Begun as shrine to gods unknown, but feared,
Again the seat of power of the saints;
Both natal place and tomb of King and priest;
Dream attained of artist pioneer;
And pomp and rites as varied as striking grand,
Which brought the fathers from Jerusalem,
The Romish pope to altars, solemn, high;
When prayer, and priestly pride through chapels rang
With song of marching choir, from narthex bold,
And transept, double bay and nave and vault,