IN WETHERAL CHURCH, NEAR COREY, ON THE BANKS OF THE EDEN

Stretched on the dying Mother's lap, lies dead

Her new-born Babe; dire endingof bright hope!

But Sculpture here, with the divinest scope

Of luminous faith, heavenward hath raised that head

So patiently; and through one hand has spread

A touch so tender for the insensate Child —

( Earth's lingering love to parting reconciled,

Brief parting, for the spirit is all but fled ) —

That we, who contemplate the turns of life

Through this still medium, are consoled and cheered;

Feel with the Mother, think the severed Wife

Is less to be lamented than revered;

And own that Art, triumphant over strife

And pain, hath powers to Eternity endeared.