CONFIRMATION

The Young-ones gathered in from hill and dale,

With holiday delight on every brow:

‘ Tis passed away; far other thoughts prevail;

For they are taking the baptismal Vow

Upon their conscious selves; their own lips speak

The solemn promise. Strongest sinews fail,

And many a blooming, many a lovely, cheek

Under the holy fear of God turns pale;

While on each head his lawn-robed servant lays

An apostolic hand, and with prayer seals

The Covenant. The Omnipotent will raise

Their feeble Souls; and bear with his regrets,

Who, looking round the fair assemblage, feels

That ere the Sun goes down their childhood sets.