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1828–1909

TO CARDINAL MANNING

George Meredith

I, wakeful for the skylark voice in men, Or straining for the angel of the light, Rebuked am I by hungry ear and sight, When I behold one lamp that through our fen

Goes hourly where most noisome; hear again A tongue that loathsomeness will not affright From speaking to the soul of us forthright What things our craven senses keep from ken.

This is the doing of the Christ; the way He went on earth; the service above guile To prop a tyrant creed: it sings, it shines; Cries to the Mammonites: Allay, allay

Such misery as by these present signs Brings vengeance down; nor them who rouse revile.

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TO CARDINAL MANNING · George Meredith · Poetry Cove