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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE RIGHT USE OF PRAYER, by AUBREY DE VERE
First Line: Therefore when thou wouldst pray, or dost thine alms
Last Line: The heart should rise on wings of love to heaven.
First Line: Therefore when thou wouldst pray, or dost thine alms
Last Line: The heart should rise on wings of love to heaven.
Therefore, when thou wouldst pray, or dost thine alms,
Blow not a trump before thee: Hypocrites
Do thus, vaingloriously; the common streets
Boast of their largess, echoing their psalms.
On such the laud of men, like unctuous balms,
Falls with sweet savor. Impious Counterfeits!
Prating of heaven, for earth their bosom beats!
Grasping at weeds, they lose immortal palms!
God needs not iteration nor vain cries:
That man communion with his God might share
Below, Christ gave the ordinance of prayer:
Vague ambages, and witless ecstasies,
Avail not: ere a voice to prayer be given
The heart should rise on wings of love to heaven.
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THE ROCK OF CASHEL by AUBREY DE VERE
A NIGHT AT CORFU by AUBREY DE VERE
CASTLECONNEL by AUBREY DE VERE
COAST SCENERY by AUBREY DE VERE
GOUGAUNE BARRA by AUBREY DE VERE