ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS
VII. RECOVERY
ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS
AS, when a storm hath ceased, the birds regain Their cheerfulness, and busily retrim Their nests, or chant a gratulating hymn To the blue ether and bespangled plain; Even so, in many a re-constructed fane, Have the survivors of this Storm renewed Their holy rites with vocal gratitude: And solemn ceremonials they ordain To celebrate their great deliverance; Most feelingly instructed ‘mid their fear– 10 That persecution, blind with rage extreme, May not the less, through Heaven’s mild countenance, Even in her own despite, both feed and cheer; For all things are less dreadful than they seem.