V

Forbear:--to Thee-- Father and Judge of all, with fervent tongue But in a gentler strain Of contemplation, by no sense of wrong (Too quick and keen) incited to disdain Of pity pleading from the heart in vain-- TO THEE--TO THEE Just God of christianised Humanity Shall praises be poured forth, and thanks ascend, That thou hast brought our warfare to an end, And that we need no second victory! Blest, above measure blest, If on thy love our Land her hopes shall rest, And all the Nations labour to fulfil Thy law, and live henceforth in peace, in pure good will.

In an early MS. copy of this Ode, it concludes thus, after the line "And that we need no further victory!"

Ha! what a ghastly sight for man to see; And to the heavenly saints in peace who dwell, For a brief moment, terrible; But to thy sovereign penetration fair, Before whom all things are that were, All judgments that have been, or e'er shall be, Links in the chain of thy tranquillity! Along the bosom of this favoured nation, Breathe thou, this day, a vital undulation! Let all who do this land inherit Be conscious of Thy moving spirit! Oh, 'tis a goodly Ordinance,--the sight, Though sprung from bleeding war, is one of pure delight; Bless thou the hour, or ere the hour arrive, When a whole people shall kneel down in prayer, And, at one moment, in one spirit, strive With lip and heart to tell their gratitude For thy protecting care, Their solemn joy--praising the Eternal Lord For tyranny subdued, And for the sway of equity renewed, For liberty confirmed, and peace restored!

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