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Home  »  The Complete Poetical Works by William Wordsworth  »  XXXI. FUNERAL SERVICE

ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS

XXXI. FUNERAL SERVICE

ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS


FROM the Baptismal hour, thro’ weal and woe, The Church extends her care to thought and deed; Nor quits the Body when the Soul is freed, The mortal weight cast off to be laid low. Blest Rite for him who hears in faith, “I know That my Redeemer liveth,”–hears each word That follows–striking on some kindred chord Deep in the thankful heart;–yet tears will flow. Man is as grass that springeth up at morn, Grows green, and is cut down and withereth 10 Ere nightfall–truth that well may claim a sigh, Its natural echo; but hope comes reborn At Jesu’s bidding. We rejoice, “O Death, Where is thy Sting?–O Grave, where is thy Victory?”