Thought for the day
Andrew Marvell's Bermudas read by Richard Wallace
Bermudas
BY ANDREW MARVELL
Where the remote Bermudas ride
In th’ ocean’s bosom unespy’d,
From a small boat, that row’d along,
The list’ning winds receiv’d this song.
What should we do but sing his praise
That led us through the wat’ry maze
Unto an isle so long unknown,
And yet far kinder than our own?
Where he the huge sea-monsters wracks,
That lift the deep upon their backs,
He lands us on a grassy stage,
Safe from the storm’s and prelates’ rage.
He gave us this eternal spring
Which here enamels everything,
And sends the fowls to us in care,
On daily visits through the air.
He hangs in shades the orange bright,
Like golden lamps in a green night;
And does in the pomegranates close
Jewels more rich than Ormus shows.
He makes the figs our mouths to meet
And throws the melons at our feet,
But apples plants of such a price,
No tree could ever bear them twice.
With cedars, chosen by his hand,
From Lebanon, he stores the land,
And makes the hollow seas that roar
Proclaim the ambergris on shore.
He cast (of which we rather boast)
The Gospel’s pearl upon our coast,
And in these rocks for us did frame
A temple, where to sound his name.
Oh let our voice his praise exalt,
Till it arrive at heaven’s vault;
Which thence (perhaps) rebounding, may
Echo beyond the Mexic Bay.
Thus sung they in the English boat
An holy and a cheerful note,
And all the way, to guide their chime,
With falling oars they kept the time.
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I'm Beth, Life Event Coordinator. Over the past few months, we have been busy with baptisms, weddings and funerals. From small wedding blessings with only a couple and a priest present to large affairs with over 300 guests we feel glad to have supported people during key moments in their lives. I've noticed that life event services need cooperation from the whole team at St. Mary's: Cleaners keeping the church spotless; Clergy and Vergers running a seamless service on the day; talented Musicians providing deeply moving music; the Events team rearranging schedules and tours to fit services in the diary; much admin preparation before the day; careful diligence from our Finance Manager to ensure every penny of donations are sent to families charity of choice. The love and care put in by the team here is apparent to me and hopefully reassures you that St. Mary's will be here for you in both the highlights and hard times that you face. Beth Herbert
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