Near and Far (Blunden)/On a Biographical Dictionary
On a Biographical Dictionary
Proud is assembly, and the anthem proudThat populous nave and aisle and gallery raiseIn conscious strength, till God in his bright cloudSeems hovering to that multitude of praise.Yet from this mild prosaic book, as loud,As strong, as various, from as many throats,I hear the Gloria of a golden crowd,And there the heavenly wing still brighter floats.
I hear the trumpet and alarm of timeAppeal, and men and women of great soulReplying, singing to their genius climb;Deep wisdoms hearten, organ-yearnings roll;Tried faith transfigures every imperfectionInto one chant, one radiance and election.