Wordsworth's Tribute to John Wycliffe



Dr. John Wycliffe
"Morning Star
of the Reformation"



Wordsworth’s tribute to John Wycliffe:

“Wycliffe is disinterred,

Yea, his dry bones to ashes are consumed,

And flung into the brook that travels near:

Forthwith that ancient Voice which streams can hear

Thus speaks—(that Voice which walks upon the wind,

Though seldom heard by busy human kind),

As thou these ashes, little brook, will bear

Into the Avon—Avon to the tide

Of Severn—Severn—to the narrow seas—

Into mid ocean they—this deed accurst

And emblem yields to friends and enemies,

How the bold teacher’s doctrine, sanctified

By Truth, shall spread, through all the world dispersed.”

St. Mary's Anglican Church, Lutterworth, UK
Dr. Wycliffe's final service as Rector