Page:The West Indies, and Other Poems.djvu/164

 — To track the warrior's fiery road, With havoc, spoil, destruction strow'd. While nations bleed along the plains, Dragg'd at his chariot wheels in chains ? — With fawning hand to woo the lyre. Profanely steal celestial fire. And bid an idol's altar blaze With incense of unhallow'd praise ? — With syren strains, Circean art, To win the ear, beguile the heart. Wake the wild passions into rage. And please and prostitute the age ?

TSrO ! to the generous Bard belong

Diviner themes and purer song :

To hail Religion from above,

Descending in the form of Love, And pointing through a world of strife The narrow way that leads to life :

To pour the balm of heavenly rest

Through Sorrow's agonizing breast ;

�� �