The Poetry Corner

The Silver Jubilee: To James First Bishop of Shrewsbury on the 25th Year of his Episcopate July 28. 1876

By Gerard Manley Hopkins

1 Though no high-hung bells or din Of braggart bugles cry it in - What is sound? Nature's round Makes the Silver Jubilee. 2 Five and twenty years have run Since sacred fountains to the sun Sprang, that but now were shut, Showering Silver Jubilee. 3 Feasts, when we shall fall asleep, Shrewsbury may see others keep; None but you this her true, This her Silver Jubilee. 4 Not today we need lament Your wealth of life is some way spent: Toil has shed round your head Silver but for Jubilee. 5 Then for her whose velvet vales Should have pealed with welcome, Wales, Let the chime of a rhyme Utter Silver Jubilee.