XXXVI.
Bishop Bull
RECEIVES THE THANKS OF THE GALLICAN CHURCH,
Immortal band of Champions! once endued
With wisdom, and with counsel, from on high
And piercing ken, and heavenly fortitude,
To crush that thrice-accursed heresy:
Great is your glory now, and high your place
In the eternal mansions of the sky.
For that right valiantly ye ran the race,
For that right fearlessly ye fought the fight,
For that like adamant ye set your face,
Unto the death to battle for the right
Of Him, the Consubstantial! Therefore now
Do ye enjoy the Beatific sight:
With crowns of light, and harps of gold ye bow,
All praise and power ascribing to His Name;
With Pastors true, as ye were, to their vow,
And that from mighty tribulations came:
Nor yet on earth ye lack the victor's due;
Praise through the Churches, and eternal fame:
What though ungodly men, an envious crew,
Spurning the glories of a former day,
Changing old verity for falsehood new,
Your hard-won diadem would tear away;
Yet undisturb'd be, Blessed Saints, your rest:
And Thou, O Holy Mother Church, display
Thy Heav'n-sent strength to succour the opprest:
Send forth, in all his might, thy Champion meet,
To bless the Fathers that have made thee blest,—
The evil schemes of aliens to defeat.
Thee, too, a sister Church, the battle o'er,
For sympathy of gladness do we greet;
Oh! when shall strife betwixt us be no more?
Oh! when shall one Communion bless each shore?
