ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS
XXVII. HIS DESCENDANTS
ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS
WHEN thy great soul was freed from mortal chains, Darling of England! many a bitter shower Fell on thy tomb; but emulative power Flowed in thy line through undegenerate veins. The Race of Alfred covet glorious pains When dangers threaten, dangers ever new! Black tempests bursting, blacker still in view! But manly sovereignty its hold retains; The root sincere, the branches bold to strive With the fierce tempest, while, within the round 10 Of their protection, gentle virtues thrive; As oft, ‘mid some green plot of open ground, Wide as the oak extends its dewy gloom, The fostered hyacinths spread their purple bloom.