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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO JOSEPH PARKER by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS

First Line: VOICE OF ENGLISH VOICES
Last Line: CHRIST'S IMPERIAL CROSS!
Subject(s): CLERGY; PRIESTS; RABBIS; MINISTERS; BISHOPS;

Voice of English voices,
Point of England's pen,
Flame of England's conscience,
Leonine of men!

How is greatness greatened,
When it lifts its face
To a constant passion,
In a constant place!

Where the true man preaches,
In a gown or smock,
There is a cathedral,
There the people flock.

Where the true man preaches,
Though the phrases flash,
Though the worded music
Like a fountain plash,

With a light whose glory
Dims all else to dross,
Rises, sole and simple,
Christ's imperial Cross!



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