James and Mary Ford, eds. Every Day in the Year. 1902.
January 14Cardinal Manning
By From London Punch
O
None well could watch that long life’s gentle close
Without a softening thrill.
A valiant champion of the faith he held,
No conflict ever his strong courage quelled,
Or shook his steadfast will.
With custom’s passing courtliness, to-day.
And bid a cold farewell
To the great priest, shrewd marshaller of men,
Subtle of verbal fence with tongue or pen,
Ascetic of the cell—
Who not in cleric conflict played their parts,
Will mourn him well and long.
Friend of the poor, apart from creed or clique,
And ardent champion of the struggling weak
Against the selfish strong.
In many a fray where right’s at odds with might,
Might’s foes will miss their friend.
Farewell! it moves the common heart to heart
The crowning of so glorious a career
By such a gracious end!