I have come to the church and chancel,
       &nbsp Where all’s the same!
- Brighter and larger in my dreams
Truly it shaped than now, meseems,
       &nbsp Is its substantial frame.
But, anyhow, I made my vow,
       &nbsp Whether for praise or blame,
Here in this church and chancel
       &nbsp Where all’s the same.

Where touched the check-floored chancel
       &nbsp My knees and his?
The step looks shyly at the sun,
And says, “’Twas here the thing was done,
       &nbsp For bale or else for bliss!”
Of all those there I least was ware
       &nbsp Would it be that or this
When touched the check-floored chancel
       &nbsp My knees and his!

Here in this fateful chancel
       &nbsp Where all’s the same,
I thought the culminant crest of life
Was reached when I went forth the wife
       &nbsp I was not when I came.
Each commonplace one of my race,
       &nbsp Some say, has such an aim -
To go from a fateful chancel
       &nbsp As not the same.
Here, through this hoary chancel
       &nbsp Where all’s the same,
A thrill, a gaiety even, ranged
That morning when it seemed I changed
       &nbsp My nature with my name.
Though now not fair, though gray my hair,
       &nbsp He loved me, past proclaim,
Here in this hoary chancel,
       &nbsp Where all’s the same.