ODE. THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS. 1. ONE day of dreadful occupation more, Shall, of their beauty, pomp, and power disrobed, 2. One day of dreadful occupation more! Yea, of sublimest mercy, must be done; 3. Red cross of England, which all shores have seen Thou sacred banner of the glorious Isle, 4. Ne'er didst thou float more proudly o'er the storm Than when, resisting fiercely, but in vain, And sign'd the conqueror's law. Oh, if the grave were sentient, as these Moors In erring credence hold; And if the victims of captivity Could in the silent tomb have heard 6. Sure their rejoicing dust upon that day And earth been shaken like the mosques and towers, 7. Seldom hath victory given a joy like this, Revisits once again his own dear home, 8. Far, far and wide along the Italian shores, Sardinian mothers pay their vows fulfill'd; 9. Churches shall blaze with lights, and ring with praise, From many an overflowing heart to Heaven; Keswick. The hand that set them free. |