February, 1816

Composed February 4, 1816.--Published 1816

One of the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty."--ED.

O, for a kindling touch from that pure flame Which ministered, erewhile, to a sacrifice Of gratitude, beneath Italian skies, In words like these: "Up, Voice of Song! proclaim Thy saintly rapture with celestial aim: For lo! the Imperial City stands released From bondage threatened by the embattled East, And Christendom respires; from guilt and shame Redeemed, from miserable fear set free By one day's feat, one mighty victory. --Chant the Deliverer's praise in every tongue! The cross shall spread, the crescent hath waxed dim; He conquering, as in joyful Heaven is sung, HE CONQUERING THROUGH GOD, AND GOD BY HIM." [BW]

VARIANTS: