BETWEEN the rail of woven brass, That hides the 'Strangers' Pew,' I hear the gray-haired Vicar pass From Section One to Two. And somewhere on my left I see -- Whene'er I chance to look -- A soft-eyed girl St. Cecily, Who notes them -- in a book. Ah, worthy GOODMAN, -- sound divine! Shall I your wrath incur, If I admit these thoughts of mine Will sometimes stray -- to her? I know your theme, and I revere; I hear your precepts tried; Must I confess I also hear A sermon at my side? Or how explain this need I feel, -- This impulse prompting me Within my secret self to kneel To Faith, -- to Purity! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...AN EVANGELIST'S WIFE by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON BALLAD by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH HALBERT AND HOB by ROBERT BROWNING |