University of Virginia Library


291

SONNET XI.

To the Author of Observations on the Conversion and Apostleship of St. Paul.
O Lyttelton, great meed shalt thou receive,
Great meed of fame, Thou and thy learn'd Compeer,
Who, 'gainst the Sceptic's doubt and Scorner's sneer,
Assert those Heav'n-born truths, which you believe;
In elder time thus Heroes wont t'atchieve
Renown; they held the Faith of Jesus dear,
And round their Ivy crown or Laurell'd spear
Blush'd not Religion's Olive branch to weave;
Thus Ralegh, thus immortal Sidney shone,
(Illustrious names!) in great Elisa's days.
Nor doubt his promise firm, that such who own
In evil times, undaunted, though alone,
His glorious truth, such He will crown with praise,
And glad agnize before his Father's throne.