Raymond Biswanger Slide Collection
William Wordsworth: 1831
Penrith, Cumbria
Yarrow Revisited, And Other PoemsComposed (Two Excepted) During A Tour In Scotland And On The English Border, In The Autumn Of 1831.
XXIII. Countess's Pillar
WHILE the Poor gather round, till the end of time
May this bright flower of Charity display
Its bloom, unfolding at the appointed day;
Flower than the loveliest of the vernal prime
Lovelier--transplanted from heaven's purest clime!
“Charity never faileth:” on that creed,
More than on written testament or deed,
The pious Lady built with hope sublime.
Alms on this stone to be dealt out, 'for ever!'
“LAUS DEO.” Many a Stranger passing by
Has with that Parting mixed a filial sigh,
Blest its humane Memorial's fond endeavour;
And, fastening on those lines an eye tear-glazed,
Has ended, though no Clerk, with “God be praised! ”
William Wordsworth (1831)
The Countess's Pillar near Penrith, Cumbria [29 September 1987]
