BUT whence came they who for the Saviour Lord Have long borne witness as the Scriptures teach? -- Ages ere Valdo raised his voice to preach In Gallic ears the unadulterate Word, Their fugitive Progenitors explored Subalpine vales, in quest of safe retreats Where that pure Church survives, though summer heats Open a passage to the Romish sword, Far as it dares to follow. Herbs self-sown, And fruitage gathered from the chestnut wood, Nourish the sufferers then; and mists, that brood O'er chasms with new-fallen obstacles bestrown, Protect them; and the eternal snow that daunts Aliens, is God's good winter for their haunts. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE GLOVE AND THE LIONS by JAMES HENRY LEIGH HUNT SONG OF THE CHATTAHOOCHEE by SIDNEY LANIER THE STIRRUP-CUP by SIDNEY LANIER A QUOI BON DIRE by CHARLOTTE MEW SUMMER'S LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT: AUTUMN by THOMAS NASHE SONG, FR. ARTAXERXES (OPERA) by THOMAS AUGUSTINE ARNE SONNET TO THE HUNGARIAN NATION by MATTHEW ARNOLD |