Henry Alford

1810-1871 / England

Sonnet Xlii.

Saviour and Lord beloved, what homage new
Shall thy Church give thee in these latter days,
When there is nothing new; no song of praise
That ages have not sung, nor worship due
That hath not long been paid? Faithful and true
Our hearts are beating to thee: can we raise
No monument for victories of grace?
Must all our efforts be so poor and few?
O vain and earthly wish, that would be great
In over--serving! rather may we lie
In meekest self--devotion at thy feet,
And watch the quiet hours as they pass by,
Content and thankful for occasion shown
To make old service and old faith our own.
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