Page:Redemption, a Poem.djvu/93

 REDEMPTION. 87

Extrude; with, force congested occupy His throne and evitate our future pains, Eternal hoped, though long till it arrive. Perhaps some happier venture than the rest, May taint the excellence which I abhor. If she be sullied with but slightest stain, The work's accomplish'd, and again I win."

So saying, from his lofty perch he swoops; And, as a vulture, soaring in the sky, Invisible from earth, his quarry views. With sense unerring, in concentric rings, Wide spread, hov'ring o'er th' unsuspecting prey, The spirit malign, with wing repress'd, hangs O'er the Eden, where anew imbower'd, The faithful Virgin sheds the odor sweet, Of primal innocence by grace embalm'd, And cast about him with what new deceit, To cloak his fell design, so oft repell'd.

The mystic Rose, herself the fairest flower The flowers among, serene her floral task Pursued, which, rosy morn, and dewy eve, Her willing feet e'er led amidst the banks Of rich anemone, whose varied hues, Blend purple, yellow, white and red; whilst rose, Carnation, lily, hyacinth, jonquil, Their cups with morning dew suffused, afresh Impart their fragrance to the balmy air. Nor less the clust'ring vines invite her skill, To curb their wanton growth, their tendrils twine, Which gladlier spring and sweeter scents diffuse, Pruned by her hand and subject to her care. So every shrub, and plant, and rarest tree,

�� �