The Cloisters: Prayer for the Parliament

Yet Peace be in these walls ! Upon them rest
The Royal Martyr's mantle from the skies,
Though little they Heaven's sweet protection prize !
And haply so our prayers to our own breast
Unanswer'd may return, yet not unblest,
If thus our soul learn patience, and arise,
Good CHARLES, to thy diviner charities !
Albeit oft, with heavy thoughts opprest,
We see in them but clouds from our sick land,
And the 'dread sword unsheath'd in God's right hand.
Thus set we the soul's anchor, if it be
Right in th' All-seeing eyes, then be it so,
May the vex'd Church learn her true panoply,
And lift above the clouds her tranquil brow.
This Prayer was appointed in the reign of King Charles the First.