 | Lyrics |  |
61
IRENÆUS.
Three arches of a bridge our faith sustainO'er two dim centuries to the solid shore,
Where floating myths are possible no more,
And History's clear, unquestioned steps remain.
By three bright links of an unbroken chain—
John, Polycarp, and the industrious lore
Of Irenæus—we are lifted o'er
The chasm, and a steadfast foothold gain.
From his far Western home in Christ-lit Gaul
Our saint could travel back a lifetime's space,
And Orient years in Ephesus recall;
And how his martyred master would retrace
Dear mem'ries which the lips of John let fall,
Sweetly descanting of Incarnate Grace.
| Lyrics | |