Or scarce articulate lispings of the Creed.

And yet, three times that miracle of Spring

The grand old tree that darkens Exeter wall

Hath decked itself with blossoms as with stars,

Since I, like one that striveth unto death,

Find myself early and late and oft all day

Engaged in eager conflict for God's Truth;

God's Truth, to be maintained against Man's lie.

And lo, my brook which widened out long since

Into a river, threatens now at length