Poems (Rice)/To the Senior Warden of St. John's Church, Charlestown

by Maria Theresa Rice

TO THE SENIOR WARDEN OF ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, CHARLESTOWN.

I'VE read how men were crowned, in ancient story,
 For noble deeds which they in love had done,
Who never sought for worldly wealth or glory,
 Nor heeded laurels which they richly won;
But ever in their quiet path of duty
 With chastened passions they pursued their way,
Transcending all in piety and beauty,—
 To such as these would I a tribute pay.

While balmy zephyrs floated round my dwelling
 In early spring, when woods and fields rejoice,
While bright-winged messengers their songs were swelling
 To cheer us wanderers, I heard a voice;
In low, soft strains, upon my ear at even
 It came, as ever comes news of the free;
It told a pathway to the Gate of Heaven
 Was opened wide by princely gifts from thee.

And then before the gorgeous hues were dying,
 Which then so sweetly decked our garden bower,
Before the melancholy winds were sighing,
 You, never wearying, crowned the tower;
Now far and wide its mellow tones are wafted,
 How rich the music of the Sabbath bell!
O may its warning ever be ingrafted
 Upon our hearts, while here on earth we dwell.

May heavenly wisdom imbue the pastor,
 Whoever it may be your lot to bring;
Pure and holy like our Lord and Master,
 Forever more His praises here to sing;
While we, who bow and worship at the altar
 In this our church, with teachings so sublime,
While we respond to Liturgy and Psalter,
 We'll ask his blessing upon thee and thine.