Part 2 — AT THE CHURCH GATE
Reading edition
From "Pendennis"
Although I enter not, Yet round about the spot Ofttimes I hover; And near the sacred gate, With longing eyes I wait, Expectant of her.
The Minster bell tolls out Above the city's rout, And noise and humming; They've hushed the Minster bell: The organ 'gins to swell; She's coming, she's coming!
My lady comes at last, Timid, and stepping fast And hastening hither, With modest eyes downcast; She comes—she's here—she's past! May heaven go with her!
Kneel undisturbed, fair Saint! Pour out your praise or plaint Meekly and duly; I will not enter there, To sully your pure prayer With thoughts unruly.
But suffer me to pace Round the forbidden place, Lingering a minute, Like outcast spirits, who wait, And see, through heaven's gate, Angels within it.
William Makepeace Thackeray [1811-1863]