XVI. Continued

Yet some, Noviciates of the cloistral shade,
Or chained by vows, with undissembled glee
The warrant hail—exulting to be free;
Like ships before whose keels, full long embayed
In polar ice, propitious winds have made 5
Unlook’d-for outlet to an open sea,
Their liquid world, for bold discovery,
In all her quarters temptingly displayed!
Hope guides the young; but when the old must pass
The threshold, whither shall they turn to find 10
The hospitality—the alms (alas!
Alms may be needed) which that House bestowed?
Can they, in faith and worship, train the mind
To keep this new and questionable road?