The Almighty heard, and cast on Piety, The meekest seraph of the heav'nly choir, 340 A glance that spake in volumes. Quick as thought And speech the hero stood; when the angel took Transpierced to the ground. Her mission done 345 To the seat of mercy; while their countrymen 350 Made all Helvetia's mountains echo back Repeated Hallelujahs. But the tyrant Fell disappointment seiz'd, and black revenge Occasion seeming to fulfil his will; 355 For had the unhappy sire with erring hand A second reed had pierc'd the tyrant's heart. 361 Keep there strict watch; at length by nature's wants Imperious urg'd, she overleaps the fence, And having gorg'd herself with blood, conveys 365 Some mangled carcase to her distant young, 62 WASHINGTON, OR LIBERTY RESTORED. BOOK II. 375 380 368. Cassenach's lonely tow'rs-A castle situated on the lake Lucerne. END OF THE SECOND BOOK. ARGUMENT OF THE THIRD BOOK. Episode Progress of Liberty continued. Revolution in the Netherlands. Queen Elizabeth assists the Prince of Orange. Her Speech upon that Occasion. Prophecy concerning the Princess Charlotte of Wales. Speeches of Philip II. and his Brother John; of William Prince of Orange. Spanish Armada. WASHINGTON, OR LIBERTY RESTORED. HERE stop, my Muse! and own thy gratitude That thou wert not in being at that time When ignorance' deep whirlpools whelm'd the world, And all was vice and woe; when if perchance Some genius less benighted rose to light, 'Twas only to pour forth in barbarous rhime The praise of murderers and the drunkard's broils. 'Tis from the evils of those wretched times 5 That virtue even now deplores that man 10 Of truth, and virtue, liberty, and love. Hail then, thou period blest! when heaven's decree Instructed man to know, and feel his rights; The light once risen ne'er will set again, But in meridian glory eternal shine Of brightest essence co-essential. Helvetia now had rais'd her powerful voice 15 |