The Pillars of the Choir: St Andrew

Oh that, ere death shall close my eyes in sleep,
I might behold that Galilean deep,
Sun-gilded waves, and hill-embosom'd strand,
Where Andrew dwelt with his fraternal band !
Andrew, who saw and heard the Living Word,
And came, and then brought Peter to the Lord :
Andrew, next added to that favour'd three,
School'd in Christ's lore upon their native sea.

Blest sight! to see those heights which round them clos'd,
When holy eyes on their dark shapes repos'd ;
To watch those gales which came upon the deep,
When in that hold their Lord was laid asleep ;
To see those rocks where dwelt their thoughts of home,
And 'neath that glowing firmament to roam,
Move on the sea they moved on, and behold
The moon and stars which they beheld of old !

But ah, far more, when death hath clos'd my eyes,
Might I but see, beyond those eastern skies,
By Andrew led, where, round our Saviour's feet,
The Holy Twelve in sweet communion meet
In their last haven, on that stable shore.
Beside that crystal sea for evermore !