I.
CALM all the tumults that invade
Our souls, and lend Thy pow’rful aid.
O Source of Mercy! soothe our pains,
And break, O break our cruel chains!
To Thee the captive pours his cry,
To Thee the mourner loves to fly;
The incense of our tears receive,
‘Tis all the incense we can give.
II.
Eternal Power, our cause defend,
O God! of innocence the friend!
Near Thee for ever she resides,
In Thee for ever she confides;
Thou know’st the secrets of the breast,
Thou know’st th’ oppressor and th’ opprest;
Do Thou our wrongs with pity see,
Avert a doom offending Thee!
III.
But should the murd’rer’s arm prevail,
Should tyranny our lives assail,
Unmov’d, triumphant, scorning death,
We’ll bless Thee with our latest breath!–
The hour, the glorious hour will come,
That consecrates the patriot’s tomb;
And, with the pang our mem’ry claims,
Our country will avenge our names.
(Helen Maria Williams)
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Based on Topics: God Poems, Death & Dying Poems, Soul Poems, Friendship Poems, Cry Poems, Power Poems, Eternity Poems, Secrets Poems, Forgiveness Poems, Innocence PoemsBased on Keywords: consecrates, confides, offending