Frederick William Faber - Favourite Books lyrics

Here, in thy choice old city, do I dwell At thy dread feet, most honoured Clarendon! Catching the precious words, that one by one Fall from thy lips; because I love full well Thy good and stately sadness: and I prize, As warnings for this land, the auguries Wherewith like fatal seeds thy pages swell. From these hot thoughts and tears too oft I fly To the gay Froissart and those wondrous men Who dreamed of honour and had heart to die For their own brave and glorious dream; and then, Albeit with boyish lingerings, again I turn to graver books where by my side Lies Origen, my dear and perilous guide.