M.R., whether maid or widow we know not--in Crashaw's day virgins
were called Mistress--has another poem addressed to her--"Counsel
concerning her choice." It alludes to some check or hindrance in love, and
asks:
"Dear, heav'n-designed soul!
Amongst the rest
Of suitors that besiege your maiden breast,
Why may not I
My fortune try,
And venture to speak one good word,
Not for myself, alas! but for my dearer Lord?
* * * * *
Your first choice fails; oh, when you choose again,
May it not be among the sons of men!"
This is the language of devotional rapture common to the extremes of the
religious world--Methodism and Roman Catholicism. Every one has heard the
ardent hymn by Newton--"The Name of Jesus," and that stirring anthem, "The
Coronation of Christ"--few have read the eloquent production of the canon
of Loretto, a canticle from the flaming heart of Rome, addressed "To the
name above every name, the name of Jesus."
"Pow'rs of my soul, be proud!
And speak loud
To all the dear-bought nations this redeeming name;
And in the wealth of one rich word proclaim
New smiles to nature.
Pages:
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114