Classic Poem

A RELIGIOUS SONNET .

Bright on the Shield of Virtue, when 'twas giv'n
(Of dazzling lustre, and of pow'rs divine)
By pure Religion, from the Court of Heav'n,
And Mercy bade the gift on mortals shine,
To guard the breast of Passion and of Youth —
On that fair Shield was grav'd the name of Truth!
Invineible shall prove its heav'nly force,
And ev'n in Death's dark vale secure its course;
For He, whose suff'rings spoke transcendent love,
Has there His Promise wrote in sacred blood.
Strong is the feeble, shelter'd from Above,
For He that most is Mighty, most is Good!
In that ecstatic thought shall comfort reign,
And the fierce pow'rs of Darkness frown in vain!