"MY NEW CUT ASHLAR'

My new cut ashlar takes the light
Where crimson-blank the windows flare.
By my own work before the night,
Great Overseer, I make my prayer.

If there be good in that I wrought
Thy Hand compelled it, Master, Thine-
Where I have failed to meet Thy Thought
I know, through Thee, the blame was mine.

The depth and dream of my desire,
The bitter paths wherein I stray -
Thou knowest Who hast made the Fire,
Thou knowest Who hast made the Clay.

Who, lest all thought of Eden fade,
Bring'st Eden to the craftsman's brain —
Godlike to muse o'er his own Trade
And manlike stand with God again!

One stone the more swings into place In that dread Temple of Thy worth. It is enough that through Thy Grace I saw nought common in Thy Earth.

Take not that vision from my ken Oh whatsoe'er may spoil or speed. Help me to need no aid from men That I may help such men as need!

EDDI'S SERVICE

(A. D. 687)

Eddi, priest of St. Wilfrid

In the chapel at Manhood End, Ordered a midnight service

For such as cared to attend.

But the Saxons were keeping Christmas, And the night was stormy as well. Nobody came to service

Though Eddi rang the bell.

"Wicked weather for walking,

Said Eddi of Manhood End.

"But I must go on with the service For such as care to attend."

The altar-candles were lighted,

An old marsh donkey came,

Bold as a guest invited,

And stared at the guttering flame.

The storm beat on at the windows,

The water splashed on the floor, And a wet yoke-weary bullock

Pushed in through the open door.

"How do I know what is greatest,
How do I know what is least?
That is My Father's business,
Said Eddi, Wilfrid's priest.

"But-three are gathered together
Listen to me and attend.

I bring good news, my brethren!"
Said Eddi of Manhood End.

And he told the Ox of a Manger
And a Stall in Bethlehem,

And he spoke to the Ass of a Rider,

That rode to Jerusalem.

They steamed and dripped in the chancel,
They listened and never stirred,
While, just as though they were Bishops,
Eddi preached them The Word.

Till the gale blew off on the marshes And the windows showed the day, And the Ox and the Ass together

Wheeled and clattered away.

And when the Saxons mocked him,
Said Eddi of Manhood End,
"I dare not shut His chapel
On such as care to attend."