FOOTNOTES: [190] As was the case during the French Revolution.--ED. XXX THE POINT AT ISSUE Published 1827 For what contend the wise?--for nothing less Than that the Soul, freed from the bonds of Sense, And to her God restored by evidence[191] Of things not seen, drawn forth from their recess, Root there, and not in forms, her holiness;-- 5 For[192] Faith, which to the Patriarchs did dispense Sure guidance, ere a ceremonial fence Was needful round men thirsting to transgress;-- For[193] Faith, more perfect still, with which the Lord Of all, himself a Spirit, in the youth 10 Of Christian aspiration, deigned to fill The temples of their hearts who, with his word Informed, were resolute to do his will, And worship him in spirit and in truth. FOOTNOTES: [191] 1832. Than that pure Faith dissolve the bonds of Sense; The Soul restored to God by evidence 1827. [192] 1832. _That_ ... 1827. [193] 1832. That ... 1827. XXXI EDWARD VI "Sweet is the holiness of Youth"--so felt Time-honoured Chaucer speaking through that Lay[194] By which the Prioress beguiled the way,[195] And many a Pilgrim's rugged heart did melt. Hadst thou, loved Bard! whose spirit often dwelt 5 In the clear land of vision, but foreseen King, child, and seraph,[196] blended in the mien Of pious Edward kneeling as he knelt In meek and simple infancy, what joy For universal Christendom had thrilled 10 Thy heart! what hopes inspired thy genius, skilled (O great Precursor, genuine morning Star) The lucid shafts of reason to employ, Piercing the Papal darkness from afar! FOOTNOTES: [194] 1845. ... Chaucer when he framed the lay 1822. ... Chaucer when he framed that Lay 1837. [195] The quotation is not from _The Prioress's Tale_ of Chaucer, but from Wordsworth's own _Selections from Chaucer modernized_, stanza ix. Wordsworth adds an idea, not found in the original, and to make room for it, he extends the stanza from seven to eight lines.--ED. [196] King Edward VI. ascended the throne in 1547, at the age of ten, and reigned for six years.--ED. XXXII EDWARD SIGNING THE WARRANT FOR THE EXECUTION OF JOAN OF KENT