Classic Poem

Part I.

T HOU Shepherd of Thy Israel,
That, flock-like, leadest Joseph's race,
Who 'twixt the cherubims dost dwell,
O hear! show Thy enlight'ning Face.
Exalt Thy saving pow'r before
Manasseh, Ephraim, Benjamin.
O from captivity restore,
And let Thy beams upon us shine!
Great God of battle, wilt Thou still
Be angry, and our pray'rs despise?
Bread steep'd in tears our stomachs fill,
We drink the rivers of our eyes.
Our scoffing neighbours fall at strife
Among themselves to share our right.
Great God, restore the dead to life,
And comfort by Thy quick'ning light.

Part II.

This vine, from Egypt brought (the foe
Expell'd) was planted by Thy Hand.
Thou gav'st it room and strength to grow,
Until her branches fill'd the land.
The mountains took a shade from these,
Which like a grove of cedars stood,
Extending to the Tyrian seas,
And to Euphrates' rolling flood.
O why hast Thou her fences ras'd,
Whilst ev'ry straggler pulls her fruit?
The browsing herd her branches waste,
And salvage boars plough up her root.
Great God, return; this trampled vine
From heav'n behold with mild aspect,
Once planted by that Hand of Thine,
The branches of Thy own elect.
Which now cut down wild flames devour,
Through Thy fierce wrath to ruin brought.
Protect Thy people by Thy pow'r,
And perfect what Thyself hath wrought.
Reviv'd, we will Thy Name adore,
Nor ever from Thy pleasure swerve.
O from captivity restore,
And by Thy pow'rful grace preserve!