II. CONJECTURES. If there be prophets on whose spirits rest Of Christian Faith, this savage Island blessed Did holy Paul* a while in Britain dwell, And with dread signs the nascent Stream invest? Or some of humbler name, to these wild shores * See Note. III. TREPIDATION OF THE DRUIDS. SCREAMS round the Arch-druid's brow the seamew*-white As Menai's foam; and toward the mystic ring That, in the lapse of ages, hath crept o'er Haughty the Bard;-can these meek doctrines blight His transports? wither his heroic strains? But all shall be fulfilled ;-the Julian spear A way first opened; and, with Roman chains, The tidings come of Jesus crucified; They come they spread-the weak, the suffering, hear; Receive the faith, and in the hope abide. * This water-fowl was, among the Druids, an emblem of those traditions connected with the deluge that made an important part of their mysteries. The Cormorant was a bird of bad omen. IV. DRUIDICAL EXCOMMUNICATION. MERCY and Love have met thee on thy road, From every sympathy that Man bestowed! As to the one sole fount whence wisdom flowed, As if with prescience of the coming storm, That fills the Soul with unavailing ruth. V. UNCERTAINTY. DARKNESS surrounds us; seeking, we are lost Along the plain of Sarum, by the ghost Nor characters of Greek or Roman fame, VI. PERSECUTION. LAMENT! for Dioclesian's fiery sword And for the faith; nor shall his name forsake That Hill, whose flowery platform seems to rise By Nature decked for holiest sacrifice*. * See Note. |