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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SATIRES OF CIRCUMSTANCE: 2. IN CHURCH by THOMAS HARDY

Poet Analysis

First Line: AND NOW TO GOD THE FATHER,' HE ENDS
Last Line: THAT HAD MOVED THE CONGREGATION SO.
Subject(s): CHURCHES; CATHEDRALS;

'AND now to God the Father,' he ends,
And his voice thrills up to the topmost tiles:
Each listener chokes as he bows and bends,
And emotion pervades the crowded aisles.
Then the preacher glides to the vestry-door,
And shuts it, and thinks he is seen no more.

The door swings softly ajar meanwhile,
And a pupil of his in the Bible class,
Who adores him as one without gloss or guile,
Sees her idol stand with a satisfied smile
And re-enact at the vestry-glass
Each pulpit gesture in deft dumb-show
That had moved the congregation so.



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