IN due observance of an ancient rite, <br />The rude Biscayans, when their children lie <br />Dead in the sinless time of infancy, <br />Attire the peaceful corse in vestments white; <br />And, in like sign of cloudless triumph bright, <br />They bind the unoffending creature's brows <br />With happy garlands of the pure white rose: <br />Then do a festal company unite <br />In choral song; and, while the uplifted cross <br />Of Jesus goes before, the child is borne <br />Uncovered to his grave: 'tis closed,--her loss <br />The Mother 'then' mourns, as she needs must mourn; <br />But soon, through Christian faith, is grief subdued; <br />And joy returns, to brighten fortitude.<br /><br />William Wordsworth<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/in-due-observance-of-an-ancient-rite/
