The poetical works of Robert Stephen Hawker Edited from the original manuscripts and annotated copies together with a prefatory notice and bibliography by Alfred Wallis |
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THE VINE. |
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 | The poetical works of Robert Stephen Hawker |  |
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THE VINE.
Hearken! There is in old Morwenna's shrine,(A lonely sanctuary of the Saxon days,
Rear'd by the Severn sea for prayer and praise,)
Amid the carved work of the roof, a vine;
Its root is where the eastern sunbeams fall,
First in the chancel, then along the wall
Slowly it travels on, a leafy line,
With here and there a cluster, and anon
More and more grapes, until the growth hath gone
Through arch and aisle. Hearken! and heed the sign.
See! at the altar-side the steadfast root,
Mark well the branches, count the summer fruit:
So let a meek and faithful heart be thine,
And gather from that tree a parable divine.
1840.
| The poetical works of Robert Stephen Hawker | |