The Poetical Works of Aubrey De Vere

Ye who would build the Churches of the Lord!
See that ye make the western portals low:
Let no one enter who disdains to bow.
High Truths profanely gazed at, unadored,
Will be abused at first, at last abhorred;
And many a learned, many a lofty brow
Hath rested, pillowed on a humbler vow
Than critic ken can notice or record.
O stainless peace of blest Humility!
Of all who fain would enter, few, alas!
Catch the true meaning of that kind, sad eye;
While thou, God's portress, stationed by His door,
Dost stretch thy cross so near the marble floor
That children only, without bending, pass.

An ancient custom.

University of Virginia Library

VIII. EVIDENCES OF RELIGION.

2.