In due observance of an ancient rite,1
The rude Biscayans, when their children lie2
Dead in the sinless time of infancy,3
Attire the peaceful corse in vestments white ;4
And, in like sign of cloudless triumph bright,5
They bind the unoffending creature’s brows6
With happy garlands of the pure white rose :7
This done, a festal company unite8
In choral song; and, while the uplifted cross9
Of Jesus goes before, the child is borne10
Uncover’d to the grave. Her piteous loss11
The lonesome mother cannot choose but mourn ;12
Yet soon by Christian faith is grief subdued,13
And joy attends upon her fortitude.4614
46 Wordsworth, Sonnets to Liberty.