These on the left are rang'd: but on the right
A chosen band appears, who fought beneath
The banner of Jehovah, and defy'd
Satan's united legions. Some, unmov'd
At the grim tyrant's frown, o'er barbarous climes
Diffus'd the gospel's light; some, long immur'd
(Sad servitude!) in chains and dungeons pin'd;
Or rack'd with all the agonies of pain
Breath'd out their faithful lives. Thrice happy they
Whom heaven elected to that glorious strife! —
Here are they plac'd, whose kind munificence
Made heaven-born Science raise her drooping head;
And on the labours of a future race
Entail'd their just reward. Thou amongst these
Good SEATON! whose well-judg'd benevolence
Fostering fair Genius bad the Poet's hand
Bring annual offerings to his Maker's shrine,
Shalt find the generous care was not in vain. —
Here is that favourite band, whom mercy mild,
God's best lov'd attribute, adorn'd; whose gate
Stood ever open to the stranger's call;
Who fed the hungry, to the thirsty lip
Reach'd out the friendly cup; whose care benign
From the rude blast secur'd the pilgrim's side;
Who heard the widow's tender tale; and shook
The galling shackle from the prisoner's feet;
Who each endearing tye, each office knew
Of meek-ey'd heaven-descended Charity. —
O Charity, thou nymph divinely fair!
Sweeter than those whom antient Poets bound
In amity's indissoluble chain,
The Graces! How shall I essay to paint
Thy charms, celestial maid; and in rude verse
Blazon those deeds thyself didst ne'er reveal?
For thee nor rankling envy can infect,
Nor rage transport, nor high o'erweening pride
Puff up with vain conceit; ne'er didst thou smile
To see the sinner as a verdant tree
Spread his luxuriant branches o'er the stream;
While like some blasted trunk the righteous fall,
Prostrate, forlorn. When prophesies shall fail,
When tongues shall cease, when knowledge is no more,
And this great day is come; thou by the throne
Shalt sit triumphant. Thither, lovely maid,
Bear me, O bear me on thy soaring wing,
And thro' the adamantine gates of heaven
Conduct my steps, safe from the fiery gulph
And dark abyss where Sin and Satan reign!