The Poetical Works of Aubrey De Vere :: :: University of Virginia Library

273

HYMN.

FOR THE FEAST OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS.

I

Let the Proto-martyr rest
Earliest honoured of the dead;
John! upon thy Saviour's breast
Drop once more that saintly head!
All the Church is met to-day
Unto God to sing and pray;
Remembering those, the Babes, to whom was given
First for their Lord to die and meet Him first in Heaven!

II

Yield the children readiest place!
Tender parents, near them stand!
From each mother's tearful face
All that little awe-struck band
Well may learn and aptly teach
That God's electing love can reach,
Winding untracked its own mysterious way
Souls which have only learned to suffer and obey.

III

As from some Hesperian Isle
Ravished rose-leaves loosely strewn
Through a dark lake's dim defile
When the morning breeze hath blown—
Such were ye: so smooth the breath
That snatched you, blushing, on to death.
Mourn, Rachel, mourn no longer! lest your sighs
O'ertake those vernal souls soft journeying to the skies!

274

IV

Blessed infants timely caught
From a mortal mother's breast,
That wondering Angels might be taught
What of earth is best!
They with food of heavenly grain
Meet your lips your strength sustain,
And teach you words of heavenly lore, and keep
A low and dulcet chaunt around you while you sleep.

V

Hark, I hear them as they bend
O'er your cots, and gently sway them;
Angels' songs with ours they blend:
Night or morn they never stay them.
‘Glory be to God,’ they cry,
‘To, and from Eternity:
To God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
All glory be from men, and from the Angel host.’