IN MEMORIAM.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXV, Issue 17, 3 September 1897, Page 19

IN MEMORIAM.

E. Eager.

(The young acolyte — Charles Woods — who obtained the desire of his heart, by once serving' the priest at Mass.) Just once, within the altar's sacred aisle. He served the priest, who bending o'er the shrine With soul uplifted heavenward the while, Poured forth God's praises in the Mass Divine. How had his heart beat with a holy zeal, And throbbed impatient for the coming: joy, When first upon the altar steps he'd kneel, The first, alas ! the last, for him, dear boy. Once, only once, and passing then away The little spirit burst its mortal chain — His hopes, his deeds, lie in the yesterday, And nought but memory's ties to us reintun. Oh favour'd blis.s ! Oh joyous thought to be Like him, now glorious, with shining brow, For 'fore God's spotless throne celestial, he Doth serve the Master Priest in Person now.