Classic Poem

PSALM LXXIX.

B EHOLD, O God , what cruel foes,
Thy peaceful heritage invade;
Thy holy temple stands defil'd,
In dust thy sacred walls are laid.

Wide o'er the vallies, drench'd in blood,
Thy people fall'n in death remain;
The fowls of heaven their flesh devour,
And savage beasts divide the slain.

Th' insulting foes, with impious rage,
Reproach thy children to their lace;
" Where is your God of boasted power,
" And where the promise of his grace. "

Deep from the prison's horrid glooms,
Oh hear the mournful captives sigh,
And let thy sovereign power reprieve,
The trembling souls condemn'd to die.