Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

James and Mary Ford, eds. Every Day in the Year. 1902.

October 16

Latimer and Ridley

By William Wordsworth (1770–1850)

Latimer and Ridley were two English reformers who were burnt for heresy under Queen Mary, Oct. 16, 1555.

HOW fast the Marian death-list is unrolled!

See Latimer and Ridley in the might

Of Faith stand coupled for a common flight!

One (like those prophets whom God sent of old)

Transfigured, from this kindling hath foretold

A torch of inextinguishable light;

The Other gains a confidence as bold;

And thus they foil their enemy’s despite.

The penal instruments, the shows of crime,

Are glorified while this once-mitred pair

Of saintly Friends the “murtherer’s chain partake,

Corded, and burning at the social stake:”

Earth never witnessed object more sublime

In constancy, in fellowship more fair!