As Menai's foam; and toward the mystic ring That, in the lapse of ages, hath crept o'er Diluvian truths, and patriarchal lore. 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, They come, they spread, the weak, the suffer ing, hear; Receive the faith, and in the hope abide. IV. DRUIDICAL EXCOMMUNICATION. MERCY and Love have met thee on thy road, *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. And food cut off by sacerdotal ire, From every sympathy that Man bestowed! As to the one sole fount whence wisdom flowed, V. UNCERTAINTY. DARKNESS surrounds us; seeking, we are lost Nor characters of Greek or Roman fame, VI. PERSECUTION. LAMENT! for Diocletian's fiery sword Works busy as the lightning; but instinct Some pierced to the heart through the ineffectual shield Of sacred home; with pomp are others gored, And dreadful respite. Thus was Alban tried, England's first Martyr, whom no threats could shake; Self-offered victim, for his friend he died, And for the faith; nor shall his name forsake That Hill, whose flowery platform seems to rise By Nature decked for holiest sacrifice.* VII. RECOVERY. As, when a storm hath ceased, the birds regain Their cheerfulness, and busily retrim Their nests, or chant a gratulating hymn *See Note. Even so, in many a reconstructed fane, nance, Even in her own despite, both feed and cheer; For all things are less dreadful than they seem. VIII. TEMPTATIONS FROM ROMAN REFINEMENTS. WATCH, and be firm! for soul-subduing vice, Your love of Him upon whose forehead sate The crown of thorns; whose life-blood flowed, the price Of your redemption. Shun the insidious arts That Rome provides, less dreading from her frown Than from her wily praise, her peaceful gown, Language, and letters; these, though fondly viewed As humanizing graces, are but parts And instruments of deadliest servitude! IX. DISSENSIONS. THAT heresies should strike (if truth be scanned Soon to become more dreaded enemies Than heartless misery called them to repel. X. STRUGGLE OF THE BRITONS AGAINST THE BARBARIANS. RISE! they have risen: of brave Aneurin ask How they have scourged old foes, perfidious friends: The Spirit of Caractacus descends Upon the Patriots, animates their task; Amazement runs before the towering casque Of Arthur, bearing through the stormy field |