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Where am I rapt by this triumphant theme,
On Christian joy's exulting wing, above
The' Aonian mount?—Alas, small cause for joy!
What, if to pain immortal? if extent
Of being, to preclude a close of woe?
Where, then, my boast of immortality?
I boast it still, though cover'd o'er with guilt:
For guilt, not innocence, His life He pour'd;
'Tis guilt alone can justify His death;
Nor that, unless His death can justify
Relenting guilt in Heaven's indulgent sight.
If, sick of folly, I relent, He writes
My name in heaven with that inverted spear
(A spear deep dipp'd in blood!) which pierced His side,
And open'd there a font for all mankind
Who strive, who combat crimes, to drink and live
This, only this, subdues the fear of death.