TO MY PATRONS

Thy spear rent Christ, when dead for me He lay: My sin rends Christ, though never one save He Perfectly loves me, comforts me. Then pray, Longinus Saint! the Crucified, for me. Hard is the holy war, and hard the way: At rest with ancient victors would I be. O faith’s first glory from our England! pray, St. Alban! to the Lord of Hosts, for me. Fain would I watch with thee, till morning gray, Beneath the stars austere: so might I see Sunrise, and light, and joy, at last. Then pray, John Baptist Saint! unto the Christ, for me. Remembering God’s coronation day; Thorns for His crown; His throne, a Cross: to thee Heaven’s kingdom dearer was than earth’s. Then pray Saint Louis! to the King of kings, for me. Thy love loved all things: thy love knew no stay, But drew the very wild beasts round thy knee. O lover of the least and lowest! pray, Saint Francis! to the Son of Man, for me. Bishop of souls in servitude astray, Who didst for holy service set them free: Use still thy discipline of love, and pray. Saint Charles! unto the world’s High Priest, for me.