Intent his generous purpose to fulfil, }
The radiant herald of th' eternal will }
Thro' the wide province flies, and darts from hill to hill. }




SONG FOR THE FOURTH BOOK OF GUSTAVUS VASA:

SUPPOSED TO BE HEARD BY A DALECARLIAN HERMIT.


Circling ages swept away
Sweden's kings of ancient sway,
And hid their race from sight:
Circling ages bring again
To that race the long-lost reign,
And Time revokes his flight.
Their star shall rise with brighter beam
From slumbering in the ocean-stream.

Dalecarlia, grasp the spear!
Hail thy great Deliverer near,
To alter Sweden's doom!
Born to raise her darken'd name,
Heir of all her former fame,
And source of all to come,
Past and future glories shine
Centred in the youth divine.