YARROW REVISITED, AND OTHER POEMS
COMPOSED (TWO EXCEPTED) DURING A TOUR IN SCOTLAND AND ON THE ENGLISH BORDER, IN THE AUTUMN OF 1831.
XXIII. COUNTESS’S PILLAR
YARROW REVISITED, AND OTHER POEMS
COMPOSED (TWO EXCEPTED) DURING A TOUR IN SCOTLAND AND ON THE ENGLISH BORDER, IN THE AUTUMN OF 1831.
WHILE the Poor gather round, till the end of time 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, ‘for ever!’ “LAUS DEO.” Many a Stranger passing by 10 Has with that Parting mixed a filial sigh, Blest its humane Memorial’s fond endeavour; And, fastening on those lines an eye tear-glazed, Has ended, though no Clerk, with “God be praised!”