A Rhapsodical Address.

Cromwell Argus, Volume IV, Issue 174, 11 March 1873, Page 7

A Rhapsodical Address.

They seem to have a poet at lleefton, and the following is his effusion in welcome of Bishop Mofan, who recently visited that township : To the Right Heverend Patrick Mohan, D.D., Lord Bishop of Dunedin and Administrator of the Diocese of Wellington. “ The dark chain of silence has hung over this western coast of New Zealand for many years, and those amongst us who are Parents, seeing their children rapidly developing into young men and women without the Holy Sacrament of Confirmation, felt their hearts grow sick with hope deferred. “We cannot meet your Lordship as we could wish ’mid splendour and prosperity as becomes your Lordship’s high position, as befits the Apostle of Education, but we can with hearts containing a depth of love : love regenerated of sorrow for the hapless time in which we have longed to look upon our Bishop’s countenance, and listen to the words of grace which in rich showers fall from the lips of the Anointed of the Lord. “ We pray your Lordship take wings of Fancy, and, ascending momentarily, conceive the joy of your devoted people when the glad tidings came of your intended visit. “ We see you now all crowned with gold, a central warmth, diffusing bliss by your most gracious presence, glance, and smile. Your most sacred ring we kiss, and bid this Valley echo back the music of our welcome to the hearts of those lone hills. “ Henceforth, wherever thou mays’t roam, Our prayers, like fix’d stars of light, For thee are ever day and night, And like a beacon guard thee home.’’