ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS
VI. PERSECUTION
ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS
LAMENT! for Diocletian’s fiery sword Works busy as the lightning; but instinct With malice ne’er to deadliest weapon linked Which God’s ethereal store-houses afford: Against the Followers of the incarnate Lord It rages; some are smitten in the field– Some pierced to the heart through the ineffectual shield Of sacred home;–with pomp are others gored And dreadful respite. Thus was Alban tried, England’s first Martyr, whom no threats could shake; 10 Self-offered victim, for his friend he died, And for the faith; nor shall his name forsake That Hill, whose flowery platform seems to rise By Nature decked for holiest sacrifice.