Classic Poem

Death clos'd his iron gates in vain!
A stronger, nobler—more victorious arm,
Burst thro' the adamantine chain,
And spread, oh Darkness! thro' thy dire domain,
Confusion to thy hosts, and deep alarm!
He rose—the Saviour of Mankind!—
Well might'st thou shrink, O Death, within thy cave,
(Despoil'd of empire, even within the Grave,)
To see th' Almighty Gift by Love assign'd,
And all thy captives freed.
When Sin had spread its empire o'er the world,
And fierce Destruction had its flag unfurl'd,
Black with the crimes of men.—Oh! 'twas an hour,
When Mercy, like a sun-beam, brighten'd pow'r,
And granted Life indeed!—
The heart which feels its glow, has THAT within,
Which even may lead in chains the monster Sin;
A Saviour 's triumph may it hope to share,
And Death, in vain, shall seek a victim there!