Poet's Corner.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume V, Issue 244, 4 January 1878, Page 5

Poet's Corner.

THE DE PROFUNDIS BELL.

BY MAKIE IN THE AYE MABIA. , , " The day was dead. From tho purple summits faded Its last resplendent ray : ; , " - And softly slept the wearied earth, o'ershaded By twilight's dreamy gray. Then flowed deep sound-waves o'er the silence holy Of nature's cairn repose, "-".' As from its lofty dome out-pealing slowly, Through the still gloaming, rose , v • ; ' , The deep and dirge-like swell Of Be Profundis Bell. To heedful hearts each solemn cadence falling Through twilight's misty veil, An echo seemed of spirit voices calling . With sad, beseeching wail ; And thus they spake in mournful intonation, " Plead for us, brethren, plead ! From the drear depths of woe and desolation Our cry of bitter need Floats upward in the swell Of Be Profundis bell." Then bowed each knee, that plaintive summons heeding, And rose the blended sigh, As incense breath of fond united pleading, E'en to the throne on high : " Hear, Lord, the ciy of fervent supplication Earth's children lift to Thee. And from the depths of long and dread purgation, The faith of captives free, Ere dies on earth the swell Of Be Profundis bell." If in Thy sight, scarce c'en the perfect whiteness Of seraph robe is pure, Shall mortals brave Thine Eyes eternal brightness, Shall man Its search endure ! Ah ! trusting hope may meet the dazzling splendour Of those celestial rays ; And with Thee, Lord, is pardon sweet and tender "When contrite Sorrow prays. Aye, Thou wilt lead from desert Avaste of sadness Thy Israel's stricken band, And Miriam's song of pure, triumphant gladness. Shall, in Thy Promised Land, Succeed the dirge-like swell Of Be Profundis bell."