Poems by Robert Southey
page 19 of 130 (14%)
page 19 of 130 (14%)
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Add to the diadem new grace
And subject to a Woman's laws Darius sees and smiles applause! He ceas'd, and silent still remain'd the throng Whilst rapt attention own'd the power of song. Then loud as when the wintry whirlwinds blow From ev'ry voice the thundering plaudits flow; Darius smil'd, Apame's sparkling eyes Glanc'd on the King, and Woman won the prize. Now silent sat the expectant crowd, alone The victor Hebrew gaz'd not on the throne; With deeper hue his cheek distemper'd glows, With statelier stature, loftier now he rose; Heavenward he gaz'd, regardless of the throng, And pour'd with awful voice sublimer song. Ancient of Days! Eternal Truth! one hymn One holier strain the Bard shall raise to thee, Thee Powerful! Thee Benevolent! Thee Just! Friend! Father! All in All! the Vines rich blood, The Monarch's might, and Woman's conquering charms,-- These shall we praise alone? Oh ye who sit Beneath your vine, and quaff at evening hour The healthful bowl, remember him whose dews, Whose rains, whose sun, matur'd the growing fruit, Creator and Preserver! Reverence Him, O thou who from thy throne dispensest life And death, for He has delegated power. |
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