section
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

IGNATIUS.

From Antioch to Rome with eager feet
The rugged path of martyrdom he trod:
Doomed to the lions by an emperor's nod,
The lightning of their eyes he yearned to meet,
And thunder of their throats; for death was sweet
To one who fain would look upon his God;
And so with passionate lips he kissed the rod
Lifted at last to make his joy complete.
The tyrant's threatening and the wild beast's roar
But heralded the music of a Voice,
Waiting to greet him on the peaceful shore:
His direst anguish was his dearest choice,
Since rending teeth the envious curtain tore,
And face to face allowed him to rejoice.