HE wore, I think, a chasuble, the day when first we met; A stole and snowy alb likewise: I recollect it yet. He called me "daughter," as he raised his jewelled hand to bless; And then, in thrilling undertones, he asked, "Would I confess?" O mother, dear! blame not your child, if then on bended knees I dropped, and thought of Abelard, and also Eloise; Or when, beside the altar high, he bowed before the pyx, I envied that seraphic kiss he gave the crucifix. The cruel world may think it wrong, perhaps may deem me weak, And, speaking of that sainted man, may call his conduct "cheek;" And, like that wicked barrister whom Cousin Harry quotes, May termed his mixed chalice "grog," his vestments, "petticoats." But, whatso'er they do or say, I'll build a Christian's hope On incense and on altar-lights, on chasuble and cope. Let others prove, by precedent, the faith that they profess: "His can't be wrong" that's symbolized by such becoming dress. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...HOMAGE TO SEXTUS PROPERTIUS: 3 by EZRA POUND DEAD IN THE SIERRAS by CINCINNATUS HEINE MILLER THE SLEEPER by EDGAR ALLAN POE TO A FOIL'D EUROPEAN REVOLUTIONAIRE by WALT WHITMAN CALAIS SANDS by MATTHEW ARNOLD THE STEAM-ENGINE: CANTO 7. LESSON FOR THE PROUD by T. BAKER SONNET TO A FRIEND, ON HIS SECOND MARRIAGE by BERNARD BARTON |