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CATHEDRAL HYMN.
Rise like an altar-fire!
In solemn joy aspire,
Deepening thy passion still, O choral strain!
On thy strong rushing wind
Bear up from humankind
Thanks and implorings—be they not in vain!
Father, which art on high!
Weak is the melody
Of harp or song to reach thine awful ear,
Unless the heart be there,
Winging the words of prayer,
With its own fervent faith or suppliant fear.
Let, then, thy spirit brood
Over the multitude—
Be thou amidst them through that heavenly Guest!
So shall their cry have power
To win from thee a shower
Of healing gifts for every wounded breast.
