The Side Windows: Athanasius

A sea of troubles tried thee, till at length,
Borne back by thy strong sinew, they uprear'd
Thy might, and sternly bore thee in thy strength
Onward, till on the Eternal Rock appear'd
Truth's loyal champion, to all time rever'd.

Great Athanasius ! beaten by wild breath
Of calumny, of exile, and of wrong,
Thou wert familiar grown with frowning Death,
Looking him in the face all thy life long,
Till thou and he were friends, and thou wert strong.

The " Eye of Alexandria," rais'd on high,
Unto all Christendom a beacon light :
Thou from our tossing waves, and stormy sky,
Art in thy peaceful haven hid from sight ;
But still thy name hath leave to guide us thro' the night.