On the Lying-in Hospital in Dublin

On out-stretch'd Wings of glorious Seraphs borne, More bright than Ev'ning Bow, or radiant Morn, Lo! Charity from Heav'n descends, And Heav'nly Joy her Train attends: Serenely meek, in Smiles array'd, Seraphic Ardours on her wait, Celestial Virtues shine display'd, Celestial Pomp adorns her State.

Around her Throne obsequious move Soft Compassion, pious Love, Melting Pity, Hopes that chear, And from the Wretched drive Despair.

Divine Benevolence before her stands, Grace in her Smiles and Bounty in her Hands, She comes Religion to restore, To banish Care from ev'ry Breast; To raise the Sick, relieve the Poor, And give the Weak and Weary'd Rest.

All hail, celestial Goddess! hail! O Charity sublime! Propitious spread thy sacred Veil, And cover every Crime. Thy Sacrifice all Sin attones, And still accepted, mounts on high: You ease the lab'ring Mother's Groans, You hush the Orphan's Cry: You brighten ev'ry Mortal Gloom, You soften Anguish, banish Strife; You take the helpless Infant from the Womb, And hand it smiling into Life.

Devote to thee, Here, Goddess, see Thy Vot'ries kneel; They fervent feel Thy Soul-exalting Fire: Rejoic'd they rise Above the Skies, Where heav'nly Minds aspire.

Celestial Guest, Inflame each Breast With social Ardours, mutual Love; Still more refin'd Make Humankind, Till each be like the Bless'd above.