86. External Religion
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{149}
WHEN first earth's rulers welcomed home |
| The Church, their zeal impress'd |
| Upon the seasons, as they come, |
| The image of their guest. |
Men's words and works, their hopes and fears, |
| Henceforth forbid to rove, |
| Paused, when a Martyr claim'd her tears, |
| Or Saint inspired her love. |
But craving wealth, and feverish power, |
| Such service now discard; |
| The loss of one excited hour |
| A sacrifice too hard! |
And e'en about the holiest day, |
| God's own in every time, |
| They doubt and search, lest aught should stay |
| A cataract of crime. {150} |
Where shall this cease? must crosiers fall, |
| Shrines suffer touch profane, |
| Till, cast without His vineyard wall, |
| The Heaven-sent Heir is slain? |
Palermo.
June 11, 1833. |