Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. Poems of Places: An Anthology in 31 Volumes.
England: Vols. I–IV. 1876–79.
The Countess Pillar
By William Wordsworth (17701850)
W
May this bright flower of charity display
Its bloom, unfolding at the appointed day;
Flower than the loveliest of the vernal prime
Lovelier, transplanted from heaven’s purest clime!
“Charity never faileth”: on that creed,
More than on written testament or deed,
The pious lady built with hope sublime.
Alms on this stone to be dealt out forever!
“Laus Deo.” Many a stranger passing by
Has with that parting mixed a filial sigh,
Blest its humane memorial’s fond endeavor,
And, fastening on those lines an eye tear-glazed,
Has ended, though no clerk, with “God be praised!”