 | Sonnets and canzonets |  |
141
[XXIV. Bold Saint, thou firm believer in the Cross]
Bold Saint, thou firm believer in the Cross,Again made glorious by self-sacrifice,—
Love's free atonement given without love's loss,—
That martyrdom to thee was lighter pain,
Since thus a race its liberties should gain;
Flash its sure consequence in Slavery's eyes
When, 'scaping sabre's clash and battle's smoke,
She felt the justice of thy master-stroke:
Peaceful prosperity around us lies,
Freedom with loyalty thy valor gave;
Whilst thou, no felon doomed, for gallows fit,
O Patriot true! O Christian meek and brave!
Throned in the martyr's seat henceforth shalt sit;
Prophet of God! Messias of the Slave!
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