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232

ON “MARY SHORT,”

WIFE OF THE LATE LORD BISHOP OF ST. ASAPH.

As through St. Asaph's quiet streets I went
I saw a sculptured fountain softly flowing—
A cherished name inscribed above it, showing
What tearful memories with those streams were blent.
To the Cathedral next my steps I bent
Where in rich glass the same deep grief was glowing;
While, strewn upon a grave, flowers freshly blowing,
Showed sorrow's early tenderness unspent.
Thus by three touching symbols was recorded
A Husband's life-love to his sainted Wife—
Through lonely years like precious treasure hoarded;
A love as ceaseless as that fountain streaming,
Like flowers fresh-gathered, still with fragrance rife,
And to old age with chastened radiance gleaming.
 

Every day for a quarter of a century the Bishop scattered flowers on his wife's grave in going to prayers at the Cathedral.