XXXII
RURAL CEREMONY[310]
Closing the sacred Book[311] which long has fed
Our meditations,[312] give we to a day
Of annual[313] joy one tributary lay;
This[314] day, when, forth by rustic music led,
The village Children, while the sky is red 5
With evening lights, advance in long array
Through the still church-yard, each with garland gay,
That, carried sceptre-like, o'ertops the head
Of the proud Bearer. To the wide church-door,
Charged with these offerings which their fathers bore 10
For decoration in the Papal time,
The innocent Procession softly moves:—
The spirit of Laud is pleased in heaven's pure clime,
And Hooker's voice the spectacle approves!
FOOTNOTES:
[310] This is still continued in many churches in Westmoreland. It takes place in the month of July, when the floor of the stalls is strewn with fresh rushes; and hence it is called the "Rush-bearing."—W. W. 1822.
[311] 1822.
... precious Book ... C.
[312] 1845.
With smiles each happy face was overspread,
That trial ended ... 1822.
Content with calmer scenes around us spread
And humbler objects, ... 1827.
[313] 1827.
Of festal ... 1822.