The Side Windows: Basil

Beautiful flowers round Wisdom's secret well
Deep holy thoughts of penitential lore,
And dress'd with images from Nature's store,
Handmaid of Piety ! Like thine own cell,
By Pontic mountain wilds and shaggy fell,
Great Basil ! there, within thy lonely door,
Watching, and Fast, and Prayer, and Penance dwell,
And sternly-nurs'd Affections heavenward soar.

Without are setting suns and summer skies,
Ravine, rock, wood, and fountain melodies ;
And Earth and Heaven, holding communion sweet,
Teem with wild beauty. Such thy calm retreat,
Blest Saint ! and of thyself an emblem meet,
All fair without, within all stern and wise.