The Poetry Corner

The Approach to St. Paul's

By James Thomson - (Bysshe Vanolis)

Eastwards through busy streets I lingered on; Jostled by anxious crowds, who, heart and brain, Were so absorbed in dreams of Mammon-gain, That they could spare no time to look upon The sunset's gold and crimson fires, which shone Blessing keen eyes and wrinkled brows in vain. Right in my path stood out that solemn Fane Whose soaring cupola of stern grey stone Lifteth for awful beacon to the sky The burning Cross: silent and sole amid That ceaseless uproar, as a pyramid Isled in its desert. The great throngs pressed by Heedless and urgent: thus Religion towers Above this sordid, restless life of ours.