 | Sonnets Round the Coast |  |
183
XXI. THE WHITBY BELLS.
With those four sermons sounding in the air,Above the town, above the harbour boats,
No need of prophets in their leathern coats,
No work for priest in linen fine and fair.
One cries, “Learn justice, have a reverent care
For things divine;” one, “Jesus, speed our notes;”
From one, “Praise Heaven! On earth be peace!” down floats
To those who climb the church's rocky stair.
Ring out, old bells! and add the fourth stern chime
Above a restless river, restless sea:
Till men praise Heaven peace cannot come to earth,
Of reverence only justice can have birth,
With Christ alone your speed will progress be—
Christ only speed, if men repent in time.
| Sonnets Round the Coast | |