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Of the Ocean stream.—Wild phantasies! yet wise,
On the victorious goodness of high God
Teaching Reliance, and medicinal Hope,
Till from Bethabra northward, heavenly Truth
With gradual steps winning her difficult way,
Transfer their rude Faith perfected and pure.
If there be Beings of higher class than Man,
I deem no nobler province they possess,
Than by disposal of apt circumstance
To rear up Kingdoms: and the deeds they prompt,
Distinguishing from mortal agency,
They chuse their human ministers[errata 1] from such states
As still the Epic Song half fears to name,
Repelled from all the Minstrelsies that strike
The Palace-Roof and sooth the Monarch's pride.
And such, perhaps, the Spirit, who (if words
Witnessed by answering deeds may claim our Faith)
Held commune with that warrior-maid of France
Who scourg'd the Invader.—From her infant days.
With Wisdom, Mother of retired Thoughts,
Her soul had dwelt; and she was quick to mark
The good and evil thing, in human lore
Undisciplin'd. For lowly was her Birth,
Errata
