POEMS
COMPOSED OR SUGGESTED DURING A TOUR IN THE SUMMER OF 1833
IX. TO A FRIEND
POEMS
COMPOSED OR SUGGESTED DURING A TOUR IN THE SUMMER OF 1833
PASTOR and Patriot!–at whose bidding rise These modest walls, amid a flock that need, For one who comes to watch them and to feed, A fixed Abode–keep down presageful sighs. Threats, which the unthinking only can despise, Perplex the Church; but be thou firm,–be true To thy first hope, and this good work pursue, Poor as thou art. A welcome sacrifice Dost Thou prepare, whose sign will be the smoke Of thy new hearth; and sooner shall its wreaths, 10 Mounting while earth her morning incense breathes, From wandering fiends of air receive a yoke, And straightway cease to aspire, than God disdain This humble tribute as ill-timed or vain.