Sonnets Round the Coast by H. D. Rawnsley |
 |
| I. |
| II. |
 | III. |
| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. | IV.
SPIRE OF SAINT MARY REDCLIFFE. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. |
| XI. |
| XII. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
 | Sonnets Round the Coast |  |
52
IV. SPIRE OF SAINT MARY REDCLIFFE.
By spar and shroud, with their untutored hands,The vessels write their runes upon the sky;
Their sails, the careful seamen spread to dry,
Seem April clouds entangled in the strands:
A multitude from multitudinous lands,
Prow close to prow, in friendly purpose lie;
And queen of masts, among the forestry,
Sun-white Saint Mary's spire in beauty stands.
Ship of the Church, these vessels will not stay—
For prize, fresh gains, new venture, will be gone:
Unlading at thine anchorage alway
Though rough tides threaten, still thou holdest on,
Not bartering truth for beads and trumpery,
Thy cargo—Reason, Love, Fraternity.
| Sonnets Round the Coast | |