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Vainly before the shrine he bends, Who knows not the true pilgrim's part: The martyr's cell no safety lends To him who wants the martyr's heart.

But if there be, who follows Paul As Paul his Lord, in life and death, Where'er an aching heart may call, Ready to speed and take no breath;

Whose joy is, to the wandering sheep To tell of the great Shepherd's love; To learn of mourners while they weep The music that makes mirth above;

Who makes the Saviour all his theme, The Gospel all his pride and praise - Approach: for thou canst feel the gleam That round the martyr's death-bed plays:

Thou hast an ear for angels' songs, A breath the gospel trump to fill, And taught by thee the Church prolongs Her hymns of high thanksgiving still.

Ah! dearest mother, since too oft The world yet wins some Demas frail E'en from thine arms, so kind and soft, May thy tried comforts never fail!

When faithless ones forsake thy wing, Be it vouchsafed thee still to see Thy true, fond nurslings closer cling, Cling closer to their Lord and thee.


 * That ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. St. Jude 3.

Seest thou, how tearful and alone, And drooping like a wounded dove, The Cross in sight, but Jesus gone, The widowed Church is fain to rove?