Page:Tales and Historic Scenes.pdf/197

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And say'st thou, mortal! blood alone For deeds of slaughter may atone? There hath been blood—by HIM 'twas shed To expiate every crime who bled; Th' absolving God who died to save, And rose in victory from the grave! And by that stainless offering given Alike for all on earth to heaven; By that inevitable hour When death shall vanquish pride and power, And each departing passion's force Concentrate all in late remorse; And by the day when doom shall be Pass'd on earth's millions, and on thee, The doom that shall not be repeal'd, Once utter'd, and for ever seal’d; I summon thee, O child of clay! To cast thy darker thoughts away, And meet thy foes in peace and love, As thou would'st join the blest above."

Still as he speaks, unwonted feeling Is o'er the chieftain's bosom stealing;