And witness to posterity, And those who hither throng. A clever man and able, In actions and in mind, Then, too, whilst I am speaking, To those whose wealth and talent Supplies as they were needed To carry things along, Who asked not, nor received, Whom worthily we prize, Are Hanbury and Robson, Duke, Rivington, and Wyse; Then Boudier, Grant, and Eddins, With Oughton, Myers, Rose, Likewise Smith and Colson, With which the list I close. Now, ere we leave the building, I'll fancy once again, The festivals I've witnessed Within this hallowed fane. These, Easter-tides and Christmas, The Octave of All Saints, Thanksgivings for the harvests, And others memory paints.—— How beautiful the fabric Upon such days as these, With flowers in every window, To charm the eye and please !—— When font and gates and altar And all the church is radiant With harmony of sound,— The congregation's praise, Their tribute to Jehovah, To whom their hearts they raise, Then sweet indeed and pleasant It is to worship here, And join in the devotions With relatives most dear!- And with my sister, too, And now that we are parted, Well, now I think I've shown you Which here and there are found, Till you attend the service, As you are sure to do!— Or come again at leisure, To have another view.— Now as we quit together This beauteous house of God; Whose courts re-echo praises,— Our visit shall remind us,- Of those we leave behind us!— Who worship in this spot. Composed at Brawby Lodge, May 18 to June 6, 1896. BEAUTIFUL DEVON. LOVELY Devon ! Who hath seen the beauty Of thy sea-girt shore, And billows breaking o'er !- And that luxuriantly; With ivy and with hazels, With brambles, grass and fern, Exhibiting fresh grandeur Whichever way you turn ? Beautiful Devon ! Who hath seen thy moorlands Or sauntered by thy streamlets, Those quaint old-fashioned roadways That charm the eye and please !— Where primroses and violets With ferns and ivy grow, And rabbits mid the high banks Fair Devon ! Who hath seen these treasures, But has felt within him Of thy peaceful charm, And hath said with fervour, Fervour true and warm, Sweet Devon! thou art lovely!— Of English counties worthy, For beauty to be queen! |