Edward VI

By William Wordsworth (1770–1850)

(Died July 6, 1553)

“SWEET is the holiness of Youth”—so felt

Time-honored Chaucer speaking through that lay

By which the Prioress beguiled the way,

And many a Pilgrim’s rugged heart did melt.

Hadst thou, loved Bard! whose spirit often dwelt

In the clear land of vision, but forseen

King, child, and seraph, blended in the mein

Of pious Edward kneeling as he knelt

In meek and simple infancy, what joy

For universal Christendom had thrilled

Thy heart! what hopes inspired thy genius, skilled

(O great Precursor, genuine Morning Star)

The lucid shafts of reason to employ,

Piercing the Papal darkness from afar!