VERSES, WRITTEN AFTER MY NARROW ESCAPE from ASSASSINATION. JUNE 21, 1787

Not direful Death's terrific arms, Late pointed at my heart, Nor all the popular alarms, Cou'd quiv'ring fear impart.

Ye savage men, hard as the steel That drew my purer blood; Cou'd ye not tender pity feel, Screen'd in the lonely wood?

View'd only by the eye of Heav'n, Ye furious did engage; To me what countless blows were given, Fall'n object of your rage!

The stroke of might, so strong, so bold! How feeble, when repell'd, By the impenetrable gold, Of Innocence's shield.

Th' immortal guardian of the good, Unseen by human eye, From blissful realms, to save my blood With swallow wings did'st fly.

Else number'd with the pallid ghosts Of the ignobler dead, I'd wander on the gloomy coasts, A visionary shade.

Receive, oh Heaven, my ardent vow Of tributary thanks, Elate with pious warmth I bow, On Cavan's flow'ry banks,

To thee, the radiant source of joy, To thee, auspicious Lord, To thee, whom malice can't annoy, To thee, by all ador'd!