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105
THE BRAZEN SERPENT.
I hear a sharp, “exceeding bitter cry;”I see a wild and horror-stricken crowd,
Strong men and children in fierce anguish bow'd—
The writhing limb, drooped head, and filming eye.
I see a symbol strange uplifted high,
A coilèd serpent, like a banner proud;
I hear a burst of gladness rising loud,
Responsive to a look of ecstasy.
I see a sinful, suffering, dying world—
Like ocean, dark with cloud and toss'd with storm;
But lo! a blood-red banner is unfurled,
Which floats around a gracious, drooping Form:
And through the dimness falls a mighty voice,
“O earth, earth, earth, behold, believe, rejoice!”
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