Sonnet to Elfrida

Immortal being, whose career of time Hath just begun, with holy hope we bring Thee to the Temple of our Heavenly King, To ask his gracious blessing in the prime Of life’s fair infancy, ere earthly crime Hath cast its stains upon thee; and whilst now We sprinkle o’er thee, mid deep prayer and vow, Baptismal water, emblem most sublime, Of God’s eternal sanctifying Truth: Oh may his goodness, and restoring grace, Renew thy spirit, and from earliest youth Sustain thee onwards in a heavenly race And glorious fight of faith, till thou shaft rise By death to blissful life beyond the skies.