 | The Cherwell Water-Lily |  |
44
XIV. Deep in the Holy Church.
“Neither said any of them that ought of the things
which he possessed was his own.”—Acts iv. 32.
I
Deep in the holy Church are leftSome lonely places still,
Where quiet hearts and gentle saints
This ancient love fulfil.
II
And what have we in all the worldThat we would call our own?
Our brightest transports are not ours
If they are felt alone.
63
III
Brother! I never kneel to prayBut I do pray for thee;
And thou I know dost never kneel
But thou dost pray for me.
IV
These many days thine open heartMine eyes with joy have seen;
And often in its choicest crypts
My heart at prayer hath been.
V
By day and night there comes to meA fresh and fragrant balm;
And well I know thine orisons
Have won for me that calm.
VI
Thy cherished image lives with me,And makes the day more bright;
And pleasant is the thought of thee.
Upon my bed by night.
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VII
They say we seek the hills and woodsFor intellectual strife;
As if thy friend would rudely mar
Thy spirit's gentle life!
VIII
Ah! little do they deem how strongThe spell is o'er us thrown,—
The spell that takes two kindred hearts
And moulds them into one.
IX
Yet still when we as humblest saintsOur feeble shinings give,
They shall take knowledge of us then
That we with Jesus live.
| The Cherwell Water-Lily | |