XXIV. EDWARD VI. "SWEET is the holiness of Youth" so felt Time-honoured Chaucer when he framed the lay By which the Prioress beguiled the way, And many a Pilgrim's rugged heart did melt. King, Child, and Seraph, blended in the mien In meek and simple Infancy, what joy For universal Christendom had thrilled Thy heart! what hopes inspired thy genius, skilled (O great Precursor, genuine morning Star) The lucid shafts of reason to employ, Piercing the Papal darkness from afar! XXV. EDWARD SIGNING THE WARRANT FOR THE EXECUTION OF THE tears of man in various measure gush From blissful transport some-from clefts of woe Of infant passion, scarcely dare to show And some break forth when others' sorrows crush To gratitude, to injuries forgiven, Claim Heaven's regard like waters that have wet The innocent eyes of youthful monarchs driven Το pen the mandates, nature doth disown. XXVI. REVIVAL OF POPERY. MELTS into silent shades the Youth, discrowned For change, to whom the new looks always green ! And prayer, man's rational prerogative, sung; Runs through blind channels of an unknown tongue. XXVII. LATIMER AND RIDLEY. How fast the Marian death-list is unrolled! Of Faith stand coupled for a common flight! The other gains a confidence as bold; Of saintly Friends," the Murtherer's chain partake, Earth never witnessed object more sublime XXVIII. CRANMER. OUTSTRETCHING flame-ward his upbraided hand (O God of mercy, may no earthly Seat Of judgment such presumptuous doom repeat!) Then, 'mid the ghastly ruins of the fire, Emblem of faith untouched, miraculous attestation !* For the belief in this fact see the contemporary Historians. |