II.

Eudoxia’s church—where Michael Angelo Hath Moses wrought in terrible array— With faith’s most loving rites keeps holiday In holy thought of those long years ago When, 'neath its roof, the throng devout drew near To see thee made a shepherd of the sheep, Thy crook receive, that thou shouldst bravely keep, Thy flock e’er leading by the waters clear. “St. Peter of the Chains”—prophetic name! Beneath this title was thy charge begun; As Peter’s self thy hands his chains have won, With these, his years. When shall God’s angel claim Thy liberty, the prison gates fling wide? Christ in his vicar no more crucified!