Flower o' the thorn :: :: University of Virginia Library

SEVEN lamps of gold the spirit's sanctuary
Illume, Hope, Justice, Temperance, Fortitude,
Faith, Prudence, Charity, which, when imbued
With oil of Grace, burn bright and clear and free
And with their shining over land and sea,
Startle the fiends of fancies fond and lewd
And hold thy fane unharrowed of their feud,
O soul, for thy Lord's coming unto thee.
—Who this Lord is, none knoweth. This one saith,
His name is Life, and that, his name is Death:

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Some say he bears a palm and some a sword.
This only know we; be he who he will,
My soul, thy lamps behoveth thee hold still
Bright-burning, 'gainst the coming of thy Lord.