At the Sign of the Harp Volume 1 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1909 edition. Excerpt: ... XVIII There is a picture--you have seen it FordMaddoz," Brown's "Christ Oil: washing the The Master at unwilling Peter's feet Feet SPeter" Ennobling evermore and making sweet Each humble service wrought with mind aloft. Such mystic splendour shines serene and soft ('Twas dreamt out through long years and made complete From visions ripe) that, turning thence, we greet A new world, where dull conscious self is dofft. XIX He who this limned is gone. They treasure The, ... Absence Still The wooden wafer once he loved to hold Which (can we question?) now his hand is mold Yearns ever for his touch of tender skill. This ochre, longs it not to meet his will About the head of Jesus aureoled? And that sad patch of umber some slight fold Of Peter's garment would so gladly fill xx Even so our fancies' colours, keen of yore, When one we love lays by this earth-constraint, Upon our palettes do wax dull and faint, Fulfilling not commissions first they bore. For he is gone, and never holy lore Nor shining nimbus of transfigured saint May anywhere the fragment ochre paint; And the rich umber waits for evermore. XXI One time from that gray close I did St. Paul's emerge Wherethrough I had been toiling, and to me, Like some benignant rock above the sea, St. Paul's great brow above the mist and surge Loomed kindly, and methought did kindly urge All men up to it, till there came to be A hush on hearts, a deep tranquillity Of healing virtue, round the minster's verge. XXII Thus Friendship. As a sacred citadel Above the hurrying crowd of men it towers; There in or sun or frost, or shine or showers, Invites to worship with no beating bell. This world's a city, and it loves full well The mid-street sanctuary that is ours Whither to steal away renewing powers...