 | Household Verses |  |
91
STANZAS,
TO ILLUSTRATE A SKETCH OF A RUINED CHAPEL.
Turn not thou in pride aloof
From this simple, lowly roof;
Still let memory's gentle spell
Save from scorn the Saint's Chapelle.
From this simple, lowly roof;
Still let memory's gentle spell
Save from scorn the Saint's Chapelle.
Humble as it now appears,
Yet its floor, in by-gone years,
Has by worshippers been trod,
Gathered there to praise their God.
Yet its floor, in by-gone years,
Has by worshippers been trod,
Gathered there to praise their God.
Even now, though 'tis but rare,
Intervals of praise and prayer,
Which recall its former use,
Should redeem it from abuse.
Intervals of praise and prayer,
Which recall its former use,
Should redeem it from abuse.
92
Where devotion hath been felt,
Where the devotee hath knelt,
Chance or change, which years have brought,
Should not check a serious thought.
Where the devotee hath knelt,
Chance or change, which years have brought,
Should not check a serious thought.
Where Religion's holy name
Hath preferred its sacred claim,
While a relic can be found
Count it still as hallowed ground.
Hath preferred its sacred claim,
While a relic can be found
Count it still as hallowed ground.
Hallowed—not by formal rite,
Framed in Superstition's night;—
Ceremonial type, or sign,
Sanctify no earthly shrine.
Framed in Superstition's night;—
Ceremonial type, or sign,
Sanctify no earthly shrine.
But the homage of the heart,
Thoughts and feelings which impart
Trust in time, and hope in heaven,
These to hallow earth were given.
Thoughts and feelings which impart
Trust in time, and hope in heaven,
These to hallow earth were given.
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