In rich possession of the “Unknown God”;
Blessing the rivers and the prairies broad
With cities populous and cross-crowned spires,
And ever-kindling sanctuary fires.
So rose, exultant, on the bleak March day
The joyous notes across Lent’s sombre way:
Adoring souls, before the altar shrine,
Thanking for Patrick’s faith their Lord divine.
Not Provence’ blossoms such glad music woke
Though happy birds in spring-time laughter broke;