Of these frail houses, though the grave confines;

Sophist may urge his cunning tests, and deem

That they are earth;—but they are heavenly shrines.

THE SIGN OF THE CROSS

By John Henry Newman

Whene’er across this sinful flesh of mine

I draw the Holy Sign,

All good thoughts stir within me, and renew

Their slumbering strength divine;

Till there springs up a courage high and true