116. The Priestly Office

In service o'er the Mystic Feast I stand;
I cleanse Thy victim-flock, and bring them near In holiest wise, and by a bloodless rite.
O fire of Love! O gushing Fount of Light!
(As best I know, who need Thy pitying Hand)
Dread office this, bemired souls to clear Of their defilement, and again made bright.

Oxford.
1834.