THE ARCHBISHOP OF MELBOURNE

New Zealand Tablet, 19 October 1911, Page 2069

THE ARCHBISHOP OF MELBOURNE

You came to us a stranger; if we may Call him a stranger who ;was sent by Rome To Patrick's sons, who, far away from home-, Built them a city near the gates of day. You came a stranger; for we. knew riot then The cultured mind, the noble,; kindly heart,' And finer gifts, beyond the reach of art, That go to make a very King of Men.

We know them now"; 1 all-this, indeed,,and more— That the afflicted in their .hour of need, God's poor, frequent the well-trod paths that lead Unto your open, hospitable door; The Ruler firm, but ever meek and mild, The prudent Guide, whom wisdom ne'er forsook, The Master-Builder with ; the wide outlook, The Father with the spirit of a child.

And when Goliath, :in his daring, strong, c Came out before the Philistine array. And boastfully derided, day by day,’ The bravest fighters of a valiant. throng; Then were wo proud of you we loved so well, The soldier who was still the gentleman, Who bore the brunt of battle in the van, Another David unto Israel. For, five-and-twenty weary years you’ve trod The rough and thorny path, with bleeding feet, Borne patiently the burden and the heat, While leaning on the promises of God. You know in whom you trusted He will still Your actions bless, your faithful people guard, - And be Himself your bountiful reward, When drops life’s west’ring sun behind the hill. Pastor, beloved! be far from us the day, When tears of orphans shall bedew the land;. If prayer could stay the ghastly Reaper’s hand, Then .were we sure to keep you here alway. : ::: M. J. O’Reilly, C.M. ■ Bathurst, N.S.W. - !