PIUS IX. LYING IN STATE.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume V, Issue 251, 22 February 1878, Page 5

PIUS IX. LYING IN STATE.

Within the Vatican's time-honoured walls A grand old man lies dead ; The Pontiff's robes his sacred limbs endue, The triple crown his head. Upon the silent breast the hands are crossed ; The cold lips motionless, From which so ofb-orbls et terrce fell The words ordained to bless. Placid the smile which' lingers o'er his face, The stamp of heaven is there — Like Stephen did he see with dying eyes His Saviour in the air ? Breathe the celestial odors wMch disperse About the great white throne — The presence feel of the seraphic hosts Waiting the spirit flown 2 Waiting to waft him to those bright abodes, '"'." Where high will be his place ; The faithful servant entering into joy Doth see God face to face. His was no reign like that of earthly kings, Not of this world his realm. The ark of Christ he guided through the storm, Dauntless he kept the helmNo weakly hands were his which held the keys, He fought the good fight well ; Steadfast in faith withstood the powers of earth, The fell designs of hell. The heathen's rage he scorned ; their frenzied threats Could not disturb his calm ; He knew — for had he not the word of G-od, Their impotence to harm. As, o'er the doomed city the blest Lord, He wept Italia's fate, Blind in her day to that which bringetli peace — Soon to be desolate. Humble and gentle in his great estate, He had kind thoughts for all ; For those his children who had greatly erred, Tears of regret would fall. His prayers were constant, not alone for those Enfolded 'neath his charge, But for the errant sheep without a herd Roaming the earth at large. A mighty Stewardship ! God's Vicegerent here ! Charged"to set "forth His will ! Throned in the heart of millions ! Pastor ! King ! But a frail mortal still. Lord ! 'Twas Thy saving grace and Mary's love Alone made straight his way, Guarded from error, guided through life's maze To the eternal day. Dunedin, Feb. 19, 1878.