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Home.

FRAGMENTS OF A POSSIBLE EPIC.

Home, happy word, dear England's ancient boast,
Thou strongest castle on her sea-girt coast,
Thou full fair name for comfort, love, and rest,
Haven of refuge found and peace possest,
Oasis in the desert, star of light
Spangling the dreary dark of this world's night,
All-hallow'd spot of angel-trodden ground
Where Jacob's ladder plants its lowest round,
Imperial realm amid the slavish world,
Where Freedom's banner ever floats unfurl'd,

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Fair island of the blest, earth's richest wealth,
Her plague-struck body's little all of health,—
Home, gentle name, I woo thee to my song,
To thee my praise, to thee my prayers belong;
Inspire me with thy beauty, bid me teem
With gracious musings worthy of my theme!
Spirit of Love, the soul of Home thou art,
Fan with divinest thoughts my kindling heart;
Spirit of Power, in prayers thine aid I ask,
Uphold me, bless me to my holy task;
Spirit of Truth, guide thou my wayward wing:
Love, Power, and Truth, be with me while I sing.[OMITTED]