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Part III.
Behnard of Cluny (12tli cent.). Tr. John Mason Xeale (1S18-1SGC).
BONA PATRIA.
FOR thee, dear dear country, Mine eyes their vigils keep ; For very love, beholding
Thy happy name, they weep ; The mention of thy glory Is unction to the breast, And medicine in sickness, And love, and life, and rest.
Thine ageless walls are bonded
With amethyst unpriced ; Thy saints build uj) its fabric.
And the corner-stone is Christ ; The cross is all thy splendour.
The Crucified thy praise ; His laud and benediction
Thy ransomed people raise.
Thou hast no shore, fair ocean ;
Thou hast no time, bright day ; Dear fountain of refreshment
To pilgrims far away ! Upon the Rock of Ages
They raise thy holy tower ; Thine is the victor's laurel.
And thine the golden dower.
The only art thou needest,
Thanksgiving for thy k)t ; The only joy thou seekest.
The life where death is not ; And all thine endless leisure
In sweetest accents sings. The ill that was thy merit.
The wealth that is thy King's !
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