HumanitiesWeb.org - Poems by William Wordsworth (Vol. II) ("In due observance of an ancient rite,") by William Wordsworth
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Poems by William Wordsworth (Vol. II)
"In due observance of an ancient rite,"

by William Wordsworth

In due observance of an ancient rite,
The rude Biscayans, when their Children lie
Dead in the sinless time of infancy,
Attire the peaceful Corse in vestments white;
And, in like sign of cloudless triumph bright,
They bind the unoffending Creature's brows
With happy garlands of the pure white rose:
Then do a festal Company unite
In choral song; and, while the uplifted Cross
Of Jesus goes before, the Child is borne 
Uncovered to his grave.--Her piteous loss
The lonesome Mother cannot chuse but mourn;
Yet soon by Christian faith is grief subdued,
And joy attends upon her fortitude.
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