VI. PERSECUTION OF THE SCOTTISH COVENANTERS. WHEN Alpine Vales threw forth a suppliant cry, And the sword stopped; the bleeding wounds were closed; And Faith preserved her ancient purity. How little boots that precedent of good, Scorned or forgotten, Thou canst testify, For England's shame, O Sister Realm! from wood, Slain by Compatriot-protestants that draw From councils senseless as intolerant Their warrant. Bodies fall by wild sword-law; VII. ACQUITTAL OF THE BISHOPS. A VOICE, from long-expecting thousands sent, The Fathers urge the People to be still, With outstretched hands and earnest speech-in vain! Yea, many, haply wont to entertain Small reverence for the mitre's offices, A Prelate's blessing ask on bended knees. VIII. WILLIAM THE THIRD. CALM as an under-current, strong to draw The Hero comes to liberate, not defy; And, while he marches on with righteous hope, Conqueror beloved! expected anxiously! The vacillating Bondman of the Pope Shrinks from the verdict of his steadfast eye. IX. OBLIGATIONS OF CIVIL TO RELIGIOUS LIBERTY. UNGRATEFUL Country, if thou e'er forget The star of Liberty to rise. Nor yet (Grave this within thy heart!) if spiritual things Be lost, through apathy, or scorn, or fear, Shalt thou thy humbler franchises support, What came from heaven to heaven by nature clings, And, if dissevered thence, its course is short. X. Down a swift Stream, thus far, a bold design That slackens, and spreads wide a watery gleam, |