 | Sonnets Round the Coast |  |
172
X. WHITBY ABBEY.
A MEMORY OF THE SYNOD 664, WITH ITS SETTLEMENT OF THE EASTER CONTROVERSY.
How could intemperate zeal—hands hot for bloodOf Rome, that bade Rome's Altars be removed—
How could they spare the shrine Saint Hilda loved,
Or how not banish mitre, stole, and hood?
For here, in synod, when Saint Wilfrith stood
To plead that Pasch with moon-change should be moved,
The Royal Oswin held such custom proved
If he who held the keys proclaimed it good.
And though the jangle of Saint Peter's keys
Locked Rome to England, and that day restored
Union at home and union with the west;
Tho' neither flame nor fierce Reformer's sword
Can break the bond; our Church, that Rome hath blessed,
Sends Rome this stern rebuke across the seas.
| Sonnets Round the Coast | |