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Sonnets Round the Coast

by H. D. Rawnsley
  

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XXIV. BEOWULF'S STONE, SAINT BEES.
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100

XXIV. BEOWULF'S STONE, SAINT BEES.

MAMMON WORSHIP REBUKED.

Here, where the Cross is set, the red alcove
No longer echoes with the call to sales;
Men leaving Church no longer talk of bales,
And tax, and cess: their eyes are drawn above
To where a dragon warrior, and dove
Speak of a beast fierce-mouthed, with bristling scales,
Whose passionate greed prevailed and still prevails,
With whom this age must strive as others strove.
Thrice happy change that they who here profess
The Christ who preached down pelf, the Christ men sold,
Should see in runes the trouble of our time,
And feel each Sabbath, when the Church bells chime,
How well the Cross and sacred dove express
The warrior's hope against the beast of gold.